If you were to ask any recent high school graduate to list the highlights of those four years, chances are they will mention their participation in their school’s sports teams. Whether they were the crushed-on captain of their football team or the self-proclaimed hater of ball sports who found their niche in the cross-country team, many grads look back on their high school team as an antidote to daily stress, a major confidence booster, and as the main focus for social growth throughout their high school career. (The most concrete evidence of this can be found in students’ college essays, in which the focus on sports teams is so rampant that students are advised to use caution when writing about the “hackneyed subject”.)
If sports hold such a crucial presence in the typical high school experience, one would hope that every student could have the opportunity to take advantage of them. Of course, it is not always the case. It was thus with great excitement that Central Falls High School provided free physical exams for its students in a six hour-long session on July 23. Despite the baking heat of the hallways and locker rooms, the group of Central Falls faculty and physicians from the Memorial Hospital of RI and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University could hardly contain their enthusiasm: thanks to their efforts and those of the several residents and medical students, over 50 Central Falls students will be able to participate in the high school’s sports teams for the first time this fall.
Family physician and lead organizer of the project Dr. Jordan White of the Memorial Hospital of RI was glad to give physical exams to students who would not have otherwise been able to play school sports: “physicals came up as a priority that we as medical providers could potentially help out with,” she explains. The most common roadblocks aspiring players encountered in getting the necessary exam were financial: some … More
The holidays are always one of my favorite times of year, not so much because I like the holidays (which I do), but because it’s around that time that I’m interviewing the individuals featured in our annual “10 to Watch” story, as featured on page 18. These are always interesting people with fascinating, unexpected stories and fresh, compelling ideas to share, but one of the things I like most is getting to see Providence through their eyes.
I’ve spent my whole life in or around this city, and I have the privilege of making a living highlighting its best parts. So, while I may have a deep and abiding love for it, being that much in the thick of things every day makes it easy to lose perspective. Talking with our 10 to Watch always realigns my perspective.
What’s always shocking (though perhaps it shouldn’t be anymore) about this roster of rising stars is that every year, without fail, it turns out that more than half of them are not native Rhode Islanders. Many of them have traveled extensively or lived in many other places – most have at least lived in another major metropolitan area – yet all of them are in Rhode Island simply because the want to be. That’s a very powerful thing.
We are bombarded on a daily basis with information and opinions telling us what a lousy place Providence is: how our economy is crap, our taxes are too high, our schools are lousy, there are no jobs, it’s unsafe, it’s dirty, it’s corrupt, it’s too small, it’ll never be New York or Boston, there are no opportunities. We’ll shout ourselves hoarse trying to make it known how bad off we are. Yet these people are not getting the message. Despite all the warnings and bad press, smart, cosmopolitan, forward thinking, engaged individuals still find Providence a desirable enough place to be that they will not only come here, they will do the work necessary to build a life here – and then make it a more attractive place for others to do the same.
This … More
Most of us know Martha’s Vineyard to be a beautiful island with gorgeous beaches and celebrity guests, but not many know what goes on behind the scenes. The island actually hosts over 42 working farms, 16 oyster cultivators and local artisanal cheese, charcuterie, honey, chocolate, coffee, beer and elixirs of all kinds.
If you’re interested in exploring this unfamiliar side of Martha’s Vineyard, check out the group Farm.Field.Sea, makers of experience that connect sea and soil directly to diners. The group is collaborating with the island’s farmers, food producers and fisherman to inspire people to think differently about the food they eat every day. Take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard to be a part of Farm.Field.Sea’s Pop-Up conversation and dinner series GATHER, and discuss the island’s unique culinary culture at Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard and Featherstone Center for the Arts. Each dinner has a different theme and provides an intimate space where guests experience an authentic Island feast while learning more about the food on their plate, while benefiting island non-profits.
