J/F14 - North Farm

News and Views from North Farm — January/February 2014
Reflections on
a Local Artistic
Collaboration
by Helen Hawkins
At our latest Masthead meeting, our
esteemed editor asked if anyone would
like to review the current (now closed)
Imago show in Warren. How could I
resist jumping in on this one, as it has
occupied much of my time for the past
two years? The problem is—I could
write a book about the journey! But for
the sake of brevity, I will distill the entire experience into a nutshell version.
A satellite view of North Farm, as seen on Google earth.
It’s More Than “Location, Location…”
Don’s Gang —This painting by Don
Primiano of Don’s Art Shop in Warren
shows Don (with mustache) and his art
cronies from long ago, sitting under the
grape arbor and drinking wine.
Warren: A Point of View; Artistic
Impressions of Warren by IFA (Imago
Foundation for the Arts) and stories
of The Silent Generation by the WPS
(Warren Preservation Society) held its
opening reception on November 15th.
Six of the nine individuals whom we
had interviewed and videotaped were
honored then. (Two had passed away
and one was unable to leave the Veterans’ Home where he now lives.) The
gallery was jam-packed with mini re-
By Joe Jablonowski
People find out you’ve recently moved
in from out-of-state, and the first question you’re asked is, “Why here?” As a
newcomer, my off-the-cuff answer is,
“To be closer to relatives.” While that’s
true, it only touches on the rationale
behind our “let’s put a bid on it” moment last June.
Now, there are umpteen factors behind any real-estate-buying decision—
just ask any agent/broker or look at any
Zillow or Homesnap web page. But in
the months and months of our pre-reALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Restaurant Review — Chomp
North Farm Directory Changes
Correction
Editorial
Blizzard of ‘78
North Farm Memories
Warren’s Baptist Church
Kitchen Korner
Newport’s Touro Synagogue
Seen Recently Around North Farm
Book Club
Beautiful Ruins
Gifted Hands
North Farm Real Estate
Community Calendar
Holiday Cocktail Party
p 14
p 15
p 16
Continued on page 13
Continued on page 12
January/February 2014
p 2
p2
p2
p3
p4
p5
p6
p8
p9
p 10
p 14
tirement looking around, my wife and
I came to understand there was a “critical mass” aspect to winnowing out a
desirable condominium community, at
least here in the Northeast.
The phrase “critical mass” has
its roots in physics, and it refers to
the minimum amount of stuff that’s
needed to get a reaction going. In this
case, the stuff is the size of a particular
development and the get-going things
are amenities like clubhouse, on-site
recreation and landscaping. Simply
put, critical mass says that you need X
number of homes in a community to
justify, say, a pool.
That may seem obvious, but let me
suggest such a grouping is not that easy
to find here in the densely-populated
megalopolis. Or, if you do happen to
discover one large enough to support
its own tennis courts, you find it’s far
distant from the shops and services of
a town center, which—for this houseseeker at least—is important. That’s
because although condominiums trace
back to ancient Babylon, they only
started appearing in America in the
1960s. By then, all the sizeable tracts
close-in to the village square were already bought up and built upon.
The Masthead
Page 1
Hungry for a Good Burger? Chomp on This!
There are plenty of places around here
where you can get a good hamburger.
I mean above and beyond McDonald’s and Wendy’s. But our newest addition, Chomp Kitchen and Drinks,
here on Child St. in
Warren, has set the bar
a little higher. Young
owner/operator, Sam
Glynn, is offering “…the
freshest, most innovative takes on regional
and global burgers and
sandwiches, intended to
knock your socks off.”
I dined there recently and, though my
socks remained in place,
I found Chomp’s burgers
to be a cut above the norm. They offer several different versions including
their signature “House Burger,” served
with smoked Gouda cheese, housecured bacon and topped with their
spicy “Chomp Sauce.” The burger itself is about as thick as a pork chop
and bursting with flavor.
Then there’s “The Local,” made
with chourico and tangy American cheese and dressed with sautéed
By Rob Mariani
kale and yellow mustard. Not yet
overwhelmed? Then you might try
Chomp’s “Mac & Cheeseburger.” It’s
a heart-stopping stack of beef burger
meat topped
with cheddar
cheese and red
pepper jam
and served
under a hefty
portion of
macaroni and
cheese. Just
getting your
lips around
this “tower” of
juicy goodness is a challenge.
They offer seven different burgers,
but don’t dismiss the rest of Chomp’s
menu. They have some exceptional
appetizers, sandwiches and salads too,
each with an original twist.
When I order Oysters Rockefeller, I’m often disappointed with some
over-cooked and flavorless version.
