Roller Derby Rundown: Brown University, Getting Gored, and ECDX!

2015 has started out tough for the girls, but as the weather heats up, so does action on the flat track for Providence ! PRD’s travel team the (#79) Rhode Island Riveters will skate for the first time on the rink of Brown University’s Meehan Auditorium to battle against Colorado’s (#93) Pikes Peak Derby Dames. Also as part of the double-header, PRD’s Rocky Point Rollers will go hip-to-hip with Boston’s down C-Team. It’ll be on Sat, April 25 at 5:30pm. Tickets are cheaper in advance online at ProvidenceRollerDerby.com.

The weekend doesn’t just end there! The following morning, Sun, April 26, the girls will be putting on the horns and be on the prowl through the streets of downtown Providence. Why? Because it’s the annual Get Gored For Good: Running of the Bulls – a festival to raise money for the Amos House, a charity helping to combat hunger. Registered runners will make their way through the streets and obstacle courses while being hunted down by the roller girls acting as the bulls and getting “gored” (tagged with red paint). It’s an all-ages event that is still taking donations and registrations. For more information, go to GetGoredForGood.org.

Finally, more great news comes PRD’s way, as for the second year in a row the Riveters will be traveling to Philadelphia on June 19-21 for this year’s East Coast Derby Extravaganza, which is three days of derby featuring selected teams and skaters from around the world. Last year, the Riveters had the opportunity to take on some of the ladies from across the Atlantic: (#60) Brawlers () and (#82) (Sweden). Their opponents this year are TBA, but for this and all other upcoming bouts and news, go to ProvidenceRollerDerby.com. Don’t forget to add them on Facebook and Twitter!

*Rankings are as of Feb 28, 2015.

Book Review: Lt. Michael Morse’s Rescuing Providence Emergency services used to get a bad rap before September 11, 2001. After that day, there wasn’t a firefighter or police officer who wasn’t looked at as a hero. Rescue drivers (or emergency medical technicians (EMTs)) always seemed to be the forgotten middle children — not as flashy as the firefighters and not as visible as the police officers. Rescuing Providence, by Lt. Michael Morse (of the Providence Fire Department), is a great look at the tiring dedication of an EMT.

At the time of this book’s 2007 publication, Morse was a 16-year vet with the Providence Fire Department, working Rescue 1, located on Allens Ave. After years on the fire truck, he made the transition to the rescue, feeling that everyone should try both. The rescue is seemingly busier than the fire truck, with more opportunity for overtime. This was a factor in Morse making his decision, as the extra money helps him support his wife and two stepdaughters. The dedication he shows is touching.

Rescuing Providence covers a shift that lasts 34 straight hours over a two-day span just before Easter. Two of the shifts were scheduled, and he picks up some third-shift overtime on Rescue 3 on Branch Ave. During the course of his seeming never-ending shift, he deals with 25 distress calls. Some of the calls are serious (double shooting, congestive heart failure), while others seem like more of a waste of public dollars (three intoxications, trouble walking). It seemed like a good number of the calls were due to patients realizing that they could get a free ride to the hospital by just calling 911. But, a point that Morse makes so clear, the people calling for an ambulance are calling because they feel that their needs are emergencies, even if the outside world doesn’t agree.

Morse has 25 great stories to tell after his 34-hour shift. He throws in some backstory anecdotes for good measure, which help paint more of a picture of who he is and what shapes him. A great backstory includes Morse speaking of how he met his wife and the mom and pop cleaning company they owned. He then goes into how he got accepted into the academy just before his wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He doesn’t write it as a sad story, but more of an inspiration as to how they readjusted their lives. Morse describes each rescue call with such great detail that I felt like I was on the truck as his partner. He paid attention to detail, but didn’t confuse the reader with medical talk, explaining everything as needed.

My knock on this book revolves around Morse adding his own two cents. He would editorialize some things in a way that made him sound like an after-school special. It came off as hokey, making me squirm just a bit. He’s preachy, which is completely unnecessary since enough interesting material comes from his everyday life as a rescue EMT. His commentary sometimes took away from the stories at hand.

