Green Envy Eco-Boutique celebrated their Grand Re-Opening this past weekend with Reflexology treatments, discounts, free gifts and lots of yummy treats "From Scratch" and The Green Grocer. Each item at Green Envy is made locally or by fair trade artisans using organic, recycled or natural materials. That benefits both people and the planet – so you can pretty much feel awesome after buying anything there. We personally fell in love with the Scrabble charms (shown above) and recycled bridge token necklaces. More
Calvin Campany, president and owner of Adornment Fine Jewelry, understands how to have a good time. Every Friday night through November 16, Campany hosts Art On Tap, an event featuring free local beer tastings, artwork from local artists and jewelry from local jewelers.
“It’s a celebration of what’s made right here in Rhode Island,” says Campany. The event came out of his love of shopping local: “It’s important to support local artists – and I just like beer,” he says, laughing. “I’ve been to stuffy wine tastings and stuffy art shows and I wanted something more fun, because that’s what Adornment is, a fun jewelry store.”
While Campany has a store in South Kingstown at 36 South County Commons Way, the weekly events take place at his Newport Adornment store. Wander in to either location to get a taste of the good life. More
Get your fall running gear out of the closet and burn off some of those extra calories from Thanksgiving dinner. The East Greenwich Hill and Harbour Turkey Trot 5K will take place on Saturday, November 24, starting at the East Greenwich Armory. The race begins at 9am and is open to all. Registration is $20 online or $25 on the day of the race. The scenic course incorporates Main Street, the waterfront and the Hill District. Less challenging races that the whole family can partake in include a one-mile Fun Run crafts and music. Last year’s race saw over 700 runners turn out for the event, with even more anticipated for this year. Runners are also asked to bring canned foods with them to support the East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard, collected by The East Greenwich Lions Club
Make the most of the remaining days before winter by coming out for the 21st Annual Lil’ Rhody Runaround Trail Race. The race will be held at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown on Sunday, November 18 at 11am. The eight-mile loop begins at Prosser Beach, following the Yellow Dot Trail around Watchaug Pond. Hot soup and refreshments will be served after the race. Tickets are $20 until November 11 and $25 thereafter.
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! On November 4 from 12-3pm at the Oceancliff Resort in Newport, the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties will hold the Chocolate Brunch 2012 fundraiser. Set against a gorgeous view of the Narragansett Bay, the brunch will also feature chocolate-based entrées and side dishes, a dessert buffet, a silent auction of holiday gifts, live jazz music and a mystery travel package raffle. Tickets are $85.
Join family and friends on November 14 for Celebration and Remembrance, an evening honoring the life of Nanci Millin, who died in December of last year after a long illness. A URI grad and South Country resident for over 25 years, Nanci cared deeply for the health and wellness of animals, and the event continues … More
Agenda
Show support for your furry friends: join the Pawswatch volunteer network at their 12th Annual Cats Alive! Silent Auction, on October 19 from 6-10pm. The evening will kick off with cocktails and dinner, followed by a silent auction featuring unique works of art, jewelry, specialty gift baskets and other items donated by fellow Rhode Islanders. This fundraising event will help support the nonprofit organization in their mission to monitor and care for feral cats in the community through services including vaccinations, spay and neuter services. $35 per ticket; 848-9867, www. pawswatch.org.
Be a part of the Amazing Wish Race, held on October 20 for the Children’s Wish Group of Rhode Island. Teams of four can be registered to participate in the race and scavenger hunt, which will begin at 11am. Food, prizes, local celebrity appearances and live entertainment also make an appearance on this fun-filled day. The Children’s Wish Group grants the wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. $25 per person; 921-1300, www.cwishesri.com.
Volunteer
The Annual Harvest Johnny Cake Festival, sponsored by the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, will need volunteers to assist in several different duties on the weekend of October 20-21. Pre-registration is required to volunteer, along with attending a training session prior to the festival. Several exciting events are planned for the celebration, such as a tour of Kenyon’s Grist Mill, live music and demonstrations, and samples along the Queen’s River and waterfall. Over 75 local vendors are also expected to show up. Volunteer hours are from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and a free lunch will be provided. 789-1559, www.jonnycakecenter.org.
Start the autumn off with a clean slate at the Save the Bay Fall Cleanup at Rocky Point in Warwick on October 13, from 11am-1pm. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long-sleeved clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes (to protect from the elements and … More
AGENDA
If you’re an avid viewer of Downton Abbey, consider stopping by The Seasons on Sunday, August 19 to attend their 3rd annual wine tasting fundraiser, Sip, Savor and Celebrate, an Edwardian-inspired summer garden party featuring a selection of wines, hors d’oeuvres and menu items common to the Edwardian and Jazz age (some were taken from the menu of the Titanic). There will also be a classic car display, an invigorating Jazz Age quartet, cabaret entertainment by Chifferobe, a live auction, raffle baskets and even a Mystery Gift Table.
