Two Guys on Block Island

Spoooooooky things are ALWAYS afoot on Block Island. And we're not just talking about the line for the ferry after Ballard's lets out.

While the average year-round population hovers above or below a thousand, it may actually be higher if we were to count all of the ghostly residents trapped here. As you know, spirits are unable to cross bodies of water which accounts for the surplus of scary sightings and such.

We begin our episode with Lisa Sprague who recounts a dinner with Betty Gann at the Blue Dory Inn where time flies. Apparently an uninvited (and unseen) dinner guest had a thing for clocks. 

Then we meet Maddison Trethaway (aka Maddy aka Rich's daughter). As part of an adventurous gang of island teens that searched the island for apparitions to apprehend, Maddy had her share of unexplainable experiences. Rich served as a supernatural chauffeur of sorts, driving the Mystery Machine to the next ghostly adventure. Scooby Snacks anyone? Maddy shares two CREEPY stories from the Hygeia House and a babysitting gig where an in-tune toddler picks up on some wonky vibes. At the end of the show Maddy presents Rich and Marc with a special gift. A hand-drawn, Halloween version of the Two Guys on Block Island logo. (That's it up above)

Next Ashley Babcock tells us about some frightening firemen that lived above Aldo's in her family's housing. We're pretty sure  Aldo's used to be the fire station at one point. It seems as though some of the crew forgot to hang up their hoses though and have instead hung around to cause a little mischief. Then Ashley gets a visit from her Grandfather. Only problem is...he's been deceased for many years.

Maddy reads an email from listener, Sarah Heineman who encountered a pair of spectral brothers at her family's home in Minister's Lot.

Pam Gelsomini dishes off the Block but goes on the record with a couple of creepy tales about the old Swedish Boarding House her family ran called, The Breakers. Pam tells us about a little boy with dark hair standing at the top of the stairs and a mysterious voice heard on the wind.

Rich and Maddy decide to take a ride around the island to hunt down a ghost to interview.

While they're gone, Marc takes a crack at telling Block Island's most famous ghost story, "The Ghost Ship Palatine". The suits at the executive level coughed up for some flashy production value. So this quintessential re-telling of a frightening (and controversial) ghost tale is best taken in with headphones...in a dark room...at midnight.

After the story, Marc attempts to untangle the spidery web that ensnares both fact and fiction. Turns out, Block Islanders have a right to be salty about the particulars. When John Greenlief Whittier's account of the Palatine Wreck hit The Atlantic Monthly in 1867 and  became an instant classic. It also stoked the ire of Block Islanders so much that to this day, a mention of the poem's title draws a sly eye.

What? Are you...afraid?
Claw your way up from the grave and hit, "PLAY", Cap'!

Andre Boudreau returns for part two of our in depth conversation with the town councilor currently running for First Warden. While part one was a hilarious stroll down memory lane, in part two Rich and Marc ask some tough questions.

Andre explains his reasons for running for town council and underscores the difficulties the council has encountered in trying to make progress happen amidst a revolving door of town managers over the last few years. We learn how the problem with retaining a town manager directly impacts the council's ability to see projects through when the guard is constantly changing.

What comes next is a detailed account of Andre's role in reacting to the ever-changing protocols and problems associated with preparing Block Island to weather one of its most challenging summers on record. In the face of a global pandemic Andre and his fellow councilors were responsible for making decisions that would drastically impact Block Island's inhabitants. Oftentimes, those decisions were made with little time to adequately analyze the issue at hand. Andre recalls the day a state official called asking whether or not Block Island's harbor should be closed. Andre found himself pondering this question in the parking lot of a mainland Target.

Some of the decisions the council faced were gut-wrenching. One such was a stop work order (ultimately passed) that threatened to put the island's work force on the bread lines. Other decisions were not as difficult to make. A sizable group of islanders urged the council to entertain the concept of a "herd immunity" solution to the Covid problem wherein the island would allow the virus to have its way with the island's residents. Considering the toll this would have taken on the island's elder citizens, Andre's response was an immediate and emphatic, "No".

But the pre-season problems proved to be only the tip of the iceberg. Expecting the summer tourist season crowds to be a fraction of what the norm, Block Island instead experienced numbers on par with what would be considered a "normal" influx of visitors. To complicate things, this past summer's visitors proved noticeably rowdier then usual. With the island's Police force and Volunteer Rescue Squad both overwhelmed, Andre admits to reluctantly voting for a motion that would invoke immediate backlash.

