Elspeth A. Lodge

01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 1, 2010

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

Joseph D. D’Andrea, owner of Appleland Orchard in Smithfield, sorts apples for his award-winning apple cider. He won first place in New England for the best tasting apple cider anywhere, according to Yankee Magazine. “It’s not pasteurized, so it has a better taste,” he says.
The Providence Journal / Bob Thayer

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“We make chocolate-covered apples from our biggest and best apples, like this Yellow Delicious,” says Joseph D’Andrea, owner of Appleland Orchard in Smithfield.

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A farm cat finds a cozy home, complete with toy mouse, at Appleland Orchard in Smithfield.The Providence Journal / Bob Thayer

–>Louisa D’Andrea, an energetic woman in her 80s, is a master at handling the tractor. And why wouldn’t she be? For 63 years she’s been married to Joseph D. D’Andrea and together they’ve run Appleland Orchards in Smithfield.

In fact, now two generations of the D’Andrea family are hard at work spraying, picking, managing farm equipment and cooking for the orchard’s store.

The store, where the family sells 15-20 varieties of apples, along with peaches and pumpkins, used to be just a stand until the D’Andreas ripped up a bunch of apple trees and built their current store in 1976. They’ve been at Appleland’s 135 Smith Ave. location since 1972.

Joseph’s son, Joseph L. D’Andrea, and his wife, Mary-Lou, are helping to run the entire orchard business.

What they are truly famous for is their un-pasteurized apple cider, which only a handful of New England orchards make; legally, un-pasteurized cider can only be sold at the orchard where it is pressed. Yankee Magazine ranked the cider among the Best Foods in New England, saying, the cider has “a nectarlike taste that will make you swoon.” It is a blend of a variety of apples grown in the orchard including Macintosh and empire apples.

Joseph D. thinks he might have been around 9 years old when he started helping at his grandfather’s nearby farm called “Polsen’s Farm,” which he says no longer exists. In 1962 he took over an orchard in Connecticut before migrating back to Smithfield in the ’70s to take over a sick friend’s orchard (the current Appleland). Why the name Appleland? There used to be a sign up near the Smithfield town sign that said “Welcome to Appleland,” he said.

When the four members of the D’Andrea family are not out tending to their orchard, they are baking or working for the store. They have large chocolate-covered and candy apples, and a secret apple pie recipe that they have used for years. They also sell apple wine.

Mary-Lou says they also sell a variety of honey which is an all-natural allergy remedy. And they have the best fudge, she claims. The source of the fudge is only known to the D’Andrea family –– they don’t make it themselves, but they are the only store supplied with it; it’s a very popular item.

“I like the variety of jobs,” says Mary-Lou. Like Joseph D., Joseph L. has been immersed in the apple life since before he can remember. “It’s just something that I’ve always done,” he says.

During the fall, the D’Andreas are famous for creating pumpkin displays that parents love to pose their children in front of. They grow pumpkins up to 150 pounds, so there are some great ones on display. In the fall, the foliage is beautiful, and bus tours come through to look at the area. Often other D’Andrea relatives stop by just to lend a hand.

The orchard officially opened Tuesday (Aug. 31) for purchase of apples at the family store..

08/30/2010 01:00 AM EDT

By Elspeth Lodge

journal staff Writer

Jessica Morris, seen on memorial buttons, was a 2005 graduate of Lincoln High School.

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John Morris, father of Jessica Morris, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 18, embraces Donna Ricci, president of the Rhode Island National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, at a fundraising walk in September 2008.The Providence Journal / Kris Craig

–>Jessica Morris, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln High School, had just turned 18 when she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. The disease is known as “the silent killer,” because it can destroy the body before any major symptoms arise.

What ensued was a grueling three-year, uphill battle — including a hysterectomy and chemotherapy. There was no Rhode Island National Ovarian Cancer Coalition chapter for support when Jessica was diagnosed, but her family and friends helped her to found one to educate, create disease awareness and provide support for patients and their families.

Jessica lost her battle on Aug. 29, 2008, at Women & Infants Hospital, but her father, John Morris, has not stopped fighting against the disease that took his daughter; he was right there at Women & Infants to help kick off registration for Rhode Island’s first-ever Swim Across America open-water swim fundraising event; the proceeds will benefit the Women & Infants’ women’s oncology program.

Morris, a member of the Women & Infants Hospital Wide Advisory Council, says it’s the stories like his daughter’s that help motivate and inspire volunteers to get involved in fundraising for the fight against cancer.