Rescuing Providence serves as a great reminder of just how much work an EMT does during a typical shift. Morse and his partners, Mike and then Renato (and then Mike again), are constantly on the go with barely enough time to shove food down their throats. Their work ethic is outstanding and they seem to actually get adrenaline rushes from each call that blasts over the intercom. Morse and his coworkers (this includes all of the firefighters) know that they are making a difference in the lives of others and understand the importance of the work they do. I, for one, can’t thank them enough.

Feeding the Masses

The doors won’t open for another 30 minutes, but already a crowd is gathering at the side entrance of All Saints’ Memorial Church on the west side of Providence. Right at 4 o’clock a sea of people crams through the entrance, along a downstairs hallway, around a corner and into the parish hall where one of the best meals many will have this week awaits.

Welcome to City Meal Site. Started in the mid-1980s, it got new life when the operation moved from the East Side two years ago. The Rev. David Ames is the priest-in-charge at All Saints, founded in 1872 and the largest Episcopal Church in the state. But like some parishes in the diocese, All Saints was experiencing declining numbers when Father Ames arrived four years ago.

“All Saints is the only Episcopal church on the west side of Providence now and it has to bring value to the surrounding community, as historic buildings have to do. I saw a need and saw what was possible here and began to develop a number of programs that could meet those needs,” Father Ames said. “And the meal site is one of them.”

When the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John, the home sanctuary for the diocese and the City Meal Site for decades, closed in 2012, Father Ames agreed to bring the program across town. With it came Alane Spinney, who became head chef after graduating from culinary school six years ago when the program was still at the cathedral.

“I walked into that kitchen the first time and I’ve been doing it just about every Tuesday ever since,’’ said Spinney, who works as a barista at a bakery just up the street, but volunteers her time and talents here. “We try to put out the very best meal we can on our budget. Things that maybe other meal sites wouldn’t serve. And we run it like a restaurant.”

And like a restaurant Spinney quickly learned what the customers like: Lasagna is a hit, tuna casserole not so much. She also has to keep in mind that many of those who come every week have dental issues and some have high blood pressure or diabetes.

Spinney and a staple of others arrive mid-day Tuesday to begin food preparation. They are joined as the day goes on by an army of volunteers who all make it work as 4 o’clock approaches. “Our volunteers are the heart and soul. They make it happen. We serve between 100 and 250 people a three-course, sit- down meal, and we’ll do it in an hour,’’ she says.

“There are a lot of very hungry people out there, and I’ve learned there are all kinds of hunger,” Spinney said. “There, of course, is the physical hunger. We can take care of that of that physical hunger. But a lot of people come here just to see friends. And to sit down, be served a meal and talk to each other.”

City Meal Site feeds an average of 150 to 200 people a week, depending on the time of the month. And it does so on an annual budget of just $20,000 a year in donations and grants. That works out to under $3 per meal.

Jack Nolan was recruited by Father Ames seven months ago to serve on the board of directors for City Meal Site, which is incorporated as its own non-profit entity and not under the umbrella of any one church, even though it operates out of All Saints.

“When was the last time you bought a meal for $2.70 that was balanced and hot and served over your shoulder?” Nolan asked. “That’s incredible and can only be done with volunteers. That is enormous bang for the donated buck.’’

Father Ames said the weekly meal helps bridge a gap for many. “They can’t make it and a meal like this helps. And one of the goals of this is to help lift people out of that poverty trench, which is so pervasive. And I think if people can get a little help, even if they’re working two or three jobs, and find a meal for themselves or their family once a week, that’s a big help.”

So what’s the message?

“That this is a hospitable place, that it’s welcoming, that the food is excellent and that they will go home feeling satisfied.”

If you want to see the video version of this story go to wwwRhodeIslandSpotlight.org. If you know a person or organization who you think deserves the Spotlight, send an email to [email protected].

Know Your Mom and Pop: La Tiendita and Piñata Center

The Piñata Center offers genuine Guatemalan products right in he heart of Providence

People are obsessed with combining things. Whether it’s phones and music players, peanut butter and fluff, or anything having to do with bacon and something else (bandages, air fresheners, socks … ), people are always looking to incorporate two things. Go to 300 Broadway in Providence and there will be a store combination that might just blow your mind with its creativity and ability to reach a wide audience. The Piñata Center opened its doors in 2009 and offers traditional piñatas made in Guatemala. The piñatas were selling well enough when owner Sussy DeLeon decided to start selling other products from Guatemala. That soon morphed into the addition of La Tiendita Boutique, which offers a variety of 100% handmade Guatemalan products.