In mid-August the town council voted to suspend outdoor entertainment licenses. Most of the island establishments were indeed doing their best to ensure the safety of their staffs and patrons. Still the council made an across the board decision to suspend all outdoor entertainment licenses instead of focusing on the couple of establishments that were allegedly not taking their Covid prep seriously enough. What resulted was a teachable moment of sorts where a number of island businesses banded together to express their objection to the council's decision. One week later, the council reversed their decision and reinstated the licenses. Rich and Marc grill Andre as to why the council decided to make a blanket decision instead of sanctioning only the problematic establishments. The answer is more complicated than one would think.

Andre Boudreau took up a good bit of our time. And we're glad he did. Our conversation yielded the sort of discourse one would hope from a person seeking public office. Thoughtful, intelligent, informative, honest and most of all- sincere. Until November 4th, 2020 the future of Block Island awaits the results. In the meantime, we hope this episode sheds some light on just how complicated things can get out here. And that fortunately, there's someone spending a good deal of his time working through those complications.

Now quit yer' fillibusterin' and hit "PLAY", Cap'!

lo·qua·cious:     /lōˈkwāSHəs/     adjective

Tending to talk a great deal; talkative. "Always loquacious, Andre was never at a loss for words"

Rich and Marc had a laundry list of issues to discuss with Block Island Town Councilor and candidate for First Warden, Andre Boudreau. That simply didn't happen. Instead, the conversation meandered uncontrollably for well over an hour before our hosts realized that not one serious subject had been broached.

Was Andre intentionally ducking some potentially uncomfortable, hard ball questions? 

Possibly. But one possible reason for the lack of "substantial" conversation was Andre's self-diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. And thank goodness for that particular affliction. Because what follows is hilarious, detailed account of Andre's early years here on Block Island.

Andre arrives on Block Island at age 17 and takes a job at the Beachead under Peg Manley. Despite singularly effective practical jokes, brushes with the law and attempted arson by means of burnt toast, Andre remained gainfully employed there for many years. At the Beachead, Andre would begin to form his Block Island family; members of which remain a constant throughout his adventure.

After we close the chapter on the Beachead Days, Hank Hewitt of BI Fishworks pops in with a 60 second synopsis on what's happening with the fishing into October.

Andre's years as a bartender at Lew Gaffet's Albion Pub are recounted. The Albion was famous for shenanigans and there was never a shortage. Our guest exhibits great discretion in recounting certain tales from those days. But not too much discretion. One evening when the fire alarm goes off, Andre discovered the reason for the alarm is a regular patron who decided to sneak into the office.

Beyond his tenure at the Albion, Andre served the Harbors Department and became Captain of the "Stool Bus" aka the New Harbor Pumpout Boat. Andre enjoyed this job and went so far as to make very special gifts which he'd give to his favorite customers. We also learn that the Pumpout Boat's name is imbued with a sly significance. 

All this plus the story of a stuffed bear that smells like Strawberries await you in our first of a two-part interview with Andre. Looking for some laughs? Drop the chum bucket and hit, "PLAY", Cap'!

"It's only an island if you look at it from the water". Amity Island's Police Chief Brody from the movie JAWS had his own way of rationalizing the insanity that can come with being the man in charge on a small rock surrounded by water. In the game-changing 1976 Blockbuster we're treated to a thumbnail sketch of some of the more mundane aspects of an island Police Chief's life. 

Block Island's Chief of Police, Vin Carlone, has a full plate as well. And while he hasn't had to hunt down a man-eating Great White Shark...yet, that task might seem more appealing (and possibly easier) than attending a Town Council meeting.

Imagine being responsible for keeping the peace on an island where the summertime population can swell to over 20,000 people all looking for a good time. Keep in mind- everyone's definition of a "good time" is different.

He has only 6 full-time officers to cover the beat. Even with an additional 6-7 auxiliary summertime officers (all retired cops over the age of 50) brought in to help during the peak season it's an impossible task. 

One would have to possess superhuman strength to handle it all. And the Chief is indeed strong- both physically and mentally. But every man has his limits. And Vin Carlone at the end of the day is not a superhero. He is but a man. A man who oftentimes finds himself at ideological odds with those he has sworn to protect. His relationship with the residents of Block Island can be complicated.