Be sure to check out the next event on Food and Waste with Doug Rauch, former president of Trader Joe's who helped found Daily Table, on July 27, and the event on Food and Art with Jennifer Rubell, an internationally-renowned artist who creates art using food and drink as the medium, on August 10. More
It's official! We have our line-up of fierce competitors for the Providence Cocktail Week Cocktail Competition Presented by Pernod Ricard and Bottles Fine Wine. On Wednesday, September 25, 12 contestants will square off at Fete for cocktail supremacy. And the best part is, for a mere $10, you get to sample all their drinks – and vote on your favorite. There will also be Pernod Ricard drink specials, live music from the Funky Autocrats, food from the Julians food truck, and your MCs for the evening, our own John Taraborelli and the Rhode Show's Michaela Johnson. Don't miss out. Click here to buy tickets.
Bartender, Bar, Cocktail:
-Meagan Maloney, Bluewater Bar & Grill, "Into the Misty"
-Jennifer Leisenring, Tazza, "Sunrise Sangria"
-Vito Lantz, The Dorrance, "The Down City Sour"
-Justin Erickson, Vanity, "The Bell Toll"
-Silas Axtell, Farmstead, "Nervous Fugitive"
-Lara Pietropaolo, Local 121, "Black Friday"
-Joseph Haggard, The Grange, "Cervantes"
-Jason Lawrence, Providence Fermentery, "Pink Betty"
-Jason Kindness, Malt on Broadway, "September Shrub"
-Juan Isaza, Bravo Brasserie, "Christmas In a Glass"
-Mateo Mancia, representing his own damn self, "The Graveyard Shift"
-Perri Peet, Fete, "Limbic Kalopsia" More
Optimal fitness performance requires optimal fitness gear, and undergarments aren't excluded. How often do you wish you had underwear that can stand up to your race-day expectations?
Local fitness apparel company Believe I Am has developed the “I Am Strong” Running Bikini. Visually appealing, leak resistant and made from moisture-wicking fabric by Providence-founded Dear Kate, the form-fitting pink and black bikini set will remind you of your inner strength as you pass that mile marker.
Michelle Kwan is an award winning athlete whose educational initiatives encourage and support America's young girls.
In 2006, the two time Olympic medal winner was named the first U.S. public diplomacy envoy by Condoleeza Rice. In 2010, President Obama appointed Michelle to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Michelle is currently a senior adviser for public diplomacy and public affairs, serves on the State Department’s Council to Empower Women and Girls through Sports, and is on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International. She is also a locally based leader living in Providence with her husband, Clay Pell.
Catch Michelle at the Southside Cultural Center April 12 as one of the Lady Project Summit's Keynote speakers. Buy tickets here. More
No less an authority than Frank Sinatra once said of New York City, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” (And he was the Chairman of the Board, so he ought to know.) In a sense, he was right: New York City is a big, tough place, and if you can rise to the top in what is essentially the center of the universe, you’ve got to be formidable. However, observing it from another perspective, I believe the Big Apple might be the easiest place to make it.
I’ve always said that our job here at Providence Monthly is, in a way, more diffcult than that of the editorial team at Time Out New York. (Probably our closest analogue in the New York media.) Why? Because we have to fill our magazine every month while drawing upon roughly 1/47th of NYC’s population. For us, population is everything. More people living and working in the city means more stories for us to tell. For our advertisers, it’s more people who might eat at their restaurants or shop at their stores. For you, the reader, it means more people making cool stuff happen all around you. A big population makes certain things easier in a city. (For a good read on the benefits of population density, check out Brian Hull’s “Rebuilding Rhode Island’s Economy, Part 3: Densifying Downtown”)
I once walked by a small bakery in Manhattan that wasn’t much bigger than a large walk-in closet, and sold nothing but tiny cupcakes. With the price of real estate in Manhattan, even a place that small has to be selling quite a lot of tiny cupcakes to survive. In Providence, it would have been out of business in three weeks. Why the difference? Because New York City, bursting to the seams with millions of people, open all hours of the night, full of disposable income and aspirations, has an amazingly voracious appetite for the new, the novel and the oddly specific. With over 8,336,000 people within its five boroughs, the city can sustain almost any niche, cult or subculture. Want to start a radical … More
From Officer John Ryan:
On Tuesday evening, police responded to the above location for a report of an armed robbery. The victim, a Keene Street resident, stated that he was approached by a muscular black male armed with a handgun and wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. The suspect demanded that the victim hand over his briefcase, which he did. The suspect then fled on foot with the briefcase, which contained and i-Pad and other articles.