Piñatas are a staple at children’s parties because it’s a simple activity (unless you’re the one holding the piñata while trying not to get hit by the swinger) that everyone enjoys. The idea of The Piñata Center came about because DeLeon felt there was a lack of traditional piñatas from Central America. The piñatas are handmade in Guatemala and are shaped using wire, newspaper and tissues. This ensures that they are light, easy to break and hold a lot of candy.

As The Piñata Center gained momentum, DeLeon started bringing other products from Guatemala, including handbags, decorative pillows and jewelry. Now with more than 2,000 products, La Tiendita serves to give Rhode Islanders a unique shopping experience, which has paid off handsomely. According to team members Ms. Mayra Rivera and Ms. Vilma Cortez, word-of-mouth has been a strong ally when marketing both shops.

“Most of our customers are excited and happy with their piñatas and are happy to let people know about our store,” Rivera said. “Most people walk in expecting a party store and are shocked to see that we offer much more than that,” she added about the diversity of the products.

In addition to customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth, both stores use social media to help spread the word, especially Facebook and Instagram. A quick visit to The Pinata Center’s website turns into an epic website visit, with over 100 brightly colored piñatas to look at. They also are available for workshops throughout the state, which helps spread their name. Like the products, there are a wide range of consumers who visit both shops. Whether a young student looking for a leather messenger bag or a grandmother buying artisan coffee, they leave satisfied. Artists and fashion designers have bought items and added them to their projects. Many become repeat customers, returning to brag that the person they bought a gift for was impressed. Others come back just to continue to browse. “It’s hard to take in all of our products in just one visit,” Rivera says.

More than a store, the Piñata Center and La Tiendita are a culture. This is a business that is true to its roots, keeping things traditional, bringing a bit of their heritage to this area. “What binds the stores together is our goal to provide the best Guatemala Handmade products,” Rivera says.

They purchase and then sell products from different regions of Guatemala, which helps give back to the country while supporting our local economy. It’s just one other combination that exists in this diverse establishment.

The Piñata Center and La Tiendita are located at 300 Broadway in Providence. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Check them out online at pinatacenter.com and guatemalafinehandcrafts.com. Call 401-421-5180 for further information.

Hummel Spotlight: The Name Is Outdated, but the Services Are Not

One of Rhode Island’s Oldest Independent Charities

On a Saturday morning in April, a committee of half a dozen people gathered to decide how more than $100,000 will be spread to three dozen agencies in the Providence area. They are today’s stewards for one of Rhode Island’s oldest independent charities: The Providence Shelter for Colored Children (yes, you read that correctly), which has withstood periodic efforts to change its name since the organization was founded in 1838.

“The name actually struck me as really odd, but I was intrigued,’’ said Linda Cline, the group’s current president. Not only did the name pique her curiosity, but so did the fact that there is no shelter building. That was closed in 1940 and the assets were converted into a foundation. The name, though, and the group’s goals remain steadfast 70 years after the doors closed: financial support for children of color.

“There are so many organizations that need financial assistance in order to thrive, in order to be viable,’’ Cline said. “We’re still servicing African-American children in the Greater Providence area and we have not strayed from that mission.” Mary Lima has been on the board for more than three decades and knew children who lived at the shelter before it closed in 1940. “It’s quite an interesting history in terms of the role they played because there was no other facility, state or otherwise, that provided a shelter for the colored — black — children at that time. Families needed this kind of assistance, particularly because the women were single parents and worked as domestic workers or maids in homes throughout Providence, particularly on the East Side.’’

The shelter was founded by a group of middle-class white women living on the East Side in 1938 that included the granddaughter of leading anti-slavery activist Moses Brown.

It was housed at 403 North Main Street the first decade, before moving over to the lower end of Wickenden Street. For nearly a century, though, the shelter was located in a building on Olive Street, in what is now the heart of the Brown University campus.