But Chomp’s presentation of this classic was one of the best I’ve had in
North Farm Directory Changes
Unit 266
Unit 66
As of January 6, 2014
Gene & Kathleen Bence
New Owner
Romel Molina
New Renter
Page 2
253-3735
The Masthead
a long time. The local oysters were
meaty and freshly sautéed and swirled
with some delicious hot, creamed
spinach.
Another original is Chomp’s
Golden Beet Salad with paper-thin
slices of sautéed beets treated with
“Zatar spice” and served with Red
Oak lettuce, sweet and savory almonds and a lemon thyme vinaigrette. It was a really interesting balance of flavors.
Chomp also offers eight different, meal-size sandwiches such as
their Philly Roast Pork on a baguette
with sharp provolone cheese, broccoli
rabe and pan jus; their Crispy Fried
Chicken Breast with smoked gouda,
house-cured Canadian bacon, apple/
carrot coleslaw topped with a honey
bourbon glaze; and their Bolgogi Kim
Chi, thinly sliced marinated sirloin
with kim chi cabbage and an apricot
glaze on a baguette.
On my second visit to Chomp’s,
I ordered their Dry-Rubbed ChickContinued on page 11
CORRECTION—In our previous (November/December) issue,
in the front page article about our
dedicated staff, Fern Lautkin’s last
name was misspelled in the body of
the article. Also, her title is Assistant Property Manager, not secretary. Our apologies. -ED
January/February 2014
Editorial
Editorial Board
Bruce Amand
Joanna Coppola
Anne Danzberger
Therese Darmody
Herman Ferreira
Miana Franzen
Carol Glanville
Helen Hawkins
Jo Lovell
Rob Mariani
Bill Peckham
Dotty Peckham
Maggie Pratico
Jean Talbot
Caroline Wood
Editor, Bruce Amand
Treasurer, Miana Franzen
Advertising, Bill Peckham,
Dotty Peckham
Production & Layout, Jo Lovell
Distribution, Rob Mariani
The Masthead is an independent newsletter. We welcome
contributions from members
of the community. Material
submitted is subject to editorial
approval and revision. Please
submit material by e-mail or on
disk to the Editor.
Classified ad policy: 30 word
maximum. Cost $10.00. Checks
to The Masthead, noted Classified, may be sent to 1359 Hope
St., Bristol, RI 02809. Limited to
items to sell or buy and services
to provide. No personals. Only
phone numbers and web addresses listed.
Just a Dollar Goes a Long Way
In mid-December, we all received our
11-page 2014 operating budget. It includes a detailed descriptive narrative.
Point of interest: our condo fees are a
little higher than they were in 2013, but
actually lower than they were in 2012.
This detailed budget is an excellent
piece of work. But frankly it’s a lot to digest. Total income—99% from our con-
come item to just one dollar, and did the
same with expenses. Then our expense
budget would look something like this:
The Masthead
Page 3
Operations: Cost of all the repairs,
maintenance and supplies it takes to
keep this place going. Landscaping,
(lawns, trees, shrubs, arboretum) account for 16.1 cents of this amount, insurance for 9.6 cents................... 44 cents
Reserves — 18.4¢
Payroll—including workers comp and
Payroll — 22¢
Interest — 2.3¢
benefits.......................................... 22 cents
Deposits to Reserves—an important
and prudent thing to do..........18.4 cents
Utilities—Primarily water, but also fire
hydrants, gas and electricity.....7.1 cents
Administrative expenses—including
Operations — 44¢
management fees, legal expenses, teleUtilities — 7.1¢
Admin — 6.2¢
phone, office supplies and the like
...............................................6.2 cents
do fees—is more than a million and-aFinancial expenses—Interest on our
half dollars. Total expenses are detailed
loan...............................................2.3 cents
in, by my count, 64 different line items.
Total....................................... 100.00 cents
It would be a lot easier if we converted that million and-a-half dollar in This little exercise may give you an
idea where an expense item you’re interested in ranks in the general scheme
of things. If it doesn’t, you can go back
to the original 11-page document and
find it listed in glorious detail. After all,
it’s our money that makes this wonderful enterprise possible.
Bruce Amand
bruce66@cox.net
253-9602
Letters to the Editor are limited
to 250 words.
Visit our new and
expanded website:
www.northfarm.org
January/February 2014
What Do You Remember About the Blizzard of ‘78?