Swimmers of all skill levels and ages are encouraged to join the ranks and contribute to the event by collecting pledges, online donations, and sponsorships.

As an added incentive to join the event, swimmers will stroke alongside national and local Olympic swimmers.

Swim Across America’s executive director, Janel Jorgenson, a 1988 Olympic silver medalist, traveled to Women & Infants for the kick-off celebration, bringing along her silver medal to help cheer up patients. She was joined at the event by Clara Walker, a 1948 Olympic athlete, and an International Swimming Hall of Fame member.

Participants in the Swim Across America event pledge to raise $300 each in donations, and they opt to swim one mile or one-half mile during the Sept. 11 event.

People participate individually or form teams, often, to honor someone who lost their battle with cancer or struggled with cancer.

Jason Mucchino is swimming in honor of his mother, who fought breast cancer.

“I think it’s great that Swim Across America reaches out through athleticism,” he says. “I also think it’s a great way to bond with family and friends.” Mucchino plans to take on the mile in the swim, which will take place in Narragansett Bay at Roger Wheeler Park. Olympian swimmer Rowdy Gaines will be participating in the event.

For more information, go to swimacrossamerica.org or contact 888.SWIM.USA.

elodge@projo.com

It’s hard to find a coffee that is fantastic and food that is delicious and reasonably priced. Fear not: Providence has some amazing coffee shops. Here are my favorites:

Seven Stars Bakery: (YES, they have coffee!) Friendly staff, mouth-watering pastry options like pumpkin muffins, Russian tea cake, artisan breads and the sandwiches they make with them, such as the Vegetarian Sandwich — Narragansett Creamery mozzarella, arugula, roasted red peppers and olive tapenade; Yum! It’s a clean and study-friendly atmosphere. Three locations: 820 Hope St. and 342 Broadway in Providence; Rumford Center, 20 Newman Ave., East Providence. Web: sevenstarsbakery.com.

The Edge Café: Service: great, friendly and fast. Atmosphere: pleasant. First-class coffee and great breakfast and lunch food too — classic café fare (coffee, muffins, etc.) but also smoothies and panini. Great place to bring a book and stay a while 199 Wayland Ave. Web: theedgecoffee.com.

Starbucks on Thayer: Atmosphere: You can expect your normal dependable Starbuck’s coffee here –– but I go to this specific one because of the ambiance. It’s great for people-watching, and casually reading a magazine. I’m not sure I’d recommend intense solo studying here, because sometimes it gets rather noisy and crowded, but you’ll see a lot of group study sessions going on. It’s definitely a great place for meeting up and talking over group projects Location: 218 Thayer Street. Starbucks.com/store/9140.

Pastiche: A-plus service. Food: Sugar coma? Yes, please! For my money, Pastiche has the best cake around Federal Hill. The coffee is good, too. It’s not the cheapest in the area, but it is the best for baked goods. They sell whole cakes, but also by the slice, so you can drop in and split a piece with a friend or tackle one yourself after a stressful day. I’m not sure it’s a place for hard-core study sessions, but if you’re just reading or taking light notes it’s perfect –– not too noisy, cute small tables. Pastichefinedesserts.com.

— Elspeth Lodge

08/23/2010 01:00 AM EDT

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

Braxton Bragg, 4, of Warwick practices his kick with the help of a float tube during a morning swim class at the Kent County YMCA.
The Providence Journal Kris Craig

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Kicking in unison to work on their kicking form are, left to right, Braxton Bragg, 4, Declan Bragg, 2, Olivia Wilcox, 4, and Kalyani Menon, 5.The Providence Journal / Kris Craig

–>Each swim season brings the risk of drownings and near-drownings.

A tragic fatality and a near drowning last year in Providence has increased awareness of the dangers. Children and adults must now pass a swim test at the city’s public pools and wear a colored-coded wrist band that indicates level of ability. Parents are also being urged to supervise their children more closely at both public and private pools.

Four more recent child-drowning incidents less than a week apart in and around Rhode Island have prompted officials and parents alike to try even harder to keep children (and adults) safe in the water.

In Westerly, where a 4-year-old boy drowned in his home pool, the pool met all state pool safety regulations. Officials in Westerly and Stonington, Conn., are now offering free pool inspections, viewed as another measure that could help make a difference.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 300 children under the age of 5 drown in residential and public pools and spas annually, and an estimated 3,200 youngsters approximately the same age are sent to emergency rooms because of submersion incidents. While statistics show that children are at higher risk for drowning, there are still many teenagers and adults who do not know how to swim.