Connie Worthington is a past shelter president and knows much of the organization’s rich history. “The shelter was a place where parents who were working at the houses on College Hill could board their children because the kids weren’t welcome.’’

Elayne Walker-Cabral’s mother, Betty Walker, at the age of 10 lived in the shelter with her siblings after Betty’s mother fled from an abusive husband. Betty Walker later served on the board and died four years ago at the age of 74.

“My mom was insistent as the oldest of six children — she was about 10 at the time — that the siblings stay together,’’ said Walker-Cabral. “So somehow the shelter was responsible for them being placed with a minster and his wife who cared for them until my mother got married.”

Changes in child welfare policies in the 20th century meant a dwindling number of children in the shelter, which ultimately closed its doors.

Since then the organization has transitioned into a charitable foundation. In the 1950s and ‘60s it gave relatively large sums to a handful of organizations, including the Urban League of Rhode Island, The Mount Hope Day Care Center on the East Side and the John Hope Settlement House.

In 1970, the focus shifted and now the shelter annually funds a variety of organizations and schools, including Community Music Works, Crossroads Rhode Island, Sophia Academy and the San Miguel School. This year a total of $112,000 went to 36 agencies in amounts ranging from $500 to $6,500.

Mary Lima says the organization has had periodic discussions about keeping, or changing, its name. “As we bring new board members on who don’t have the full history of the board, that’s generally when those discussions will come up. A new board member may wonder why we are the shelter for colored children.”

Worthington said, “We refer to children of color in this day and age, so it’s not so impossible. But I think the main thing is that its historic. It’s 175 years old. It’s been the name that long and I think anytime an organization changes its name, it’s tough.”

Walker-Cabral at one point confronted her mother about it. “I remember saying to my mom when she first went on the board, ‘I think you should make some kind of proclamation that they should change the name from colored children to African-American or black children.’ Having gone to college in the South, I was very militant. And she said, ‘They would never do that because that is who they served: colored children.’ And they didn’t make a distinction between black and African-American and Cape Verdean and other immigrant people.”

If you want to see the video version of this story go to www.hummelspotlight.org. If you know of a person or organization who you think deserves the Spotlight, send an email to [email protected]

Block (Island) Party — Come Get a Taste

Food, Drinks, and Events for Everyone!

Everyone — from the outdoor enthusiast to the Baggo playing beer lover — will find something to enjoy at this year’s Taste of Block Island from paddleboarding lessons to wine tastings, book signings to lighthouse tours, discounted items to the absolutely free (and who can say no to free?). During the May 30 – June 1 weekend, you’ll be able to choose from 67 events and activities around the island, and that’s in addition to the 24 participating restaurants, 40 retailers giving discounts and 13 hotels offering weekend deals. I can barely create an itinerary worthy of all that I want to do (including weaving my own potholder and building my own ice cream sundae), but here is just a taste of the Taste of Block Island.

Five Reasons To Jump On Board (the Ferry)

1. Beer and wine, hooray! For the past six years, the biggest draw has been — not surprisingly — the beer and wine tastings. As such, these events require pre-registration (see below for details) and spots fill up quickly. For an aphrodisiacal good time, check out The Beachhead Restaurant where the wine tasting comes with sensual $1 oysters. If beer sounds more your style, check out The Mohegan Café and Brewery. Ten lucky people will get a behind-the-scenes tour with the Brew Master himself, Dave Sniffen, and enjoy a flight of beer, light snacks and a 16 oz. freshly poured draft to end the session (only $12!).

2. Bacon-Fest

Ah, what a glorious hyphenated sentiment. In addition to being surrounded by heavenly aromas, you can help decide which chef will be crowned Winner of Bacon Fest 2014! Hosted by the Poor People’s Pub and Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), this will be the first-ever BI Bacon Fest. Eight local chefs will put their best bacon dish forward (including Block’s of Fudge’s chocolate-covered bacon) and YOU can sample all of the delectable dishes and cast a vote. There will be giveaways, and the champion will earn a pig trophy. And if that doesn’t convince you, come for the free PBR (each person gets two) and the knowledge that proceeds from the entrance fee are benefiting a great cause, the Sloviken Project. This event does not require pre-registration, but you must purchase a $16 Bacon-fest Bracelet.

