February 2023 - Shop In RI

Kiersten Luis

menu is available including our special Artichokes and Cannolis!

to the area, and when he opened his restaurant on 441 Atwells Ave. in Providence three years ago, it was a homecoming for him and his family.

“I left in 1989 to work in Las Vegas and Florida at various Italian festivals,” said Palmisano, who is a third-generation feast festival promoter and a well-known local philanthropist. Our family loves the area and has been a part of this community for years. When this space (for the restaurant) was available, it was like coming home again,” he continued.

The restaurant employs a dozen people and prides itself on serving dishes with a nod to the “Old Country.” Diners can feast on several signature dishes, including their bone-in veal chops that are so big that they take up the entire plate, their linguini and clams and their Italian stuffed artichokes. Patrons can also dive into their fresh fish dishes, chicken or veal parmigiana with pasta, or perhaps for dessert, their amazingly delicious homemade cannolis.

Perhaps their calling card is their "World Famous Expresso Martinis,” among other specialty cocktails that are infused with rosemary, ginger and other herbs to give them an authentic flair and taste.

Palmisano said that his goal for operating a successful restaurant is simple: “I want people to feel like they are eating at my house.”

He noted about how meals are cultivated back in Italy. “It starts with visiting the local butcher shop for the freshest meat, then walking to the garden to select the vegetables, and maybe to the local store to pick up a bottle of wine. Palmisano said that the restaurant strives to maintain this tradition because “farm to table” offers the best quality and flavors for their customers.

“I hope that when customers visit Anthony’s Italian Cuisine, they enjoy a little piece of Italy with every made-to-order dish,” he said.

The restaurant is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The bar remains open one hour after closing.

Contributors

Jen Wallace

Al Matthews

Stacie Venagro

Tom Lopatosky

Andrew Irby

Writers

Mark Berger

Brian Lowney

Julia Romano

Jenn Lombari

Patrick Burke

Susan Gazerro

Sarah Wessel Sales Executives

Jeffrey Manzo

Jim Lombari

Jenn Lombari

Michael Belsito

Fashion Editor

Rosanna Ortiz

Photographers

Guillermo Garcia

Allyson Barth

Michael Belsito

They also cater events and have daily specials and promotions. For more details about these upcoming events, please call 401273-5900. More details may be found by visiting their website at www.AnthonysonFederalHill.com.

Dr. Joseph Matrullo

The Best & Worst States In America to Drive In

Whether we get behind the wheel for leisurely cruising, for our daily commutes, or to take care of errands, American drivers have long contended with traffic, potholes, fluctuating gas prices, and the other annoyances. WalletHub wanted to see which states were better to drive in than others, and it looked at all 50 across more than 30 metrics in four main categories: traffic and infrastructure (e.g., average commute times, road quality, and the number of icy and rainy days); safety, everything from the share of adults who wear seatbelts to how strict DUI punishments are and fatality rates; access to vehicles and maintenance, meaning car dealerships, gas stations, and repair shops; and the cost of owning a vehicle and its upkeep, including maintenance, gas, and insurance. Iowa emerged at the top, while Hawaii came in last. The top and bottom 10:

Best States to Drive In

TravelTips

Shop In RI Selects: Vail, Colorado as the #1 Skiing Destination in the United States.

Shop In RI Selects Sugarbush Resort, Vermont as their #1 Skiing Getaway on the East Coast!

The World’s for the

Feel in need off those chanics neering non-stop

This Colorado mountain town will make you feel like you’re skiing in the French Alps. Standing in front of The Red Lion, an iconic bar in the heart of Vail Village, it may seem like Vail, Colorado is a fairly small town with just a few short blocks of posh eateries, après-ski haunts, and mountainside hotels. But strap on your ski (or snowboard) boots, walk a few steps from The Red Lion to Gondola One, and in 10 minutes, you’ll stand amid no fewer than 5,317 skiable acres across Vail Ski Resort. And that’s when you’ll realize it: This town isn’t so small after all. With 195 trails and 31 chairlifts, Vail is, quite frankly, enormous. That’s what you get when you ski the West; while Killington, Vermont has 1,977 skiable acres, Quebec’s Mont Tremblant has 754 acres of terrain, Vail has more than 3,000 just on the back bowls of the mountain. The Western ski mountains, above all else, are known for sheer expanse (think: Park City, which boasts 7,300 acres). And for shredders who crave trail variety and alpine views, (mountain) size matters.

Sugarbush is an overlooked gem among its peers, with many skiers heading to nearby Killington, Stowe, or Mad River Glen over this double mountain resort. So why shouldn’t you do the same? To put it simply, Sugarbush offers practically everything that those more popular ski areas boast, minus the crowds. So if you fancy schussing down a freshly groomed slope without queuing for a lift or dodging snowploughers this could be just the place for you!

It’s a more L’Agulhas, sia—roughly Appalachian encountered via bridge, boat or ferry A person three years miles a day), or obtain able for cold, as tions through like South the physical than 385,000 same amount, down Everest

The 189 inches of average annual snowfall makes the primarily intermediate and advanced trails exceptionally inviting. That said, the most compelling reason to visit Vail is not the powder or the terrain, although both are spectacular. It’s not even the trendy hotels or incredible après-ski fare (I went to Root & Flower twice in four days). It’s this: Vail is perhaps the closest you can get to a true European ski experience without flying across the Atlantic.

Woman United

As Airlines Abandon Them, Small Cities Are Forced To Pay Up

Terrain: The resort is made up of two interconnected mountains, Lincoln Peak, where the majority of trails are, and Mount Ellen. Other lower peaks include Castle Rock, Gadd Peak and North Lynx. For the type of gnarly terrain you would expect from Mad River Glen, just hop aboard the Castle Rock Double chair to Castle Rock. From the top at 3,812 ft, you’ll have the steep double black chutes of Lift Line and Rumble to get stuck into. If clocking up maximum vertical drop is more your thing then you’ll find the slopes here laid out much better for top-to-bottom shredding than at Killington. Even if you ski all 111 trails here, there’s also 2,000 ac of backcountry to explore in the Slide Brook Basin area!

service in 2018 when Great Lakes Airlines, which served it, filed for bankruptcy.

If you're of a certain relatively youthful age, you may not know that prior to 1978, airlines were regulated. As Alana Semuels recaps in a lengthy piece for Time, until that point the government "saw airlines as an essential service, kind of like the post office." The Civil Aeronautics Board was the federal agency that determined the routes airlines had to fly and the fares they could charge, and the idea behind deregulation was that competition would increase and air travel would get even cheaper. The opposite has come to pass, and Semuels argues that America's small cities are among the biggest victims. She points to the situation in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which lost commercial air

Town: If all that wasn’t enough, Sugarbush is generally a notch cheaper than pricey Stowe, but not at the sacrifice of luxury. For lavish lodgings, look no further than Lincoln Peak Village. For these reasons and more, when it comes to the most practical ski destination in Vermont, Sugarbush is a fantasic choice for a winter weekend getaway!

The 96,000-person metro area had two options: Go without, or woo an airline with what's known as a "minimum revenue guarantee." It went with the latter and ended up inking a deal with SkyWest that will see it pay the airline $2.5 million this year to service the airport. "The alternative is bleak," Semuels writes, noting that since 2019, 14 US airports were dropped by all commercial providers; a study found American, Delta, and United have ended flights to a combined 68 cities since April 2020. Forking over millions to airlines that make billions "may seem irrational on its face," but the reality is that the blow to business, tourism, and population growth that can result is a very real concern. As one industry expert puts it, "Air service is one of the most critical economic development tools in the tool chest."

You can’t a domestic get a complimentary man on went to a ”stinging dropped the floor, snag the ”After learning on flight lanta was ponded MedLink provided said. ”The local hospital. customer

Couple Finds Lost Diamond Ring After 21 Years In Their Toilet

There’s a Fresh Geyser Mystery in Yellowstone

It’s unclear why the Steamboat Geyser had a record year

Front Page

A Florida couple whose diamond engagement ring disappeared just before their wedding 21 years ago recently found the culprit. Their own toilet bowl.

