Table of ContentsCALENDAR 16CLASSIFIEDS 22COMMUNITY BRIEFS 4-5CROSSWORD 18DINING OUT MAP 13DINING OUT 15EDITORIAL 6NATURE 19POLICE LOG 4REALTY TRANSACTIONS 7RECENT DEATHS 22SPORTS 21

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Vol. 39, No. 52 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011 BORN FREE

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HOUSE TOURS PG. 11

A Casino in Newport’s Future?

About to Take a Plunge

See CASINO on page 3

Tender Care Offers Late-Night Day Care Lavallee Says Farewell

See LAVALLEE on page 7

Participants in last year’s New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach were lucky that Jan. 1, 2011 was a fairly balmy day, with sunny skies and temperatures pushing up towards 60 degrees. Will this year’s plungers be as fortunate? Turn to page 2 for more about the plunge and for information about “A Wish Come True” for a young Middletown cancer patient. (Photo by Tom Shevlin)

By Katherine Imbrie

At an open house on Wednes-day, Dec. 21, the Tender Care Learning Center (38 Marcus Wheatland Blvd.) welcomed the community to a facility that its Di-rector of Administration, Veronica Bourget, describes as filling a need in Newport, while also integrating its services for children with those of other agencies in the area, such as the Martin Luther King Com-munity Center next door.

Opened in March and already expanding its menu of services rapidly, Tender Care serves the day care and pre-school needs of children from age 18 months to 5 years old, says Bourget, who joined the staff in October.

What sets Tender Care apart from other day care services is that it offers extended hours, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, plus pick up and drop off services both to homes and schools. What that means, says Bourget, is that for parents who are working night shifts or flexible shifts, they have a place to leave their young children while they go to work. “Many people also are taking certification pro-grams at night with RI Works, and others have to be available 24 hours a day in jobs at Walmart or the Navy base. We give them an option for child care that they didn’t have before,” she says.

The center also offers after-school care for children up to age 12 and is hoping to add kinder-

garten in the future.At the same time that Tender

Care is offering a new range of op-tions for parents, it also is working closely with existing help centers. “I grew up going to the King Cen-ter,” said Bourget. “What we do here is not in any way meant to replace what they do. We want to utilize already existing programs, and we will direct people over there or to other community pro-viders that are already in place.”

The Wheatland Boulevard fa-çade of Tender Care does not do

justice to the bright and attractive interior, which is on three floors, allowing for children of different age levels to receive separate at-tention. Offices and afterschool care are on the third floor, and a kitchen and open play space is on the basement/first floor, which opens to an outdoor yard that is divided into three areas for play. Drop offs and pick ups are from the rear of the building rather than from busy Wheatland Bou-levard.

Before joining Tender Care,

Bourget served as family servic-es coordinator for the Newport County Mental Health Center, as a coordinator for rehousing pro-grams at Family Service of Rhode Island, and as assistant program manager of the semi-indepen-dent living residential program at Child & Family Service of New-port County. Also new on the staff is head teacher Kristine Betten-court, who has a masters in spe-cial education.

For more information about Tender Care, call 619-5858.

Head teacher Kristine Bettencourt of Tender Care Learning Center in Newport reads aloud to a class of 2- to 4-year-olds in one of the bright classrooms of the Wheatland Blvd. facility.

(Photo by Rob Thorn)

By Tom Shevlin

NEWPORT -- Is a casino in New-port’s future? It’s a question worth asking, some say. And it’s exactly the question that was recently put to a number of residents in New-port who were polled by a firm hired by Newport Grand to gauge the receptiveness of local residents to expanding the existing slot par-lor into a full-scale casino.

And while Newporters historical-ly have been averse to the idea of turning the former jai alai fronton into a casino, lawmakers are report-edly considering at least putting the question to residents in the form of a ballot referendum.

In a story that appeared in Sat-urday’s Providence Journal, both Newport Mayor Stephen C. Waluk and state Sen. President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed (who have both in the past been vigorous opponents of

By Tom Shevlin

NEWPORT – The bookshelf in Ed Lavallee’s office has grown in-creasingly bare over these last few weeks.

The shelves, which had provid-ed visitors a glimpse into Lavallee’s personality, had been filled with trinkets and keepsakes- mementos representing his faith, family, and career.

After 33 years of service to the city, including the last six years as city manager, Lavallee will mark his final day on the job at the end of business this week.

Taking his place will be Jane Howington, a veteran municipal ad-ministrator who most recently has been serving as the city manager of Kalispell, Mont. When she takes over on Jan. 9, she’ll be Newport’s first female city manager. She’ll also have some fairly big shoes to fill.

Hired in October of 2005, Lavallee has proven to be a steady hand at City Hall, earning high marks from councilors and the public alike for his work ethic and departmental management.

On Friday, he’ll pack his briefcase for the last time. On his desk, he’ll

NATURE PG. 19

Page 2 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

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RSVP for our next INFORMATION SESSION on JANUARY 4,

5:30 - 7 PM — visit www.providence.edu/SCE or call 401.865.2487.

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Everybody into the Water! Participants in last year’s New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge romp

in the water of Easton’s Beach. At left, Middletown fifth-grader Colin Da-vis, who is fighting cancer, will get his wish to visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida this year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of “A Wish Come True.” Proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge event go to benefit this organization, which grants the wishes of local children battling life-threatening diseases.

Davis has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy since being diagnosed with a pelvic tumor.

Following the annual Polar Bear plunge, which happens promptly at noon on Sun-day, Jan. 1, the Atlantic Beach Club will host raffles, an auction, food and music – fun for the whole family. Everyone is invited to at-tend – it’s not necessary to jump into the ocean to participate.

The crowd to witness the plunge usually numbers in the hundreds, even thousands. Last year, approximately 5,000 attended, drawn by temperatures in the 50s.

The Polar Bears’ tradition of plunging into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean off of Newport began in 1969, and the New Years’ Day celebration has helped the children of A Wish Come True for the past several years.

Things to KnowPolar Bear Plunge• Get to the beach early (11 a.m. or so) parking lots fill up fast.• There is no registration or fee.• Wear something on your feet, because there are a lot of broken shells on the beach and in the water.

December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 3

86 Broadway, Newport, R.I. 02840401-847-7766 • 401-846-4974 (fax)

A publication of Island CommunicationsCopyright 2011

WHO WE ARE

Editor: Lynne Tungett, Ext. 105News Editor: Tom Shevlin, Ext.106Advertising Director: Kirby Varacalli, Ext. 103

Advertising Sales: Tim Wein, Ext. 102

Contributors: Florence Archambault, Pat Blakeley, Ross Sinclair Cann, Cynthia Gibson, Katherine Imbrie, Jack Kelly, Patricia Lacouture, Meg O’Neil, Annette Leiderman Raisky,Federico Santi and Shawna Snyder. Photographers: Rob Thorn and Laurie Warner

HOW TO REACH US

News: news@newportthisweek.netEvents: calendar@newportthisweek.netAdvertising: kirby@newportthisweek.net

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expanded gaming in Newport), were receptive to putting the ques-tion to voters.

Meanwhile, Waluk also told WR-NI’s Ian Donnis that the city needs to “consider all options” when look-ing at the future of the slot parlor.

“We do take in a lot of revenue from Newport Grand,” Waluk told WRNI, “so we need to engage the community and just see what peo-ple think, and what’s best for the City of Newport overall.”

Later, in an interview with NTW on Wednesday, Waluk expanded on his remarks, saying that the city also needs to consider life after Newport Grand.

With Massachusetts recently ap-proving a bill to allow for casinos as near as Foxboro and the South Coast, pressure is indeed mount-ing for lawmakers here to protect whatever they can of the state’s gaming revenue. Experts believe that the locally-owned Newport Grand, which employs roughly 200 people, is particularly vulnerable to an outside casino. Waluk acknowl-edged as much on Wednesday, not-ing that a discussion on the future of the North End property needs to be “part of the larger dialogue of considering all options.”

According to the city’s most re-cent tax records, Newport Jai Alai LLC paid a total of $373,383.10 in property taxes on three separate parcels last year. Taken along with an estimated $500,000 the city ex-pects to receive in video lottery ter-minals (VLT) revenue this year, and another $10,000 or so in meals and beverage taxes, altogether, New-port Grand contributes roughly $900,000 to city coffers; or a lit-tle less than 1 percent of the city’s overall budget.

And while that figure is substan-tial, the property on which the for-mer fronton sits is arguably even more significant when viewed through the lens of the city’s long-

term vision for the North End. Paige Bronk, the city’s director of

planning, said that whatever hap-pens to Newport Grand, the city should carefully consider the prop-erty in the context of such projects as the Pell Bridge ramp realignment and the city’s own North End Mas-ter Plan.

Bronk also cautioned that even if Newport Grand succeeds in winning state and local approval for table games, any significant expansion of the facility itself would be subject to close scrutiny by the administra-tion. In fact, under the current zon-ing ordinance, gambling is listed as a prohibited use, though Newport Grand’s current facility is grandfa-thered in under the provision.

Under state law, the General As-sembly may approve expanded gambling only if approved by a statewide referendum. Host com-munities would then also have to approve the expansion before a ca-sino is built or table games added to an existing venue such as New-port Grand.

Over the last year, discussion on the state level has focussed pri-marily on a request by the owners of Lincoln’s Twin River slot parlor to put forth a ballot measure that would allow them to expand their facility to include table games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette. Newport Grand has yet to formally request a similar action.

But the result of an internal poll by Cumberland-based Fleming & Associates, indicate that the facility is heading in that direction.

The poll, which was not released in full, shows that 74 percent of people surveyed would be in favor of voting – up or down – on wheth-er to allow an expanded gaming fa-cility.

Still, even if the measure pass-es on the state level, it would also have to be put on the ballot for a local referendum.

According to the mayor, to date no one from Newport Grand has approached him, or the city, about placing a local referendum on the ballot, however, if that does hap-pen, the council is prepared to ad-dress it.

“Obviously if Newport Grand comes forward with a proposal, we would have to consider it,” Waluk said.

The last time Newporters had a chance to weigh in on a gambling referendum was in 2006 when there was a proposal to build a Nar-ragansett Indian-backed casino in West Warwick.

Statewide, voters soundly re-jected the plan, by a vote of 63-37 percent.

However, in Newport, the mar-gin of defeat was even greater; residents here voted 75.5-24.5 per-cent against the plan. If that’s any measure of the city’s sentiment toward further embracing gam-ing revenue, then the proponents may have a tough battle ahead of them.

Councilor Justin S. McLaughlin, who as a member of the group, Citizens Concerned about Casino Gambling, has been a vocal op-ponent of expanded gaming said on Tuesday that while he would personally vote against a referen-dum, he believes Newporters have a right to vote on the matter.

Citing the long-term costs that gambling can impose on a com-munity, McLaughlin said, “I person-ally would not be in favor of casino gambling...However, this is a de-mocracy, and I would not stand in the way of the community’s right to vote on it.”

A referendum of some kind is expected on the Nov. 2012 ballot, and according to Paiva-Weed, it’s expected that gambling will once again be a hot topic in the upcom-ing session of the General Assem-bly, which begins on Jan. 3.

By Tom Shevlin

State preservationists have weighed in on the Navy’s pro-posal to erect a series of wind turbines on federal land dotting the west shore of Aquidneck Is-land.

In a report issued by the the Rhode Island Historical Preser-vation and Heritage Commis-sion, six of the proposed 12 tur-bines would harm the views of several historic areas in New-port. Those areas include Fort Adams, The Point, and the Naval War College.

Charged with protecting the state’s historic properties and areas, the Rhode Island His-torical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state’s fore-most authority on historical preservation and heritage pro-grams. And while the city has yet to offer its own analysis of

the plan, the Commission’s rec-ommendation caries a good deal of weight.

According to the report, the Commission was asked to eval-uate the potential impact that the turbine plan would have on the area’s historic cityscape af-ter it was revealed that several of the structures would loom over the historic downtown, potentially altering the historic character of the area.

After reviewing the plans submitted by the Navy, the tur-bines, which are part of a plan by the Pentagon to increase the amount of energy derived from renewable energy sources, were deemed to be obstructive to the viewshed.

It’s not clear if, or how, the Navy will amend its plans, how-ever six other turbines planned for nearby sites in Portsmouth did not raise any objections.

Wind Turbine Plan MixedFire crews from across the island

quickly contained a house fire that broke out on Russell Avenue Thurs-day evening.

According to fire officials, the blaze, at 12 Russell Ave., started in a second floor apartment. No inju-ries were reported, though crews reportedly rescued a dog from a third-floor apartment.

A 911 call, which was first re-ceived at 7:06 p.m., was made by the occupants of the building, who reported that the fire had originat-ed in a kitchen of the 2 ½ story ma-sonry building. The first response came from Station 1.

The Electrical Inspector was re-quested, as well as the Red Cross, and National Grid. The Fire Mar-shal’s office sent representatives upon hearing of the fire. Electric-ity was shut-off in the building. The Fire Marshal’s office began their investigation to determine cause while the Red Cross assisted the building’s occupants.

Fire Crews Douse Pre-Christmas Blaze

NEWS BRIEFSPage 4 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

Do you have a treasured item and want to know “what it’s worth?” Send an image, as hi-res as possible, directly to Federico at:

drawrm@hotmail.com or 152 Spring St., Newport

For What It’s Worth

— Federico Santi, Partner, The Drawing Room Antiques (During the winter months, The Drawing Room will not be offering

‘free appraisal day’ on Thurs.; but will offer free appraisals by appointment only. Just call 841-5060 to make an appointment.)

Have Ideas? Tell Us at Coffee Hour with NTW!

Join members of the Newport This Week staff at The People’s Café, 282 Thames St., on Friday morn-ings, at 10 a.m. Sit down and en-joy a cup of coffee and discuss the latest happenings in Newport. Got any news tips for us? How about an idea for a story you’d like to see in Newport This Week or on Newport-Now.com?

Island Wide Playgroup

The Newport Pre-K Playgroup, open to all mothers regardless of town of residence, runs through May. The playgroup meets at the Hut, 35 Golden St., 9:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m., is entirely co-operative, con-sists of 12 members/children, and provides socialization and growth experiences for both children and mothers. It is a great inexpensive way to get a few personal hours a week, while providing your child with the opportunity to interact with others in a safe, happy and stimulating environment. The cost is $25 per month.