Numerous units proceeded into the area to search for the suspect. Sgt. Cassidy observed the suspect hiding in the bushes at the corner of Lloyd and Brown Streets. Other units responded to this location, and the suspect was placed under arrest. The suspect, identified as Frandin Cooley (DOB 7-2-90) was found to be in possession of a black plastic handgun, and the briefcase that had been taken from the victim. Cooley was positively identified by the victim as the suspect responsible for the robbery. All items stolen were recovered. More
Fabulocity, an upscale consignment and gift shop, is hosting a shopping event on November 8. That night, 10% of Fabulocity's sales will benefit the American Cancer Society. What better way to feel good about giving yourself a little treat? 6-8pm. 9 Cedar Swamp Road, Smith-field. 231-5900.
Providence might not share the same stand up comedy pedigree with cities like New York, Boston or Chicago, but that lack of brand recognition shouldn’t be confused with a lack of life.
“It’s not as busy as other scenes, but it’s supportive,” says Dan Martin, a local comic and one of the hosts of The Comic’s Corner on 990WBOB.com who’s been working the stand up scene for four years. Adding to that support is Two Comic Minimum, a new show Martin co-hosts with his Comic’s Corner partners Bruce Botelho Jr. and Kenny Nardozza every month at Multiverse Comics on Broadway.
Two Comic Minimum came together after Multiverse’s owner, Brandon Amorin, asked Martin to put on a comedy show for the store’s grand opening. Since then the show has drawn consistent crowds and comics enjoy having the room. It’s small, equally intimate and awkward, and allows for a seemingly infinite number of puns based around the word “comic.” But despite being held in a comic book store, the show doesn’t cater exclusively to the fanboy crowd. In fact the line up tends to be pretty eclectic.
Last month’s show, for instance, saw local comic R.A. Bartlett give a demented critique on of the shop’s collection of vintage Growing Pains and Bo Derek trading cards but not before Gypsy Howling Wolf scathingly dissected race relations and gender roles. “It’s just a straightforward comedy show. There’s no theme or gimmick, we’re just doing comedy at a place,” Martin says.
Two Comic Minimum happens the last Sunday of every month and admission is free with the purchase of two comic books. This month’s show, March 30 at 7pm, will be hosted by Kenny Nardozza, and feature comedians Wes Hazard, Tony Capobianco, Srilatha Rajamani, Guitler Raphael and special guest Matt Kona. 265 Broadway, 223-2112.
Another opening that has previously gone unheralded in these pages is Providence Coal Fired Pizza, which arrived downtown earlier this summer. Its custom built oven is fired with Pennsylvania coal, making it unique among other pizzerias in this state. The result is a crust with that perfect balance of crispy outside and chewy inside, and the menu offers a variety of simple, but well-chosen options. There are the classics like Margherita and Tomato and Mozzarella, and fancier choices like the Clam (rosemary, pancetta, clams, fingerling potatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano) and the Conrad (roasted onion and peppers, sausage, rosemary, mozzarella and Pecorino). The Baby Bella, topped with oyster mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella and ricotta, is a textural marvel, with the gooey melted cheese playing off the meatiness of the mushrooms and the crispy crust underneath. The oven is also put to good use on starters like the Coal Fired Wings with sea salt, rosemary and roasted onions. The spacious, comfortable restaurant also has a full bar and is open seven nights a week, as well as lunch on weekdays. It’s a welcome addition to downtown. More
Neighbors and concerned citizens are invited to join Councilman Sam Zurier for a neighborhood meeting on Monday, October 15 from 6:30-8:30pm. Invited guest John Marion, Executive Director of Common Cause RI, will join in the discussion of governmental reform and community and city concerns. The event will be held at Nathan Bishop Middle School, 101 Sessions Street. Contact Phllip McKendall in the City Council Office at 521-7477 with any questions. More
The local nonprofit Project Undercover, which provides things like socks, underwear and diapers to needy children, is going to have a good day on Tuesday, September 18. How do we know? Because on that day all three Rhode Island Whole Foods locations (601 North Main St., 261 Waterman St. and 151 Sockanosset Crossroad, Cranston) will donate 5% of the day’s sales to benefit the charity. It's a great opportunity to support a great cause while buying things you already need anyway. More
By now you may have heard that Winter Storm Nemo is bearing down on New England and preparing to drop anywhere from 1-265 inches (give or take) of powder in the Northeast, and possibly anything from a few flurries to a catastrophic blizzard of biblical proportions around the region, including New York, New Jersey, DC, Miami, Atlanta, Albuquerque, the US Virgin Islands, Belize, Hawaii (the island of Oahu only), New South Wales, Isengard and The Shire. Here is the latest Storm Tracker XL5000 DopplerMaster Radar Luxury Edition III satellite photo of Nemo's approach:
Always concerned for the wellbeing of our readers, we've compiled a list of the following snow preparedness tips so you can be ready for The Wrath of Nemo:
-Stock up on milk and bread.