It’s the tallest active geyser on the planet— with an emphasis on “active.” From 2015 to 2017, it didn’t erupt at all. There was another largely quiet period from 1911 to 1961, but in 2018 it logged a record-setting 32 eruptions, a feat it has crushed this year with 47 eruptions, per the US Geological Survey. Why? Good question, and one that hasn’t been answered. It’s one on a long list of geyser mysteries, in fact. The geyser-research field is a thin one, and as Yellowstone National Park’s hydrologist explained the area beneath Steamboat hasn’t been mapped. However, seismic sensors there have revealed that the geyser’s water source may sit as deep as 130 feet.

Shaina Day, of Lakeland, Florida, has had her suspicions about the nefarious fixture since the day her ring vanished. But they weren’t confirmed until this November, when her mother-in-law Renee replaced the toilet and found the diamond piece wedged in its porcelain tomb,

“She came to me one day and said, ‘I think I lost my ring,’” Nick Day, Shaina’s husband, told the station. “She said, ‘It was on the counter now it’s gone, and I think I may have flushed it down the toilet on accident.’”

The couple searched everywhere including their home’s septic system. They pumped the entire tank through a strainer in a valiant-yet-vain attempt to find the ring. The diamond stayed lost for decades and may have remained so if not for Renee’s decision to replace the toilet. After their find, Nick’s parents wrapped the ring and presented it to the pair on Christmas, according to WFLA.

“Both of us knew exactly what it was,” Nick Day said. Shaina said the shocking discovery quickly drove her to tears.

“It was kind of an ugly cry,” Shaina said. “I sat there and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is my ring. This is my ring.’ I’m wiping my eyes and mascara is going everywhere.”

The couple said they might use the diamond in a new piece of jewelry or pass it on as – although hopefully after a thorough cleaning.

Most other geysers seem to be fueled by shallower reserves; deeper equals warmer, so that could be a factor in Steamboat’s ability to propel water to heights of more than 300 feet. Michael Poland with the USGS earlier this year said it’s possible that increased snowfall in Yellowstone of late has led to more groundwater to fuel the geyser. What scientists are saying is that there’s no link between the increased activity and any potential looming eruption of Yellowstone’s supervolcano. “Yellowstone has an incredible geyser system that is unrelated to magmatic activity—other than the magmatic system basically providing heat,” tweeted one volcanologist. USA Today noted that the Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand has managed to shoot water taller than Steamboat has, but it’s been

THE TOP EARNING MUSICIANS OF THE DECADE

Top 4 Most Valuable Sports Franchises

$8 Billion

Most Common Passwords Leaked On The Dark Web

Your go-to password might be easier to guess than you think.

That’s according to a new report from mobile security firm Lookout, which recently published a list of the 20 passwords most commonly found in leaked account information on the dark web. The list ranges from simple number and letter sequences like “123456” and “Qwerty” to easily typed phrases like “Iloveyou.”

Choosing easy to remember passwords is understandable: The average person has more than 100 different online accounts requiring passwords, according to online password manager NordPass. But simple passwords can be extremely easy for hackers to figure out, allowing them stress-free access to your

personal data and accounts. Lookout, which makes cloud security apps for mobile devices, notedt that, on average, 80% of consumers have had their emails leaked onto the dark web. You could easily be among that majority without even knowing it. Those leaked emails often lead hackers directly to your passwords for other online accounts and identity thef. Here’s the company’s list of the passwords most commonly found on the dark web, due to data breaches: If you use any of the above passwords for any of your online accounts, you’d be wise to swap them out.

123456

Taylor Swift ($825 million)

Dr. Dre ($825 million)

Dallas Cowboys

New York Yankees $7 Billion

New England Patriots $6.4 Billion Los Angeles Rams $6.2 Billion

Italy’s Most Wanted Mafia Boss Arrested After 30 Years On The Run

World News News

Italian authorities arrested their most wanted fugitive, Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, who was detained at a private clinic in the Sicilian city of Palermo after 30 years on the run.

Meet the New Electric Road

26 Years Ago, She Stole $600K And Fled. Now, An Arrest

Egypt Opens “Bent Pyramid”

Ethiopia Planted 353M Trees —in Half a Day

12 Year Old Steals Moms Credit Card.. Heads on Vacation

France Won’t Let Go of Long-Lost Masterpiece 15 Years Later, Tsunami’s Toll Remains Mind-Boggling

Denaro had been on Italy’s most wanted list since the early 1990s and is alleged to be the head of the Cosa Nostra crime syndicate. He had been convicted of dozens of murders in absentia and faces multiple life sentences. His arrest is a landmark moment in the decades-long battle by authorities against organized crime.

the heirs can’t quit squabbling. Here’s a look at where things been nearly two years since Prince died, the executor of the and Trust, can’t split the money among Prince’s six surviving Internal Revenue Service and executor agree on the estate’s value might happen. The IRS and state of Minnesota are entitled though the estate can stretch out the payments over time. Court after Prince’s death suggested that it was worth around $200 The actual value remains one of the biggest secrets in the case, redacted documents. The actual valuation could have gone up That’s because the various attorneys, accountants, and industry not yet finished appraisals and deals for the use of his music, including his Paisley Park studio.

“A great victory for the state,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement. She thanked the national anti-Mafia unit as well as prosecutors in Palermo for their work.

Egypt opened two of its oldest pyramids, located about 25 miles south of the capital Cairo, to visitors for the first time since 1965. Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Anany told reporters that tourists are now allowed to visit the Bent Pyramid and its satellite pyramid in the Dahshur royal necropolis, which is part of the Memphis Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bent Pyramid, which the AP reports was built during the Old Kingdom of the Pharaoh of Sneferu, in about 2600 BC, is unique in that it has two internal structures. El-Anany said the Bent Pyramid represents a transitional form of pyramid construction between the Djoser Step Pyramid (2667-2648 BC) and the Meidum Pyramid (also about 2600 BC). The Guardian notes its "unusual" shape: The first 160 feet rise at "a steep 54 degree angle, before tapering off towards the top."

It still haunts me.” The line from 28-year-old Thai resident Suwanne Maliwan to Reuters expresses a common sentiment Thursday, the 15th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed 230,000 lives. Maliwan, for instance, lost both her parents and five other relatives. ”Sometimes I dream that a wave is coming,” she says. Vigils and memorials across Asia were commemorating the staggering loss of life in what was one of the world’s deadliest natural disasters. A 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra island the morning after Christmas in 2004 triggered the tsunami and unleashed waves as high as 57 feet.

You may one day drive down roads charged with electricity that your vehicle automatically detects and sucks up through an automatic arm—if a Swedish project gains any headway. Called eRoadArlanda, it has turned 1.2 miles of road outside Stockholm into a kind of slot-car track where electric trucks insert movable arms into a rail to recharge the vehicle’s battery while driving. Designers say the technology is weather-proof and the arm will rise automatically when one car passes another, Sky News reports. The rails are also said to be safe to the touch.

Even plastic surgery to help hide her identity couldn’t keep persistent authorities from finally tracking down a bank teller who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer more than 25 years ago. Vice reports on the story out of China, which starts in 1997 in Yueqing. At that time, the woman—IDed by authorities under a pseudonym, Chen Yile—was a 26-year-old teller for China Construction Bank. Per a release from Yueqing prosecutors, Chen stumbled upon a loophole in the bank’s computer system that allowed her to manually tweak the amount of money in customers’ accounts.

withdrawing a total of $587,000 in cash. She reportedly hid $211,000 in various spots around her parents’ home, deposited $310,000 into accounts she shared with her siblings, and fled the area—but not before she stopped at a plastic surgeon’s office and had unknown cosmetic work done, apparently to try to hide her identity.

The Cosa Nostra is one of Italy’s three major crime groups, along with the Camorra, which operates in Naples and the surrounding region, and the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta. Europol says the groups are involved in many activities, including drug trafficking, waste management and tourism.

sentative contacted school officials Thursday about the surprise message, says a spokeswoman for the district.

Johnson said he admires Kelzenberg's courage but that he won't be able to attend prom because he'll be in Hawaii filming Jungle Cruise. Instead, Johnson rented out a nearby movie theater on Saturday for Kelzenberg and more than 230 friends and family to watch his latest movie, Rampage. Johnson even covered the cost of snacks and drinks for the theater. "I couldn't believe it. I was so surprised," Kelzenberg says. "I just kept thinking, 'He saw me! He knows who I am!'" Kelzenberg says she became a fan of Johnson's five years ago. Her favorite movies of his include Central Intelligence and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Coastal areas of Thailand, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries were deluged. One of the first areas hit was Indonesia’s Aceh province, notes CBS News. In fact, most of those killed were in Indonesia alone, where 170,000 deaths were registered. ”No words can describe our feelings when we tearfully saw thousands of corpses lying on this ground 15 years ago,” said acting Aceh Gov. Nova Iriansyah at a ceremony in Sigli. ”And now, we can see how people in Aceh were able to overcome suffering and rise again, thanks to assistance from all Indonesians and from people all over the world.”