For more information, contact Miki at quintet@cox.net or 847-6183.

In addition to the Chamber’s tra-ditional after hours, try the new “Business Before Hours” on Thurs-day, Jan. 5 from 8 – 9 a.m. at the Seamen’s Church Institute. The next event is the Chamber Connection Networking group on Friday, Jan. 6 from 8 – 9 a.m. A “Green Hospital-ity” workshop will be presented by Dan Ruben, Executive Director of Boston Green Tourism on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

To attend any Chamber event, register online at www.Newport-Chamber.com or by call 847-1608.

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Choristers Welcome New Voices

The Newport Navy Choristers are currently seeking new mem-bers in all voice ranges to sing with them for the 2012 spring season. The Choristers are a mixed singing group open to all members of the Newport Navy community, includ-ing active duty, reserve and retired military personnel, their spouses and family members 16 years of age and older, as well as civilian De-partment of Defense employees.

There are no auditions for the main chorus. While experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Rehears-als start on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 at 7 p.m. on the second deck at Perry Hall, Building 440, Room 100, on the NAVSTA Newport complex and continue every Tuesday thereafter.

For more information, call Pat McGue, chairman, at 849-1135 or JoAnn Loewenthal, musical direc-tor, at 849-4823 or visit www.new-portnavychoristers.org.

School HolidaysNewport school’s “Holiday Re-

cess” will end on Tuesday, Jan. 3 when students return to school.

After that, the next day off is Jan. 16, the observance of Dr. Martin Lu-ther King Day.

In February, Elementary Schools will be closed on Feb. 7, for parent – teacher conferences. No school for Thompson Middle School stu-dents on Feb. 8 for conferences, fol-lowed by no school for Rogers High School and the Newport Area Ca-reer & Technical Center on Feb. 9.

The school district’s “Winter Re-cess” will take place from Monday, Feb. 20 to Friday, Feb. 24, with stu-dents returning to school on Mon-day, Feb. 27.

Students from the Underwood Cho-rus entertained the student body & family members with a winter con-cert on December 21, 2011. Scott McEneany directed the Underwood Chorus in a wide variety of holiday songs. 3rd graders, Abby Kane and Kaylee Marr surprised the audience with a fabulous presentation of the Heat Miser & Snow Miser.

Coming Soon!Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

January 6th-19th

The ArtistJanuary 20th

“Little Women” The Newport Children’s Theatre

will present the Louisa May Alcott classic “Little Women,” a heart-warming tale of the four sisters, and how they grow up and learn about life and love. Adapted for the stage by Matt Buchanan it will be direct-ed by Chelsea Boergesson.

Performances are at the Rogers High School Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. Tickets available at the door, $10 adults, $8 seniors, and $6 for children under 12.

For more information visit new-portchildrenstheatre.com

Art and Dance of Ancient China

Representatives of the Falun Dafa Association of New England will be at the Newport Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. to pres-ent background information relat-ing to “Shen Yun,” a performance of ancient Chinese music and dance coming to the Providence Perform-ing Arts Center in January. This re-corded visual presentation will ex-plain the historical context of “Shen Yun,” which will promote under-standing of China’s art and culture, as well as enrich the experience of the actual performance for any-one planning to attend the show in Providence on January 19. Free and open to the public in the program Room, Newport Public Library.

Writing and Publish-ing Series

Newport Public Library is offer-ing a series of workshops for writers and writers who want to publish, on alternate Saturdays in January, February, and into March. The Writ-ing and Publishing Workshops Se-ries starts on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. In the first session Dianne Grinnell, a workshop facilitator with 25 years experience teaching and writing, will lead attendees in dis-cussion of writing technique, exer-cises, and critiquing.

On Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. Rose Pearson, of The Writers’ Circle, will give a presentation on “Get-ting Your Work Published”. Rose has been working with and guid-ing writers as executive director of The Writers’ Circle for more than 20 years. She has published The Writ-ers’ Circle annual anthology for at least 10 years. Her advice on the process includes resources, acquir-ing an agent, editing, and prepar-ing a manuscript.

The series continues in Febru-ary, with another writing workshop on Saturday, February 11 at 2 p.m. with Reference Librarian Luke Ow-ens, and on Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m., I Michael Grossman from the online “eBook Bakery” service, will talk about self-publishing and ebook publishing. In March, the series starts with a poetry writing workshop and then follows with a session featuring local authors who have gone through the self-publishing process and produced books.

No registration is necessary for these workshops. Writers of all lev-els are welcome. This series is of-fered by the Reference and Adult Services department and is appro-priate for adults and older teens. Contact Pat LaRose or Luke Owens for more information. 847-8720, ext. 208.

New Homebuyer Class Offered

An eight-session training pro-gram for potential homebuyers of-fered by Church Community Hous-ing Corp. will begin Tuesday Jan. 10, 2012, from 7-9 p.m. at Harbor House, 111 Washington St.

Participants will learn skills for improving their financial literacy, as well as the steps involved for purchasing a home. Classes focus on budgeting and savings, achiev-ing and maintaining good credit, becoming mortgage ready, un-derstanding purchase and sales agreements, closing documents, foreclosure prevention, and afford-able homeownership options.

The training cost is $50 per household plus a $14 per person/or $27 per couple credit report fee.

Classes will take place every other Tuesday night and one Sat-urday morning. For more informa-tion or to register for class, contact Linda Ramey at 846-5114 or email lramey@cchcnewport.org.

HAVE NEWS?Email your announcements by

Friday to news@newportthis week.net

Mr. Santi:I bought a new digi-

tal camera for myself for Christmas yet still have all my old film camera equipment: Cannon and Nikon cameras and lenses. Know that these are not antiques, but is this era 35mm cam-eras worth much today. — A Shutterbug

Dear Shutterbug:

People started putting their film cameras in closets and drawers over a decade ago as they moved to digital cameras. One of the most important things to have done is to remove any batteries to prevent a problem if they corrode. For the most part this era camera equipment has modest value. Usually around $100 for camera bodies for Nikons, Cannons, etc. The only cameras that have collectible interest are Leica and Hasselblad cameras and lenses: we have sold several vintage lei-ca’s over the past year in our gallery. Some younger photographers are still keen to ‘get their hands wet’ in a darkroom and use film but that is a small percentage of photographers.

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During the period from Mon-day, Dec. 19 to Monday, Dec. 26, the Newport Police De-partment responded to 496 calls. Of those, 105 were mo-tor vehicle related; there were 77 motor vehicle violations issued and 28 accidents.

The police also responded to 5 incidents of vandalism, 14 noise complaints, 15 animal complaints, and 38 home/business alarm calls. Officers conducted 6 school security checks (4-Triplett, 1-Thomp-son, 1-Coggeshall).

They transported 4 prisoners, provided 2 funeral escorts, responded to 2 suicide calls and 1 prostitution report. Five instances of assisting other agencies and 3 instances of assisting other police depart-ments were recorded, 7 pri-vate tows were also recorded.

In addition, 24 arrests were made for the following viola-tions:n Seven arrests were made for larceny.n Five arrests were made for disorderly conduct. n Three arrests were made for simple assault. n Two arrests were made for driving with a revoked or sus-pended license. n Two arrests were made for DUI. n One arrest was made for breaking & entering. n One arrest was made for an outstanding warrant. n One arrest was made for possession of an open con-tainer of alcohol.n One arrest was made for possession of marijuana.n One arrest was made for use of fraudulent $100 cur-rency.

Newport Police LogNewport Fire Incident Run Report

During the period from Monday, Dec. 19 to Monday, Dec. 26, the Newport Fire Department respond-ed to a total of 102 calls. Of those, 69 were emergency medical calls, resulting in 51 patients being trans-ported to the hospital. 6 patients refused aid. 1 patient was treated on the scene, transport to hospi-tal not needed and 6 patients left scene or were not found.

Fire apparatus was used for 97 responses, including the following situations:

2 - Motor vehicle accidents 1 - House / structure fire 1 - Gas leak 5 – Fire Alarms (malfunctions) 7 – Fire Alarms (unintentional)51 – Assists with medical rescues

or EMS callsIn the category of fire prevention;

the department performed 7 smoke alarm inspections for house sale, 12 life safety inspections and provided 8 fire system plan reviews.

Fire Prevention Message: Make sure space heaters have an emer-gency shut off in case they tip over. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is on or still hot. Refuel heaters outside, away from the house (U.S. Fire Adminis-tration).

—Information provided by FM Wayne Clark, ADSFM

Open Gym at the HutOn Thursdays, there will be open

gym time for preschoolers and adults. Preschool open gym will from Dec. to early April. The Hut gym will be open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m. for children up to age 5 to run around and play. There will not be any or-ganized programs during those times. Children must be accompa-nied and supervised by an adult. The cost is $5 per family per day, with multi-visit punch cards avail-able for purchase in advance.

The Adult Walking Program is also on Thursdays and will be held Monday through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. A buddy system is encouraged for fun and safety, but not required. One mile can be com-pleted by walking around the gym floor 16 laps. The fee is $1 per visit or a punch card. Contact the Hut for more information at 845-5800.

Christmas Tree Pick Up Schedule

Christmas trees and yard waste will be collected curbside from Jan. 9 - 13 on residents’ regularly sched-uled collection day. Do not put the tree in a plastic bag, and remember to remove all ornaments, tinsel, gar-land and lights. Christmas trees will be collected in a separate truck.

For more information about the City of Newport residential solid waste and recycling collection pro-gram, contact the Clean City Pro-gram at 845-5613 or visit www.cit-yofnewport.com/cleancity.

Retired Federal Employees Meeting

The National Association of Ac-tive and Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 0869, Newport, will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 at the United Congregational Church, Val-ley Road, Middletown.

The speaker is Britany Lyons form the Newport Patch. She will be speaking about the Patch, the articles that it features, what is does in the community, and how quickly it is growing.

All active and retired federal em-ployees and their spouses are invit-ed to attend, and if not a member, to join the chapter.

Refreshments are always served after the program. For more infor-mation call R. Bianco at 683-5421.

National Spelling Bee Preparatio s

St. Michael’s fourth through eighth graders will compete in the school finals for the National Geog-raphy Bee on Jan. 5, at 8 a.m. Place-ment in the finals is determined in preliminary rounds held in the classrooms in December.

The Geography Bee is an annual event at St. Michael’s and is spon-sored by the National Geographic Society. The ten finalists that make it past the preliminary rounds will answer questions that include a mix of economic, social, and historical themes at a whole school assembly on the 5th. The winner will partici-pate in the statewide competition in Providence later this year.

Value of the BookThe Newport Historical Society

will host rare book dealer Ray Rick-man on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Colony House. Using an “Antiques Road Show” type format with books brought by audience members, Rickman will provide in-formation on what types of books have the highest retail value .and of-fer complimentary estimates of the books’ value. Guests may bring up to three books. The fee is $5, $1 NHS members. Reserve at 841-8770.

How to Sell on ayLearn how to sell your unwanted

items on Ebay with Bob Heess at Portsmouth Free Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Learn step-by-step how to start selling right now — from setting up an account, listing your item, getting paid, and shipping to your custom-ers. This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Please stop by or call the library at 683-9457 to register.

Andrew Nixon Exhibit to Open at NAM

New England artist Andrew Nix-on explores notions of place and memory through his landscapes in a new exhibition opening Jan. 7 at the Newport Art Museum. “Andrew Nixon: I Am Here and You Are Not,” includes paintings, drawings and prints created between 1994 and 2011. The exhibition runs through March 11 in the museum’s Ilgen-fritz Gallery.

Place is a central theme in Nix-on’s work. The title “I Am Here and You Are Not” refers to, “the way in which we routinely exchange the experience of real places (the im-mediacy of earth, air and light) with their representation in pic-tures, maps and new media. Al-though place is obviously external, our sense of it is deep in the fabric of being, inseparable from imagi-nation and memory,” says Nixon, who teaches art at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Andrew Nixon will speak about his work during an informal gallery talk at the Newport Art Museum on Sunday, Jan. 15 beginning at 2 pm. The talk is free with museum admission.

Newport Art Muse-um Winter Lecture Series Line-up

The Newport Art Museum will kick off its 85th annual Winter Lec-ture Series on Saturday, Jan. 7. The Saturday lectures offer a host of ex-perts presenting on a wide range of subjects. For the seventh year in a row, Darrell West, of the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, will open the series, assessing today’s political climate. The full schedule follows.

Jan. 7 Darrell West - “Politics 2012: What’s Going On?”

Jan. 14 Art Manchester - “All That Jazz: 100 Years”

Jan. 21 Hayat Alvi - “The Middle East of Today and Tomorrow: The Long-Term Trends”

Jan. 28 Michael Conforti - “The Clark: Making an Impression in the Berkshires and Beyond”

Feb. 4 Richard Greenwood, “Out to Pasture: Colonial to Present Day Dairy Farming in Rhode Island”

Feb. 11 Richard Gutman, “What’s New is Old: 100 Years of Food Fads and Mainstream Trends”

Feb. 18 William Vareika - “The Enduring Art of William Trost Rich-ards”

Feb. 25 Steve Feinberg - “Lights, Camera, Action Rhode Island”

All lectures will begin at 2 p.m., with a tea reception to follow. Cost to attend is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Series sub-scribers can attend all eight lec-tures for $70 (members) or $105 (non-members).To subscribe, call Larry Bacon at 848-8200. For more information visit www.NewportArt-Museum.org

The 2012 Winter Lecture Series is supported by Ronald Lee Fleming II, Denise L. Roberts, George and Anita Furbish, Robert and Cynthia Sinclair, Robin and Fred Warren, Jo-hanna and Ronald Becker, Margot and Richard Grosvenor.

Workshops for Job-Seekers

Newport Public Library will be hosting a series of workshops for job seekers this winter. Presented by the RI Department of Labor and Training, the series starts Friday, Jan-uary 20 at 10:30 a.m. with a session on writing resumes and cover let-ters. DLT coordinator Jane Palmer will guide attendees in sharpening up their resumes and give tips on what to cover in cover letters. The next session on interviewing hap-pens on Friday, February 17. The final session on conducting a job search will be held March 16. Some laptops will be available for use af-ter the main presentation. Regis-tration is not limited, but please call the library to sign-up for each ses-sion so the library will know how many handouts to prepare. Sign up at the Reference Desk.