Guests are encouraged to show up in period clothing. The Seasons, located in East Greenwich, is a non-profit assisted living facility that has served both independent and memory-impaired residents for a decade. $60. 5 Saint Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, 884-9099, www.theseasons.org.
Registration is open for the 4th Annual Ride ‘Round Rhody bike-a-thon, a one-day event held in Wakefield on August 12 to raise funds for cancer awareness and treatment at area hospitals. In its last three years the event has raised more than $75,000 for local cancer treatment. This year, the goal is to raise $50,000; LIFEcycle, Inc., the non-profit behind the event, anticipates a turnout of 125 riders. The event is suitable for the casual rider to the advanced cyclist as this year’s ride offers three options to choose from – 25, 50 and 75 mile rides, along scenic roads and finishing at Camp JORI in Wakefield. Threshold Cycling, an amateur cycling team from Boston, will be offering support along the ride. Registration is $85 through July 31; day of registration is available for $180 per rider. All riders receive a custom three-pocket zippered cycling jersey to be worn during the ride and kept as a souvenir, along with a water bottle and cinch bag.
Riders are encouraged to set a goal of $250 or more, and are expected to raise at least $100. Teams can compete this year as well, with top teams being honored with … More
Imagine a world where cleaning out your closet meant putting a hot meal in the hands of a homeless person. Elizabeth Hazard’s Swap & Shop For Charity proves it’s not only possible, but also a whole lot of fun. Based on the philosophy of recycling and reusing, Swap & Shop For Charity offers opportunities for individuals to swap clothes with friends to benefit their favorite charity. An individual contacts Hazard, and she then sends out invitations asking guests to donate old clothes before the event. Using her eye for design and those donated clothes, Hazard transforms the host’s chosen venue into something resembling an actual retail store.
“Guests are given a piece of paper with categories,” says Hazard. “Those categories determine how much an individual believes a piece of clothing is worth. People determine their own price, and all proceeds go to the host’s charity of choice.” Hazard takes with her all excess clothing not sold during the swap, using them for the next swap. “Everyone agrees the swaps are a blast,” says Hazard. “People get so excited. Honestly, what’s better than saving money while supporting charities?”
The Charlestown Seafood Festival will start shucking quahogs at noon on Friday, August 3, and plenty of clam chowder will be simmering all weekend at Ninigret Park. Sponsored by the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, this rain-or-shine event is a gastronomic feast, especially when it comes to local seafood. The cost is $8, with children age 10 and younger admitted free.
Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar is opening on Main Street, in the former location of Custom House Coffee. On the other side of the street, the sorely missed Jigger’s Diner is undergoing renovations.
With one of the best ocean views around, Amalfi has reopened at the Village Inn, 1 Beach Street, across from Narragansett Town Beach. The Indian cuisine of the previous restaurant has been replaced with pub fare and seafood.
In Wickford, Stu Tucker has added the Quahog Emporium to his list of local businesses. Located next door to the Wickford Diner on Brown Street, the new store will offer food and all sorts of things, such as jewelry, with a quahog theme.
Bliss Coffee House has opened at 12 Stilson Road in Richmond. With outdoor seating, this small shop gets raves for its iced spice chai and biscotti.
Henry’s Fruit recently opened at 5319 Old Post Road in Charlestown. Check out Henry’s Facebook page for what’s available from day to day – freshly picked corn, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, freshly baked pies and cookies, and that perfect beach food, fresh fruit.
David Fonte is the new executive chef at Grille on Main, 50 Main Street, East Greenwich. Previously he worked for celebrity chef Todd English in Boston.
Froyo Fix has opened in the Salt Pond Shopping Center in Narragansett, offering 10 different flavors of frozen yogurt and more than 70 toppings at a self-serve toppings bar. The shop is open every day of the week.
Watch for a new raw bar at Twin Willows, 865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett.
Summer doesn’t end officially … More
The Wall Street Journal's Smart Money blog has a report on the rising price of corn and the impact it will likely have on consumers' grocery bills. (Did you know corn is used in three out of four supermarket products?!) The high prices can be traced to the Midwest, America's breadbasket, where they're experiencing the worst drought since 1956. Fortunately for us, it's corn season. Fresh, sweet, native corn is in abundance right now at farm stands all over South County. Stop by one of these in your travels today and enjoy some local corn for dinner tonight.