The snow started to fall shortly after
By Caroline Wood
lunch…There had been some talk in the
hospital cafeteria about a blizzard header, sleeping on cots, talking and laughing
ing for Rhode Island, but no one seemed
like a bunch of teenagers, while those on
very concerned.
the night shift (who made it in) were car The afternoon flew by…Up
on the neurosurgical floor, where
I worked as a social worker, all the
nurses were busy tending to their
patients before the next shift arrived;
I was meeting that afternoon with
the family of a spinal cord injured
patient who had been admitted that
morning.
About three o’clock, there was
an announcement that all nonessential personnel could leave early because of the storm. Quickly I called
Nothing and no one was going anywhere except on
Dean, who was working in the
foot during the blizzard of ‘78.
Turks Head Building, as well as our
son Steve, who was at home alone,
ing for the patients. We were able to get
to say I was leaving.
scrubs to sleep in, tooth brushes, paste,
I gathered my things and ran to the
etc. and happily, food from the cafeteria.
parking lot to get my car…but wait a
By the end of the second day, the
minute, people were coming back to the
nursing shortage was taking its toll on
hospital, unable to get where they needthe remaining staff; the roads were still
ed to go!
not passable and the National Guard was
Undeterred, I was determined to
bringing some nurses in by snowmobile.
get home to my family in Barrington.
However, non-medical personnel such
After reaching the entrance ramp to the
as myself were asked to help with patient
Washington Bridge, I turned around and
care, as necessary. It was about this time
headed back to the hospital, where I was
I decided to find a way to meet Dean in
greeted warmly by my nursing friends
Providence and get home.The husband
who had not been able to leave. We
of one of the nurses worked at another
would spend the next two nights togethagency on Broad Street and also had kids
at home alone in Barrington. While his
wife could not leave, she suggested that
her husband and I walk into the city,
meet Dean and start walking home. I
agreed to give it a try!
Early the next morning, we
headed out on foot, soon to be
picked up by a kind man in a jeep,
who got us in to the city. Dean,
who had been sleeping on the floor
of his office on some old curtains,
and dining at the Turks Head Club,
met us on South Main Street. Off
we went to the Washington Bridge,
which was still packed with snowcovered cars. Making our way
around and over them, we were able
to get in two lanes that were plowed
for emergency vehicles. We made it
to the East Providence side, where
another nice man in a Jeep, heading for
Barrington, offered to drive us all the
way home. Cold and tired, we accepted
with gratitude. We settled back into our
cozy home with our son Steve and dog
Kemo, as well as some unique memories
of the blizzard of 1978!
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?
H
ow to fix it?
Call Mark Fixit. 245-0470 241-5947
Helping make N. Farm homes beautiful
and functional for over 8 years.
(Mark Wholey, painting, grab bars, decorating)
Page 4
The Masthead
January/February 2014
North Farm Memories
Ginny and John Morse moved
By Maggie Pratico
to North Farm in 1986. Ginny
had been hired by the partners
cows (see picture of Shirley) were
of North Farm Development
raised here. She said it was an
Company
interesting
(H. Lebartime, espeon “Barry”
cially seeing
Preston and
the reactions
Lawrence
of the clients
LeBlanc)
when they
to be the
realized they
Marketingwere actuSales Direcally in a barn!
One of the
tor for N.F.D.
first ways she
here at North
sold units here
Farm. They
Ginny and John Morse
was from a
were lotall stepladder
cal developers who bought the
which clients could go up to see what
remaining development rights
their view would be. She
to build out the rest of housing
said they sold out one
here, which was for an additional
whole building that way.
200 homes.
The building con Ginny said they started continued and the team was
quite successful. They
struction in 1984, the first buildbuilt and sold 101-148
ing being 101-106 Windward
Windward and 151-162
Lane. As we now know, 1-100
Sea Breeze. Then they
had been built between 1973 and
moved to the north
1984 by several different compaside of the property to
nies. Ginny said her offices were
continue building along
in the cow barn that was on the
Spinnaker and down the north edge
property when North Farm was
of the meadow along the Audubon
a working farm and when prized
property. At that point, the develop-
January/February 2014
The Masthead
ers tried to purchase the Audubon
property owned by Mrs. Claire Macintosh, but were given a firm “no,”
since she had already deeded her
property to Audubon and wished it
to remain open space as it is today.
At about the same time, these
developers sold their interest in the
remaining land to a new real estate
development company. Ginny and
her sales team stayed on. Shortly
thereafter, the company was forced
to stop building because the financing for the new developers was with
a credit union that closed in 1991.
(That credit union was one of 40plus credit unions and banks closed
in the Rhode Island banking meltdown, caused by the collapse of the
state bank insurer and resulting in a
prison sentence for
Governor
Edward
DiPrete.)
After selling some
120 homes,
everything
came to a
standstill
until 1996,
when Barry Preston bought back
the remaining acreage at auction.