Business School Accreditation

Salve Regina’s department of business studies and economics has received a reaffirmation and accreditation from the Interna-tional Assembly for Collegiate Busi-ness Education (IACBE), effective through November 2018.

Included in the specialized ac-creditation are both graduate and undergraduate business programs offered at the university, includ-ing: the master of business ad-ministration; master of science in management; master of science in healthcare administration and man-agement; and bachelor of science in accounting, business administra-tion, financial management, global business and economics, and mar-keting.

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Visit www.pennfield.org for in-formation on the 5th and 6th grade Merit Scholarship exam and the ad-mission and financial aid process. To RSVP, call 849-4646 or email kemory@pennfield.org.

Page 6 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

Lynne Tungett, Publisher & Editor

Tom Shevlin, Associate Publisher & News Editor

Letters PolicyNewport This Week encourages all citizens to comment publicly on the events and times in which we live. We will print any letter sent to us, adhering to guidelines for taste, accuracy, fairness, and public interest. Letters must be signed by the author and must include a telephone number and street address. Letters are limited to 500 words. Direct letters to: Newport This Week, 86 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840. Letters may also be sent via email to news@newportthisweek.net, Attention: Editorial.

Corrections: We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and ethical responsibility. If you feel we have not met those standards, please notify us.

EDITORIAL2012 in Preview

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NEWPORTZoning Board: Meets every fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber

Members:Marvin AbneyLynn Ceglie – 2nd AlternateMartin CohenMary Joan Hoene Seiter –

1st AlternateMichael Martin IIRebecca McSweeney – ChairGregory Yalanis

Planning Board: Meets every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber

Members:Corey BobbaRichard Carrubba - ChairJames Dring – Vice-Chair Tanya KelleyDeborah Melino-WenderMary Moniz – Secretary Michael MurrayKim Salerno

Your opinion counts. Use it!

Send us your letters at news@newportthisweek.net

Wildlife’s Santa: Senator Jack Reed To the Editor;

Senator Reed doesn’t really look like Santa Claus, but if you’re a pip-ing plover, a New England cotton-tail rabbit or a harbor seal, he might bear a striking resemblance. That’s because last week, when Congress passed the final appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012, drastic cuts to wildlife programs - including the National Wildlife Refuge System -were largely spared.

The Fiscal Year 2012 budget for the entire Refuge System is $486.5 million which is almost a $6 mil-lion cut from the prior year’s bud-get. While the cut is a blow, the final number was actually higher than the amount initially recommended by either the House or Senate. We have our own Senator Reed who chairs the Senate appropriations subcommittee responsible for the Interior Department to thank for all his efforts in getting the cut mini-mized.

Although our five national wild-

life refuges in Rhode Island will see some impacts from reduced budgets, because of Senator Reed the impact will be diminished. The House of Representatives had rec-ommended a drastic cut to overall funding, which would have likely closed many popular programs on our Rhode Island refuges, possibly including fishing, environmental education and the ability for the public to use all of the refuges.

Yes friends, there is a Santa Claus watching over wildlife!

Please come out to visit one of the national wildlife refuges in Rhode Island over your holiday break, and when you do, be thank-ful that we have someone like Sen-ator Reed who understands their value – not only for the wildlife that depend upon them for food and shelter, but also for us.

Richard ThiekeChairman, Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island

To Everyone at NTW:Thanks for working so hard

on the paper this year. Your weekly has become the paper of choice for most of Newport. Things can only get better.

Too, I wanted you to know that I bought almost every-thing locally; I got a wonder-ful selection and good value for my money.

Most Sincerely,

Mary Weston

Kudos to NTW

It’s customary at this time of year for news outlets to take a step back and peer into their archives to reflect on some of the more mem-orable stories of the past year.

Though we’re doing the same this week with a look back at some of our favorite snapshots from our expanded sports coverage, we thought it equally important to consider the year ahead.

From the outset, 2012 has the look of a busy year. In local politics, Newport will soon have a new city manager, and

candidates will soon be declaring their intentions to run for a slew of offices from council and school committee to general assembly.

On the federal level, the race for CD-1 is shaping up to be one to watch, with former state Rep. John Loughlin and Brendan Doherty duking it out on the Republican side to unseat incumbent Rep. Da-vid N. Cicilline following what has been a rocky first term. Meanwhile, in the senate, it will be a choice between two Newporters, with Re-publican Barry Hinckley hoping his campaign of limited government strikes a chord with voters in his challenge against Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

Retailers are already looking to the summer, and the promise held by a trio of events: the start of the Newport-Bermuda Race, the debut of the America’s Cup World Series Regatta, and the return of the Tall Ships.

2012 will also be the year when the ground is broken on two ma-jor public construction projects: the $30 million Claiborne d. Pell El-ementary School, and an $80-million upgrade to the city’s antiquated water treatment plants. Lower Thames Street is also expected to get a facelift by way of a pilot project being coordinated through the city that calls for various streetscape improvements to a small section of the rutted roadway. Speaking of roads, with the Washington Square project finally complete, expect city leaders to look toward improving Broadway as the next area eyed for rehabilitation.

By this time next year, the city should also be well into develop-ing a course of action for redeveloping the city’s remaining elemen-tary schools, which will be shuttered upon completion of the new Pell School on Dexter Street.

If all goes well, Newport will have a new public boating center in the heart of the Yachting Village just in time for the boating season. An issue that we’ve followed closely, the redevelopment of the Lower Thames Street Armory, should – as it has for the last several years – be a familiar theme within these pages.

So, too, should the city’s effort to redevelop the North End, specifi-cally the potential acquisition of the former Naval Hospital and the reconfiguration of the Pell Bridge exit ramps.

As we’ve learned only recently, we can also expect to hear more de-bate about the future of Newport Grand and the push to convert the former jai alai fronton into a full-scale casino.

Then of course, there’s Queen Anne Square, which dominated headlines in 2011. We expect to follow the project closely as it moves from concept to reality.

Homeowners in Newport will also have a better idea of what their properties are worth as a full revaluation wraps up, while we once again expect to be following up on efforts to help those without homes.

2012 could also be transformative for grassroots organizations such as BikeNewport, which has been making headlines with their quest to make Newport the most bicycle-friendly community in the state.

Of course, there are sure to be countless more stories and issues that will arise over the coming year that we haven’t made mention of here, but we’ll do our best to cover them and look forward to the con-versation playing out in our Letters section and online at Newport-Now.com.

In the meantime, from all of us at Newport This Week and Newport Now, have a happy and safe New Year!

Several years ago, out of necessi-ty, I bought a cell phone. I needed one so my kids could reach me in case of an emergency if I was stay-ing aboard my sailboat in Newport Harbor. I got the cheapest one I could find, because I figured I’d probably lose it overboard, which I eventually did. So I got another one. Like many people today, I’ve become quite dependent on this wonderful invention. I’ve often wondered how we functioned as a culture without these things. I mean, do we really need a device like this to talk with others? Fur-thermore, shouldn’t talk be cheap?

I’m puzzled when I see a group of people walking down the street yammering away on their phones to other people, as they walk in a group. I’m sure these folks could come up with a topic of mutual in-terest — with each other. People talking on a cell phone in a restau-rant scrambles my synapses to the point where I want to scream! This cell-phone behavior ranks right up there with guys wearing hats tilt-ed askance while eating in restau-rants, and if they’re talking on a cell phone, I become apoplectic! Once I was on the MV Block Island head-ing out to visit a friend. I was enjoy-ing a pleasant ride and looking at the island loom ahead. Suddenly, I was rocked from my quiet rever-

ie by the crisp and articulate voice of an indignant passenger whom I know. She hissed with a clenched jaw, “Do we all have to hear this!” at a man who was wildly gesticulat-ing and talking loudly on his cell phone. I gave her a slight wink as passengers looked at her with in-difference. The guy looked at her with befuddlement. As we were getting off the ferry, I said, “You go girl!”

Nowadays, these devices are also used for “Texting,” which baffles me even further. I see guys at the fer-ry docks where I work in Point Ju-dith, texting messages while lean-ing against forklifts and ferryboat bulkheads during their slack time. I wonder why they don’t just talk on the phone−given that it is a phone−to the person. I figured I was maybe missing something, so I tried it. (Please note that I just re-cently learned how to save phone numbers in my archaic cell phone, as my wallet was filled with yel-low sticky notes with numbers on them.)

Now I’m an open minded baby-boomer, but I found texting 2 b t d us. First of all, I could barely see the letters on the screen. Second-ly, I’m not a good multi-tasker, so I had to sit down while I squinted and pressed the keys. Thirdly and most importantly, it was very time

consuming constructing real sen-tences without truncating this Eng-lish language which I love so well. Sometimes I wonder where all of the progress will end. I sometimes envision a world without people texting and celling. I have a vision of people staring vacuously into the distance and embracing their own thoughts; in other words think-ing. I see groups of people talking, without looking down at their re-spective cell phones, and actually listening to each other. I envision a world where I won’t see people driving on the highway texting…I forgot to mention the whole “Sex-ting” thing. ‘Nuff said about that.

My wife recently got a cell phone for work-related reasons. She lost or misplaced it. I think she called me once. I don’t know her number. This has not affected my wife’s job responsibilities or our marriage at all. I also know one other guy from the Block Island who’s a few years my senior (he’s a very busy guy) who doesn’t have a cell phone, nor does he have a computer, and he does just fine without them. Fi-nally, if after reading my didactic spin about this new-fangled, com-municative tool, you find it’s not 4 U - great!

J. V. Houlihan, Jr.Newport

Is Texting 4U?

December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 7

Isabel

Real Estate Transactions: Dec. 16 - Dec. 23Address Seller Buyer Price

Newport

24 Walnut St. Denise & Phillip Drapeau Richard Witt & Beth Willett $372,000 84 Third St. Kathleen Sweeney George Hicks & Kathy Sheets $350,000 Lee’s Wharf Tuscan Realty LLC Newport Dock Rentals LLC $325,000 Unit M4 Lee’s Wharf RAJA III, Inc. Newport Dock Rentals LLC $300,000 Unit M27 DeLasalle Condo Mildred Ward & Susan Spring Jerome Sullivan $210,000 Unit A2 77 Garfield St. Sara Place & Brian Krauss Trish Castellon $115,000 Unit 2

136 Fenner Ave. Anthony & Melinda Bettencourt Lee Chagnon $220,000

42 Sloop Dr. JMV Realty LLC Jeffrey & Kelly Goss $350,000 66 East Main Rd. Harkins Development Company Philip Harkins $355,000 53 Sandy Point Sandy Point Farms Condo LLC Philip Harkins $343,234 Farm Rd. #1 53 Sandy Point Sandy Point Farms Condo LLC Philip Harkins $328,041 Farm Rd. #10 2217 East Main Rd. Roland & Lucille Shappy Brenda Jephson $270,000 75 Wilkey Ave. Elizabeth Springett Bryan & Megan Clooney $232,000 0 Russo Rd. Anthony Russo Peter Reed & Ronald Chace $204,255 87 Lisa Terr. Charles Aboyoun David Clarke 200,000

165 Capstan St. Anne & John Westerfield III Ashley Sean Trifero $336,000

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We’re on Vacation - Reopening January 3, 2012

LAVALLEE CONTINUED FROM PG. 1leave behind a 10-page briefing packet for his successor, who will be charged with overseeing some daunting tasks.

From the $80 million upgrade to the city’s drinking water treat-ment plants, to the ongoing effort to redevelop the North End and the preparations for the upcoming America’s Cup World Series Regat-ta and Tall Ships return, Howing-ton should have no trouble staying busy in her new post.

Lavallee sat down with Newport This Week in June, shortly after he announced his decision to retire. In a wide ranging discussion, he re-flected on his time at the helm, on where the city is today, and on the challenges that lie ahead.

Among what he hopes will be one of his lasting legacies, will be the culture of professionalism that he says he’s tried to impress across the administration.

“The City of Newport is fortu-nate,” Lavallee said. “We’ve got tal-ented people here…Under the radar, there’s a tremendous com-mitment and passion for getting things done. The challenge is to recognize that and cut the reins loose and let those directors and their staff do their best.”

Still, he added, “We expect a lot of people.” He recalled the time ear-ly in his tenure, when he received a phone call from a business own-er on Long Wharf who complained about the amount of trash that was blowing around the sidewalk due to an overflowing trash can. It was a busy, beautiful summer day, and the trash was a troubling sight for visitors in the area.

After calling public works to alert them of the situation, Lavallee walked down to see the situation for himself. For the next half-hour or so, he worked to clear the debris from the sidewalk, depositing it in a trash bag lent to him by an area business owner.

Rather than being an example of micromanagement, Lavallee said the incident reflects an ownership culture he has tried to impart on all levels of city government.

Constantly crediting the city’s municipal employees, Lavallee said, “We are a work force that works to-gether.”

To that, he added, “It’s been chal-lenging at times, but I really will

miss the job.”That sentiment was evident dur-

ing Lavallee’s final City Council meeting on Dec. 14. During brief remarks, he described the last six years as “a privilege.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself and of all of us,” he said. “Working for the city of Newport; it’s a community you have to love.”

Council members added their own thoughts to the record.

Mayor Waluk reflected that it was “a sad day here at City Hall, because Ed’s done a good job.”

Councilor Henry F. Winthrop said that “Ed raised the bar,” while Coun-cilor Charles Y. Duncan added that he “made a better city.”

Prior to being named city man-ager in 2006, Lavallee spent 27 years with the Newport Police De-partment, where he was instru-mental in a number of capital proj-ects, including the construction of the department’s headquarters on Broadway.

A former police administrator and longtime Newport resident, La-vallee’s love for the city is unques-tioned. And while most might find the day-to-day operations of City Hall to be mundane, Lavallee dem-onstrated a quiet passion for his job that has served the city well.

On snowy days, it wasn’t un-common to find Lavallee trudging across town, snow shovel in hand.

Last winter, we found him shovel-ing snow at the crosswalk in front of City Hall. Asked why he was out in the snow, he said at the time that he had taken responsibility for the crosswalk. “People need to be able to get to City Hall,” he said plainly.

Among his more notable accom-plishments was a decision early on in his tenure to carry out a signifi-cant department realignment and create of a series of self-sustaining enterprise funds.

His work with the council to move the city to a strong fiscal footing, develop a long-term road improve-ment plan, and address antiquated infrastructure, are also noteworthy. As Councilwoman Jeanne-Marie Napolitano remarked, Lavallee has “probably turned out to be one of the most effective city managers I have ever had the privilege to work with.”