The Sloviken Project is a restoration project started by the BI Conservancy. They purchased the old, dilapidated ocean-front property and hope to create a public park where people can picnic, watch surfers and drink PBR.

3. Fire Pits and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar

The National Hotel is hard to miss when exiting the ferry — a big white monument of a building — and it’s a great place to begin or end your day. For early(ish) risers who come for breakfast, you’ll get to experience a free round of the Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar with the purchase of an entrée (a previous night’s hangover is not required). Late risers can stop by for lunch or dinner and get a free cup o’ chowdah with their meal, an award-winning recipe that took first place in last year’s chowder contest. Meanwhile, for those who only cross the threshold when the sun goes down, check out the National’s fire pit out back. This year they’ll be chewing the (bacon?) fat while roasting s’mores, and you’ll get a complimentary s’more when you order any cocktail. Accommodation discounts are also available for those who wouldn’t mind waking up to a Bloody Mary Bar every day.

4. Free Souvenirs

The Glass Float Project is now in its third year, and it’s a summer-long event in which tennis-ball-sized glass orbs, uniquely numbered and stamped with the year and a Block Island logo, are hidden across the island. This year they’ve upped the ante to 500 glass orbs, which will be dispersed sporadically in waves of 100 between May and September. Keep your eyes open because it’s finders keepers (but please take only one; the greedy have a special circle in Dante’s hell).

5. The Library is a Hot Attraction

Book nerds, rejoice! The library is a hotspot this year, particularly for free and awesome events. Check out Block Island’s debut Film Festival, featuring five short films starting at 8pm, and pick up your Scavenger Hunt list during the day. But be prepared to cross paths with me as I dart around the island and dominate the competition. (Ahem. Kidding.) For those whose competitive spirit is amplified (or nullified) by a cocktail, check out the free Baggo Tournament at The Oar Restaurant — grab a bean bag and play or cheer on the contestants.

Some very important information: In order to participate in the events and receive discounts, you’ll need to purchase a Taste of Block Island button ($5), which can be found on the BI Ferry or at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. For events that are restricted to a small number of people, reserve a spot by calling 1-800-383-2474 or sign up in person at the Chamber. And most importantly, check out all of the events! Family friendly activities, such as Abram’s Animal Farm Tour, are great for young’uns, there’s kayaking and yoga for the exercise gurus, and museum tours and twilight walks for the deep thinkers. Find the complete list and peruse participating restaurants, retail stores and hotels at the Chamber’s website: blockislandchamber.com/taste-block-island.

Don’t miss out!

RHD-RI Serves Up Pizza World

The Cool Collective Presents an Exciting Multi-Media Experience

The Cool Collective from the Resources for Human Development-Rhode Island (RHD-RI) presents an original play, Pizza World for one weekend only on Friday, June 6 at 7pm and Saturday, June 7 at 2pm at 95 Empire Street, Providence. An exciting, multi-media presentation, in development since last September, “Pizza World” is the story of a body’s journey through alternative realities filled with paranoia, existential crises and pizza. Adrienne Berry, who currently oversees this particular division of the RHD in Rhode Island says, “It’s very exciting to see this performed. We’re looking forward to the audience reaction.”

The script, music, video, costumes and light design are all the creative work of the artist members of the RHD’s Cool Collective. Resources for Human Development – Rhode Island (RHD-RI) is a non-profit, arts-based day program that serves people with disabilities. However, in the Cool Collective, all of the members identify themselves as artists, musicians and actors. Their belief is that “art breaks the barriers that separate people with and without disabilities.” This multi-faceted organization also runs many other programs that serve a younger demographic and even provides members with help searching for employment.

“All our work is client-driven,” shares Berry. “It’s amazing to see what talents they have when given this kind of freedom. They even built the set pieces.” A small, devoted staff helps to facilitate the work done by the Cool Collective. At each creative session, the group critiques its own work making suggestions and changes. Their work space is in Pawtucket, but they have collaborated with AS220’s Black Box to perform in the 95 Empire space in downtown Providence.