Once again, Ginny became the go-to
sales expert and she and the N.F.D.
finished in the early 2000’s. We now
have 300 beautiful homes here. No
further building can be done.
Page 5
As You Pass Warren’s Baptist Church, Look Again
Thanks to my North Farm neighbors,
By Joanna Coppola
Jeff and Rita Rose, when I am caught
any differences of opinion in matters of
in Warren traffic at the corner of Main
religion.”
and Market, I can now look at the Bap
Warren was
tist Church and
a welcoming place
think how difto settle, except that
ferent life must
the closest Baptist
have been when
church was in Swanthe Baptists first
sea, a long trip over
built a meeting
rough roads that
house on that
became impassible
site in 1764.
in bad weather. They
Jeff and Rita
wanted to establish
are the kind
their own church in
of couple who
Warren and needed
would have
a minister, but New
helped build
England colleges
it. At least so I
A
drawing
of
the
first
meeting
house
of
the
didn’t train Baptist
imagine. I’ve
Warren
Baptist
Church.
ministers.
seen Jeff at the
Word reached
church on weekdays with others of
them, however, of a candidate who
the church’s men’s group, painting and
had just graduated from The Colmaking repairs. They are eager to have
th
it in good shape for their church’s 250
anniversary in the fall of 2014. And to
raise funds, the church is hosting a series of concerts for the public.
It was after the first of these concerts that Jeff took me into the church’s
library with its pictures and memorabilia. What a history!
The families that had settled in
Warren by the early 1760’s came here
because it offered a promising harbor,
halfway between Newport and Providence. It was also outside of the Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies—
places where Baptists and other nonconformists were considered ignorant
malcontents. This Rhode Island Colony
was the only one whose Charter stated
that “no man should be…punished for
Page 6
The Masthead
lege of New Jersey (later called Princeton). Newly ordained, newly married,
28-year-old Rev. James Manning would
agree to come—but only if they would
also agree to his starting a school. James
Manning was a tall, strong, young man
who was not only well-educated but,
as one contemporary wrote of him, “he
made his own stone walls, and in the
use of the scythe, he acknowledged no
superior in the best trained laborers in
the meadow.” One could easily imagine
him joining the “Baptist Men’s Group”
of that day as they finished the meeting
house and then built the parsonage to
the south of it.
It was in this parsonage in 1764
that James Manning began his “Rhode
Island College,” teaching Latin and
Greek to just one young man. Five
years later, Manning held the first
Commencement, awarding seven new
Continued on facing page
January/February 2014
Warren’s Baptist Church
school would be changed to Brown
University, honoring the generosity of
several of that prominent Providence family.
“Bachelors of Arts.” (and 21 honorary
When Rev. Manning
degrees). By this time, Rev. Manning’s
moved
“Rhode Island
to ProviCollege” had
dence,
gained a reputahe was
tion as well as a
pleased
group of supthat one
porters, its “corof his
poration.” On
first stuthe evening of
dents,
that first comCharles
mencement,
Thompthe corporason, was
tion appointed
called to
a committee to
be the
select a buildsecond
ing site for the
minister
college. There
of the Warren
were citizens
Church. Nine
in East Greenyears later, durwich, Newport
ing the Revoand Providence
lutionary War,
who offered to
The Warren Baptist Church at the corner of
Rev. Thomp-son
give money to
Main and Market Streets
was serving as
have the college
a chaplain. He was home on leave the
in their town. Providence won out. In
July day that the Hessians and their
1770, there was a new “College EdiBritish officers made a surprise landfice” on the hill. James Manning would
ing in Bristol and marched on Warren.
continue as its President for more than
Thompson rushed to the Church which
twenty years. In 1804, the name of the
Continued from facing page.
January/February 2014
The Masthead
was engulfed in flames, only to be captured and taken prisoner. He was held
by the
British
in Newport for
a month
before
being
released,
“through
what
instrumentality he
never
could
learn.”
During its
250
years of history, the Baptist Church in
Warren has been built and rebuilt three
times on this same spot. The present
stone building was erected in 1844.
Beautiful Ruins
Continued from page 14
a permanently tanned Hollywood
mogul who has had so much
cosmetic surgery that “his 72-yearold face looks like that of a 9-year-old
Philippino girl”), one might fear the
story is confusing. But Jess Walter is
a good writer with a light touch who
can keep many balls in the air at once.
He even deftly provides samples of
scripts and stories written by some
of his wannabes, each uniquely
idiosyncratic.
“Beautiful Ruins” is fun and
heart-warming. Give it a try.