“We do a lot of adult swim lessons,” says Hugh Minor, communications director of the YMCA of Greater Providence. He says some adults don’t know how to swim at all, but other times they take lessons to build on basic swimming skills. They teach adult classes in groups of six to eight people, but Minor says many are embarrassed about their lack of skills and prefer personal instruction. He says that to be safe “particularly in Rhode Island, where there is water everywhere, we [the YMCA] think it’s really important [to know how to swim].” While lessons for children and adults are not free, the organization will work with families to make the lessons affordable.

Halfway through the 2010 summer swimming season CPSC announced its “Pool Safely Campaign,” and its partnership with Safekids USA and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) to create the “Pool and Spa Kids Safety Education Effort.” The effort is a direct response to more than 200 drowning and non-fatal pool and spa submersion incidents nationwide since Memorial Day Weekend.

An online educational video in connection with the initiative, highlights seven simple pool safely steps (youtube.com/poolsafely.com, swimsafely.gov, ndpa.org/home/) that can help keep children safe around the water.

Key safety

concerns

Swimming lessons: A basic component of swim safety is knowing how to swim — both kids and adults. Lessons are offered at many places in Rhode Island.

Supervision: A designated adult should supervise children at all times; take a regular head count, stay within an arm’s reach of a swimming child, and step in when there’s “too much horsing around,” among children.

Learn CPR: The CPSC highly recommends taking a CPR class.

Fencing: Check on zoning laws, but always have a barrier fence around the pool. It needs to be at least 4 feet high — ideally 5, and it should surround the entire pool, and if the house acts as a fourth wall make sure to install door alarms.

Pool and spa covers: Safety covers need to be strong enough to support the weight of a child. For added precaution, take off (or fold up) the ladders of above-ground pools (when they’re not in use).

Alarms: There are many different types of alarms — from alarm wrist bands and special sensory alarms for both above- and in-ground pools, fence and door alarms and many more.

Safety drain covers: Because kids are curious, safety drain covers are a must. These covers can prevent bathing suit straps, jewelry and hair from being trapped.

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elodge@projo.com

01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, August 21, 2010

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

JOURNAL PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Tool kit photos courtesy of Tomboy Tools; alarm clock photo courtesy of Nandahome.com; lamp and screen photos courtesy of studentmarket.com. Background photo: PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/KRIS CRAIG

As summer draws to a close, college students are unpacking their beach bags and starting to stress about what they need to pack for school. The problem many people have with the average dorm room is the lack of specificity –– the list might say “a lamp,” the question would then be, “What type of lamp should I get?”

You can, of course, head off to college without buying a thing and use things you already have. College is expensive enough!

But as a recent college graduate I find myself giving advice about what specifically students should bring to school that will make their lives easier and more colorful. Here is a list of fun and useful items that will add pizzazz to your day and color and style to your dorm room.

•The Best Dorm Room Pet Without a Pulse

Pets misbehave and make messes, they cost money, and between school and extracurricular activities, who has time to walk a dog every few hours or clean a gerbil cage every week? Consider a dorm room pet without a pulse.

Forget Gary Dahl’s 1975 pet rock fad –– sure you can give them commands like “Roll over,” “Play dead” or “Attack!,” but really, who are we kidding? Clocky, invented by an MIT graduate student, is a much cooler and trendier option. He will jump 3 feet from your nightstand and run away beeping to get you up-and-at-’em! No “snooze offenders” will survive Clocky’s wrath; you can only hit the snooze button once. When Clocky runs away beeping you will have to chase that naughty little critter around the room, just like you would a mischievous pet. Tocky is Clocky’s brother and records personal wake-up messages. He also plays your favorite MP3s as he rolls around your room. Tocky and Clocky are available through Nandahome.com, and Clocky is available at Nordstrom at Providence Place.

•A Lingerie Bag

I bet you didn’t realize that sock monsters really do exist. Every dorm in America has one in the communal laundry room. Socks go in the wash and are never seen again. There is a surprising way to ward off this dangerous beast –– just place your socks in a lingerie bag before putting them in the wash. Their chances of survival are greatly improved.