Sunset Farms, 505 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett. Open daily, 9am-8pm.
Carpenter's Farm, 522 Matunuck Beach Rd., Wakefield. Open daily, 8am-6pm.
Highland Farm, 4235 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield. Open daily, 8am-6pm.
The Farmer's Daughter, 716 Moorsefield Rd. South Kingstown. Open daily, 9am-6pm.
Sosnowski Farm, 680 Glen Rock Rd., South Kingstown. Monday-Friday, Sunday, 1-6pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Goose Pond Farm, 545 Waites Corner Rd., West Kingston. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Schartner Farms, 1 Arnold Pl., Exeter. Call ahead for hours: 294-2044.
Hodgkiss Farm, 305 North Rd., Jamestown. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, noon-5pm.
Foster Farm of Ashaway, 216 Ashaway Rd., Bradford. Monday-Friday, noon 'til dark. More
Who: Jaclyn Altieri Murphy
What: Accessories designer and owner of LuniacStyle
When: 8am, Saturday June 16
Where: Sandy Point Beach, East Greenwich
She places a stretchy cotton turban on my head like a crown – one half bright pink, the other a multicolor floral that’s reminiscent of my grandmother’s old curtains. “It’s perfect,” she says, stepping back with a nod of her head. I examine my reflection in a hand mirror as the warm morning sun casts a glow on my face. I look chic, regal, trendy. She’s right. It is perfect.
Jaclyn has been making jewelry since she was six years old. “I remember going on car rides with my parents and lugging my bead boxes everywhere,” she says with a smile as she hands me a pair of dangly peace sign earrings, which coordinate perfectly with my new headpiece. “Back then I made necklaces and bracelets to sell on the beach.” I glance at the ocean; she’s come full circle.
LuniacStyle is Jaclyn’s successful jewelry and accessories line, and this morning she’s invited me to join her on the beach for a photo shoot. Ethereal young models don flowy dresses, stacks of gold bangles and strands of funky necklaces. Like me, they wear turbans on their heads as they pose gracefully by the sea. I’m reminded of a scene from a Brigitte Bardot film.
“I love the look of old Hollywood glamour icons, with tons of jewels, and that whole beachy scene,” Jaclyn says. “I think of Elizabeth Taylor and Sofia Loren. They would wear the most elaborate outfits on the beach and rock them.” She pauses to select a new set of jewelry and to fluff a model’s hair. “I love turbies at the beach.” Me too, I think to myself, me too.
“I wanted to put a little spin on the turbies: mix and match materials, sequins, studs, puffy hearts. I wanted to revamp that old Hollywood glamour. I love the girls who aren’t afraid … More
As I glanced around the elevator on my way up to the third floor of Mohegan Sun Hotel, I was blinded by neon — lots and lots of neon. Apparently, fans of LMFAO (the party rockers who have brought us hits such as “Sexy and I Know It” and “Shots”) pledge allegiance to the band by bedecking themselves in legions of lime green, fluorescent orange and bright pink. I looked down and evaluated my black and white graphic print dress… passable. I would be the canvas, everyone else would be the paint.
The doors slid open and I stepped out into Miami. Oh, I mean into Mohegan’s newest rooftop nightclub — GLO at The Pool. As LMFAO had headlined a concert earlier that evening, they were in attendance to get the party started. (Although, looking around, it didn’t need any help to that effect.) Bikini-clad dancers shimmied beside the roaring fire pits while VIP waitresses scurried to and fro, replenishing bottles of Grey Goose for those lucky few lounging in private cabanas. DJ Clinton Sparks kept the tunes fresh.
The sold-out pool party was a blast, and I am eager to return again for what is surely one of the most unique and resort-like experiences here in New England. Check out GLO at The Pool every Thursday and Saturday evening. Dress to impress, but feel free to pair your ensemble with some flip-flops. You can even wear a bathing suit in place of your skivvies. It is, after all, summertime. $10 Thursday, $20 Saturday, free for hotel guests. 866-760-5901 More
Sarah Schumann doesn't fit the stereotypical image of a commercial fisher: she's a woman, first off, with a master’s degree in Environmental Policy. As she explains in this month's So Rhode Island cover story, her goal is to make the ecosystem a more stable and sustainable environment for people and fish to exist co-dependently.