But his feelings about Block Island are not. He loves this place. The headaches associated with being the Chief in a small town are far outweighed by the benefits of existing in such a close-knit community.

In Episode Six we dive right in with Chief Vin Carlone, discussing how his tenure as head of the Detective Division across the water in Narragansett prepared him to deal with Block Island's seasonal quirks. Lessons that Vin learned in Narragansett were applied here in order to turn the tide on Block Island's reputation as "the place where anything goes".

Marc recounts his first meeting with Vin and how that meeting led to a long partnership between Block Island's nightlife establishments and the Police force in an effort to reel in what some felt was an "out of control" party scene. 

But what exactly makes Chief Carlone tick? Rich and Marc explore the psyche of a veteran law enforcement official and discover that what can be misconstrued as a hard-boiled exterior is oftentimes a necessity rather than a choice. Vin explains the need to compartmentalize certain aspects of his job in order to maintain some semblance of normalcy in day to day life. Fair warning- the conversation gets heavy at times.

Yet for all the good our Chief of Police has done for the community, it can be a thankless job. Vin discusses how he deals with the feeling that some of his efforts aren't necessarily appreciated. Spoiler alert- he doesn't. Chief Carlone sticks to his assertion that it's better to present the facts, accept what may be undue criticism and be disliked rather than play the politician in an attempt to make everyone happy.

It's not all doom and gloom though. There's plenty of comedic relief that comes with the job. In one example, Vin recounts the story of an inebriated,  birthday suit-clad individual who makes multiple bad decisions over the course of the tale.

So hop in the passenger seat as we ride along with Vin Carlone, Block Island's Chief of Police. Don't make us hit you with the taser! Even if we have to slap the cuffs on ya'- reach  up and hit "play", Cap'! 

Dan Cahill's long, strange trip from life as a 60's hippie radical to Block Island icon is chronicled in Episode 5.

Before landing on Block Island in 1984, Dan had served as an extra in "Dirty Harry", bumped into Jerry Garcia on a bicycle ride from Seattle to San Francisco, helped build the stage at Woodstock (where he snubbed Jimi Hendrix) and joined the Hare Krishnas to hide out from a certain government anti-narcotics agency.

We learn about Dan's relationship with Captain Nick, Ed McGovern and Lew Gaffet. These founding fathers of Block Island nightlife had PLENTY of quirks and eccentricities which Dan recounts in vivid detail.

Dan admits to spending the first thirty-nine years of his life goofing off. But when he decided to get to work- there was no stopping him. Originally coming to the island for a gig roofing a house, Dan wore a number of hats before signing on with Ed McGovern at the Yellow Kittens Tavern. There, Dan served as talent buyer- booking and promoting shows by NRBQ and Taj Mahal. 

During those years Dan became known as a "go-to guy". When his phone would ring with someone asking a favor the answer was always, "What do you need?". From menial requests to heroic gestures (he once saved a local wedding in danger of being cancelled by a hurricane) Dan was the man everyone turned to at one point or another for help. And he was always happy to lend a hand...if he liked you.

Speaking of hands- we also talk about his founding of the "Block Island Left-Hander's Club", an informal conglomerate of left-dexterous islanders. 

Over the years Dan has developed a certain sartorial style that's become indistinguishable from the man himself. We learn the story of his legendary mismatched socks and how that non-fashion statement was copied by future generations. 

Dan Cahill's love for Block Island is front and center throughout our chat. Take a listen and learn why the man who once spent an entire year on-island without going back to "America" would turn down a trip anywhere in the world rather than leave his island family.

All that and Captain Hank's Block Island Fishing Report detailing the ins and outs of Porgy Season!

So whatcha waitin' for? Reach out ya' left hand and press PLAY Cap'!



 

Rich and Marc dive right in with Lars Trodson- Editor in Chief of The Block Island Times. 

No stone is left unturned. Journalistic integrity? A must. But sometimes all the "news" isn't fit to print.

I mean...because the mainstream media is a racket. Right? News networks owned by multi-national, global corporations serving as propaganda machines crank out content that bleeds and leads. Headlines go to the highest bidder. Old school reporting and stories of true human interest have died at many of our once-cherished, monolithic print-based publications.

BUT!!!!