“One of the most important issues of our time is the question of how to make fossil-free road transportation a reality,” says eRoadArlanda Chairman Hans Säll. “We now have a solution that will make this possible, which is amazing.” Among its pluses, Säll says the electric road lets vehicles have smaller batteries and therefore makes vehicles cheaper to produce. The $7.7 million project will be tested with a truck fleet for two years, and if the government approves, it could be implemented for $1.9 million per mile and include buses and cars. “Sweden is at the cutting edge of this technology, which we now hope to introduce in other areas of the country and the world,” Säll says.

El-Anany also announced that Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a collection of stone, clay, and wooden sarcophagi, some of them with mummies, in the area. He said archaeologists also found wooden funerary masks along with instruments used for cutting stones, dating to the Late Period (664332 BC). Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said they also uncovered large stone blocks along with limestone and granite fragments indicating the existence of ancient graves in the area. Egypt has been whipping up publicity for its new historical discoveries in the hopes of reviving a devastated tourism sector still recovering from the turmoil following a 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

With a reported penchant for fast cars, Rolexes and women, Denaro had built a reputation as the “boss of bosses.” But he had also become near mythic for dodging authorities. Some informants reportedly spoke of facial surgeries. There were so few photos of him that Italian authorities had to rely on computer-generated images that approximated what he might look like as an older man.

Denaro had been using a fake name and when lining up for a coronavirus test police officers approached and arrested him. He had been undergoing chemotherapy at the clinic for more than a year. They became certain of his identity three days earlier and then gave the green light for the blitz. He acknowledged who he was immediately: “My name is Massimo Messina Denaro.” “

It’s a beautiful day,” said Paolo Guido, a deputy prosecutor in Palermo. “The mafia was there before Matteo Messina Denaro, and is still there now. But we hope it’ll be there no longer.”

France is trying to hang onto a medieval painting with a crazy backstory. The nation has blocked the export of a small, 13th-century work by the Italian artist Cimabue, a painting that hung unnoticed for decades above a hotplate in a French woman's kitchen. An auctioneer spotted the painting as the elderly woman was preparing to sell her house, and Christ then sold for a staggering $26 million at auction earlier this the Guardian. The buyers are anonymous, but they're believed group of Chilean collectors based in the US. Now, however, they won't be able to own the painting after all.

Once she realized this, Chen applied for a transfer to another branch that was closed on the weekends and snuck into that building on April 12 of that year, a Saturday, prosecutors say. That’s when she modified her own accounts so that she now had more than $834,000 to her name, per the release. Prosecutors say she then visited other bank branches around the city,

Ethiopia claims it has smashed a world record in the name of climate change— and the tree planting isn’t even done. More than 353 million tree seedlin gs were planted across the country just 12 hours as part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy refores tation campaign. The campaign hopes to see 4 billion indigenous trees plant ed between May and October. Citizens had been encouraged to plant 200 mil lion trees but Ahmed tweeted that 150 million had been planted after just hours. At the end of 12 hours, the country’s minster for innovation and chnology, Getahun Mekuria, announced 353,633,660 seedlings had gone the ground—more than five times as many trees as were planted in India 12 hours in 2017. Some schools and government offices closed to allow dents and civil servants to take part, which notes 2.6 billion trees have been planted across Ethiopia. The Guardian reports each citizen is asked plant at least 40 seedlings. The goal is to transform Ethiopia’s landscape, which is seeing degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, and droughts and flooding tied to agriculture. About 80% of Ethiopia’s population relies on agriculture to make a living, with the result that just 4% of land is now forested, com pared to 30% at the end of the 19th century, according to Farm Africa. Al Jazeera, a recent study estimates that 1 trillion new trees could pull most 750 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere—or about much as humans have released in the last 25 years—over several decades

A 12-year-old Australian boy has pulled off a bold feat that drew international headlines: He stole his mom’s credit card and managed to fly to Bali, Indonesia, for a posh, four-day vacation before getting caught. As recounted in the Australian program A Current Affair, the boy did some research online and figured out he could fly alone without needing a letter from a parent on Jetstar Airways. He nabbed his mom’s credit card, tricked his grandmother into giving him his passport, took a train to the airport, and flew to Bali. “They just asked for my student ID and passport to prove that I’m over 12 and that I’m in secondary school,” says the boy, identified only as Drew. He then checked into a four-star hotel, having made reservations in advance, telling the clerk that his older sister would be joining him soon.

And there he stayed, having a fine time while his panicked mom reported him as missing back home. It wasn’t until the boy posted a video of himself in the hotel pool that his vacation finally came to an end. “I was shocked and disgusted, there’s no emotion to feel what we felt when we found out that he’d left overseas,” says mom, per news.com.au. One reason she’s ticked: Her son had actually tried this stunt twice before, only to be turned away at the airport by Qantas and Garuda Airlines. Mom says she was informed her son’s passport would be flagged by federal authorities as a result, but that apparently never happened. In the aftermath, Jetstar promises to tighten up its policies. “He just doesn’t like the word no and that’s what I got, a kid in Indonesia.”

US Teen Wins $3M at Fortnite World Cup

Art Expert Gives Museum Some Really Bad News

France's culture ministry has declared the work to be a "national and has at least temporarily overruled the sale, reports USA ministry hopes to hang the painting permanently in the Louvre, now has 30 months to come up with the money to buy it. In me, the family of the unidentified woman who displayed the years, unaware of its origin or its worth, must continue to insured. They also owe a multi-million-dollar inheritance tax, likely have to work out a deal to pay it after the sale goes through.

A museum in southern France suffered a terrible blow when experts declared that over half its paintings are forgeries, The Terrus museum, dedicated to the work of painter Étienne Terrus, apparently knew nothing of the fakes until an art historian informed them. “It’s a catastrophe,” the mayor of Elne, where the museum resides, tells the Telegraph. “I put myself in the place of all the people who came to visit the museum, who saw fake works of art, who paid an entrance fee. It’s intolerable and I hope we find those responsible.” Police have taken the fakes and are trying to find those responsible.

He Scrawled ’Help’ on His Boat. After 24 Days, Someone Saw It

Her own father gave her up to police, but she’d already vanished. She obtained a fake ID registered to Guizhou province, though she eventually landed hundreds of miles away in Guangdong province, where she eventually remarried, had a child, bought a house, and established a cleaning supplies company that did quite well, prosecutors say. She was busted in December, however (authorities aren’t saying how they found her), and her new family is said to have had no clue about her crimes. The money Chen took with her on the road is long gone, she says in a statement, but thanks to the success of her company, she says she’d like to return what she stole. She also revealed she did miss the family she abandoned more than a quarter-century ago.

Apparently 82 of the museum’s 140 works are phony, spotted at times because they contained buildings constructed after Terrus died in 1922. Acclaimed for his landscapes of French Catalonia, Terrus was close with artists

teen contestants Emil Bergquist dersen from Sweden and David Wang from Austria shared a $3 million prize.

Multimillionaire Invites 10 People to Come Live in ’Paradise’

Looking to permanently while away your days overlooking the Tasman Sea and sipping on vino while watching "nice animals" with other "nice people"? Karl Reipen wants to hear from you. The Guardian reports the German multimillionaire has placed an ad seeking 10 people up to age 70 to come live in what he calls his "paradise," a 550-acre, $5.6 million estate in Awakino, on New Zealand's North Island. "If you are interested to live a life with a Group of Interesting people it can be a new life for you," reads the ad, which Stuff NZ reports was published twice in the New Zealand Herald. Reipen,

At some point during his 24 days lost at sea, Elvis Francois scrawled the world “help” into the hull of his boat. Officials now describe that as key to his rescue. The man from Dominica says he was making repairs to his boat off the island of St. Martin when currents pulled him out to sea. The 47-year-old said he couldn’t direct his boat back to shore and and that he lacked navigational knowledge. “I called my friends, they tried to contact me, but I lost the signal. There was nothing else to do but sit and wait,” Francois recalled in a video released by the Colombian navy. As for what he survived on, not much: He says he had a bottle of ketchup, garlic powder, and some stock cubes. Cmdr. Carlos Urbano Montes told the AP that Francois said he used a cloth to capture rainwater. In the video, he also

Pennsylvania 16-year-old Kyle Giersdorf plays 8 to 10 hours of Fortnite a day, but his parents aren’t complaining: Giersdorf, better known as ”Bugha,” won a record-breaking $3 million at the inaugural Fortnite World Cup at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The contest featured 100 participants out of around 40 million who entered the on line competition. Giersdorf, who won the solo event in front of a packed stadium, says he plans to save the prize instead of going on a spending spree. ”All I want is a new desk and maybe a desk for my trophy. In the duo event

who made his fortune in canned iced coffee, notes in the ad that the estate boasts a winery "for social meetings and dining," and that residents "can enjoy walking, fishing, shopping, kayaking, bird watching, swimming or looking at the nice animals."