Review by Jean Talbot
Page 7
Kitchen
Korner
By Maggie Pratico
What’s in your fridge?
Cleaning the refrigerator is not a
favorite task. However, as I was getting
ready to leave for a few weeks to visit
family in Maine and North Carolina, I
decided I would do a review and clean
sweep of the fridge! After throwing
away the bottles, packages and other
containers with dates stamped “best
if used by” with a date somewhere in
2013, I ended up with some odds and
ends, including half of one of those
store-bought chickens, eggs, carrots,
celery, onions, chicken stock, milk, assorted cheeses, and some lettuce, along
with one lone tomato. My freezer offered some other items, and I decided
I would only eat what was in the fridge
before my trip. Here are some dishes I
came up with…so easy, and so good!
I used the eggs in an omelet, although I could have made an egg salad
or mini quiche; the lettuce, tomato, celery, onions, and carrots quickly became
Page 8
a salad treated with a light champagne
vinegar and olive oil dressing.
The leftover chicken and remaining
items were transformed into an easy-to-
make pot pie, which, combined with the
salad, made a great dinner and also gave
me lunch for the next day. Easy, delicious, and my fridge is clean!
Chicken Pot Pie
In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsps. oil over medium-high heat. Add a
chopped medium onion and ½ cup chicken broth. Heat to a simmer and
then add about 1½ cups of bite-size pieces of chicken (from store-bought
cooked chicken). Add 1 cup of frozen or fresh cooked vegetable (peas, carrots, onions), season to taste with salt, pepper and a tsp. of thyme. Heat
until hot, stirring occasionally until almost all liquid is absorbed. Cool 5
minutes; and then sir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar).
In a medium bowl, stir ½ cup Bisquick , ½ cup milk and 2 eggs. Blend
and then put 1 tablespoon of this mixture into a prepared muffin tin. Top
with about 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Spoon another 1 tablespoon baking
mixture onto chicken mixture in each muffin cup.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes in a 375 degree oven, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool a few minutes and serve with a green
veggie salad.
Note—You can use fresh chicken and sauté it prior to adding onion and
chicken broth. If you are real ambitious, you can make your own biscuit
mix. Either way, enjoy and clean that fridge—maybe you will come up
with a creative recipe you will want to share. If you do, send it to me. My
email is Margaret.pratico@aol.com
Relaxation ~ Rejuvenation ~ Pain Relief ~ Healing
Golden Touch Healing
Licensed Massage Therapy
Kristin B. Dalbec
(401) 330-8321
Barrington
The Masthead
Warren
Bristol
January/February 2014
Newport’s Touro Synagogue Is Well Worth a Visit
Among Rhode Island’s historical
Harrison, a self-taught architect.
By Therese Darmody
treasures is Touro Synagogue in
During the American Revolution,
The Jewish congregation in
Newport, which celebrated its 250th
many residents fled Newport and
Newport initially met in members’
anniversary in 2013. The building
the synagogue was used as a hospital
was completed in 1763 and was
for British troops and as a
dedicated during Chanukah
public meeting hall. These uses
that year. It is still home to
probably protected the building
Jeshuat Israel, an Orthodox
from being torn down for use as
congregation.
firewood, as happened to many
Both the building and
other Newport buildings during
grounds are beautiful, and I
the war.
was impressed by the historical
Touro Synagogue is the oldest
information provided by the
surviving synagogue building
tour guide and by the visitors’
in the United States. It was
center exhibits.
designated a National Historic
The first Jewish settlers
Landmark in 1946. The property
arrived in Newport in 1658.
includes Patriots’ Park, a lovely
Many were descendents of
garden dedicated to the memory
individuals who had fled
of Jewish patriots.
Construction of Newport’s Touro Synagogue,
the Spanish inquisition or
America’s oldest synagogue, was completed in 1763. The tour and many of the
had nominally converted to
exhibits at the Visitors’ Center
homes, and only became sufficiently
Christianity to avoid persecution.
are a joyful and thankful celebration
numerous and prosperous to
Like other early Americans, they
of religious freedom in the United
construct a synagogue a century later.
came hoping for freedom and
States, and of Rhode Island’s early
The
building
was
designed
by
Peter
opportunities.
guarantee of religious freedom.
If you enjoy reminders of how
fortunate we are to live in the United
States and/or colonial history and
You don’t do windows.
architecture, Touro Synagogue is well
Fortunately, we do. Call today to schedule
worth a visit.
AUSTIN
WINDOW CLEANING
WE KNOW YOur PANE
January/February 2014
an appointment. You’ll see why so many
of your neighbors depend on us.