As for his future plans, Lavallee has pledged to remain active in the community. A devoted member of the St. Joseph’s Parish commu-nity and longtime member of the Gooseberry Beach Association, La-vallee said on Wednesday, “I’m not going anywhere.” He also said that he’s looking forward to settling into a new job and has agreed to stay on board with the planning com-mittees that are helping to plan the AC World Series and Tall Ships events.

Lavallee is a long time member of the Gooseberry Beach Club. (Photo by Tom Shevlin)

Page 8 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

128 Species Tallied in Audubon Christmas Bird CountThis is the second of a two-part

story on the 112th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The Newport County/Westport Mass. bird count was conducted on Dec. 17, 2011 by scores of volunteers. For the first part of the story see the Dec. 22, 2011 is-sue or visit Newport-now.com.

By Jack Kelly

Led by experienced bird watch-ers, Paul Letoille and Matt Grimes, our group began the mission of counting waterfowl and other avi-an species along the Ocean Loop Trail at Sachuest Point NWR. Be-sides Grimes and Letoille, our par-ty consisted of volunteers Jack-ie Mitchell and Danielle Leitao of Americorps and Dante Gamache of Save the Bay.

As Leitao kept count on an Audu-bon checklist, Grimes and Letoille called out waterfowl species and counts, while the rest of us scanned the adjacent fields for songbirds and raptors. As we made our way along the trail, we observed nu-merous sea duck species such as Common Eider, Black Scoters, Buf-fleheads, Common Goldeneye, and Harlequin Ducks. Grimes sighted a Dovekie flying just offshore and low over the water. He and Le-toille watched it through our tele-scope before it flew out of sight. The Dovekie is a small ocean sea bird in the Alcid family. This fam-

ily of species rarely approaches shores, except in the case of severe ocean storms such as hurricanes or nor’easters, or to nest and breed in Greenland. They live in the pelagic waters of the North Atlantic.

As we continued our journey we observed Northern Gannets, which winter off the mid-Atlantic States, often well out to sea in pelagic wa-ters. Horned Grebes, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Purple Sandpipers entertained us as we made our way along the southern coast of the ref-uge. We sighted Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and Car-olina Wrens in the fields along our path. A female Harrier Hawk made an appearance as she hunted for prey along the seashore and brush line. Our heads were spinning in every direction as we catalogued species, and tried to take in all the sights and sounds around us. By the time we finished our assigned duties, we were all quite proud of ourselves.

The teams of volunteers rendez-voused at the visitor’s center as each group finished their monitor-ing duties. Rey Larsen the overall volunteer leader, began to assign new observation areas to the now rested and warmed participants. I joined Grimes, Letoille, and natu-ralist Charles Avenengo for a trip to Nelson’s Pond. This pond is part of the Newport Reservoir system and is nestled between Paradise Avenue and Hanging Rock, adja-

cent to the Norman Bird Sanctu-ary. The pond’s waters feed a fresh water marsh system that borders Sachuest Point Road and Hanging Rock Road.

Avenengo, an accomplished naturalist and experienced bird watcher, was eager to check the marsh area for Virginia Rails, a small wading bird species that frequents this wetland section. I was excited at the prospect of seeing this fairly shy species for the first time. Lucki-ly for us, the overcast skies and chill winds that had tormented us at Sa-chuest Point NWR, had passed and we were treated to rising tempera-tures and a clear blue sky.

As we climbed the pond’s em-bankment and approached the crest, we observed Canada Geese flocks on the water. Two female Harrier Hawks were hunting in tandem along the banks of the pond and over the marsh. To the north we sighted three Red-tailed Hawks soaring majestically over the wooded areas and lawns of the Gray Craig Estate.

Letoille produced a recording of the Virginia Rail’s call and began to play it from atop the bank of the pond, as we all listened intently for a response. The Virginia Rail is ap-proximately 9-9-1/2 inches long with a wingspan of 14 inches. It has a long bill and long legs for wad-ing in fresh water and coastal salt marshes. Plumage colors are varied due to mature or juvenile status.

Adults have a rich chestnut color to their upper plumage and a dark gray face. Juveniles have grayish-black sides and back, with grayish to pink legs and mostly dark bills. Rails forage for small vertebrates and invertebrates, small crabs and some vegetable matter. They usu-ally migrate south from our region when the marshes freeze over, but due to the above average temper-atures they have remained in the area.

Almost immediately we heard an answer from our quarry. As we moved along the bank of the pond, we received responses from three separate individuals and sighted two of them as they moved about the reeds of the marsh. The Vir-ginia Rail’s calls are very distinc-tive with a descending series of grunts, followed by a rapid series of kek, kek, kek, k-dek, k-dek, k-dek, on one pitch, then a very harsh sound. It was a unique encounter for me. My companions were very pleased with the results of our ex-cursion. As we returned to our ve-hicles, Letoille decided to try one last section of the marsh, close to Paradise Avenue. As Letoille played his recording, we were immediate-ly rewarded for his efforts! Looking down a break in the reeds we could see two Rails that were not only an-swering his recording, but staring straight at us! They immediately dashed out of sight–one to the left and one to the right. We could see

the tops of the cattail reeds sway as the Rails moved between them.

Due to a previous engagement, I had to leave my cohorts and the Bird Count. However, I will remem-ber this day for a long time.

The overall tally from the com-bined data collected during the Newport County/Westport Mass. Circle revealed the presence of 128 species that produced 35,121 indi-viduals. It is important to mention that most of southern Newport and northwest Portsmouth are out-side of the count circle. For a com-plete list of the results go to ASRI.org. Also an explanation of the Bird Count and its parameters are avail-able on line at Newport-now.com or see Dec. 15, 2011 issue of NTW.

A Red-tailed Hawk helps to welcome visitors to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Jack Kelly)

Virginia Rail, a small wading bird species that frequents wetlands

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How to Enter the Contest

Entry forms and rules: www.fws.gov/juniorduck/artcontest.htm

More information: contact state coordinator Sarah Lang, 847-5511 or email sarah_lang@fws.gov.

To submit contest design: drop off at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor’s center daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or mail to Rhode Island NWR Complex, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, R.I. 02813 c/o Sarah Lang.

The Junior Duck Stamp Con-servation and Design Program has been announced and is ac-cepting applications through March 15, 2012. The Junior Duck Stamp is a pictorial stamp pro-duced by the U.S. Fish and Wild-life Service. It recognizes the conservation efforts of young people and supports environ-mental and conservation pro-grams in the United States.

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December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 9

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Naval Base Information Compiled by Pat Blakeley

Sing Into Spring!If you’ve got a love for mu-

sic and a song in your heart, the Newport Navy Choristers wants you! The group is ac-cepting new members and is in rehearsal for its spring con-cert series. Membership is open to active duty, reserve, retired, dependents over 16, and DoD civilian personnel. Experience and auditions are not required, just an enthusi-asm for music and choral fel-lowship. For more information, contact Pat McGue at 849-1135 or JoAnn Lowenthal at 849-4823, or visit www.New-portNavyChoristers.org.

NOSC CoffeesThe Newport Officers’

Spouses’ Club meets regularly for informal coffee gatherings. The first Wednesday of the month, members get togeth-er at 9 a.m. at Custom House Coffee, Clock Tower Square in Portsmouth. On the third Wednesday of every month the gathering is at Espresso Yourself, 337 Thames Street, Newport at 10 a.m. The coffees are a casual way to meet peo-ple and learn about the area. No registration is necessary, all military spouses are welcome. Visit www.nosc.org.

Get in Shape!“Make Your Way Across

America” runs Jan. 2 through April 20 and is open to active duty, reserve, retired, depen-dent and DoD civilian person-nel. Participants “journey” the 3,000 miles from Naval Station Newport to Naval Station San Diego. Progress is calculated in terms of calories burned, not actual miles. Patrons will burn off approximately 30,000 calo-ries, and take part in lectures, classes and incentive chal-lenges. Register at Gym 109, 841-3154. What have you got to lose?

The Naval War College Museum recently announced the schedule for the winter/spring Eight Bells Lecture Series. The first lecture is Jan. 19 – “Saving Big Ben: The USS Franklin and Father Joseph T. O’Callahan,” Author John “Jack” Satterfield chronicles the World War II experiences of the U.S. Na-vy’s first Jesuit chaplain, an unas-suming former math professor who, after the USS Franklin was decimated in a kamikaze attack, sprang to action, organizing the ship’s fire crews and ministering to the injured and dying.

During the lunchtime lectures, the author presents on the book topic and events leading to publi-cation, then takes questions. The talks are limited to one hour and the audience is welcome to bring brown bag lunches. Guests who are able to linger can stay for further discussion and have their books signed. Copies of the books are on sale in the Naval War College Foun-dation Gift Shop. The series is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and advanced reserva-tions are strongly suggested. To re-serve and arrange for base access, call 841-2101 at least one work day prior to event.

NWC Museum Eight Bells Series

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WELLNESSRing in a Healthier You in 2012

With the start of a new year, Da-na-Farber Cancer Institute experts are encouraging people to ring in new healthy habits. Here are some of their free and low-cost strate-gies to help maintain good health and possibly reduce various cancer risks.

Get moving!Staying fit and healthy can be as

simple as lacing up a pair of sneak-ers and going for a walk. Moderate to intensive aerobic exercise, ac-cording to studies, can reduce the risk of recurrence of several can-cers, including colon and breast.

“You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but the more you exercise, typically the greater the beneficial effect,” says Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, a Dana-Farber gastroin-testinal cancer specialist.

Here are some inexpensive ways to workout, but consult a doctor before starting any new exercise program.

-Use the stairs rather than an el-evator.

-Walk or ride a bike rather than driving.

-Takie an exercise break or quick walk at work.

-Use a stationary bicycle or tread-mill while watching TV.

Color Your World…and your shirt?

It doesn’t cost anything to walk right past the cookie aisle and into a store’s produce section. And, tak-ing that little detour can provide many health benefits. A diet low in processed sugars, red meat and calories, but high in fruits and veg-etables and loaded with antioxi-dants is one of the simplest ways to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

The key is to look for colorful produce like pomegranates, toma-toes, eggplant, grapes, cherries, and turnip. The brighter and richer the pigment, the higher the level of nutrients.

“In the nutrition world, we like to say if it comes from the ground, and it stains your shirt, you want to be eating it,” says Stephanie Mey-ers, MS, RD/LDN, a nutritionist at Dana-Farber.

Skip that cocktailLimiting alcohol consumption

can save money and may lower the risk of developing some cancers. Dana-Farber researchers found that women who consume one alcohol-ic drink a day may increase their risk for breast cancer. “Women need to consider the possible effects of al-cohol on breast cancer risk when weighing the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption,” says Wendy Chen, MD, PhD, a breast cancer ex-pert. “Our findings indicate that in some women, even modest levels of alcohol consumption may ele-vate their risk of breast cancer.”

Save money and lives– quit smoking

Buying cigarettes and other to-bacco products can really take a bite out of a budget. Kicking the habit can result in both a healthi-er lifestyle and significant financial savings.

According to the American Can-cer Society, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. It also causes more than 80 percent of all cases of lung cancer and increases the risk of oral, throat, pancreatic, uterine, bladder, and kidney cancers.

“Even though there have been many recent advances in lung can-cer treatments, the most effective way to eradicate lung cancer is to prevent it from ever happening,” explains Bruce Johnson, MD, di-rector of Dana-Farber’s Lowe Cen-ter for Thoracic Oncology. Johnson emphasizes that it is never too late to quit. People who stop and re-main nonsmokers for at least 10 to 20 years can cut their risk of devel-oping lung cancer in half.

–Plan the quit day.

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Page 10 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

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BEFORE AFTER

Do Yoga for the New Year!

www.somayoganewport.com846-soma · Pond Avenue, Newport

Glazed Rutabagas and Turnips

Serves 6

Ingredients: 1 lb. of baby turnips, peeled and cut into one inch squares1 lb. of rutabagas, peeled and cut into one inch squares3 tbs. butter1 tbs. sugar1 tsp. dark brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt

Place the turnips and rutabagas into a large pot of water. Make sure the water covers the vegeta-bles. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes or until you can break a square of tur-nip with a fork. You want the vege-tables to be cooked and tender but not to lose their shape. Transfer the vegetables to a colander and let dry for fifteen minutes. *If you are pre-paring this dish, in advance, this is point where you can stop and place the vegetables (covered) in bowl and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. After fifteen minutes place the turnips and rutabagas in a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally to make sure the veg-etables do not stick to bottom of the skillet. Cook long enough so that the sugar is melted evenly over the vegetables; about five minutes. Make sure the vegetables are heat-ed through. Place in a serving dish, and take to the table.This simple dish allows you to taste the essence of these root vegeta-bles. It has a bit of color, as the ru-tabaga is a lovely shade of yellow-orange. The sugars enhance the flavor of these glorious root vege-tables. Different can be delish!

Fancy Parsnip PureeServes 4-6

Ingredients:6 medium size parsnips, peeled, and cut into rounds3 cups chicken broth1 pint of heavy cream1 stick of sweet butterSea salt and freshly ground pepper

In a medium size saucepan add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the parsnips and boil for 30-35 minutes. Unlike potatoes, pars-nips take almost twice the time to cook. They are cooked when you can easily put a fork through the center of a large round. Remove them from the broth and save the broth (optional). Place the warm parsnips into a food processor and puree with the butter that has been cut into small squares. Very slowly add the cream through the feeder tube until the consistency of the puree is very smooth, but not run-ny. Once you add cream, you can-not take it out and you do not want the puree to be thin. You want it to be a very smooth consistency of very whipped, potatoes. If you do not want to use all cream, you can use some of the broth to thin your parsnip paste. Salt and pepper to taste, return the puree to the sauce-pan and warm for three minutes; serve immediately. This dish can be made two days in advance, kept in the refrigerator and is the perfect complement to lamb shanks roast-ed in garlic with red wine and fresh rosemary.