Henri Matisse

River that’s less than three miles from the Mediterranean coast of Languedoc-Roussillon. The museum spent over $190,000 acquiring paintings they thought were his. But the Terrus likely isn’t alone: Art experts say at least one in five paintings in the world’s top museums may well be fake.

With a total prize pool of $40 million provided by Epic Games, Fortnite’s rent company, the tournament broke e-sports record, though that record is expe cted to be broken by an August event led “The International” Giersdorf, the player in the North American East Region to qualify for the tournament, was domi nant in the six-game series, beating rivals including runner-up Harrison “Psalm” Chang, who took home $1.8 million. Giersdorf was hugged by his family after the win. “This is life-changing for him,” mother Darcy Giersdorf says. “He’s been playing video games since he was three, this is his passion. He told us he could this, he put his mind to it and he did

There are also stables and an in door equestrian center on-site, and Reipen says, "If you would like to bring your own horse it is possible." Interested parties who prefer privacy will like that the property is an hour and a half from the nearest large town or city. The current government under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern put in place a ban on foreigners owning homes in New Zealand, but Reipen scooped up

described having to constantly remove water from the boat so that it wouldn’t sink. He had a mirror to signal with and said he also tried to light a fire to create a distress signal but couldn’t manage to do so. A plane finally sighted his boat and the word ”help” from the air. He was located some 120 nautical miles northwest of Colombia’s Puerto Bolívar and was picked up by a passing container ship. He’s described as being in good health, considering his ordeal.

the property years before te. He still had to get the nation's Overseas Investment which signed off on his it determined he had the and means to build the and maintain it. "It took to bring it to the standard writes in the ad. It's not ture dwellers in Reipen's med utopia will be selected.

COMING SOON

The RIHA Kitchen Cabinet will meet three to four times per year to share findings from sessions and activities throughout the course of the year, as well as listen to invited guest speakers. Additionally, members of the Cabinet will take part in a number of events designed to provide a balanced and well-rounded viewpoint on the hospitality industry’s role and commitment to the communities it serves.

Unveiling the RI Hospitality Association Kitchen Cabinet

J. Venturini

By Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RI Hospitality Association (RIHA)

Given the level of disruption affecting the hospitality industry in recent years, and with many businesses still facing staffing shortages, rising operating costs and more, the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is kicking off 2023, with a brand-new strategic group, The RI Hospitality Kitchen Cabinet. The “Cabinet” is composed of industry leaders who will assist its Board of Directors and the Association with rebuilding a robust hospitality community through shaping strategic advocacy goals, vetting new programs and services, serving as hospitality ambassadors in the community, and participating in listening sessions to hear member perspectives and legislative viewpoints.

The Kitchen Cabinet is positioned as a think tank of leaders from a myriad of industries who impact or have an effect on Rhode Island’s vibrant hospitality industry. This group of trusted business leaders has been carefully selected to provide the most well-rounded opinions and advice; each must be an Active Member of the Association, participate in Association events, and take part in contributing to the RIHA Political Action Committee. The Kitchen Cabinet reports to the RIHA Board of Directors.

The RIHA Kitchen Cabinet will focus on a number of important initiatives and causes to propel the hospitality industry post-pandemic into its next successful chapter through innovation and collaboration. The Cabinet will pay careful consideration to the needs of industries within RIHA’s 900+ membership, from lodging, to food service, to allied and ancillary segments.

A sampling of events includes five roundtables with state, local, and regulatory officials; one community/ goodwill initiative; specialty events, as identified by the Cabinet’s leadership, political events (i.e. - Get Served by the Speaker, Statewide Roundtables), community initiatives, and specialty events.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that has become increasingly clear is the need for new industry leaders to inspire our community members to work towards something bigger than themselves. In recent years, we have faced many crises and have done our best to survive, and now that we are recovering and rebuilding, we are also looking to foster the next generation of talented leaders who are committed to working for the greater good of the entire industry.

The point of the RIHA Kitchen Cabinet is simple: we cannot solve problems unless we know what people are dealing with. When I think of all that we have accomplished, despite having the odds stacked against us in recent years, I recognize that the RI Hospitality Association and its members could not have achieved such great things without the support of the hospitality community at-large.

The RI Hospitality Association Kitchen Cabinet met for the first time, for a listening session with Rhode Island’s Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner and Director Matt Weldon of the RI Department of Labor and Training, on Tuesday, January 17th. The event was free for RIHA members and was $49.00 for non-members.

Dale

Notes from the Cooker, Traveler, Master Gardener and Serious Sipper of Creative Cocktails

SHRIMP SCAMPI ON STEROIDS

By Al Milukas

I love shrimp scampi, and had the need to satisfy my cravings the other day. But what started as a simple scampi recipe, turned into something a bit more. I may never make scampi the same way again!

Ingredients:

1 lb. wild-caught American shrimp, peeled and de-veined

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons parsley

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons Spirgučiai (see below)

1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella, sliced oregano, for sprinkling

Thaw the shrimp under cold water. Place in a colander to drain.

Spirgučiai is a Lithuanian favorite: chopped bacon and onions, fried until crisp and usually sprinkled over anything and everything in Lithuanian cooking. I always have some in my fridge, already prepared and just waiting to be used.

In a saucepan on medium heat, combine the butter, olive oil, parsley, garlic salt, oregano, onion, pepper and Spirgučiai. Heat only until everything melts and combines. Don’t let it burn. (If you don’t have Spirgučiai, all you need to do is take a couple of slices of bacon, chop them up, and fry them in a pan until crisp. Keep the bacon and the fat in the pan and then add the butter, olive oil, parsley, garlic salt, oregano, onion and pepper.)

In a small sheet pan lined with foil, lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook them halfway in a pre-heated 400-degree oven to remove the moisture from the shrimp.

Take the pan out of the oven, and drain off the moisture, if any. Pour the butter mix from the saucepan all over the shrimp and toss to coat. Return the shrimp to the oven for a few minutes, until they’ve heated through and are almost completely cooked. (Careful: never over-cook shrimp!)

Take the pan out of the oven, and place pieces of mozzarella on top, garnishing with a little oregano. Set the oven on broil and cook until the cheese has melted.

Slice with a spatula and serve on top of pasta, making sure you get some of that buttery scampi sauce.

How Exercise Improves Your Mood

By: Susan Gazerro

Exercise has always been my therapy. It’s never just been a physical activity. I was never just focused on the physical result. It has always been just as much, if not more, about my mental health. Not only does it give us the energy we need every day, but it absolutely changes our mood. This has been scientifically proven.

You’ve probably heard that exercise increases endorphins, (the happy hormone), but it also increases many more brain chemicals that make you feel happy. I knew this, but when I suffered a TBI (traumatic brain injury) the doctors encouraged me to exercise. They explained that when you exercise, it does increase endorphins, but it also increases dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoid. These are all brain chemicals associated with feeling happy, feeling confident, and feeling capable.

These endorphins contribute to having less anxiety, stress, and even less physical pain. When you exercise, you also increase nerve cell growth in the brain. Increasing nerve cells is directly linked to aiding with depression. Another chemical that is shown to help relieve stress and

boost happiness is myokine, which your body creates when your muscles contract. Myokines begin to change the structure and function of your brain in ways that make you more resilient to stress and help most people recover from depression and anxiety disorders. Again, having a TBI can be very devastating and life changing, hence, the doctors encourage exercise as often as possible. It, again, is a source of therapy and it definitely helped in my recovery.