401.617.9221
austinwindowcleaning.com
The Masthead
Page 9
Seen Recently
Around North Farm ...
Left: After it stopped snowing, Therese Darmody noticed
these robins outside her window and thought it was
interesting how much they had puffed up their feathers
to stay warm ... they’re practically round! With the
temperature way below 0o, they were probably wishing
they’d flown south until spring!
A group of volunteers from Bristol’s Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum recently
took a tour of the grounds at North Farm. From the left: Cathy Pratt (also of North
Farm), Gail Read, Diane Whitehead, Sue McCumber, Edith Allen (also of North
Farm), Margaret Whitehead, Pat Ley, Mary Evans, Betsy Ekholm and Cynthia
Lewis (also of North Farm). (Photo by Kristin Green)
A New Landscape — Work was completed
last fall on this woodland area abutting
the pergola. The result is a beautiful scenic
space that is now in harmony with its
surroundings ... just the place to relax and
read (you may want to wait until spring for
that!) or bundle up, hot toddy in hand, and
enjoy the sunset. (Photo by Edith Allen)
The Most Famous Name… In Cleaning & Flooring 325 Market Street Warren 401.289.2700
WWW.JIMMYSTUARTS.COM
Page 10
The Masthead
January/February 2014
Joanne Krop had her camera handy when she walked down
to the beach on a frigid January 9th. She didn’t find any sea
glass because the waves that normally break over our beach
Top: The festive buffet table fairly groaned under the weight of all
had frozen before they reached land, but at least she got some the gorgeous appetizers at the annual Holiday Cocktail Party. Jean
great pictures of Mother Nature’s frozen beauty.
Talbot and Zoe Woodruff try to decide which ones to try. Above: The
social committee members who coordinated
the event were, l-r, Barbara Coppola, Ginny
Robitaille, Martha Moore, Mary Comfort
and committee chairperson Nancy Edler.
(Story on page 16.)
Chomp
Continued from page 2
en Wings appetizer. The wings were
perfectly cooked but I should have
known that the “smoky hot sauce”
would pretty much numb my taste
buds, making my entrée, a mild version of a Po Boy blackened catfish
sandwich, seem pretty bland.
Chomp has a huge beer and
wine list in addition to a full bar with
specialty drinks. It’s small with only
about a dozen tables and maybe ten
bar seats. The atmosphere is loud, the
wait staff very friendly and efficient
and … there’s no dessert menu. The
reason? Not enough kitchen space.
Chomp is located in what used to
be Vinny’s Kitchen at 440 Child Street
in Warren. Open Tuesday through
Sunday from 4:30pm to 10pm. Closed
Mondays.
January/February 2014
The Masthead
Page 11
Artistic Collaboration
Continued from page 1
unions and lively
conversation about
days gone by.
This collaboration of the oral
history project of
WPS and recent
creative output by
local artists from
IFA turned out to
be a huge success,
although initially
those of us on the
oral history team
had serious doubts,
given the fact that it
took this group two
and a half hours to
come up with an
agreeable title! We
wanted the oral histories to be center stage, but IFA was not
at all clear about what the show would
evolve into. We historians seemed to be
coming up against those freewheeling
artists! As our oral history team progressed in planning, we came up with
three themes that ran through the nine
interviews strongly: Industry, Leisure
Time, and Community. We gathered
artifacts and photographs around those
themes. Our stellar videographer pieced
together segments from the interviews
focused on these topics, and created
three iPad loops (eight minutes each)
to be viewed in the three sections of the
gallery. In a back corner of the space, we
showed a one-hour video of segments
from all participants.
We heard about: the Hurricane of
’38 and chickens carried up to the sec-
Page 12
ond floor for safekeeping; the Speakeasies in Warren and how the police visited
frequently to be sure
things were not getting too rowdy; about
a turkey who delivered the mail; about
a horse who knew
the delivery route
so well that he proceeded onto the next
stop where Grandpa
Lial rejoined him and
the carriage; about a
young woman who
walked a very long
way each day to the
handkerchief factory for eight months
hoping to be
hired—and finally was, and
then stayed on
for 52 years.
These members of “The Silent Generation,” growing up
roughly between the Great Depression and World War II, were solid,
resourceful, responsible, family-cen-
tered individuals. All of them worked
after school to bring some money into
the family. They recall using any extra
proceeds from earnings to buy stamps
for war bonds and having foodstuffs
rationed—the most painful of these—
candy! They also remember fun times
at Burrs Hill Park, skating on the Kicky
and making up games in the neighborhood. For eleven cents (two milk bottles
and one penny), they could go to the
movies and enjoy several offerings at
one sitting. Life was slow and simple
compared to today’s pace of life.