•The Five-Headed Floor Lamp

The five headed floor lamps will rid a dorm room of depressing fluorescent lighting –– and they give off a massive amount of light. The heads are often adjustable so no corner of the room will be dark. They come in many different styles and colors, so they add fun and personality to any room. And not only are some of them are really a bang for your buck at value stores like Target, they should last through college.

•The Plant

Most people don’t realize how much joy and life, a simple plant can bring to a drab cinderblock dorm room. Get a plant that’s easy to take care of and simply water it occasionally. In return it will be beautiful, it will banish that yucky dorm room smell, it will increase feelings of serenity, calmness and may help with concentration during stressful times. Plants will keep up your spirits by making your room like a bit more homey. According to Gardenguides.com, some plants also clean the air and help to promote a healthy body. Suggestions for air cleaning plants and easy dorm room plants to maintain include the Spider Plant, Dracaena, Aloe Vera, Ivy Bamboo Palm, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Ficus, Dumbcane, Weeping Fig and Bamboo palm, and many more.

•A Large Terry Cloth Robe

Ok, so, regular towels are fine –– but, when you are in a coed bathroom you might be more comfortable with a large robe to avoid any awkward moments. And don’t get one of those short or thin, silky or flannely ones for the long walk down the hall. Coverage is the word, ladies and gentlemen. Need I say more?

•A Water Filter

A way to save both money on bottled water, and save the environment by using less plastic, is to invest in a water filtering jug. It also assures you will not have to go down the hall every time you want a drink. They can be a bit expensive, but they will save you money in the long run.

•A Paperweight

Paperweights have many functions. The weight can stop papers from blowing around the room when a window is open –– which will be often. They can add personality to the work area, like a piece of art would. They can even act as doorstops. And, you don’t have to go out and buy a paperweight, find a pretty rock from your home state and stick it on your desk!

•An Exercise Ball or a Yoga Mat

In a small dorm room you can get restless; you’re going to be pretty stressed on a fairly regular basis from so much work and sitting or stretching on an exercise ball is a great tip because it is one of the most stress-relieving things you can do in a small space. And don’t be concerned about the ball taking up space, they act as great desk chairs. Try investing in one with friends and “bounce it around” from person to person, as needed.

•A Ladies Hammer and Screwdriver Set

Men, don’t be deterred by the title. Ladies Hammer and Screwdrivers Sets are small and very useful (hang pictures, unstick stuck desk drawers etc). Instead of bringing a whole toolbox to campus, try bringing a few select items; it will save lots of space and probably money, as most of the tools in a toolbox aren’t ever used in college. If you don’t have access to one of these sets, try just buying a small tool set that has the main items (screwdriver, hammer etc.) but make sure there are not too many extra items. You won’t need nails, because most colleges and universities prefer that you use some sort of stick tack or removable wall hooks to hang pictures and mirrors. Check with your college’s residence life department first.

•The Flameless Candle

Girls love candles and guys like them too (even though they probably won’t admit it). They at least know it’s a good way to mask the dirty laundry smell and lend atmosphere before they invite people over. . Real candles are a fire hazard in dorm rooms and are banned by all student life offices. So, to keep yourself safe try a battery operated flameless candle.

•Decorative Room Dividers

Room dividers come in many different heights and styles. They are the perfect solution for the roommates who have two very different styles or schedules, or for those who just want more privacy. They can hide your laundry — or block your view of your roommate’s. You can put one in the corner of the room; make your own dorm room changing room! They’re also great if you’ve been assigned a room on the ground floor.

08/17/2010 05:08 PM EDT

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

What would you do if you found a wallet on the ground? Jason Willits, 27, discussed this dilemma with his young protégé, Devin, who was just 9 years old when they met three years ago. They were matched through “Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education,” a community-based mentoring program working to serve the needs of children with parents who are currently or have been incarcerated.

Devin and his buddies had found a wallet on the ground, and they wanted to turn it in to the police –– but instead they left the wallet on the ground, because they say they were afraid the police would think they took it. One major change Willits has seen in Devin since they met is how he views the police.

“He went from being scared of the police to, at one point, wanting to be a police officer.” The two go on scheduled outings twice a month. After Willets found out about his mentees’ fear of the police, “I took him over to the Mounted Police in Roger Williams State Park,” he says. They were given a tour of the station and had a great time.

Willits says he thinks now he is viewed more as a “big brother” than a parental or authority figure, “I don’t think kids respond to that,” he says. “I want him to be comfortable with me, to share things with me, so that I can give him the guidance that he needs.”