-While you're at the market, might as well pick up other food that you might need to eat an actual meal instead of subsisting off milk and bread like a Dickensian street urchin.
-Hold up the entire damn line at Stop & Shop like there's no one else waiting while you look for that expired coupon for milk and/or bread.
-Act like it has never snowed before. Ever.
-Call a parent, grandparent or older relative so they can remind you how this is nothing compared to the Blizzard of '78.
-Start live-Tweeting the storm now so that your hash tag wins. #snowedin #statingtheobvious #didImentionitssnowing? #catchinguponHomeland
-Post a Facebook update encouraging everyone to stay safe and warm. Seriously. Do it now. Do you want your friends to die a horrible, freezing, snowbound death? You've got to warn them!
-Gather the supplies you'll need if there's an extended power outage: candles, flashlights, warm blankets, non-perishable food, booze, satellite phone, animal pelts, whale blubber, a trashcan to throw through the front window of whatever store you're planning to loot.
-In the event of both a parking ban and a power outage, set your car on fire to stay warm and avoid costly parking … More
The Proof is in the Coiffurium
In our cover story this month you get to see how Hope Street is adding to the life and economy of Providence. Another layer for not only the neighborhood but the country as a whole, is having one of the establishments nationally recognized. Elle Magazine has ranked the Coiffurium as one of the top 100 salons in the country. And really, are we surprised? The Coiffurium is a little gem that continues to add to the vibrancy of Hope Street. Hope Street is doing something right, and they continue to prove it.
The Big Picture
RISD is once again hosting its Big Draw event, this year on May 19. The family-friendly event involves people of all ages coming to the RISD Museum to make art, and thereby connect them to the fine art in the musuem’s collection. The event is free and open to the public, and is part of the international Big Draw campaign that happens at over 1500 locations worldwide.
Shop SoMa
South Main Street is bringing back its Spring Festival on May 18. Participating merchants along South Main will offer in-store treats and special shopping deals. “I’m going to do wine and treats,” says Natalie Morello of Shoppe Pioneer, “other people are doing treats, there will be shopping promotions.” In addition, the Wild Colonial Tavern will be hosting an outdoor beer garden. The all-day event happens from 11am-7pm, and Bin 312 will be doing wine tastings all day. “We did it for the holidays and it was really nice,” Natalie says.
Sharpening Their Swords
Three Wheel Studio has been a great addition to Wickenden Street’s artsy vibe. The ceramic studio and gallery showcases fun, decorative and often whimsical works from a variety of artists, including proprietor Dwo WenChen. But now his work about is about to get a big boost beyond Wickenden – namely, Boston’s Huntington Avenue. He has been asked to contribute pieces to the Museum of Fine … More
Winter is nearing an end and now is the time to start looking towards brighter and sunnier days. However, the spirit of some people shine bright all year long. Take Isaac Lufkin. He is a Classical High School student who is the kicker for the freshman football team. In fact, he even helped to lead his team to an undefeated 2013 season and the freshman football state title. But what is most inspiring about Isaac is that he accomplished this without any arms. It was the way he was born, and it has not stopped him from living his life to the fullest – independently and without pity. Even the NFL took notice of this young man’s indomitable spirit. In response, they invited Isaac and his mom to a behind-the-scenes VIP experience at the Super Bowl. From walking onto the field, having a birds-eye-view of the stadium from a press box, which was adjacent to Kevin Costner, and a surprise visit from President Bill Clinton, Isaac had the experience of his life. He wants to play in the NFL, and based on what this young man has already accomplished and his extreme determination, it looks like the sky is the limit.
