Rhode Island’s Ocean and Coastal Magazine

Spring 2020 

Letter From the Editor

Coping with Crisis

Dear readers,

We hope this issue of 41°N finds you well—and still interested in Rhode Island’s ocean and coastal news! It was written before the Covid-19 crisis was fully understood, and as we approached going to press, we wondered how Jennifer Scappatura, the face of our cover story, was faring.

Ellen Liberman followed up with Scappatura in mid-April, and found her, thankfully, still in operation:

“Quonnie Oyster is in a good position because we are small and don’t have all the overhead,” Scappatura said. “Our website will sell our own silkscreen t-shirts/hoodies and other oyster home products, such as platters and shucking knives. In addition, we will be teaching—people need to become familiar with ways to cook oysters and shuck them too. Quonnie Oyster is also adjusting to the pandemic by starting home deliveries grouped with other local land farmers. We are working on a ‘meal-in-a-box’ concept with recipes and a link on our website. We are seeking approvals from the state Department of Health so that we can supply oysters to nonprofits that need food, like homeless shelters. This crisis has bonded the farmers and although stressful at times, it has brought us all closer to help each other keep our industry going. Ironically, it’s a great time for local food.”

I want to thank all our writers, photographers, editorial team, and art director for all they do to capture and tell Rhode Island’s ocean and coastal stories. Their efforts are always appreciated, but even more so in this uncertain and difficult time. And I want you, our readers, to know that we are committed to working over the summer to bring you another edition of 41°N in the fall.  See you then!

                                  —Monica Allard Cox, Editor