Schumann now has the opportunity to spread her message even further than her base here in Rhode Island, now that she's earned a TogetherGreen Fellowship award from Toyota and the National Audubon Society. The Fellowship was launched in 2008 to encourage diverse environmental leadership and fund innovative conservation projects and ideas. The TogetherGreen Fellowship gives 40 local leaders $10,000 to help engage a wider audience in environmental conservation, which works well with Schuman’s mission to involve and educate fisherman and their customers about the ecosystems from which their seafood is sourced.
Her project, Eating With the Ecosystem, is a culinary tour of the native species from the fishing areas around New England, with a marine scientist and local fisherman explaining the ecological context behind each item on the plate. The next part of this dinner series will take place at Cook & Brown Public House in Providence on September 10, with a focus on the seafood native to Southern New England. Buy tickets here. More
H&M had their grand opening at the Warwick Mall this past Thursday and the crowd, myself included, was pumped to shop for some $30(!) bikinis! Well, the female half of the crowd that is. The anticipation was killing me, as I got there an hour early (which should have been two hours early, as I stared enviously at everyone in front of me with the cool swag bags), and the dance music only fueled my desire to dress for less. The clock struck noon, and we poured in the doors like people who love to shop for high fashion at an affordable price.
The women's section was chock full of cute options for all occasions, from bohemian and beachy to dressed for success (and I don't mean polyester pant suit status). The men's section is equally impressive, where you can get a $60 suit and look like a million dollar man. There is also an adorable children's section (and by section, I mean it takes up a considerable portion of the store). No longer do local men have to travel to New York or Boston to enjoy the fabulous H&M experience. This sort of shopping excitement brings me back to my pre-teen days of shopping at the Limited Too, minus the bedazzled jean jackets, perfume, and sparklies. More
Upon meeting Ted Allen at Dave's Marketplace in East Greenwich, my mom and I informed him that Ted and The Tingles is going to be our version of Julie and Julia, as we are recreating each recipe in his new cookbook, In My Kitchen. Let's just say most conversations between Barbara and I revolve around what we ate that day and what we are going to eat later. Our first recipe we will be trying is the duck fat potatoes (take me to yum-town!); Ted personally instructed us on how to render our own duck fat. For those of you who don't know you how to create your own decadent ducky deliciousness, this is done by scoring the duck breast, and then slowly cooking it for 18 minutes. Voila!
We enjoyed asking Ted for some inside scoop on Chopped, and he informed us that producers love to yell "Cut!" seconds before he announces who is chopped. We also got to watch Ted try some cheese from the Narragansett Creamery (which, being a Rhode Islander, Barbara kept calling the Newport Creamery, though I'm sure Ted would have appreciated an ice cold Awful Awful). Of course, we had to ask him where he was dining after the book signing, and Al Forno was the spot. More
The Heritage Art Gallery and Glass Studio in East Greenwich is unveiling a new public art sculpture. The sculpture, entitled The Heritage Tree, is a collaborative project between Providence sculptor Barret Kern and gallery owner Alice Benvie-Gebhart and her family. The sculpture is an abstract representation of a “family tree” made of steel, with kiln-fired glass leaves made by each of Bevie-Gebhart’s relatives placed throughout the “branches.” Benvie-Gebhart hopes this new sculpture will represent the gallery’s mission to make and share artwork with one’s family and community.
The unveiling of the sculpture will take place at the Heritage Art Gallery, located on Main Street in East Greenwich, on Sunday June 10, from 2 to 4pm. For more information about the unveiling, call 401-714-5328, or visit the website for more information. More
Katie McAlister has been into food, community involvement and sustainable living her whole life. So when the opportunity to manage the Cross Mills Farmer’s Market in Charlestown came along this year, she jumped at it. There were urgent matters, of course, like enticing lots of new vendors to participate. But McAlister also managed to step back a little to see the big picture, and took a long, hard look at the community around the market.
Establishing a “supportive, creative, community environment” that would link the farmer’s market to the Charlestown community, appeal to tourists and speak creatively about sustainability, became her vision.
Possibly it was the time she spent in Europe, or maybe her training in nutrition, yoga, meditation and yoga therapy, or, who knows, maybe it was her URI college years making pizza and working the counter at Kingston Pizza. But somehow she evolved into a visionary, bringing “a lifestyle idea,” as she puts it, to work in a local farmer’s market.
“Charlestown has no Main Street,” McAlister says. Old Post Road is the token town center, but there’s no real Main Street atmosphere. She’d like to foster that atmosphere with Cross Mills Farmer’s Market at the center. People can experience sustainable living, exchange ideas and have a really good time there, then carry on down the street. She hopes she’s creating a model for other similar rural communities.