One in 40 children has had a parent in, according to RISE, and that group says its purpose is to break the cycle of poverty, crime and addiction that these children are seven times more susceptible to than other children in the area. The children who are in need of mentors are ages 6 to 14.

Willits himself had a mentor growing up — he connected with a childless man at his church who guided him through his adolescence. He fondly recalls working as an intern for his mentor, and to this day, he is still using what he learned in his job as a trust relationship officer at the U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. “I want to give what was given to me to somebody else,” says Willets. “I had a kind man who showed me the ropes and made a big difference in my life. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Generally, the idea is to guide the child throughout their school years, but “I hope always to be available for him,” says Willets. According to the program’s organizers, volunteers often become very attached to their mentees and take the mentoring seriously –– but more than anything it is consistency that the mentors say the children value most.

He was very shy at first, says Willits of his mentee, but with consistency and time “doing what you said you would, being there when you said you would,” a trust begins to build.

Laura Laramie meets with her protégé, without fail, once a week. She says this is more than the usual for most mentors who generally meet up with their mentees twice a month. But each mentor and mentee figure out what works best for them.

Both Willits and Laramie say that RISE is skilled at finding perfect matches of mentors and mentees. “They do a magic job of matching you,” says Laramie, a recent empty-nester who decided to take on a mentee. “I am astounded at how smart and quick and creative she is.” When the two get together they like to go out to eat, go to the library and swim, among other things.

Laramie is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who makes vintage beads for Laramie Studios, which she sells online. She passed on her love of beads to her mentee who now makes jewelry out of them.

The mentee decided to sell the jewelry, so Laramie works to teach her good business practices. There are also smaller things she learns from Laramie, about littering for example: “One time she asked me if she could throw a candy wrapper on the ground.” says Laramie, who explained to her that candy wrappers are not biodegradable.

Laramie says, in the mentoring system, women are matched up with young girls and men are matched up with young boys; at the moment there is a long waiting list of young boys looking for mentors. Liza Manchester, the RISE Mentor Program Coordinator says that there are around “30 boys and 15 girls” waiting for mentors.

For information about how to become involved with RISE check out riseonline.org or call (401) 421-2010.

08/12/2010 01:00 AM EDT

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

Volunteers tend to the braziers during the start of “WaterFire” at Waterplace Park in downtown Providence. Saturday night’s lighting begins at 7:47.
The Providence Journal / Ruben W. Perez

As Barbra Zdrgvesky makes her way down College Hill, she pieces together a historical timeline from Providence’s inception to the present for her tour group.

An administrator at Brown University (she’s executive assistant to the school’s provost), Zdrgvesky points to a series of landmarks — some familiar, like the iconic First Baptist Church in America, and others less so. In both cases, the point is the same: to teach people a little bit about the history of Providence before they wander downtown to enjoy a night of light and music at one of the city’s summertime “WaterFire” lightings.

Welcome to “Before the Fires are Lit,” a series of pre-“WaterFire” tours sponsored by the Rhode Island Historical Society. The next tour is before this Saturday’s “WaterFire”. The goal: to offer participants a whirlwind history of Providence, before gathering at Waterplace Park and along the Riverwalk to witness the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and of numerous sponsors; fire tenders glide down the river on boats maintaining 100 flickering bonfires that create Barnaby Evan’s famous art installation, “WaterFire Providence.”

“The tour is not a circular tour,” says Dalila Goulart, program coordinator for the Rhode Island Historical society staff. The walk begins at the John Brown House and ends with just enough time for people to grab a bite of dinner before “WaterFire.” Zdrgvesky, like most of the guides, leads her tour unscripted.

She begins with all of the other guides at the John Brown House Museum at 52 Power St. (where tickets are sold) and talks a bit about the Brown family and the founder of Providence, Roger Williams. She chats with tour members and answers questions as she leads her tour group down Benefit Street, and stops at the grave of Roger Tillinghast, to relate the history of the layout of Providence, and its relation to the Providence River and its bridges. The tour ends as the sun sets at Waterplace Park, where people from all walks of life gather to witness “WaterFire.”

“WaterFire” is free, but “Before the Fires are Lit” is $10. It is recommended that people reserve tickets (401-331-8575 x45), which are sold at the John Brown House Museum, before the 60-minute walking tour that leaves at 5:30. There is free parking in the museum lot.