Newport County TV Program Highlights December 29 – January 1

For more information visit www.NCTV18.blogspot.com call (401) 293-0806, or email NCTV@cox.net

THURSDAY – DECEMBER 299:00 a.m. Sugarstick Singers: An Evening of Song10:00 a.m. Lessons of Love10:30 a.m. Newport City Limits11:00 a.m. Jazz Bash11:30 a.m. Center Stage 12:00 p.m. Portsmouth Water & Fire District Mtg: 12.201:15 p.m. Portsmouth Town Council Mtg: 12.125:00 p.m. Grace and Truth6:00 p.m. Community Baptist Church7:00 p.m. Thompson Middle School Concert7:50 p.m. Rogers High School Chorus & Orchestra Concert8:30 p.m. Rogers High School Band & Navy Band Concert9:15 p.m. Annual Reading of George Washington Letter

FRIDAY – DECEMBER 309:00 a.m. Grace and Truth10:00 a.m. Community Baptist Church11:00 a.m. Thompson Middle School Concert11:50 a.m. Rogers High School

Chorus & Orchestra Concert12:30 p.m. Rogers High School Band & Navy Band Concert1:15 p.m. Annual Reading of George Washington Letter6:00 p.m. Crossed Paths 6:30 p.m. Newport County In-Focus7:00 p.m. Nativity of Christ Pup-pet Pageant7:30 p.m. Gaudet School Concert (Hookway)8:05 p.m. Gaudet School Concert (Johnson)8:45 p.m. Middletown High School Chorus Concert9:45 p.m. Middletown High School Band Concert10:35 p.m. RI PEG Awards – 2011 Ceremony

SATURDAY – DECEMBER 3111:00 a.m. Nativity of Christ Pup-pet Pageant11:30 a.m. Gaudet School Con-cert (Hookway)12:05 p.m. Gaudet School Con-cert (Johnson)12:45 p.m. Middletown High School Chorus Concert

1:45 p.m. Middletown High School Band Concert2:35 p.m. RI PEG Awards – 2011 Ceremony4:00 p.m. Sugarstick Singers: An Evening of Song5:00 p.m. Crossed Paths (Christ-mas Music)5:30 p.m. Nativity of Christ Pup-pet Pageant6:00 p.m. Gaudet School Concert (Hookway)6:35 p.m. Gaudet School Concert (Johnson)7:15 p.m. Middletown High School Chorus Concert8:15 p.m. Middletown High School Band Concert9:05 p.m. Thompson Middle School Concert9:55 p.m. Rogers High School Chorus & Orchestra Concert9:30 p.m. Rogers High School Band & Navy Band Concert10:20 p.m. Annual Reading of George Washington Letter

SUNDAY – JANUARY 1Special Holiday Progr a.m.ming

Winter’s Stalwart Roots: Rutabaga, Parsnips and TurnipsBy Cynthia Gibson

This is the season for taking a second look at root vegetables. Ru-tabagas, parsnips and turnips are three of the most underrated root vegetables appearing in the mar-kets now. Turnips and rutabagas take up a lot of room in produce departments simply because they are very large roots. Parsnips, milky-white root vegetables, are usually sold three or four to a plastic bag. These three vegetables are the “or-phans” of the vegetable aisle, just waiting for an inspired cook to walk by and put them into a basket.

A few root vegetable facts: The rutabaga is a member of the mus-tard family, as are turnips. The ruta-baga, however, is a native of Swe-den, where its name is Rottebagge, meaning ‘root bag.’ These root bags differ from turnips in their elongat-ed shape, deep purple tops, and yellow flesh. Most varieties of ru-tabagas are sweeter than most tur-nips. Some varieties of turnips are

bred to be sweet, but supermar-kets usually do not sell them.

The Scots have the best word for rutabagas, and that is “neeps.” Neeps are mashed rutabagas, and when these are mixed with mashed potatoes, they become ‘clapshot.’ The English are far kinder to this neglected veg-etable and call them ‘Swedes.’

Roasted ruta-bagas and tur-nips have long been a staple accompaniment with roast beef for Sunday night dinner. These lovely, fragrant, sweet roots go well with roasts of any sort.

Turnips, Brassica Rapa var, are native to the Mediterranean. Greeks and Romans grew turnips to an unusual extent, and after a while, they grew in the wild. Small turnips are grown for human con-sumption, and those that grow to

two pounds and larger are used for livestock fodder. And therein lies the rub with turnips: They are con-sidered a less distinctive vegetable because they are used to feed live-stock. Well, just forget that! When they are small, turnips are tasty and

sweet. They are a wel-come addition to

any stew, taking it from an ordi-nary dish to a bowl of sim-mered inspi-

ration. Turnips and rutabagas share the add-ed feature that

their leafy greens can also be cooked and eaten . The leaves are parboiled, then quickly sautéed in butter and served pip-ing hot. In the Southern states, this is quite a common vegetable.

Parsnips are relatives of the car-rot and are natives of the Mediter-ranean. They were the ‘sweet’ favor-ites of Greeks and Romans. Though they are creamy-white in color and rather insipid looking, do not be fooled: These root vegetables are quite elegant and delicious. They do not have the bright orange col-or that carrots do, but their taste is more exotic. There is a hint of car-damom making them a bit more pungent.

Parsnips, too, go well with roasts. A roast beef, turkey or lamb leg will find fine company next to very tasty mashed, creamed parsnips. The aroma of mashed parsnips is intoxicating. They are worth trying. You will want more.

You can also eat parsnips raw with a dip, or you can shred them to make a slaw. Or simply roast, boil, or mash them. They are a versatile root vegetable. A major feature of the parsnip, like rutabaga and tur-nip, is that they store well during the fall and winter. The smaller the parsnip, the sweeter it will be. You will find this ivory-white vegetable

on the menus of the fanciest New York City restaurants. It will most likely be in the form of heavily but-tered puree or as a soufflé. So when you next walk down the produce aisle in your supermarket, try pars-nips, or buy a turnip or two to roast. Winter is long, and your taste buds need a little excitement. These veg-etables are just asking for a place on your plate, so put them in your basket, and do not let them down!

Cynthia Gibson is a gardener, food writer and painter. She gardens

passionately and tends her minia-ture orchard in Newport.

154 Mill Street, Newport, RI 02840(401)619-1130

Mimi’s for Kids!

24 Franklin Street. Newport. RI 02840401.846.8400 / www.NewportSpice.com

Premier merchants of spicesfrom around the world.

Newport This Week December 29, 2011 Page 11

Here ’s to a Ra“NEW” You This Year!

Rachel Prendergast and the RaNEW Crew

580 thames st reet, wel l ington square 401.619.4848

ArmoryAntiques

The best placein Newport to find one-of-a-kind gifts!

Armory Antiques365 Thames StreetNewport, RI 02840

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Art, Books,Sports Memorabilia,Novelties and Much

More!Open Daily 10-5

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Happy Holidays from all of us at J.H. Breakell & Co.Thank you to all our loyal customers for another great year.

Candlelight Tours a Rousing Success

Candlelight Tour volunteers gather with Fairview homeowner Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. Left to right: Pam Hale, Carol Hale, Barbara Tortolani,

Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Kathy Martin, Pat Drislane.

More than 2,000 people visited the nine historic houses on display during Christ-mas in Newport’s annual Candlelight Tour of private homes. Three different homes were open to the public each evening Dec. 26-28, representing the best of New-port’s 18th and 19th century architecture. Coordinator Vance Gatchel reports that the attendance was the best they have had in years, attributing the spike to both the homes showcased and the (mostly) cooperative weather. “It’s been wonderful!” Gatchel enthused, “This is so important to Christmas in Newport - we raise most of our operating funds with these tours.” She praised the owners, who graciously

open their historic homes to hundreds of visitors so soon after the holi-day, and her cadre of volunteers for making the event possible.

— Pat Blakeley

Santa decided to “freshen up” during a stop at Fairview.

Major Steve Colonies and Sergeant Brandon Aglio of the Newport Artillery Co. stand at the

ready in front of the Quaker School House

Becky and Dan McSweeney welcome guests to their home at 33 Farewell Street, the 1711 Quaker School House, a former

Newport Restoration Foundation property.

Homeowner Carol Eardley was more than ready to welcome guests to 264 Gibbs Ave. during the slight drizzle on Dec. 27. Having recently completed a six-year renovation on the 1882-1883 home, she had

surgical booties available for guests to protect her pristine hardwood floors and handcrafted rugs.

Volunteer James Bentsen greets at 264 Gibbs Ave.

Photos by Rob Thorn

Page 12 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

Bottle of House Wine (Red or White)

StartersLobster Cream Soup with Brioche Croutons

and Fresh TarragonOr

Radicchio, Frisee and Endive Salad with Candied Pecans, Blackberries, Crumbled Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Entrée ChoicesApplewood Bacon Wrapped 8 oz Filet with Garlic Whipped Potatoes,

Grilled Asparagus and Port Demi Glaze $ 65

Baked Stuffed Shrimp and Seared Scallops with Vanilla Scented Parsnip Puree, Sautéed Spinach $ 55

Grilled Cornish Hen with Roasted Butternut Squash, Shaved Fennel and Granny Smith Apple Salad, Cider Vinaigrette $ 45

DessertsOne Bellevue’s Famous ‘Naughty Monkey’

Or

Guinness Brownie with Bailey’s Ice Cream and Jameson CaramelFreshly Brewed Coffee or Tea

New Years Dinner Selections

hotelviking.com

DINNER & A MOVIEA Surprisingly Fine American ‘Girl’

By Patricia Lacouture

Christmas may not have been white, but it did bring the long-awaited American adaptation of the first book of Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Is it as good as the Swedish version? “Good” is often a relative term, but let’s say that it was definitely differ-ent, yet in some ways very much the same.

The story revolves around a jour-nalist named Mikael Blomkvist, played with surprising panache by Daniel Craig. I say “surprising,” be-cause, while I have admired him in all of his films, I did not expect him to morph into the bookish, idealis-tic Blomkvist, a man so driven by his desire to unveil corruption that he has been sued by a corrupt busi-nessman for a story that was quite true but deemed libelous in court. Blomkvist had not been able to dig deeply enough to deliver a bullet-proof story.

The girl of the title is Lisbeth Sa-lander (Rooney Mara), a ward of the state in spite of being in her early twenties, she is a skilled com-puter hacker who, had he known her then, could have given Blom-kvist the goods that would have avoided the lawsuit. For those who have not seen the original or read the novel, Lisbeth was restricted to a psychiatric facility as a teenager, and she is justifiably angry with au-thority. Her anger presents as a lack of social niceties and in an in-your-face punk appearance: multiple tattoos and piercings and a some-times slicked-up Mohawk that says “keep your distance” as effectively as porcupine quills. (After her first appearance in the film, her hair be-comes decidedly more subdued, which allows us to see her as the vulnerable young woman she is.)

I did not think an actress oth-er than Noomie Rapace could become Sa-lander, but Mara dazzled me with her blend of deep-seated wounded soul and an assertive calm that makes her danger-ous to anyone who tries to victimize her. She’s a thunderstorm waiting to erupt and does not take well to being mistreated. Yet, we see compassion and commitment in her eyes when Blomkvist tells her, “I want you to help me find a killer of women.”

This is one of many of the choic-es that adds more human drama to David Fincher’s remake. Fincher’s broad scope as a director is evident in many of his films, most notably “The Social Network,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Panic Room” and “Seven.” He’s a director who can navigate many waters of

the mind as well as the multiple nuances of film narrative.

Having Blomkvist step into the inves-tigation of the dis-

appearance of the granddaugh-ter of an eccen-tric tycoon has

the effect of e n n o b l i n g

his character. Blomkvist becomes

embroiled in the case of the missing girl because he real-

izes that she fits the victim profile of a brutal serial killer’s trail of other missing women.

The original film follows Larsson’s book by establishing a personal link between Blomkvist and the miss-ing Harriet. He had spent summers on her family’s island compound as a child, and Harriet had been his babysitter. Knowing the victim gives him an obvious reason to take on the case. In Fincher’s version, he gets drawn into the case because he feels empathy for the tortured women. The book, when released in Sweden, had a different title: “Man som Hatar Kvinnor,” which means “men who hate women.”

Patricia Lacouture currently teaches film studies at Salve Regina University. She also

taught at Rhode Island College for

ten years. She com-pleted her graduate studies in film from

Boston University.

Rooney Mara portrays Lisbeth Salander as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

OPEN NEW YEAR'S EVE & DAY

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Top 40 hits @ 9:30pm on SaturdayNo Covers!Open Mon-Fri 5pm-1am and Sat/Sun 11am-1am.

515 Thames Street, Newport 619-2505 theSambar.com

Wing-It with Sambar &the NFL on Sundays & Mondays

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Middletown, RI

Friday & Saturday NightPrime Rib Special

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Happy New Year!Remember to drive safely

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December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 13

DINING OUT

1) Newport Tokyo House, 6 Equality Park, Newport 2) Ben’s Chili Dogs, 158 Broadway, Newport 3) Norey’s, 156 Broadway, Newport 4) Salvation Cafe, 140 Broadway, Newport 5) Fifth Element, 111 Broadway, Newport 6) Pour Judgement, 32 Broadway, Newport 7) Mudville Pub, 8 West Marlborough Street, Newport 8) Rhumbline, 62 Bridge Street, Newport 9) Brick Alley Pub, 140 Thames Street, Newport 10) Muse, 41 Mary Street, Newport 11) Busker’s Irish Pub, 178 Thames Street, Newport 12) Barking Crab, Brick Market Place, Newport 13) Pier 49, 49 America’s Cup Ave., Newport 14) 22 Bowen’s, 22 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport 15) Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, 41 Bowen’s Wharf, Npt. 16) The Mooring, Sayer’s Wharf, Newport 17) Christie’s, 351 Thames Street, Newport 18) Forty 1 North, 351 Thames Street, Newport 19) O’Brien’s Pub, 501 Thames St., Newport 20) Sambar, 515 Thames St., Newport 21) Thai Cuisine, 517 Thames St., Newport 22) One Bellevue, Hotel Viking, Newport 23) Griswold’s Tavern, 103 Bellevue Ave., Newport 24) La Forge Casino Restaurant, 186 Bellevue Ave., Npt. 25) Canfield House, 5 Memorial Blvd. Newport 26) Atlantic Grille, 91 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown

Other Area Restaurants& Dining Options

Not Within Map Area

Safari Room - OceanCliff Hotel65 Ridge Road, Newport

Long Wharf Seafood17 Connell Highway, Newport

Newport Grand150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport

Coddington Brewing Company210 Coddington Highway, Middletown

Rhea’s Inn & Restaurant120 W. Main Rd., Middletown

International House of Pancakes159 W. Main Rd., Middletown

Mizu Steak House250 East Main Rd., Middletown

DeWolf Tavern259 Thames St., Bristol

WHERE TO EAT Map Legend

For more information about these restaurants, please see their display ads found on the pages of this week’s edition of Newport This Week.