Go, experience alternatives to everyday living in a vibrant center for adults and children: Navigate among more than 20 local vendors’ and farmers’ goods, including vegetables, fruits, lotions, honey, meats, pastries and more.
Open Fridays from 4-7pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm and Sundays 10am-2pm, Cross Mills Farmer’s Market features special themes each day. Fridays bring local acoustic musicians to the market. Storytellers and other activities for kids take center stage on … More
The staff in our office has always been largely female (roughly a 3:1 ratio) and while that has mostly been for the good, we always knew it might come back to haunt us one day. That day has come. Shine America, the production company behind critically acclaimed scripted shows (The Office, Ugly Betty), reality TV hits (The Biggest Loser, Nashville Star) and, well, other things (MTV's Date My Mom, that short-lived American Gladiators reboot), is now looking to the biggest little for its latest reality TV inspiration. They're currently seeking male business owners for what is sure to be the thinking guido's answer to Jersey Shore: the soon-to-be-a-pop-culture-phenomenon Rhode Island Boys. According to the casting call, Shine America "has a fascination with Rhode Island's small businesses," and they're looking for male-owned businesses with predominantly male employees — which means our moment in the harsh, unflattering spotlight of reality TV will have to wait. However, we promise the fine folks at Shine America that if they'll reconsider maybe doing Rhode Island Boys and Girls, we'll deliver all the cussing, petty infighting, drunken tantrums, on-camera meltdowns and delusions of self-importance they could ever possibly hope for. In the meantime, if you think your business fits the bill, contact LDI Casting for more details. More
Now that you're read our recent story about Rhode Island's first whiskey distillery since prohibition (right?), you're probably ready for a taste of Sons of Liberty's Uprising whiskey. Well, Tuesday, May 15 is the perfect opportunity to do so, while at the same time supporting live, local theater in South County. Contemporary Theater Company is preparing to open its new home at 327 Main Street in Wakefield, and it's time to celebrate. They're throwing a party at Sons of Liberty's South Kingstown distillery where you'll get to tour the facility and taste their products. Of course, while you're there, you might want to consider making a pledge to support the theater... just a thought. Check out CTC's website for more info. And cheers. More
Who can forget all the buzz last summer regarding a movie being filmed in our area starring powerhouse celebrities Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton? The time has finally come to see our beloved state and its beautiful scenery up on the big screen in acclaimed director Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. The film is set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965 and tells the story of two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact and run away together in the wilderness. You may have heard rumors of Bruce Willis and Bill Murray spottings at Tiverton’s Standish Boatyard. (The boatyard was just one of the many staging areas for the film.) The Hollywood stars were said to have been very friendly and down to earth. Be sure to look for the much-anticipated motion picture, set to premiere as the opening film of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival on May 16. It’s scheduled for an American release on May 25. More
Wine Down Wednesdays are offered from 5-7pm at Trio, 15 Kingstown Road in Narragansett. A flight of three red or white wines paired with appetizers is available for $19.95 per person.
Cucina Twist at 2095 Kingstown Road in South Kingstown has halfprice pasta entrees every Wednesday. Appetizers are also half price Tuesday
through Friday from 4-6pm, and all night every Sunday at the bar.
The Grille on Main, 50 Main Street in East Greenwich, has a taco special, two for $5 or four for $8. Chicken wings are 25 cents each at the bar every Monday from 5-10pm.
Ritrovo Italian Pub & Grille, Main Street in East Greenwich, is now open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Wednesday is ladies night with 50% off all nightly specials.
We hear that Dave’s Coffee on Old Post Road in Charlestown hopes to open a second location on Main Street in Wakefield, where Orbie’s and Town Meats used to be located. Owned by David Lanning, Dave’s is a craft coffee roaster that hand roasts its coffee.
There is another “Dave’s” event this month: Dave’s Marketplace at 1000 Division Road in East Greenwich will be hosting a book signing with Ted Allen from Chopped. The event will take place May 15 from 5-7pm.
Woodhouse Fire N Coal Pizza at 402 Main Street in Wakefield now serves beer and wine.
David Roebuck, owner of the Salt Pond Oyster Company in Narragansett, now has a raw bar in his mobile food truck called Shuckin’ Truck. He will sell oysters from his aquaculture farm as well as fresh scallops and lobsters. Look for the truck at farmer’s markets and festivals.
Giro’s Restaurant at 501 High Street in Peace Dale has reopened, serving Italian-American food in a completely renovated dining area and bar. Lunch and dinner are offered every day but Tuesday. Luncheon specials are $5.95 to $6.95. More