At The Block Island Times it has not. It's a wholesome, community-based, un-editorialized, fact-by fact account record of what happens here. Yet- so much more.

During the "C-word", The Block Island Times served the community as a de-facto interpreter. Translating as best they could, the message sent from on high as to how our tiny island should function in the face of a Global Pandemic.

No pressure...right, Lars?

We find out how Mr. Trodson balances the responsibilities associated with serving as a conduit for information versus "normal life" as a singular member of a VERY close-knit and insular community.

But it's not all stress and hardcore insanity. Because...that's not what Block Island is all about.

The Block Island Times reminds us of that by balancing the factual nuts and bolts stuff with the day to day minutia of the island we find so endearing. It's a delicate balancing act. And it takes a great story teller to communicate the intricacies of it all.

And that's where Lars Trodson comes in. The custodian of a legacy publication. Perhaps one of the last of it's kind. As technology threatens to wipe away every last bastion of small town life- The Block Island Times stands as a does the Southeast Lighthouse...

...a beacon of light amidst foggy times.

Our friend Mike O’Brien, the Block Island School’s special education teacher stops by for a chat that includes some toilet talk. Not THAT kind! For some reason, we end the topic of rest rooms keeps coming up.

Mike’s family has a long and storied history on Block Island going all the way back to Settler’s Rock. He’s got Ball blood  in him. His ancestors have done everything from forming the Museum of Modern Art in New York City to driving a honey wagon. Told ya’ there’d be toilet talk.

We also learn how his Grandmother, Gertie, tricked the chief of police into afternoons filled with finger sandwiches at the Sullivan House.

Not long ago Mike became the custodian of a herd of Icelandic Sheep. Apparently, two naughty sheep escaped from the yard yesterday.

Mike also recounts his days as an alter boy and reveals the secret source who provided the host for Sunday service at St. Andrew’s. Things turn serious for a bit though as Mike shares a personal story about a struggle with his faith.

Later on, we’ll reminisce with Mike about his first summer job as a popcorn slinger on the porch of the Surf Hotel. He also confesses a secret childhood crush on a well-known ex-employer.

Ready for some laughs? Hit play, Cap’!

Episode Two and our first interview...ever. It's with a pretty big wheel but she'd never cop to it. Her name's Jessica Willi and she's one of the people responsible for how the rest of America percieves Block Island.

No pressure- right?

But there's a lot more to Jess than just being a one-woman propaganda machine for her little slice of paradise in the middle of the ocean. Her family were frozen yogurt pioneers and she herself is an undisputed heiress to the "Chicken Athena" legacy. 

Yup...the original.

Numero Dos also brings you our first ever "Fishing Report" brought to you by Block Island Fishworks and hosted by Captain Hank Hewitt of the Harley. If you're an angler, you could do worse than to take a few tips from Hank. We have to warn you- Hank is VERY passionate about fishing. Like...REALLY passionate.

We also learn a little about our new town manager and Mary Donelly, namesake of the Mary D. Fund. After listening and you want to toss a sheckle or two at the fund, here's the deets...

Check payable to: The Mary D. Fund
                               Po Box 323
                               Block Island, RI
                               02807

Now pony up then hit play, Cap'!

Where the hell is Block Island? Good question... 

Rich and Marc give you the basic rundown and answer some FAQ's about Block Island. Never heard of Block Island? This is the episode for you. If you already know about Block Island don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, Mr. Smarty Pants. There's still a lot you don't know. So leave it to a couple of locals to give you the skinny.

Then we hear from Rich who is what we call a "year round island resident". This does NOT mean he's an "Islander". Don't know the difference? See? If you DO know the difference it's because you've watched JAWS a hundred times. It's a good movie but you should really get outside more and go to the beach instead of hanging around inside watching movies on such a beautiful day.

Next Marc (a carpetbagger) talks about how he came to spend his summers on the island. It's a pretty good story. We find out that Marc's penchant for stealing things leads to a nickname that sticks. Nicknames are a big thing on Block Island. We've got people named; Turtle, Rocket, Turbo, Gravy and T-Bird to name a few.

Finally Rich and Marc fill you in on what to expect in future episodes. From current events for the locals to helpful tips for tourists, Two Guys on Block Island shoots to cover all the bases and introduce you to some of the colorful characters that call Block Island home.

Now press play, Cap'!