Open Every DayLunch and Dinner

210 Coddington Hwy., Midd.401-847-6690

www.coddbrew.com

~ NOW ON TAP~

PUMPKINALE

GowlersAvailable

Holiday Partiesand

Gift Certificates

23

6

8

11

17

5

13

19

14

20 21

23

24

4

7

There are many �ne restaurants and eateries in the area. We hope this map

helps you �nd one thatsuits your taste.

1216

22

26

9

1

25

10

1815

Newport NightsBACK and BETTER

Than Ever!12 Dinner Specials

$11.95-$16.95Every Monday to Thursday

4:30 to 9:00

Call for This Week’s SelectionsGroups Welcome

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner 186 Bellevue Ave., Newport

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65ÊRidgeÊRoadÊÊ|ÊÊNewport,ÊRI401.849.4873ÊÊ|ÊÊwww.newportexperience.comfollowÊusÊonÊOpenÊTable,ÊtwitterÊ@nptexperience

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New YearÕs Eve CelebrationMake your reservations today!

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For reservations please call 401.849.4873or visit our website at www.newportexperience.com

3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for only $30!Available Thursday - Sunday

ItÕs back!$19.95 Steak and Frites

16 oz choice sirloin served with thin cut friesadd a bottle of Aveleda ÒFolliesÓ red wine for only $20

Come experience our new winter menu!

The Safari Room Holiday HoursDecember 29th & 30th | 11:30am - 8pm

December 31st | 11:30am - midnightJanuary 1st | 11:30am - 6pm

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120 West Main Rd., Middletown401.841.5560 Inn 401.841.0808

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Fireside Dining

Page 14 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

We will be closed New Year’s Day111 BROADWAY, NEWPORT 401 619 2552 thefifthri.com

Thursday 12/29 Customer Appreciation Night

Friday 12/30 One Year Anniversary

Vanderbilt Grace, 41 Mary Street, Newport(401) 846-6200 | www.vanderbiltgrace.com

New Year’s Eve PackageTwo night stayDinner for two

“All about the Ladies” nail care special for “Her” for the special night

Brunch on New Year’s DayLate Check-out

Ring in the New Year with Grace!Festivities start at 7pm at the Bar

with canapés and chilled champagne or a Scrooge-Driver!Five course dinner in either

Muse by Jonathan Cartwright or the Conservatory.Piano Tunes from 7pm till 9pm and

live entertainment bythe Dick Lupino Band from 9pm-1am [in MUSE only]

ARTSAnchor Bend GlassworksMon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.16 Franklin St., 849-0698, anchorbendglass.com.

Anthony Tomaselli Gallery140 Spring St., 419-2821, www.anthonytomaselli.com.

Arnold Art Rare print editions by John Mecray in third floor gallery, Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., 210 Thames St., 847-2273, www.arnoldart.com.

Art on the Wharf Gallery open every day, noon - 6 p.m., or by appointment, 33 Ban-nister’s Wharf, 965-0268.

Blink Gallery Travel photography and Newport images, 89 Thames St., 847-4255, www.blinkgalleryusa.com

Brimstone StudioOpen Sat. and Sun., noon–5 p.m., or by appointment, 134 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, 440-3974.

Cadeaux du MondeOpen daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 26 Mary St., 848-0550 www.cadeauxdumonde.com.

DeBlois Gallery Open Tues.-Sun. 12-5 p.m., 138 Bel-levue Ave. 847-9977, www.deblois-gallery.com

Didi Suydam ContemporaryGallery is open Thurs.-Mon., 12 - 5 p.m., 25 Mill St., 848-9414, www.didisuydam.com.

Duris Studios26 Franklin St., 849-1540, www.kevinduris.com

Harbor Fine ArtOpen daily 11 a.m – 5 p.m., 134 Spring St., 848-9711, www.harborfineart.com.

Isherwood GalleryWed.-Sat., noon – 5 p.m. and by appointment, 108 William St., 619-1116, isherwoodgallery.com.

Jamestown Arts CenterGallery open Sat. & Sun. noon-3 p.m.,18 Valley St., Jamestown.

Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design Gallery open Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by appointment. 226 Bellevue Ave., suite 8, the Audrain Building, second floor, 849-3271, www.jessicahagen.com.

Joseph Matose GalleryAt the Sunrise Center, Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 164 Broadway, 835-3477.

Luniverre Glass GalleryInternational artists showing sculpture and jewelry from Paris, open Thurs.-Mon., noon – 5 p.m., 146 Bellevue Ave., 846-9009, www.luniverre.com.

Sage Gallery435 Thames St. (2nd floor). www.sageartworks.com.

Roger King Fine ArtTwo floors of 19th and 20th centu-ry American paintings. Open daily, 21 Bowen’s Wharf, 847-4359, www.rkingfinearts.com.

Sheldon Fine ArtGallery open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., 59 America’s Cup Ave., Bowen’s Wharf, 849-0030.

Spring Bull Gallery Wonder of White opening recep-tion, Saturday, Jan. 7, 5-7 p.m. 55 Bellevue Ave., 849-9166

The Lady Who Paints“Onsite” paintings by Rosemary Kavanagh O”Carroll, 9 Bridge St., 450-4791.

The Third & Elm Press & GalleryWoodcuts and paper created by Ilse Buchert Nesbitt, open Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m - 5 p.m. and by ap-pointment, 29 Elm St. 848-0228www.thirdandelm.com.

William Vareika GallerySpecial Gilbert Stuart exhibit, 212 Bellevue Ave., 849-6149, www.vareikafinearts.com.

Galleries

Besides her “onsite” painting, Rosemary Kavanagh O’Carroll

paints a wide variety of subjects. Her gallery, The Lady Who

Paints!, is at 9 Bridge St., 450- 4791.

Gail Armstong’s watercolor of an orchid will be part of Spring Bull Gallery’s upcoming exhibit “Wonders of White.”

Art Exhibit Celebrates WhiteSpring Bull Gallery’s Wonders of White Ex-

hibition begins with an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 5-7 p.m. Welcome in the New Year and the gallery’s 212th exhibition as area artists use their artistic vision to explore the complexity of white.

The show runs Jan. 7 - 31. The gallery will be open until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 for Gallery Night in Newport. Spring Bull Gallery, located at 55 Bellevue Ave., is wheelchair ac-cessible and open free to the public noon to 5 p.m. daily.

For additional information on this exhibi-tion, future gallery events or member art-ists call the gallery at 849-9166 or visit www.springbullgallery.com.

Call for EntriesThe Newport Annual Members’

Juried Exhibition returns to the Newport Art Museum in February, in a special one-time format, to cele-brate member artists during the mu-seum’s centennial. All entries, one per artist, accepted on Jan. 20 and 21. The much-anticipated show is the state’s largest and most compre-hensive exhibition of contemporary regional art, and draws hundreds of entries in a multitude of media in-cluding painting, watercolor, prints/drawings/pastels, three-dimension-al, photography/video and mixed media.

The Newport Annual is open to all artists working in New England. Art-ists may submit one ready-to-hang or ready-to-install work, which must have been completed over the last year, but not exhibited previously at the Newport Art Museum. Two-dimensional works, when displayed, can not exceed 48 x 60 inches, in-cluding frame. There is no size limi-tation for three-dimensional work.

Visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org to view and download the “Call for Entries.”

The Newport Annual opens on Feb. 4 and runs through May 13.

Sally Caldwell Fisher’s “Monhegan Light” is representative of her historical portrayals of coastal New England.

Portraits of New England LifeThere will be an opening reception for Sally Caldwell Fisher’s works

at Sheldon Fine Art on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Fisher’s whimsical paintings portray New England coastal life with a nod to-ward the past. As an avid collector of antiques, focusing on antique photographs, she creates a sense of joy and playfulness in her work. Her paintings are exhibited in the White House as well as the Smith-sonian and are collected privately throughout the United States and abroad. Sheldon Fine Art, 59 America’s Cup Ave., located on historic Bowen’s Wharf, 849-0030, is open daily 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 15

DINING OUTClarke Cooke House: A Restaurant for All Seasons

Newport’s Favorite Sports Bar!

Sun Mon

Fri Sat

Meatloaf*

Spaghetti & Meatballs

*

SALVATION

140 Broadway 401.847.2620salvationcafe.com

Sundays from 11am to 3pm

By Annette Leiderman Raisky

There are some things that you just know will change your life. This was true for my husband and me years ago when we first pur-chased our home in Newport. We also knew that the Clarke Cooke House would be a centerpiece of that life. It began on a rainy, windy March night. We wandered into the Cooke House looking for a good meal and some warmth. We found both, as well as a welcoming bar-tender (always good to have one in your life), the legendary Ric Rivera, and a long friendship was born.

It was also the beginning of many meals we would enjoy over the years celebrating the holidays, celebrating the fact that it was the weekend, celebrating the joy of just being in Newport. Always con-stant, yet ever evolving under the masterful direction of owner David Ray, the Clarke Cooke House has a fantastic reputation that is well earned. The restaurant has many distinct personalities: There is the sexy Sky Bar which pulsates in the summer, as well as elegant dining upstairs on the Porch. There is also the fun Midway Bar, where marvel-ous sunsets are on display. When summer fades, the year-round din-ing areas such as the spirited Can-dy Store as well as the second level Bistro come into their own. Special occasions are hosted in the inti-mate Club Room. And then there’s the Boom Boom Room beneath the Candy Store for drinks and dancing.

Executive chef Ted Gidley has managed since 1995 to not only maintain a level of excellence for disparate diners such as yachting stars, tourists, locals and captains of industry, but also to keep rais-ing the bar, year after year. Gidley took his degree in Political Science and journalism at the University of Bridgeport. But his career took a different path after graduation. A Providence native, Gidley came to Newport and, like so many of us, was hooked. He began working as a cook with a number of well-known chefs, among them, Brian Halloran. Gidley worked at One Pelham East and Pronto. For nearly 17 years at the Cooke House, he has honed his craft by constantly learning and exploring. We sat down and talked about his influences and the fact that he never rests on his laurels.

Chef Gidley oversees two sep-arate kitchens: one services the Candy Store and Bistro, the oth-er, the upstairs fine dining rooms. From the beginning, Gidley be-came a student of international cuisines. Chefs whom he cites as major influences include Paul Bo-

cuse and Michel Troisgros. He still takes time to train with world-class chefs. Gidley has studied under the noted French chef Roger Verge at the famed Moulin de Mougins in Provence. He has also learned from Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel in New York. He attended a seminar by Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin at the Ritz-Carlton, Cayman Islands. He followed this up with a stint cooking at Blue, the restaurant that bears Ripert’s name. Another break involved working at Chicago’s ac-claimed Alinea Restaurant under the direction of Grant Achatz. Ac-cording to Gidley, working in the kitchens of these chefs means checking your ego at the door. It also means doing the most menial tasks but keeping your eyes and ears open to everything. The result of this quest for knowledge ben-efits everyone who has ever had a meal at the Clarke Cooke House.

A unique combination of quint-essential American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and meat is balanced with influ-ences from other cultures. In win-ter, the spotlight shines on root vegetables, braised meats as well as game, including venison and sometimes boar. Short ribs are of-ten on the menu. The Bistro and Candy store menu is anchored by the great Candy Store Burger stuffed with blue cheese, topped with bacon and more blue cheese on an English muffin with hand-cut fries ($16.95). Be sure to try the de-licious oven-roasted half chicken with whipped potatoes, Italian sau-sage and bread stuffing, butternut squash puree, sautéed apples and cider vinaigrette ($22.95) Pasta dishes include the popular seafood linguine made with shrimp, scal-lops and littleneck clams with shii-take mushrooms, scallion and ses-ame in an Asian-style vinaigrette

($24.95). Marquee entrees include the roast rack of lamb, with aspar-agus, caramelized onion, a celery root and wild mushroom gratin and rosemary jus. The menu is ex-tensive, and there are daily specials such as his roast breast of guinea fowl, prepared with guinea fowl cannelloni, sautéed greens, wild

mushrooms and guinea fowl con-somme. Accompanying all of this is an award-winning wine list of more than 400 selections.

Chef Gidley is pleased to work with such suppliers as M. Foley for the highest quality seafood, as well as Craig and Emily Totten at Green-view Farms in Wakefield for their organic vegetables.

Clarke Cooke House is located in a beautiful 18th century house on Bannister’s Wharf. The quality of excellence over the years is due not only to Gidley’s extraordinary talents and those of sous chef Bri-an Waugh and the personable bar-tender staff led by Ric Rivera, but also to the expert management team of Michael Jenkins and Steph-an Boneu. For a great dining experi-ence on any level, the Clarke Cooke House excels in every season.

Annette Leiderman Raisky is a former New Yorker who has worked

for the Food Network. In this column, she’ll

bring her behind-the-scenes knowledge of

our chefs and restau-rants our to readers.

Ingredients:4 filets of grey or yellowtail sole at 4 oz. each6 oz. spinach, picked, cleaned and cooked in vegetable oil6 oz. caramelized onion4 tsp. minced garlic16 capers1/2 oz. hazelnuts, peeled, toasted, and roughly chopped1 oz. golden raisins2 tbs. peeled, deseeded, diced tomato (concasse)1 tbsp. washed and finely chopped parsley2 oz. lemon juice4 oz. chicken jus (dark chicken stock)3-4 tbsp. whole, unsalted butter, plus more if neededKosher saltGround white pepperWondra flour, for dredging the sole6 thin fried potato rondelles (chips)

Method:Fold the filets over themselves

so they are triangular in shape. Dredge them in the flour, and sea-son with salt and pepper. Reheat the spinach in about 2 tablespoons butter, and reheat the caramel-ized onion. Using two sauté pans over medium heat, sauté the sole in about two tablespoons of but-ter. Using a fish spatula, flip the sole filets after they are crisped on the first side. Finish them in a 500 de-gree oven. Meanwhile, place the spinach in the center of two large bowls. Spoke the caramelized on-ions around the spinach in three piles for each plate. Place two filets of cooked sole on top of each other on top of the spinach in each bowl. Drain any excess fat from the sau-té pan. Add about two teaspoons butter to each pan, add the garlic and brown it slightly. (This is cru-cial.) Add two ounces chicken jus to each pan, plus 1 ounce lemon juice and equal amounts of capers and raisins to each. Add equal amount of tomato concasse and parsley to each pan. Reduce the sauce to sauce to thicken it, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the fish. Top with the hazelnuts, place a po-tato chip in each pile of onions, and serve immediately.