My favorite artistic piece at the
show was by Tom Culora, entitled
“Madeline Ernest—In Her Own Words”
which he created by writing out her entire interview on slats of wood. From a
distance it seems to
be a photograph, but
on closer inspection you see that it is
entirely composed
of her words from
that transcript. It is
a stunning collaboration of art and history—just what we
were hoping for!
The Masthead
January/February 2014
It’s More Than Location
Continued from page 1
It’s not just theory; let’s look at
some examples:
Across the bay there’s a brand-new
condo cluster within short walking distance of an historic harbor village that’s
just drippingly quaint. Great location,
but it has a total of only 16 homes,
not nearly enough to justify installing
anything more than a small decorative pond. South of there and closer
to Point Judith, another new grouping lies just a mile and a half from its
downtown; however its homeowners
will have to rely on the local YMCA
because, at fewer than 90 units, there’s
just not enough of a critical mass to
fund on-grounds rec facilities.
The same holds true for condos
closer by. Others on this peninsula
with under 50 units each enjoy some
of the amenities we’re talking about,
but they’re far less developed. And at
the south end of town, with 80 units
in three contiguous clusters, it doesn’t
appear there’s even a single meeting
room to share.
Of course, there’s the other side of
the coin: all-inclusive but remote. Not
far away a group of 200 condo units
share spectacular views, a pool and
clubhouse, a dock and on-premises
restaurant. But for them it’s an 11-mile
journey to the nearest true downtown.
And then there are the whoppers:
New England’s largest condo grouping,
nearing completion close to Cape Cod
Bay, boasts two separate golf courses
and tons of amenities for its 55-yearplus owners of what will be nearly
3,000 units. Very recently, old friends
who’d moved there a couple of years
ago visited us at North Farm, and they
bemoaned their isolation of a nearly
20-minute drive to get to their nearest
downtown center.
KNOWLEDGEABLE.
HONEST.
RELIABLE.
FRIENDLY.
And that, dear neighbor, back
to your original question, is why we
wound up here.
Joe Jablonowski and his wife Pat moved
onto Paddock Lane six months ago.
Gifted Hands
Continued from page 14
was willing to work toward. Though
his mother lacked formal education,
she required both her sons to read
at least two books per week and give
her book reports, and limited their
television viewing to three hours per
week. She also stayed on top of their
school progress and refused to allow
their school to push her children into
the vocational track, insisting that both
were going to college. (They did.)
The influence of Dr. Carson’s
mother, his faith and several mentors
helped him to overcome childhood
poverty and racism to eventually
achieve medical breakthroughs that
had been thought impossible.
I read this entire book in one
sitting and found it fascinating and
inspirational—though it also left me
feeling somewhat of an underachiever!
HighlyMasthead
recommended.
In my
opinion,
North
Farm
this1/4
bookPAGE
should 4.875"w
be on schools’
X 5.5"h
required reading
as it would
C1lists,
– 2012
encourage teens to take responsibility
for their future and aim high.
Review by Therese Darmody
And they own Gil’s.
Lisa and Gail learned the business early growing up
in the store that their parents opened in 1961. From the beginning they concentrated
on giving their customers the best brands, selection, service and price. As adults,
raising their own families, they've learned first hand what appliances work best.They
bring that knowledge to the store every day, along with a 51 year tradition that combines
quality, value and personal service that you won't find anywhere else.
HOURS: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tues-Thurs 9:00am - 8:00pm
Sun Closed - Family Day
397 Metacom Avenue, Rte.136 Bristol, RI 02809 401-253-9789 Fax: 401-253-2404
www.gilsappliances.com
January/February 2014
The Masthead
Page 13
“Beautiful Ruins”
By Jess Walter
This is a funny and poignant book,
awash with characters who are deeply
flawed but nonetheless likable, whose
dreams and ambitions intersect
implausibly but believably. There are
multiple story lines (sort of like the
movie “Love Actually”) that magically
and somewhat preposterously collide
in locations beginning in coastal Italy
and moving through Hollywood
and the American Heartland, with
interesting stops in between, spanning
a period of 50 or so years.
The story begins in 1962 in a
tiny Italian village where Pasquale
Tursi, a handsome young dreamer,
is attempting to create a beach and a
tennis court at the family business,
Hotel Adequate View, in hopes of
stimulating American tourism. Not
a tennis player himself, he has failed
to realize that even if he succeeds
in leveling an area in the rocks, the
total impossibility of fencing it in will
mean that every missed shot will sail
into the sea.
A launch appears and drops
off Dee Moray, a glamorous young
actress who has been sent here by
the movie company she works for to
await going to Rome for surgery for
cancer. Pasquale is instantly smitten.