The all-ages event on June 6 and 7 will include a room for psychic readings, a chance to meet with the performers and artists, and a gallery display of art that will include sale items. A soundtrack of the music from Pizza World will be available for purchase, along with refreshments. Proceeds will go to support the Outsider Artists of RHD-RI. Seating is limited; tickets are a suggested $10 on a sliding scale. Buy tickets at pizzaworld.brownpapertickets.com or at the door.

According to Berry, the group has already collaborated with other organizations such as the Dirt Palace in Olneyville and AS220 in Providence at which they currently have an artist in residence. Berry hopes to form collaborations with many more groups and organizations, eventually to have a statewide network that support a similar mission. Currently the RHD-RI serves over 100 clients in three locations.

Their website contains an amazing amount of information, and is well-organized. Brimming with detail about their work and services, it is easy to navigate. For more information about the program, to volunteer or to make a contribution of goods, please visit their website at rhdri.org. They can also be found on Facebook.

Get Me to the School on Time

A Providence elementary school introduces a new initiative that focuses on school absences and aims to get children, who walk to school, there and on time.

It’s the end of another school day at the Mary Fogarty Elementary School in South Providence and hundreds of kids scatter in different directions. Some take a bus home, while others meet their parents in the playground behind the school.

Then there are two dozen-plus children who are part of a new initiative called The Walking School Bus, aimed at making sure kids who have to walk, but are late to school or chronically absent, get there on time.

It’s a pairing of adult professionals and volunteers who help kids walk to and from school.

“The majority of the kids who were having problems with absenteeism lived within a mile of the school,” said Stephen Hourahan, chief advancement officer for Family Service of Rhode Island, a social service agency that launched the walking school bus program last year. It’s part of a children’s initiative project aimed at helping a specific neighborhood with a variety of needs, from healthcare to education. In this case Fogarty Elementary — in the heart of South Providence — is the pilot for the program.

There are similar programs in other parts of the country, but the focus is on obesity and exercise. This one is unique in that it focuses directly on absenteeism.

“Some kids live at home without parents,” Hourahan said. “Parents are on a third shift, they’re sleeping when the kid gets up to go to school. They just weren’t getting them to school.”

Ally Trenteseaux helps coordinate the walking bus. She and others who work for Family Service combine with community volunteers to get nearly three dozen children on three different routes to and from school every day. Half a dozen children from the Bailey Elementary School a few blocks away have their own route as well.

“Attendance has improved with all of the kids. They went from chronically absent to almost near or perfect attendance,” Trenteseaux said.

We tagged along in all kinds of weather. From a raw foggy afternoon to bitterly cold mornings that take your breath away. The walking bus is there every day. And so are the kids, gathering in the morning to go to school, then again in the afternoon to go home. The conversations are animated and the kids appreciate having company on what, for some, is a very long walk.

The School Department does not provide buses for elementary-aged children who live within a mile of their schools, which means some kids have to cross major intersections when they walk, including Broad Street.

“I’m scared to cross the intersections by myself, never mind with six kids when you only have two hands,” Trenteseaux said. “It’s scary and I’ve always wondered what happens to the kids we aren’t able to reach out to because we do have a wait list. They kind of just latch onto you and it’s great. New walkers play shy at first,’’ she added. “But they’ll latch right onto you, they’ll hold your hand, they’ll tell you stories. You learn so much about them in just the 20 to 25 minute walk.” Scott Mello, a captain in the Providence Fire Department, volunteers two times a week. Mello oversaw the latest fire training academy and rotated in groups of recruits throughout this fall to walk with the

kids.

“The age dilemma to them is very interesting,” he said. “To them, 21 years old is very old. So they think all the adults are 21. So they look at you and say, “Are you 21?'”

Family Service wants to expand the program, but needs volunteer walkers to supplement the professional staff. “The program coordination is very simple and something that we can handle easily. It’s just we need more manpower,” Trenteseaux said.

Most of the volunteers are hooked.

“We’re talking about simple solutions,” Hourahan said. “We’re not talking about something that’s rocket science; it’s very simple to get out and meet the kids, make sure they get to school on time, then go off and do your job. And if you can do it in the afternoon, come back and help us.”