Note: Dark chicken stock, or au jus, is made by roasting the chicken bones and mirepoix plus tomato. Caramelized onions are made by slicing onions and cooking them down with sugar.

Chef Gidley’s Sole Lyonnaise for Two

Ted Gidley, now the Executive Chef, has been at the Clarke Cooke House sinece 1995. (Photos by Laurie Warner)

178 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.5856

www.buskerspub.com

NEWPORT’S GASTROPUB

Good Food, Good Drink, Good Friends

Ted Gidley and David Ray owner of Clarke Cooke House study the extensive wine list.

Page 16 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

Dine Locally! Shop Locally!

CALENDARNew Year’s Eve DinneratPIER 49

49 America’s Cup AveNewport,RI 847-9000www.newporthotel.com

Pier 49 Seafood & Spirits at theNewport Harbor Hotel & Marina

Choice of Soup Starter:Oysters Rosecli�Roasted Pumpkin BisqueBraised Short Rib

Salad:Roasted Pear Salad

Choice of Entree:Beef WellingtonNew Zealand Rack of lambCrispy Skin ChickenRye Crusted Salmon

�e Finale Chocolate TerrineWhite Chocolate Bread Pudding

Live Piano Musicfrom 5 to 9pm

and a DJ to bring in

the New Year in the Lounge.

NYE Room/Dinner Packages Available - Call Front Desk for Information

ThursdayDecember 29

Giant Holiday Gingerbread HouseOpen 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., free, Newport Marriott Hotel.

The Working Waterfront History Walking TourWalk in the footsteps of the sail-ors, merchants and immigrants who once lived and worked in the Lower Thames neighborhood. NRF Museum Store, 415 Thames Street, 11 a.m., 324-6111, www.Newpor-tHistoryTours.org.

Holiday Train RidesRide along scenic Narragansett bay in heated, decorated coach-es. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., 624-6951.

“If It’s Thursday, It Must Be Shakespeare”Informal group meets weekly to give interpretive readings of Shakespeare’s works. Redwood Li-brary, 50 Bellevue Ave., 5 p.m., $2, 847-0292, www.RedwoodLibrary.org.

Shakespeare in MiddletownFans gather weekly to read and enjoy works of the Bard. Middle-town Public Library, 700 West Main Road, 5 p.m., free.

FridayDecember 30

Giant Holiday Gingerbread HouseOpen 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., free, Newport Marriott Hotel.

Discover Newport Walking TourHear stories of revolution and the struggle for religious liberty. Mu-seum of Newport History, Brick Market, 127 Thames Street, 11 a.m., 841-8770.

Holiday Train Rides 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. See Dec. 29 for details.

Christmas Candlelight TourTour beautiful Belcourt Castle by candlelight, 657 Bellevue Ave., 6 p.m., 846.0669, www.BelcourtCas-tle.org.

SaturdayDecember 31

Giant Holiday Gingerbread HouseOpen 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., free, Newport Marriott Hotel.

Discover Newport Walking TourHear stories of revolution and the struggle for religious liberty. Mu-seum of Newport History, Brick Market, 127 Thames Street, 11 a.m., 841-8770.

Holiday Train Rides 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. See Dec. 29 for details.

New Year’s Eve at The BreakersTour the mansion while enjoying live music and refreshments, Ochre Point Ave., 6-8 p.m., www.New-portMansions.org.

New Year’s Eve Improv Comedy Join the Bit Players for lightening-fast interactive comedy, Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, 8 p.m., 849-3473, www.Fire-houseTheater.org.

SundayJanuary 1

Happy New Year!

Polar Bear PlungeNewport Polar Bears invite all to jump in for the “A Wish Come True” charity, Easton’s Beach, noon, 846-0028.

MondayJanuary 2

Museum of Newport HistoryNewport Historical Society’s per-manent exhibits open for touring, Brick Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 841-8770.

Christmas at the Newport MansionsLast day to tour The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House all decked out in holiday splendor. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., www.NewportMansions.org.

TuesdayJanuary 3

Sampler ExhibitNewport Historical Society’s ex-hibit, “Their Manners Pleasing, and Their Education Complete: New-port Samplers 1728-1835,” contin-ues at the Seventh Day Adventist Meeting House. The exhibit, featur-ing 18th and early 19th century samplers from the Society’s textiles collection, reflects the evolution of Newport needlework over the course of a century and includes examples of the different types of samplers that a girl might produce. 82 Touro St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 846-0813, www.NewportHistory.org.

Geezers at EmpireJoin acoustic folk musicians at Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway, 7:30 p.m., 619-1388.

WednesdayJanuary 4

Pet Loss Support GroupThis group meets monthly to pro-vide support for those who have been touched by the loss of a pet, anticipating the loss of a pet, or dealing with the difficult decision of euthanasia. Potter League, Oli-phant Rd., Middletown, 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information or for immediate support, email jillh@PotterLeague.org or call Jill at 846-8276 ext. 122.

Book Chat Informal gatherings where readers share comments about what they are currently reading. No specific book to read. All are welcome. Free, Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St., 7 p.m.

Chess GroupWeekly gathering for chess players, Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway, 7:30 p.m., 619-1388.

ThursdayJanuary 5

Business Before HoursChamber of Commerce’s before work gathering, Seamen’s Church Institute, 18 Market Sq., 8-9 a.m., 847-1608 or www.NewportCham-ber.com. “If It’s Thursday, It Must Be Shakespeare” 5 p.m. See Thursday, Dec. 29 for details.

Shakespeare in Middletown5 p.m. See Thursday, Dec. 29 for details.

FridayJanuary 6

Environmental Movie NightWeekly film series on environmen-tal issues, Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway, 6 p.m., 619-1388.

Mini-golfNewport Rec’s mini-golf at The Hut, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $9 adults, $7 ages 12 and under, 845-5808.

Newport Children’s Theater NCT winter performance of “Little Women,” Roger’s High School audi-torium, 6 p.m.

Improv Comedy Join the Bit Players for lightning-fast interactive comedy, Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, 8 p.m., 849-3473, www.Fire-houseTheater.org.

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20092010

Darrell West returns to Newport on Jan. 7 to launch the 2012 Winter Lecture Series at the Newport Art Museum with “Politics 2012: What’s Going On?” The series takes place on Saturdays at 2 p.m., weather permitting. A reception follows each lecture. Cost to attend is $10 for Museum members and $15 for non-members. Series subscrib-ers can attend all eight lectures for $70 (members) or $105 (non-members). To subscribe, call Larry Bacon at 848-8200. The Newport Art Museum is located at 76 Belle-vue Ave. For more information visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org.

What’s Going On?

December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 17

41 Bowens Wharf (entrance on Bannister’s Wharf) Newport401.849.7778 www.flukewinebar.com

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New Year’s Eve!

Thursday, December 29Billy Goodes–Open Mic Jam with Kevin Sullivan, 9:30 p.m.

Christie’s – DJ & Dancing with DJ Henney, 10 p.m.

Newport Marriott–Paul DelNero Jazz, 7-10 p.m.

O’Brien’s Pub–DJ Curfew, 10 p.m.

One Pelham East–Keith Manville

Perro Salado–Honky Tonk Knights, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, December 30Billy Goodes–Live music

Christie’s – DJ & Dancing, 10 p.m.LaForge Casino Restaurant–Dave Manuel on piano, 7-11 p.m.Middletown VFW–Karaoke, DJ Papa John, 8:30 p.m.Newport Blues Cafe–Sugarbabies, 9:30 p.m.Newport Grand Cocktail Lounge–Russ Peterson, 9 p.m.

O’Brien’s Pub –Buddy Roach Trio, 10 p.m. ‘til closing

One Pelham East–TBARhino Bar–The Face Show and SpoggaRhumbline–Dawn ChungRusty’s-Open Mic Night with Dynimite Dom, 9-closingThe Chanler–Dick Lupino, Dennis Cook, Yvonne Monnett

Saturday, December 31the Hyatt Five33 –Lois Vaughan and Dennis PrattMiddletown VFW–Karaoke, DJ Papa John, 8:30 p.m.Newport Blues Cafe–Mr. Chubb, 9:30 p.m.Newport Grand Cocktail Lounge–Summer School, 9 p.m.Newport Grand Event Center–Eight to the Bar, 8:30 p.m.O’Brien’s Pub –DJ Curfew, 10 p.m.-12:45 a.m.One Pelham East–Rock CandyRhino Bar–Run for Covers/The Face ShowRhumbline–Bobby Ferreira, 8 p.m.-midnightVanderbilt Grace Hotel–Dick Lupino, Dennis Cook, Paul Nagel, Jeff Fountain

Sunday, January 1Fastnet–Irish Music Session, 5-9 p.m.

O’Brien’s Pub –John Erikson, 9:30 p.m. ‘til closing

Monday, January 2Fastnet–”Blue Monday”, Sam Gentile,10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Tuesday, January 3Billy Goodes–Songwriters Show-case with Bill Lewis, 9:30-12:30 p.m.

Cafe 200– ”Tuesday Blues”, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

One Pelham East–Stu from Never in Vegas

Wednesday, January 4Buskers Pub–The Ubiquitones, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

O’Brien’s Pub– Karaoke, 10 p.m.One Pelham East – Chris Gauthier

Rhino Bar–Rhyme Culture

Musical Entertainment

Live

SaturdayJanuary 7

Save the Bay Seal CruiseOne-hour seal watching tours aboard M/V Alletta Morris, Expert guides and binoculars provided, depart from Bowen’s Wharf Land-ing, 11 a.m., 324-6020, www.Save-Bay.org.

Newport Children’s Theater NCT winter performance of “Little Women,” Roger’s High School audi-torium, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Redwood Poets GroupForum for poets who are current-ly writing and who seek critique. New members are welcome. Red-wood Library, 50 Bellevue Ave., 2 p.m., 847-0292, www.RedwoodLi-brary.org.

Winter Lecture Series beginsDarrell West kicks off the 2012 series with “Politics 2012: What’s Going On?” Newport Art Museum 76 Bellevue Ave., 2 p.m., members $10, non-members $15, 848-8200, www.NewportArtMuseum.org.

Ancient Chinese Art and DanceMembers of the Falun Dafa Asso-ciation of New England offer a re-corded preview of the show “Shen Yun,” providing historical context and cultural significance of the costumes, dance and music. Free, Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St., 2 p.m.

Improv Comedy Join the Bit Players for lightning-fast interactive comedy, Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, 8 p.m., 849-3473, www.Fire-houseTheater.org.

SundayJanuary 8

Save the Bay Exploration CenterVisit and learn about sea creatures, storytime, 175 Memorial Blvd., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 849-8430.

Save the Bay Seal CruiseOne-hour seal watching tours aboard M/V Alletta Morris, Expert guides and binoculars provided, depart from Bowen’s Wharf Land-ing, 11 a.m., 324-6020, www.Save-Bay.org.

Newport Children’s Theater NCT winter performance of “Little Women,” Roger’s High School au-ditorium, 4 p.m.

Newport Cooks!Sunday Suppers begin. Cook and enjoy a wonderful meal featuring French, Italian and Swiss fondue, with Chef Nancy Brush, Hilltop House, 97 Ruggles Ave., 6-8 p.m., reservations required, 293-0740.

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Kevin Sullivan, John Flanders, Ray Davis, Mike Jackson are Abbey Rhode who perform the music of The Beatles. New Year’s Eve perfor-mance at Canfield House, 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. For reservations call 847-0416.

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Page 18 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

Moses Brown School is an independent, college-preparatory, Quaker school for girls and boys, nursery through twelfth grade. Learn more about Moses Brown and ask about our scholarship program at Open House on:

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 20121:30 - 4:00p.m.See www.mosesbrown.org for details.

Moses Brown SchoolVisit us online at:

www.mosesbrown.orgor on facebook

775 girls & boysEarly Childhood – Grade 12

33 acres on the East Side

250 Lloyd AvenueProvidence, RI 02906(401) 831-7350

OPEN HOUSE

DOWN 1. Passed a certain limit 2. Queen’s domain 3. Uniform 4. Ancient architectural style 5. Pet for King Solomon 6. Beauty admirer 7. Trial companion 8. Vacating 9. Emmy winner Ruby10. Completely motionless11. Bert’s pal12. Like a friend in need14. Neophytes18. Word in a letter closing22. Olive that goes with a little

salt?25. Person always on the go26. Targets of some sprays27. Barn and screech, e.g.28. Munich Mrs.29. Clan’s gathering place,

perhaps33. Spot for a grill35. It sounds just like you36. Macaroni variety38. Outback avians39. Like Easter eggs41. Denials46. Spencer or Dick49. Blaster’s need51. Emulates a donkey53. Glide54. Historic conference site55. One beyond hope56. Suffering from insomnia57. Sink outlet61. It has bark with no bite62. Tony-winning dame63. Aspiring attorney’s exam65. Hip chaser67. Annoy

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 22

ACROSS 1. Provide, as light 5. An animated Simpson 8. First name in flops13. Swivel15. For each16. Way around Paris17. Annually19. Part of a bouquet, perhaps20. Bickle portrayer21. Combustion byproduct23. FBI ally24. Hayseed27. No longer attached30. Letters angels love?31. Restraints, as on spending32. Tortilla, e.g.34. Barrie buccaneer37. Eminent40. Harry Truman’s birthplace42. Hole-poking tool43. Covered with soot, e.g.44. Large hotel unit45. It could be something

of great interest47. Turn around48. Elevate50. Symbol of sovereignty52. Trippy letters53. Diamond distinction?58. Backwash creator59. Put away safely60. Price-regulating group64. Honolulu hello66. Some ships are built here68. Counter complement69. Barely manage (with ‘’out’’)70. Tuscany town71. Packs down firmly72. T. follower73. Orderly

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December 29, 2011 Newport This Week Page 19

NATURE

n Common Goldeneyen Golden Eaglen Eastern Bluebirdn Eastern Screech Owln Great Horned Owln Barred Owln Short-earned Owln Snowy Owln American Cootsn Snow Goosen Dovekien Virginia Rail n Ash-throated Flycatchern Bald Eaglen Wilson’s Snipen Red-necked Grebesn Horned Grebesn Common Mergansern Red-breasted Mergansern Razorbillsn Ruddy Ducksn Green-winged Teal Duckn Northern Pintail Duckn Northern Shoveler Duck

n Wood Duckn Hooded Merganser Duckn Common Loon n Surf Scotersn Harlequin Duckn Black Scotersn Black Ducksn Common Eidersn Northern Gannetn Dunlinsn Red-throated Loonn Great Blue Heronsn Peregrine Falconn Coopers Hawkn Sharp-shinned Hawkn Red-tailed Hawkn Harrier Hawkn Red-shouldered Hawkn Pie-billed Grebe

NEWPORT TIDE CHARTDATE HIGH LOW AM hgt PM hgt AM hgt PM hgt Sunrise Sunset

29 Thu 11:04 3.4 11:28 3.3 3:56 0.0 4:24 0.0 7:09 4:2530 Fri 11:52 3.1 4:43 0.2 5:04 0.1 7:09 4:2631 Sat 12:16 3.2 12:39 2.8 5:37 0.5 5:49 0.3 7:10 4:27

1 Sun 1:05 3.0 1:27 2.6 6:44 0.6 6:44 0.3 7:10 4:27 2 Mon 1:55 2.9 2:18 2.5 8:10 0.7 7:44 0.4 7:10 4:28 3 Tue 2:49 2.9 3:14 2.4 9:16 0.6 8:42 0.3 7:10 4:29 4 Wed 3:46 2.9 4:09 2.5 10:06 0.5 9:34 0.2 7:10 4:30 5 Thu 4:39 3.1 5:00 2.7 10:51 0.3 10:21 0.0 7:10 4:31

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By Jack Kelly

This past year has yielded some wonderful surprises in Newport County. For example, there was a wayward American White Pelican that was sighted in Narragansett Bay, off the Portsmouth coast, last January. After a couple of days the pelican headed back south to warmer climates. At the time it was believed that a recent nor’easter had carried it north. (See the Jan. 13, 2011 issue of NTW).