Crime Alert-Robbery
February 11, 2012
The Brown University Department of Public Safety would like to notify the Community of a robbery that occurred near the intersection of Brown Street and Creighton Street.
Incident:
On Saturday, February 11, 2012, at approximately 8:45 p.m. a male victim was walking north on Brown Street near the intersection of Creighton Street when he was approached from behind, assaulted, knocked to the ground and robbed of his personal belongings. The suspects were last seen fleeing the area heading north on Brown Street toward Olney Street on foot.
This incident is under investigation by the Providence Police Department and the Brown University Department of Public Safety.
Suspects:
The suspects were described as "two black males, approximately 5’8”- 5’9” 18-20 years of age with stocky builds."
Description:
Suspect #1 described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark baggy pants.
Suspect #2 described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark baggy pants.
Anyone with information pertaining to this crime is asked to contact the Brown University Department of Public Safety at 863-3322 or the Providence Police Department at 272-3121. Any information provided will be kept confidential. More
Can't get to the polls this election year? Not to worry because Zipcar has the affordable solution for you and your fellow car-less concerned citizens. On November 6, if you are a Zipcar member and book a reservation from 5am-9pm you can enjoy a 50% discount on the hourly rate. With over 50 vehicles and 20 lots throughout the Greater Providence area, including downtown spots like Brown and RISD, there's no excuse not to get out to the polls.
Zipcar has emphasized their belief that "everyone should vote" by teaming up with Rock the Vote, an organization at the collision of pop-culture and politics that inspires young people to vote. You can join the movement by registering to vote at Zipcar's Facebook page. Visit their regional office at 65 Eddy Street in Providence, find them on the web, or call 401-234-1480 for more info. More
Have you ever looked at the design of our magazines and thought, I would love to do that? Are you an experienced graphic designer looking for a fun and exciting workplace? Then join our team!
Providence Media is currently seeking both a full-time and a freelance graphic designer to work with our top-notch Art Department. This is a fast-paced, challenging environment in which you will enjoy a level of responsibility and artistic input that is rare in this industry. Some of the qualifications we're looking for include:
• Strong grasp of graphic and digital design for magazine publication
• Proficiency in Adobe CS4 and up
• Ability to work well in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work well as part of a closeknit team
• Strong organizational skills and high level of self-motivation
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects in multiple phases of design
• Photography and web experience a plus
Responsibilities include, but aren't limited to: ad design, editorial layout, photo retouching, collateral design, email campaign design, logo development and more. If interested, send your resume, salary requirements and a link to your work to resumes@providenceonline.com. More
A pair of local treasure hunters is on the trail of American legends in the new Travel Channel show DigFellas, which premiered this fall.
Bill Ladd, of Warwick, and Howard Hewitt, of East Providence, spend each half hour episode searching for artifacts at sites linked to figures and stories from the annals of American history. In the first episodes, they’ve tracked Blackbeard and Zorro and unearthed an old, rusted pistol on a battlefield of Billy the Kid.
Ladd and Hewitt, who both got hooked on treasure as kids, have been hunting together for about a decade since meeting in a metal detecting club in Taunton. The pair first got noticed for their colorful videos on YouTube, where they whoop and cheer over their best finds around New England.
The antics continue on their reality show, complete with color commentary, their collectors’ motto of “passion over profit” and Ladd’s signature “Yeeeeah!” Amid the excitement of the hunt – and finds – Ladd and Hewitt offer capsule history lessons on the characters they’re chasing and speculate on just how Billy the Kid might have dropped a revolver in the heat of battle. DigFellas airs Wednesday nights at 8pm on the Travel Channel.