Zdrgvesky has been a tour guide for five years now and recommends people get dinner reservations months in advance (“You are lucky!” she said jokingly to one tour member who managed to get reservations just two weeks before the fire). But if you can’t get a table, Zdrgvesky said not to worry. “There are plenty of food vendors around,” she said.

Goulart says there are about 25 tour guides, most of them are retired school teachers. It will vary how many guides they use during the night of a “WaterFire,” since they try to keep the tour groups relatively small. She sites it as one of the more popular tours of the historical society.

elodge@Projo.com

08/05/2010 01:00 AM EDT

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

Becky Barta portrays Patsy Cline in the musical “Always … Patsy Cline.”

Attention, Patsy Cline fans (which is to say, just about everyone): From Aug. 5 to 8, the Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts in Cranston’s Park Theatre will host a production of “Always … Patsy Cline,” a popular musical that has been performed all over the United States as well as in Canada, Britain and in Australia. The musical depicts the relationship between a fan and a star –– specifically Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger.

Becky Barta, who portrays Cline in the musical, has found that “Cline’s fan base has not only endured but grown since her death in 1963.”

What is particularly special about this production is that theatergoers will experience a veteran performer of Cline’s character; Barta has returned to the stage for her 20th production of the musical as Patsy Cline. Barta will sing more than 25 songs during the show.

So why has Barta come back again and again to this musical? “People come to the show who just love the music,” says Barta.

Her love affair with Cline’s music began with the movie “Sweet Dreams.”

“I think it was in the mid-’80s. I didn’t know Jessica Lange [who starred as Cline] was lip-syncing at first. The sound completely intrigued me.”

When she explored the character “I felt like I was unraveling an onion,” she said. “There were lots of layers.” To honor Cline properly, she studied every piece of Cline’s work.

About 10 years later Barta was offered a role in the musical “Always . . . Patsy Cline.” Since then, she has played Cline whenever she has the chance, “unless there is something I can’t get out of,” she says.

“I’m very much looking forward to being at the Park Theatre,” says Barta.

“It’s a wonderful venue.”

By Elspeth Lodge

Journal Staff Writer

Despite the 6,000 miles, and several time zones between them, they say they feel closer than ever.

Kitson found Smith through a newspaper ad, published for a group of people looking for pen pals during the summer of 1980. Kitson, who is from Cranston, had always loved Hawaii, she says. She chose Smith because she was fascinated with Hawaiian culture.

Little did Kitson know she was about to gain a lifelong friend and save thousands of dollars on therapy, as she jokes. Over the years, the two girls — and then, women — shared their deepest secrets, fears, crushes, hopes and dreams with each other.

As children, the two girls could not have been more different, especially culturally; Kitson is of Italian heritage, Smith is Hawaiian.

As adults “we’re very similar,” says Kitson. And, “we’re less than a year apart in age. We’re both single and both don’t have children. We live somewhat parallel lives.” Kitson says she sometimes wonders if they would have stayed so close if children and husbands had been added to the equation.

The two teens, now women in their late 40s, met each other for the first time in 1992, in Hawaii. The first meeting was after 12 years of extensive letter writing. Kitson worried that meeting up would be awkward, because they had shared so much of themselves with each other, but oddly it wasn’t.

Smith was quieter than she was in her letters, but the two women quickly warmed up to each other upon their first meeting, and upon their second meeting this year, “the 18 years just melted away,” says Kitson. “We went out to dinner that night and our conversation was like an in-person e-mail or letter. We never ran out of things to say.”

Smith, who admits to being shy, did not want to talk about her reunion with Kitson.

The letters have evolved over time from a weekly snail mail to e-mailing each other two, sometimes three times a day.

In Las Vegas the two women say they had a fantastic time. “I don’t think it will be another 18 years before we see each other again,” says Kitson.

While on their trip, the two took a glass elevator to the top of the Eiffel tower at the Paris hotel (46 stories up), watched the synchronized musical fountain show in front of the Bellagio hotel, toured the atomic testing museum and relived their teenage years playing pinball on some of the vintage machines.

And “of course we had to see at least one Las Vegas show!” says Kitson.“ Being a fan of E!’s ‘The Girls Next Door’ show, I chose ‘Peepshow,’ starring Holly Madison. It was a flashy, song-and-dance burlesque show that was a bit cheesy but very Vegas.”

While they are back to their normal lives now, writing back and forth, they both agree that it shouldn’t be another 18 years till they meet again.