We all know having strong, healthy relationships is one of the most important factors in everyone’s overall happiness. Having a fitness family can mean more than just having a group of people you can depend on to workout with. I have been instructing at 6am for years and the group of women that attend, my “6amers”, as I call them, are definitely mine, and each other’s fitness family. When you connect with people that have common interests like working out and being healthy, you automatically bond. We have become such great friends. We all have our own lives, but we know every morning at 6am we are going to laugh, cry, vent, and have a great workout together.

There is no question that exercise will boost your confidence. Confidence is key to feeling happy, and I always say, “confidence is beauty.” Confidence makes you beautiful. People gravitate toward people who are confident. No one should take your confidence away or make you feel any less worthy. You are special and unique and you need to believe that. Your life will change once you do.

Exercise helps boost your confidence because not only does your physical appearance change, but when you workout, you’re doing something challenging, which gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you are with other people, whether working out or in any scenario, it creates a sense of ‘bigger than self,’ and this makes people feel more optimistic and empowered. It also allows people to feel more empowered about facing the challenges in their own lives. The interesting side benefit of moving or working out with other people is there is a sense of “we’re in this together” that translates into self-confidence. You also want to work harder and try harder because you are subconsciously trying to prove yourself and do good for the “team.” This in turn helps you take on challenges in your life.

If you love the outdoors and want to exercise outdoors, this could also be very beneficial. Exercising outdoors has an immediate

effect on mood that is extremely powerful for depression and anxiety. Exercising outdoors puts you in a state of open awareness. This is very similar to meditation.

We have all heard that meditation has so many benefits. The good news is if you are not one to meditate, you may not have to. Your mind can play tricks on you. If you are the type who worries or overthinks everything, something as simple as going for a walk or bike ride outdoors can have an immediate profound effect that will give tremendous relief because it invites the mind to shift spontaneously without any effort of entering a meditation state. Again, being outdoors provides the same benefit. So, if you find yourself getting depressed or in a rut, make an effort to go outside and do something for yourself.

A lot of people don’t like to exercise. I have always tried to make people understand the importance and benefits of exercise. You will never regret working out. Think about this, you take care of so many things in life. You take care of your family, your car, work, house etc., isn’t your health the most important thing to take care of?

“The best investment you can ever make is in your own health.”

Kids Growing Up Strong

by Kevin Kearns

As a father of two, I know how all of us feel. We want our kids to grow up strong and healthy, as well as limit the amount of pain and difficulty they are going to come up against.

When it comes to sports and life, we want to give them all of the tools to succeed, and I can think of no better place than team sports and individual fitness. The challenge is most people do not realize that if you improve your child’s level of fitness, you improve their performance. As an added benefit, their confidence improves. We cannot teach them the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. They must learn that on their own. We can only help them to manage those emotions. For me as a coach, I can think of no better way to help them manage the latter, improve their performance, and help them to gain confidence, then with adding sport-specific activities and general fitness training.

The big challenge facing us all is we live in a “kid coddling” society. Very few people will step in and push children a little harder each time. I have seen it with my own children’s participation in sports. One plays basketball and the other plays volleyball. After watching a couple of tournaments of each, I noticed a few places to enhance all of the children’s performances.

They needed to warm up properly.

They needed to cool down.

They needed to add flexibility in their programming. They needed core strength.

They needed agility work.

They needed balance work.

They needed full body exercise for spatial awareness.

Now, I don’t claim to be a basketball player (trust me, I’m lucky if I can dribble), and I’m only a decent volleyball player; add to that, the fact that I was the kid who was “always picked last,” however, I do understand movement.

Children are not that hard to train. They can be trained just like adults. You just have to make it fun, short, and interesting. You take a movement like a plank and put it on a bosu and call it “Ride the Wave” and they love it. The wrinkle I notice is when we are being overprotective of our young people. Instead of letting them point and click, they should be out

running, jumping, and climbing. I once heard a parent say that monkey bars are a bad thing. Really?

Here are some simple drills and skills for children for any sport.

The keys are simple; activate the 5 elements of fitness: push, pull, level change, rotation, and locomotion.

We suggest 30 seconds of an exercise, with 15 to 20 second breaks, and about 5 to 8 stations.

Monkey Punches - Stand in front of the bosu and squat down. Now, jump up in the air and when you come down, hammerstrike the bosu.

Whack a Mole - in a push up position, have the child start with hands on the bosu. Now, have them alternate lifting a hand off the bosu and whacking it.

Leap Frogs - with a fitness trampoline, have the child stand in front of the unit and then jump onto the trampoline.

Caterpillar Rolls - have the child lay on the stability ball in a prone position on their shoulder blades. Now without using their hands, have them try and roll over to their stomach on the ball.

Punch Crunch - while sitting on a bosu, have the child sit up and hit the focus mitts in alternating fashion.

We need to build confidence in our children because they are our greatest asset.

Overprotection is something we all need to look at and move beyond. Of course, we all want our most cherished to be safe, and yes, knowing when being caring turns into hovering can be challenging, but, in the long run, it is so important for children’s overall healthy growth.

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What’s Up With That?

The video game industry makes more than the film and music industry combined annually.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The creator of My Little Pony is married to the creator of the Powerpuff Girls.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Any month of that begins on a Sunday will have a Friday the 13th.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

When Apple was buying rural land to build its North Carolina data center, one family refused to sell a 1-acre plot they had purchased for $6,000. After rejecting every offer, Apple told them to name a price. They sold the plot for $1.7 million.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

There’s a basketball court in the Supreme Court building. It’s often called the “highest court in the land” because it sits directly above the courtroom.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Elephants can sense rainfall from 150 miles away. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The average American has gained 29 pounds since the start of the pandemic. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The average NFL game only has about 11 minutes of live gameplay. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The average American spends about five hours a day on their phone.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Squirrels fail to recover up to 74% of the nuts that they bury, unintentionally planting new trees.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Kiersten Luis, Realtor Making Your Dream Home A Reality In 2023

By Jennifer Coates

In the competitive world of real estate, home buyers and sellers need a realtor who will not only represent them, but who will also be their second set of eyes, their objective advocate, their adviser and confidante, and their ardent supporter. Realtor

Kiersten Luis is all these things, and so much more.

Kiersten Luis is a fiercely dedicated professional, who is not only respected by her clients, but who is genuinely embraced as family.

Kiersten says it best when she says: “I’m not in the real estate business, I am in the relationship business.” This is not just a catchy phrase, it is a personal philosophy and a personal commitment for this energetic lifelong Rhode Islander and Lincoln-based realtor.

Long-lasting and meaningful relationships are important to Kiersten Luis, both at work and at home. Kiersten is married to Tony Luis, and together, they have two daughters, six-year-old Olivia and four-year-old Maya. The strength and integrity of her family have informed every decision Kiersten has made, including the decision to leave a career in Health Care Technology to become a fulltime realtor. Already a serious real estate investor, Kiersten made this transition smoothly and brings all the skills required of both a devoted parent and a dedicated professional to her job as your realtor. Time with family is a priority, and she brings this same sensibility to her work, knowing that she is not alone in trying to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

While Kiersten was officially licensed to be a realtor in 2015, her work in real estate extends back over a decade. Her time “in the field” has taught her many things. She knows how to spot a good real estate deal when she sees one; she knows how to turn an average purchase into a lifelong investment; she knows how to work with a close-knit team, all motivated by the same goal of making her

homeowners’ “dream homes,” a reality.

Kiersten also loves the education piece of real estate transactions, understanding that an informed consumer is always the best consumer who yields the best results. Most of all, Kiersten knows how to advocate for her clients, whether she is selling their home or business, or buying a new one. She puts in the sweat equity so you don’t have to.

Being a successful realtor takes the perfect balance of that unrelenting sweat equity, with lots of persistence, long hours, hard work, education, and a sense of optimism, checked with realism ~ knowing that there will always be a chance of challenges in the process. Kiersten’s experience as an investor has allowed her to strike this balance, giving her a lot of determination, self-discipline, and resourcefulness.

When asked how she applies this determination, self-discipline, resourcefulness, and balance,

Katie Wright & Kiersten Luis

Kiersten attributes much of her success to the team of professionals she not only surrounds herself with, but also whose relationships she has curated and forged over many, many years. She has enduring relationships with seasoned attorneys, inspectors, contractors, lenders, and tradesmen. She has high standards and high expectations for her teammates, having them proven, time and time again.