We asked Mello what his pitch would be for prospective volunteers.

“You come and see what I’ve experienced. When you see little children coming out of their homes, in this weather alone, you’re going to want to go back and help out. You have to arrive, to achieve. If you don’t arrive at school, there’s no way they’re going to achieve or get any decent grades if they’re absent. It’s impossible.”

If you want to see the video version of this story go to www.hummelspotlight.org. If you know of a person or organization who you think deserves the Spotlight, send an email to [email protected]

Locale Profiles: Santa’s Elves

Local farmers pose for Santa’s Elves to help feed the hungry in RI

When you think of your average calendar girl or guy, the first image to come to mind is most likely not that of a farmer. And chances are, said calendar isn’t being sold with 100 percent of the proceeds going to feed RI’s homeless. A dozen of Rhody’s squash growing, livestock raising, cattle herding finest got in front of the camera, not to show off their sexy sides, but to remind us that what they say is true, “No farmers, no food.”

The calendar is the brainchild of the nonprofit, Santa’s Elves, on their quest to raise funds to feed those who don’t have “Farm to Table” access, let alone a table. “We picked farmers because we receive a lot of support from the vendors at the farmers market. And what a wonderful way for everyone to know who their farmers are and where their food comes from,” explained ‘Elves founder, Ann Tortolando. Together with co-founder, Rae Ellen St. Onge, over 13 years the two have orchestrated what has become a 100 percent volunteer-run mobile food delivery service for the homeless.

What began as way to give back to the community for Christmas has become a year-round service to feed those in need (don’t let the name fool you). Think soup kitchen meets food truck. Once or twice a month an army of volunteers’ cars and vans are loaded up and travel from Cathedral Square in Providence to the Warwick Family Shelter, hitting several spots along the way.

Each month the ‘Elves compile meal items from donations from RI vegetable and meat farmers, Macera’s Italian Restaurant in Cranston and the Celestial Cafe in Exeter to serve to their clientele. With funds earned from calendar sales and donations, Santa’s Elves purchase sandwich fixings (and proceed to build hundreds of sandwiches) and toiletries to distribute at the food sites. For their January 24 run, the army of Elves are serving up sandwiches and hot chicken soup from Macera’s. They will also be joined by The Coffee Guy all winter.

So far the group has raised about $4,500 in calendar sales. They will continue to sell them at the Coastal Grower’s Farmers Market, Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm at Lafayette Mill in North Kingstown, until they run out. “Our wish is to eventually purchase a delivery vehicle so that we can all travel together,” explained Tortolando. “Currently we take three to four vehicles, one for food, one for tables and serving containers, one for clothes and toiletries, and one for additional volunteers.”

To help the cause or become an Elf yourself, email “Elf Annie” Tortolando at [email protected]. Any donations may be made out to Santa’s Helpers and sent to PO box 298, Saunderstown, RI 02874. Wanna Arm Wrastle?

“It’s a surprising sport. There’s a lot of technique and finesse – it’s not just about muscle, although that’s important, of course.” Rick North talks arm wrestling

We’ve all done it. Some of us do it in our homes, some do it in school, some do it on the weekends, and some do it every day. Not that. Get your head out of the gutter. I am talking about arm wrestling. Fans of the sport may have heard about the Rhode Island Arm Wrestling Championships, to be held on January 25 at the Atlantic Sports Pub. The competition is sure to be a great time for all!

I set out to arm wrestle Event Director Rick North, the founder of the Rhode Island Strongman Federation, but, alas, the wonders of modern communication failed me and I had to do the next best thing. I organized my own arm wrestling tournament between me and Alejandro, the 4-year-old nephew of one of my closest friends.

Now, I know what you are going to say. It isn’t exactly fair to have a 24-year-old arm wrestle a 4-year- old. That is why I made some rules to govern the tournament. I could only hold on with two fingers on my left hand (I am naturally right-handed); Alejandro could use both arms and his full body-weight (about 60 pounds). I would be blindfolded, which does not seem to be a disadvantage until you learn the next rule: instead of a countdown to begin, it would be a silent start, counted down by the fingers of Alejandro’s mother. While two-finger wrestling with my left hand, I had to recite the Star Spangled Banner, while writing the pledge of allegiance with my right hand (surprisingly a LOT harder than it sounds). Finally, Uncle Andres (my close friend) would be allowed to tickle my nose with a feather duster. If I sneezed or broke my grip on either the pen or on Alejandro’s hand, it would be considered a loss.