A Green-tailed Towhee from the deep southwest and Rough-legged Hawks, along with Short-eared Owls from Canada, delighted hun-dreds of birding enthusiasts in the Sachuest Point NWR area last Janu-ary and February. (See the Feb. 10, 2011 issue of NTW).

Throughout this past year, rare and sometimes exotic visitors have entertained folks all across our beautiful island and the surround-ing communities of Jamestown and Bristol. There were so many great moments provided by nature that it would be almost impossible to list them here.

Two of the individuals responsible for some of the unique sightings in the past year are Rey Larsen and Bob Weaver. Both are highly respected wildlife enthusiasts, and between the two of them they possess 120 years of bird watching experience and knowledge. Both men are regu-lar contributors to Newport-now.com with their observation reports and photos of avian species in our region.

I asked both men which discov-ery they might rank as their favorite of the year.

Larsen’s pick was easy for him. This past September 24, while on his regular morning bird watching route, Larsen was highly surprised to discover five American Avocets at Easton’s Beach. (See the Sept. 29, 2011 issue of NTW). The five “navi-gationally challenged” birds, pos-sibly a family unit, were resting on the beach adjacent to the spillover creek. They were hundreds of miles outside of their normal migration range.

Over the next 28 days the Avo-cets were the source of interest for

hundreds of birders from around New England. Some observers even made the trip from as far away as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl-vania. The above average tempera-tures and plentiful food supplies kept our visitors happy. After two seasonally cool nights in late Oc-tober, the Avocets left to continue their migration south. Although there have been sightings of this species in our area before, they were always of a lone Avocet, that didn’t stay here more than one day. The last two sightings were in the fall of 2004 and 2008.

Weaver’s favorite experience in-volved a Ross’s Goose, an incredibly rare visitor to R.I. Weaver observed and photographed the goose, which was mixed in with a Canada Goose flock, at the Mount Hope High School football field in Bris-tol, R.I. This goose was well outside of its normal migration range. The only other report of a Ross’s Goose in R.I. was in 2002. The Ross’s Goose breeds in the High Arctic tundra of Canada and winters mostly in marshes and farmlands west of the Mississippi River. Very small num-bers are noted annually in the east, usually among Snow Geese.

My favorite experience of this past year is a very hard choice. As a novice with just over four years of experience, I am still seeing some species for the first time. I am con-

tinually astonished and amazed by the diversity of wildlife in our area.

Some of the incredible sights I have witnessed have been purpose-fully sought out, while others I have stumbled upon by sheer dumb luck. I have followed the sage advice of friends and mentors and timed my excursions into the wild to coincide with optimum feeding times. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to observe multiple species of song birds, wading birds, shorebirds, sea birds, and raptors.

Yet, being persistent can lead to astounding discoveries. This past June I thought I sighted a Least Bit-tern in the Sachuest Point NWR res-toration wetlands, near Third Beach Road. I reported it to other birders, but unfortunately no one else could find it. After weeks of returning to the same area I managed to sight my quarry again. The elusive bird was in the culvert adjacent to Third Beach Road. I managed to get one picture before it disappeared into the nearby foliage. (See the July, 21, 2011 issue of NTW).

However, my favorite moment of 2011 occurred at Easton’s Beach on September 29. I noticed a small gull resting on the beach among a flock of Ring-billed Gulls. It was different than any small gull I’d seen before. As I approached my target it began to move and fly away I snapped a few photos, but when I checked the developed film the next day I real-ized that this species identification was beyond me. Rey Larsen identi-fied it as a Little Gull, a vagrant Eur-asian gull species. Unfortunately, the gull left the beach region after two days and its whereabouts are unknown. (See the Oct. 6, 2011 is-sue of NTW). In this case, dumb luck led me to an incredible discovery.

As Christmas vacation winds down, remember Save the Bay Seal Tours on Narragansett Bay aboard the M/V Alletta Morris. For more in-formation go to:SaveBay.org/Seals or call 401-324-6020. This could lead to a treasured family memory. (See the Nov. 23, 2011 issue of NTW).

Jack Kelly, native Newporter, is a amateur

wildlife enthusiast and photographer who en-

joys sharing his adventures in nature

with others.

The Ross’s Goose was one of the rare species to be seen in our area this year. (Photo by Bob Weaver)

Other helpful Web sites: www.allabout birds..com;

www.normanbirdsanctuary.org; wwwsavebay.org

Happy New Yearfrom everyone at

Newport This Week December 29, 2011 Page 20

Newport This Week December 29, 2011 PAGE 21

in SPORTSyear

NTW’s Best Photo Moments of 2011

Photos by Rob Thorn - with text by Kirby Varacalli

Champs at last! The Middletown High girls basketball team (above) captured their school’s first ever state championship in that female sport, avenging their only loss of the 2011 season,

and routing East Greenwich 52-32 for the RI Division III title on Mar. 12.

Catch of the year! Salve Regina University running back Dan Buonocore, #26, (above) elevates to secure a pass tipped by his defender during the ECAC North-West Bowl game

against Worcester State on Nov. 19. Buonocore ultimately made the catch on that play and his Seahawks prevailed 26-6, finishing their most successful season in years with an 8-3 record.

Soccer standout! Elizabeth Durgin, #4, Middletown High School’s senior striker (above), is pictured here on the attack in a game against Burrillville on Sept. 19,

Durgin had a stellar 2011 soccer season, leading her team in scoring and kicking the Islanders to within a game of the RI Division III title. Unfortunately,

Narragansett topped Middletown 4-1 in the state final on Nov. 13.

Running man! The Viking’s Reeyon Watts, #5, (above), breaks a tackle on his way to an early season touchdown against Burrillville on Sept. 16. The senior Rogers running back and his teammates would finish their football sea-son in an even bigger way on Dec. 3. On that day, Rogers High School would defeat intra-island rival Middletown

High School 27-6, and capture the RI Division III football title. Watts garnered that game’s MVP honor.

Soup Champ! Up-and-coming tennis star John Isner (above) shows off his powerful serve during a second round match at the 2011 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in

Newport on July 6. Isner would go on to capture his first Campbell’s title later that week.

Concentration! Rogers High School’s Divon Bailey, #8, (above) watches a pass from teammate Cody Platt all the way into his hands versus East Greenwich High School on Nov. 4.

The play resulted in a touchdown and the Vikings went on to devour the Avengers that night 45-12 and clinch a RI Division III football playoff berth.

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Page 22 Newport This Week December 29, 2011

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Donald R. Childs, 81, of Ports-mouth, passed away Dec. 23, 2011. He was the husband of Di-anne Childs. He was a scientist with the Naval Underwater Sys-tems Center for 26 years. His fu-neral will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar St., New-port.

Irene Cotsoridis, 90, of New-port RI, died Friday December 23, 2011 at Newport Hospital. She was the widow of George C Cotsoridis. A funeral service will be at the St. Spyridon’s Greek Or-thodox Church, 390 Thames St. Newport, on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. Donations in her mem-ory may be made to St. Spyri-don’s Greek Orthodox Church, Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 427, Newport, RI 02840 or to Grand Islander Center Activities Fund, 333 Green End Ave., Middletown, RI 02842.

Catherine “Jean” Gosling, of Portsmouth, passed away Dec. 23, 2011 at Forest Farm Health Care Center, Middletown. She was the wife of Edward P. Gos-ling III. Donations in her memory may be made to the Salve Regina University Scholarship Fund, 100 Ochre Point, Newport, RI 02840.

Sue Ann Lopes, 95, formerly of Newport, passed away Dec. 22, 2011 at Heatherwood Nursing and Subacute Center, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Broadway, Newport.

Daniel W Marvelle, 89, of New-port, RI, died Thursday, Decem-ber 22, 2011. He was the hus-band of Janet (Smith) Marvelle. Donations in his memory may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.

Christopher J. Quinn, 58, of Hemet, CA, formerly of New-port, passed away Dec. 19, 2011. A memorial service will be held at a time to be announced. Do-nations in his memory may be made to the Matthew Quinn, Rogers High School Scholarship Fund, 15 Wickham Rd., Newport RI 02840.

Michael Rodrigues, 34, of Mid-dletown, passed away Dec. 21, 2011 at home. Donations in his memory may be made to the James L. Maher Center, PO Box 4390, Middletown, RI 02842.

Beatrice D. Silvia, 78, died Mon-day December 19, 2011 at Philip Hulitar Home and Hospice Care of RI. She was the wife of the late Henry Silvia. Donations in her name may be made to Potter League for Animals P. O. Box 412 Newport, RI 02840.

Herbert M. Silvia, 78, of Ports-mouth, passed away Dec. 25, 2011 at home. He was the hus-band of the late Marion (Pappas) Silvia. Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Rescue Wagon Fund PO Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

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1 8 B r a n c h e s a n d 1 3 0 + A T M s S t a t e w i d e

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The historic Casino Theatre, lo-cated on the property of the In-ternational Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, Rhode Island, will be the setting for a series of concerts in the new year, starting with popular folk singer-songwrit-ers Cheryl Wheeler on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and Livingston Taylor on Saturday, April 7 at 8 p.m. Ad-ditional performers for the new Ca-sino Theatre Concert Series will be announced in the coming months. Tickets for Cheryl Wheeler are $30, $35, or $40 and are currently on sale. Livingston Taylor tickets are $45, $50, or $60 and will go on sale to Hall of Fame Members on Janu-ary 12, and to the general public on January 17. Tickets may be pur-chased on www.tennisfame.com or by calling 849-6053.

“The Casino Theatre has a rich history of hosting legendary per-formers, and it has served as an entertainment venue to bring the community together for more than 130 years,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “As result of last year’s successful restoration, we are pleased to be able to invite people back once again to enjoy the facil-ity and some great entertainment,”

Originally constructed in 1880 and restored and re-opened in 2010, the 295-seat Casino Theatre offers a grand atmosphere reminis-cent of Newport’s Gilded Age his-tory, but provides an intimate mu-sical experience. Over the years, the venue has hosted entertainment ranging from theatrical perfor-mances to live music to ballroom dancing. The theatre was closed for 30 years, until 2010, when the Inter-national Tennis Hall of Fame & Mu-seum partnered with Salve Regina University to restore the facility to its original grandeur. Following the award-winning restoration, the Uni-versity began using the theatre for their Performing Arts Department and the Hall of Fame has utilized it to host numerous public events.

Truly a stand-out performer on the acoustic music scene, New Eng-lander Cheryl Wheeler treats fans to a one-of-a-kind show that features original songs, beautiful vocals, and quick-witted humor. Wheeler has released 10 albums over the past 25 years or so. Her most recent album, Pointing at the Sun, was re-leased in 2009.

For additional information about the Casino Theatre Concert Series, call 849-6053.

Casino Theatre to Host Legendary Performers

The Newport Tree Society has re-ceived a $20,000 grant to conduct a professional inventory of Newport’s public trees. This will be the city’s first professional inventory since 1992. The funds are from the Hel-en Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust Fund. The inventory of the city’s estimated 4,500 public trees and planning sites will be conducted by the Davey Resource Group in collaboration with the Newport Divi-sion of Forestry.

A variety of data will be col-lected for each tree, includ-ing information such as: loca-tion, species, tree diameter,

number of stems, condition (using the International Society of Arbo-riculture’s rating system), primary and secondary maintenance needs (including recommendations for removal or planting) and risk as-sessment and rating.

Davey’s GIS-based tree invento-ry will be performed using prepro-grammed computers that collect

tree data and various site attri-butes. Geographic In-formation System (GIS)

and Global Position-ing System (GPS) equipment will be utilized alongside pen-based com-

puters customized with aerial pho-tographs of the

city.

Tree Society Receives Grants

Cheryl Wheeler Livingston Taylor

Beech & Elm Tree Treatment Program

The Newport Tree Society an-nounced that Newport has received a $7,500 grant to establish a new Beech & Elm Tree Treatment Pro-gram. Designed to lengthen the lifespan of some of our most revered specimen trees, the program is a col-laboration between the Newport Tree Society and the Newport For-estry Division.

Newport Specimen Tree Planting Program

A recent grant from the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust Fund has enabled the Newport Tree Soci-ety to launch a new Specimen Tree Planting Program. Over the next two years, 60 specimen-quality trees will be given at no cost to Newport resi-dents who agree toplant and care for them.