These high standards also apply to the talented and loyal team Kiersten works with at the Century 21 Premier Agency office in Lincoln, most specifically her partner Katie Wright. Katie and Kiersten make a formidable team, bound by their strong work ethic, commitment to their clients, stalwart values of integrity, trustworthiness and dependability, but mostly, by their equal devotion to family, above all else. There is no doubt that when you work with Kiersten and Katie, you are always in good hands.

One of the things that sets Kiersten apart is her 24/7 commitment to her clients. When she is not coaching soccer or tending to all the responsibilities of an active and engaged mom, Kiersten is “beating the pavement.” Her phone is her constant companion, even as her family’s needs come first. Clients who have questions or concerns that crop up in the middle of the night can send her off a text message and she will respond first thing in the morning. She knows that the process of homebuying and selling can be fraught with worry,

and it is her job to assuage your worry and provide solutions and courses of action that meet the problem.

The problems that face homebuyers these days have to do with the ever-fluctuating inventory of properties on the housing market. The pandemic changed the dynamics of home buying and selling, not only in Rhode Island, but across the country. Kiersten does her research, in fact, this is one of the aspects of her job that she loves the most. She will dive in deep, working relentlessly to sell your home (think professional photos, getting your finances in order so you are ready to go, staging your home) and buy your dream home (she will go over every detail with a fine-tooth comb, walking you through every step with confidence and focus).

Kiersten Luis is a managing partner in the highly reputable Century 21 Premier Agency. If you want to learn more about her experience, as well as obtain helpful tips, as you begin your real estate journey, be sure to explore her Instagram and Facebook pages @kierstenluisrealtor. She can be reached any time at 401-301-8488 (and she means any time) or via email at kierstenluis@gmail.com. Kiersten is licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Don’t take any chances with your future. Whether you are buying your first home or selling your lifetime home (or anything in between), let Kiersten be your guide, support, and advocate. She is ready to take your call.

Tony, Kiersten, Maya & Olivia Luis

How to Make a Financial Comeback

By: Carrie McPherson

Many Americans at one point or another will deal with an unexpected event that has financial implications. As a financial advisor, I’ve helped many families overcome these setbacks and go onto achieve their biggest financial goals. Most often, setbacks occur because of circumstances beyond one’s control, such as a job layoff, a car accident, natural disasters, a house fire or the onset of an illness. If you find yourself facing a similar unexpected situation, here are five steps to help you regain your financial footing and confidence:

Give yourself permission to dip into your emergency fund.

It can be mentally difficult to spend your hard-earned savings paying off unexpected bills. If you find yourself in this position, remind yourself that the point of having money set aside is to handle unplanned costs with as minimal impact to your usual spending as possible.

Craft a financial strategy to combat the expenses.

If the costs are more than your emergency fund can cover, take the time to plan out how to address them. Your strategy may include: Insurance.

If your situation involves an expense covered by insurance, contact your provider as soon as you can to start the claims process. If you’re unsure of whether an expense is covered by your policy, ask. Document key details of the situation and remember to keep all receipts.

If you have savings separate from your emergency fund, consider withdrawing from these sources. While it’s likely you have the money earmarked for a different type of goal (e.g. a second home, a new boat), it may be more important to take care of the unexpected expenses today. Whatever you do, try to avoid withdrawing from your retirement or college savings accounts. You may incur a penalty for using the money for non-qualified expenses and you would miss out on the chance to continue compounding your savings over time.

Adjust your spending.

Depending on your situation, you can either rework your budget or simply be more mindful of your spending in the near term. If you’re living with a spouse or partner, have a conversation to help set financial priorities over the next few weeks or months. Open communication can help you work together to address the unplanned expenses and get back on track.

Seek professional help.

If you’re unsure which investments to draw down or want a second opinion on the tradeoffs between using various sources of income, consult a financial advisor.

Prepare for next time.

Once you’ve addressed the situation at hand, commit to restoring your financial foundation for the next inevitable unexpected event. Replenish your cash reserve and create a plan to rebuild any withdrawn investment savings. Review your insurance coverage to make sure you have adequate protection and understand what expenses may be covered and where you may have gaps.

Carrie A. McPherson,

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Smart Strategies for Managing a Windfall

By: Edward Pontarelli Jr.

If a financial windfall is in your future, when the day comes, you’ll have decisions to make. A large infusion of cash is generally welcome news, but it can come with challenges and complexity.

Here are some things to consider when your financial circumstances change for the better overnight.

Don’t make any sudden decisions. Whether you’ve been enriched by an inheritance, a boom in business, the lottery, or something else, take your time before making big decisions you may later regret. For example, don’t quit your job or make large purchases without thinking through the consequences and looking at the big picture. Instead, study your options so you can feel confident about your next steps.

Build your emergency fund. Your windfall is an opportunity to shore up financial security. For that reason, a portion of your new-found wealth belongs in an emergency fund, particularly if yours has been underfunded. Experts recommend setting aside six months to one year of expenses to prepare for a downturn in financial circumstances. Hold this money in an account that’s liquid so you can readily access it. And, keep emergency funds separate from your regular checking account to avoid the temptation to dip into them.

Tackle debt. Debt is often the greatest threat to financial stability. If you’ve racked up unpaid balances, your windfall represents a great opportunity to reduce or eliminate them. The first order of business is to pay down your credit card or other high-interest debt. Doing so can drastically reduce your monthly expenses and improve your credit score in the process. Paying down low-interest mortgage debt may not be as high a priority, especially if you can offset mortgage interest with investment gains.

Invest in your future. Put your windfall to work to create financial stability now and in the future. Fund your retirement plan with a balanced portfolio aligned to your risk tolerance and time horizon. Diversify your holdings with a range of stocks and bonds. You might also consider alternative tangible assets such as property.

Plan your estate. A sudden windfall is a reminder that life can change in a heartbeat. Take this opportunity to create or update your will. Assign beneficiaries to your assets, including your life insurance policy. Consider creating a trust to pass your wealth to the next generation.

Spend wisely. Don’t let your good fortune cloud your judgment. Be discerning in your expenditures. A large infusion of cash may permit you to make long-desired purchases, change careers, or help family and friends, but perhaps not all at once. Ideally you will continue to maintain a household budget to prevent overspending.

Share your good fortune. If your changed financial status allows it, be generous with the people and organizations you care about. Philanthropy and charitable deeds contribute to health and well-being while also strengthening communities.

Talk to a tax professional. Unexpected cash can affect your tax bill. There may be strategies you can employ to lessen your tax liability. For example, you may be able to fund an individual retirement account (IRA) or a health savings account (HSA) to reduce taxable income for the year. Make sure you’re taking advantage of available deductions and credits that lower your tax bill.

Get guidance from a financial advisor. An experienced financial professional can help you in the happy circumstance of a financial windfall. Consult an advisor for advice on how to manage your good fortune for optimal results.

Anchor Financial Mortgage Makes “The American Dream” Possible

by Mark Berger

Buying or selling a home can both be the most gratifying, yet, biggest stress inducer for anyone. There is plenty to learn and understand, usually through a small window of opportunity. While there are homes available for purchase, current inventory is not at optimum levels for buyers. Another factor is people having big plans for a new home, but soon realize they are not ready to make that jump because they haven’t properly prepared.

Making certain potential home buyers actually qualify and are comfortable to buy a home is imperative to a smooth process for both buyers and sellers. Looking at half million-dollar homes, when one can only afford $300,000, makes little sense. You can set yourself up for major disappointment or even worse, lose money.

To get out of “Fantasy Land” and into a more suitable frame of mind, Anchor Financial Mortgage, located at 1 Lonsdale Avenue in Pawtucket, does all the work necessary to make sure their clients are able to finish what they start. Anchor President Joseph Baptista and his team “tailor fit” the right mortgage for their buyers, with access to every mortgage program available. Baptista’s philosophy is simple: “affordable financing plus outstanding service, equals customers for life.” That often takes some extra work, but he feels it’s well worth it based on the company’s repeat business. Their loyal customer base of 20-plus years demonstrates the small business does things right, working with second- and third-generation families!

“We’ve been in business for a while now, and the best compliment we get is how thorough we are,” he said, adding they have never received a complaint from the Better Business Bureau since opening in 2000. “We have an in-house underwriting and processing team that goes above and beyond to make sure our clients are successful. Our staff educates, and is dedicated to constant

communication with our clients and referral partners because knowledge is power!”