So how did it all turn out? Badly. Even with all of the advantages for Alejandro, he was still no match for me… until the feather duster kicked in. On the verge of a great victory for all of adultkind, Andres saw the time was ripe for giving me a full face of feathers. (Alliteration is FUN!) Itchy as all hell, and especially dusty, I wrote a check my nose couldn’t handle. Eyes watering, nostrils twitching, finally I broke my grip on the pen and scratched the hell out of my face. I lost. To a 60 pound 4-year-old.

My search for glory finished, so was my arm wrestling career. Check out the real thing at the Atlantic Sports Pub, 70 Shove Street in Tiverton at 1 pm on January 25, benefiting breast cancer research and March for Tomorrow.

Talking to Rick North is like talking to someone who’s always in coach mode. We did pin him down on some of the details of the sport of arm wrestling. Motif: So, is the Stallone movie “Over the Top” an accurate representation? North: It probably was for the 80’s. The sport’s evolved since then – it’s not just a bar sport now. Especially in Europe, where it’s really taken hold, it’s become much more legitimate. It’s televised there. In Sweden it’s a high-school sport.

M: What about the US? RN: Here it has become more mainstream as well – there are competing national leagues. If you search for it on YouTube, you’ll get hit with all kinds of footage.

Why is it growing? It’s a surprising sport. There’s a lot of technique and finesse – it’s not just about muscle, although that’s important, of course. It involves strategy too. You have to know how to work your opponent. You have to know how to use the table [between the table and the 4” elbow pad, there are numerous starting positions to consider].

Is there also a mental game? Sure. My wife [Michelle Grayson North] recently took second place in Connecticut [at the Connecticut Fall Classic]. Her last opponent wouldn’t look at her or make eye contact – it was an attempt to psych her out. Of course, it probably didn’t hurt that she was about 6’2”.

Your wife also arm wrestles? She’s very good. She did it as an exhibition event at the RI International Brew Fest a few years ago [2009] and won 47 times in a row. She’s undefeated at brew fests.

How did you get into this? I’d been doing strong man competitions. But in New England in Winter… my strong man stuff basically froze to the ground. 6 years ago, I started arm wrestling because you can do it indoors. [North then connected with the IAF (International Armwrestling Federation) and took up the baton for its RI Chapter]

How long do matches last? Typical is around 30 seconds. But it can last from 1/2 a second to 2 minutes or more, depending on the participants. I think the record’s around 7 minutes, but I don’t know how anyone held out that long.

How do people train for this? climbing ropes, pull-ups, a lot of spring grippers and stuff like that. If you lift, you use wider bars, so your hands are more open while you’re doing it. And of course, practice! Locally, we practice every Tuesday from 7 to 9 – that’s a lot of fun. We have a lot of veterans and former champions around our area. I know I always learn something.

Any highlights you’re excited about this year? We have three novice categories – that’s exciting, because you never know who’s going to be sitting across the table from you. Beyond that, we have former world champions we expect to be there, like Tim Bresnan and Norm Devio – he’s 165 lbs, proving you don’t have to be a big guy. He can hold a one- armed pull-up longer than anyone. We expect “Badger” Drew, who’s been described as ‘25% NFL, 50% Red Bull, and 25% WWE’. I’d be especially excited to see a rematch between Gabe Accardi and Ron Klemba. Accardi was National Champion in 1982 – he’s a smaller guy, but he just knows where you’re gonna go and how to beat it. This isn’t a young man’s sport – experience takes the match a lot of the time. And Klemba, the “High Chief”, is a 3x World Champion and larger than life. It came down to them a few years ago, and it was one of the best matches you’ve ever seen. They’re both very astute arm wrestlers. But we’ll have folks from all over New England – it’s a great bunch of people, and veterans are always up to help the new people out. It’s a great family sport, and it’s going to be a lot of fun!