The movie Dee has a small part in is
“Cleopatra”, and it stars, especially,
the beautiful ruin himself, Richard
Burton, who will play parts in the
story.
With so many plot lines and
so many characters (and I haven’t
even mentioned Michael Deane,
Continued on page 7
“Gifted Hands:
The Ben Carson
Story”
By Ben Carson, M.D.
This is the autobiography of an
extraordinary individual who started
out in life as the child of a single
mother with a third grade education,
and who went on to become a
renowned neurosurgeon. He attributes
much of his success to his mother’s
pushing him to develop his abilities
and to obtain as much education as
possible. She is also credited with
convincing him that he was bright
enough to accomplish whatever he
Continued on page 13
North Farm
Real Estate
By Nancy Weaver
Residential Properties Ltd
Happy New Year everyone!
New listing:
533 High Meadow Court
502 Clark’s Row
Pending:
326 North Lane 422 North Lane $259,000
$262,900
$324,500
$249,000
2013 North Farm Sales
413 North Lane
156 Sea Breeze Ln
102 Windward Ln
452 Paddock Lane
467 North Lane
157 Sea Breeze Ln
455 Paddock Lane
505 Clark’s Row
521 High Meadow
433 Paddock Ln
38 Sea Breeze Ln
2 Sea Breeze Lane
511 Clark’s Row
95 Windward Ln
$235,000
1/2/13
$257,500
1/2/13
$265,000
5/6/13
$415,000 5/10/13
$297,000 5/15/13
$435,000 7/11/13
$469,000 7/12/13
$274,000 7/30/13
$240,000 8/16/13
$460,000 8/28/13
$252,000 10/10/13
$227,500 10/11/13
$195,000 11/1/13
$270,000 11/7/13
Here’s to a fantastic Spring Market in
2014!
J’s
JUNK
REMOVAL
House Cleanouts • Yard Cleanups
Demo Work • Free Estimates
No Jobs Too Big or Too Small
401-524-6993
Discover Visa MasterCard Am. Express
Find us on Facebook
Page 14
The Masthead
January/February 2014
Community Calendar
Clip & Save
Social Activities
Board Meetings
Board of Governors meets at the Yacht
Club on Thursdays March through December, alternating between 3 and 7 p.m.
No meetings scheduled until March.
Yacht Club is closed for the winter. No Social
Committee activities until April.
Ongoing Social Activities
Women’s Bridge every Monday at noon at the Yacht Club (in members’
homes during the winter). Call Claire Lind at 253-6718 for information.
Men’s Bridge Friday afternoons at the Yacht Club (in members’ homes
during the winter). Call Ed Clegg at 253-2563 for information.
Cribbage every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Yacht Club (in members’
homes during the winter). Call Ed Clegg at 253-2563 for information.
Masthead Deadline
The deadline for submitting material
for publication in the next issue of The
Masthead is March 1, 2014. Send articles,
suggestions, poetry, photos, etc. to Bruce
Amand, Editor, 461 North Lane, or email
bruce66@cox.net.
Barbara (Bibi) Arditte
Real Estate Sales Associate
North Farm Resident
East Bay Specialist
Special rebate for active or retired military & families
Call:
401-457-1750 (direct)
401-575-1575 (cell)
barditte@residentialproperties.com
RHODE ISLANDÕS
REAL ESTATE COMPANY¨
259 County Road, Barrington, RI 02809
January/February 2014
The Masthead
Page 15
Cocktail Party Sings in the Holiday Season
Dozens of North Farmers gathered at one of the year’s favorite social events ... the annual Holiday Cocktail Party. Dotty Peckham, at
the piano, accompanied the carol sing-along, led by Ruth McVay, Sally Lukeris, Peter Monahan, Alvin Edler and Mark McVay.
On Sunday, December 8, dozens
of North Farmers headed for the
Yacht Club for the annual holiday
cocktail party. Attendees brought
hors d’oeuvres to share, providing a
scrumptious and varied buffet.
The Social Committee set the
festive mood with colorful decora-
Page 16
By Therese Darmody
tions and holiday lighting and provided wine to accompany the appetizers. Residents enjoyed the chance to
start their holiday celebrations with
friends and neighbors. The evening
concluded with a carol sing-along.
The Masthead
Ruth McVay, Sally Lukeris, Peter Monahan, Alvin Edler and Mark McVay
led the singing, accompanied by Dot
Peckham on the piano. Thanks to the
Social Committee for organizing another fun event! (Photos by Therese
Darmody.) See additional photos on
page 11.
January/February 2014