Anchor Financial Mortgage specializes in purchase mortgages. Whether a first-time homebuyer, move-up buyer, or experienced real estate investor, they know how to get you across the finish line.

Anchor has lending partnerships with numerous federal and state programs designed to help make buying a home a reality for many who thought they couldn’t. Homeownership is the “American Dream” because it is the single greatest way to build wealth and stability for your future. Anchor Financial Mortgage has all the tools to make it happen.

For people who would like to know that beforehand, they can visit the company’s website at www.anchorfinancial.com and go to “Apply Now,” fill out their details, and find out what they can afford.

Baptista said that no matter what the situation or circumstances are, they have the ways to help.

“We work with all the different lenders and agencies— nationally and locally—to give our clients the best financing available,” he said. “Whether someone needs to be preapproved for a new mortgage, refinance for cash out, eliminate PMI on their existing mortgage, or need a home improvement loan, we have the resources and knowledge to assist both new and experienced homeowners get the mortgage financing they deserve.

“We don’t cut corners or take shortcuts; we don’t charge any processing or underwriting fees, and our customer service makes us stand out. It’s all about the customer experience,” said Baptista.

He added that the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the smiles on the faces of first-time homebuyers, who never thought they could own a home. With inflation and the current cost of rent so ridiculously high, it is extremely hard for new homebuyers to save up money for a down payment. Working with state agencies such as RI Housing and Mass Housing, Anchor is able to make these dreams a reality.

How can anyone save up for a down payment when so many are paying $2000 (or more) a month for rent? RI Housing and Mass Housing programs provide down payment assistance for first time homebuyers, so now they can start paying their own mortgage instead of paying their landlord’s mortgage. Also, credit score requirements are lower—as low as 620 for RI Housing and 640 for Mass Housing! Of course, they look at more than just the credit scores, but these are the minimums needed to get you through the door.

Baptista said bad-credit customers are a specialty. As he puts it, “I’ve never seen a credit report I can’t fix!” He explained that sometimes it takes some time and money to settle old debts, if they think necessary, but he and his team are credit experts. They don’t charge any creditrepair fees. They will also send you a free copy of your credit report, with detailed instructions on the steps needed to get the credit on track.

For senior homeowners over the age of 62, Anchor is also proud to offer affordable reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage will eliminate monthly mortgage payment and may also provide a regular monthly disbursement to you. Seniors may also take cash out for any reason at closing, and even have a line of credit available for future use. These programs are based on equity, and

with the increased equity in everyone’s homes today, seniors who have tried for a reverse mortgage in the past, unsuccessfully, may now qualify!” he said. He added, “Anchor has been able to help so many seniors stay happy and in their homes for as long as they are healthy.”

Baptista warns customers about seniors getting taken advantage of with these mortgages. He advises anyone interested in such programs to contact his office first.

Anchor Financial Mortgage services all of New England (except for Vermont), New York, and Florida, with 22 years of A+ ratings with the Better Business Bureau, with no consumer complaints. They strive to provide qualified individuals with the best possible mortgage financing available, with customer service that is second to none!

For more information about Anchor Financial Mortgage, its services and programs, visit AnchorFinancial.com or contact them at: 401-495-3100 or joe@anchorfinancial.com

Automated Business Solutions Technology Summit AMPs Up

By Mark Berger

Warwick-based Automated Business Solutions will hold its annual Technology Summit on Wednesday, March 15, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion Center in Providence. Those who attend may stay to watch the Providence Bruins Hockey game at 7:05 p.m.

This will be the second consecutive year The Summit will be held at The AMP Center (previously, the Dunkin Donuts Center). Previous Summits were held at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket.

This year’ Summit will be one similar to last year. Funds raised from this event will be given to charity. ABS Co-Founder and President, Alan Albergaria, lost his life on March 27, 2020, when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver while out for a walk. As a result of this tragic loss, proceeds from their raffles and silent auction that night will benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in his memory.

ABS Company President Mike Ardry said, “It is hard to believe that it has been almost three years since we lost Alan. The world has changed due to Covid, supply chain issues, and rate increases. ABS has weathered all of that because of the amazing team Alan built. We continue to live his legacy.”

The Technology Summit features several of the company’s preferred vendors who will display, demonstrate, and share the latest innovations for the office. Guest speakers will also deliver news regarding the industry; including trends and machines hitting the market. A very special guest will be announced soon! Additionally, there will be chances for guests to win some wonderful prizes. Raffles and door prizes will be available. In the past, big-ticket items including flat-screen televisions, Keurig Coffee Makers, wireless headphones, and iPads have been up for grabs. The Providence Bruins donated team autographed apparel.

With Automated looking to raise money this year, they will be selling raffle tickets at the door. Tickets are $5 for 1, $10 for 3, and an armful for $20. All proceeds will be donated to benefit MADD, in honor of Alan.

Other festivities are being planned for that night. Details are forthcoming, according to Ardry.

Registration for the event is free, but space is limited.

Ardry said their event is fun and informative for those looking to streamline their office solutions into the new year.

“We partner with a diverse group of companies that are able to be on the cutting edge of technology,” he said. “These products and services are done with the small business in mind. People are looking to save money, and with our knowledge and expertise, we are all able to provide quality service and products for short-term and long-term goals.”

In 1992, Alan Albergaria and Robert Maceroni started Automated Business Solutions with a vision to form a company built on a firm foundation of trust, fairness, and integrity that would offer comprehensive office productivity solutions to businesses of all sizes.

For over three decades, Automated Business Solutions has experienced remarkable growth and success. This is a result of the company’s steadfast and unwavering commitment to its original vision.

Their mission is to create long- term partnerships by providing office technology solutions and IT managed services that improve our client’s workflow, efficiency, and profitability.

Their vision is to be New England’s office technology solutions and managed services provider of choice. From the local New England office to the National Fortune 500 company, their business philosophy and services offered reinforce their commitment to their customers, employees, and community at large.

They provide organizations the ability to print, copy, scan, and access information effectively. Sales and service professionals work together to provide and support office solutions that maximize your company’s daily workflow and productivity related to document output and network communication. Their corporate office is located on 415 Kilvert St., and they also have offices in Connecticut, South Carolina, and throughout Massachusetts.

For more information about the Automated Business Solutions Technology Summit, please contact Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Thomson at: 800-832-2729, extension 135 or by email at: jthomson@absne.com.

Dolly Towne has Many Reasons to Celebrate in 2023!

A new endeavor, grand opening and rebranding marks a monstrous start to her year.

by Mark Berger

Four years ago, Dolly Towne found herself at a crossroads.

She held a comfortable job working as a payroll tax analyst at an established company. She and her husband later welcomed their son into the world. It would be a tug-of-war between raising their newborn and continuing to work on site. After much thought and discussion, Towne decided to leave her job and strike out on her own—while raising her son.

The result became the formation of Bookkeeping Towne, LLC., based in East Providence, in 2019. She offers bookkeeping services for various small businesses. While she maintains a diverse clientele, Dolly’s primary clients came from the food industry. Towne found those particular clients had plenty going on besides dealing with the financial side of their respective businesses.

She opened her office initially on the Wampanoag Trail before choosing to work from home and also raising her son. After some time, she felt it was time for a change.

“Working from home, I was in the basement that had no windows or sunlight. There was no ambiance. I had to do most of my meetings via Zoom, and it wasn’t the best setting. That’s when I knew finding a new office became a priority,” she said.

That idea turned into a reality this past October. Towne moved into her new office space on 1019 Waterman Avenue in East Providence. Towne found the spot and fell in love with the space, which includes a conference room to hold meetings, plenty of space to hold events and—yes—plenty of windows to not feel so claustrophobic.

Another benefit there is a room large enough to bring her son to either play or hang out. The office also has a small kitchen. There are some cosmetic changes Towne

will work on before her Grand Opening event on Friday, March 3rd.

Sponsored by The East Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Opening will not only unveil the new location of Bookkeeping Towne, but she will also unveil the name of her new division within her business! She is keeping that a secret until event night. However, she noted that the move comes from her expansion of clients in the food industry.

It will be quite an affair, Towne said. There will be food offered by The Mosaic Table of Warren as well as cash raffles, door prizes and special guests. The cash raffles will honor two non-profit organizations. Towne credits Hope & Main, a Warren-based company devoted to empowering an inclusive community of entrepreneurs to jumpstart and cultivate thriving food businesses, for getting her clients initially. Also, We Share Hope, a Rumford-based organization that provides food and other necessities for those who need it

most in the community, as a helpful resource.

Towne hopes business owners and leaders will help celebrate her milestones.

“I have experienced gradual growth since striking out on my own in 2019,” Dolly said. “This is a culmination of all of the hard work that so many people have done to help me achieve my goals. It would be wonderful to see some familiar faces, along with anyone looking for bookkeeping services. The new division would be of particular interest in the food business: from food markets and caterers to distributors and merchant service providers. It gives them a chance to see how I can help them put one important part of their day in good hands.”

Because of this undertaking, Towne said that she is looking for anyone interested in either sponsoring the event and/or donating items as door prizes. For sponsoring, it will include such benefits as event signage, speaking opportunities at the event, and social media mentions. Some companies such as a linen supply company, a dessert or cake shop, a supply store, may benefit from the additional exposure. As for raffle items, Dolly said no donation is too small or inexpensive to make a difference.

“It doesn’t matter how you help out,” she said. “You will leave with a full heart knowing that you will be helping other people in the community that are struggling to get by.”

Bookkeeping Towne, LLC, offers an array of packages and services that includes monthly bookkeeping, QuickBooks Tutorials, Sales Tax Management, Payroll services, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Management, Monthly Financial Statement Reviews, Budgeting & Forecasting and Inventory Management (thanks to Covid).

With the expansive growth with its food business

clients, she will be rebranding a division of Bookkeeping Towne specifically to the food industry along with it being her 4th anniversary!

As she puts it, “I want to educate and support your food business as you grow and expand by sharing my knowledge and tips with you. Together, we will work to collaborate on your goals, what you want for your business, and how we can achieve them.”

For more details about the event, Dolly’s services and other information, please contact her at 401-474-5229 or dolly@bookkeepingtowne.com.

Providence Preservation Society’s 2023 Winter Bash Will be a Blast

BY MARK BERGER

For anyone looking to support a local endeavor, while dressing up for the cause, The Providence Preservation Society will hold its 19th Winter Bash on Saturday, March 4th, from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm.

The event, to be held at a venue to be determined, will feature the backdrop of “Through the Looking Glass,” as a nod to the Lewis Carroll book, “Alice in Wonderland.” Attendees can come dressed up in that motif, come black-tie ready, or as casual as they like. Appetizers, entertainment, performances, featuring a disc jockey, and other special activities are also planned for that evening.

Proceeds from this event support the Providence Preservation Society’s historic preservation advocacy and education work in Providence.

Executive Director Brent Runyon said that past events have included such themes as ‘Old Hollywood,’ ‘Moulin Rouge,’ and ‘Kings and Queens.’ They are on their 19th event because the pandemic wiped out the festivities in 2021. After all of the past events, he still loves the planning some people do to get noticed.

“In the past years, we had people come in some outrageous costumes,” Runyon said. “For the ‘Kings and Queens’ bash, someone dressed as Larry King!

The themes are certainly open to interpretation. However, not everyone is going to be over the top.”

Runyon said that they hope to attract 500 guests for the upcoming event. Past soirees have sold out, so for anyone wanting to be there, he suggests purchasing tickets sooner than later.

Monies are raised from ticket sales and sponsorships. They currently have several area businesses that are lending their support. Current Sponsors include: Host Sponsor: The Providence Tourism Council, Benefactor Sponsor: Parsons Capital Management, and Supporter Sponsor: Trac Builders.

Bank of America, DBWV Architects, Duffy & Sweeney, Ltd., Red House Design Build, Gilbane, and Withum serve as Partners in Preservation.

In-kind donations have been provided by: Bottles, McLaughlin & Moran, The Avery, and various local restaurants. Anyone willing to help support the cause should contact the Society for details.

The Providence Preservation Society is a non-profit organization established in 1956. They initially worked to preserve the buildings located on Benefit Street. Through the years, they have increased their reach to include the city of Providence and many of

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its neighborhoods. Their mission is to keep the historic architecture and features intact. They work with the residents who could be impacted by changes to the neighborhoods in question.

Other services they provide are education and training. The Society works to teach contractors the details involving these older buildings (homes or otherwise). Runyon said that these courses are available and can shed plenty or light on how to properly address issues.

“These homes and historical buildings were built with different materials and techniques from how they are constructed today,” he said. “There may be things behind a wall that need to be dealt with before construction begins. Plumbing and electrical can be tricky to retrofit into an older home. There is a process that not many contractors would know, regarding restoring an older building. We are working with the trades to make them more aware of what type of undertaking such projects can become.”

Runyon said that there is not currently any other training for tradespeople who work on older buildings. That is the reason why the Society works to ensure that the information is out there.

The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) is a non-profit organization and was established in 1956 to respond to the proposed demolition of a number of 18th- and early 19th-century houses on College Hill. Unlike many historic preservation organizations that were formed to preserve a particular building, PPS has always been an advocate for neighborhood preservation and reinvestment. From that small neighborhood group, PPS has grown into a multifaceted, citywide preservation and planning organization.

They envision Providence celebrating and preserving its past, building a vibrant and sustainable future, where people and the economy thrive. They support and advocate for historic preservation, thoughtful design, and people-centered planning in Providence.

Special thanks to the 2023 event co-chairs, Kristin Walcott-Matthews and Jess Powers.

For more details about the Providence Preservation Society and their forthcoming event, please contact Angela Kondon, Director of Development at akondon@ppsri.org, or call 401-831-7440.

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Ask An Expert

Converting Interior Natural Wood Trim to Painted Trim

My name is Tom Lopatosky. I’m the President of LOPCO Contracting (www. LopcoContracting.com) & I’m honored to have the opportunity to talk to you about home improvement on a monthly basis. I love answering your questions! Please send them to tom@ LopcoContracting.com or call 401-270-2664. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this column!

Although nowhere near the equivalent of a locksmith teaching a budding thief how to pick a lock, the topic of this article feels similarly dirty to me.

Doing what we do, we see some of the most beautiful natural wood trim on the interior of people’s homes, as one might conceive to imagine. The finishes on this natural wood range from modern day stain & polyurethane systems to ancient shellac coatings that truly are remarkable.

Once in a while, we get a request from someone that wants to paint this beautiful natural wood trim, if for no other reason than to bring the appearance of their overall interior to reflect more contemporary designs. Each time we get asked to do this, I literally cringe.

Even with that being the case, we generally acquiesce and do a deep dive into what the potential project involves, as well as the pros and cons of painting the natural wood trim. Once the natural wood trim is painted, THAT’S IT!

Short of a monumental restoration process, there is no going back to the natural woodwork in anything that comes near to resembling a quick fashion. Not only that, if the prep process is not done 100% correctly, then whoever is the owner of the natural wood trim, may have a disaster on their hands.

As an example, if a step is skipped, the paint that is applied may easily get nicked, and possibly begin to peel off in sheets, the first time it is hit at precisely the correct angle.

The proper process (as I begin to delve into ‘locksmith teaching the burglar’ mode) if one were to correctly convert natural wood trim to painted trim, looks like this:

Lightly sand the wood trim that will be being worked on.

Clean off (wiping with a rag first, chased with a tack cloth).

Carefully apply a coat of alcohol-based shellac.

Fill any imperfections (these will become accentuated after the first coat of primer is applied) by using wood putty for any holes

and acrylic caulk for any gaps in trim joints.

Apply a 2nd coat of alcohol based shellac.

Apply (2) coats of your desired trim finish (sanding in between coats and then wiping with a rag/tack cloth as necessary).

Apply a 3rd coat, if it really seems like it may need it. YUCK! I feel as though I have to go take a shower now. In all seriousness, this is how we typically would do it.

As much as I try to talk folks out of it every time they broach the subject with me, more often than not, people want what they want, and my words of caution seem to be appreciated, but seldom sway the mission.

While my appreciation for finished natural woodwork pales in comparison to a great majority of seasoned veterans in the trades, as well as professionals with much deeper background in historical preservation, I still get irked by these types of projects.

However, as much as this is true, I do respect folks that would like to modernize the appearance of their living space, which is why we still undertake these types of tasks, even though our internal preferences may lean 180 degrees to the opposite direction, as to what we might like to see done in the space, if it were ours to do so.

About Tom Lopatosky

Tom Lopatosky has run his own RI-based painting and repair business since 1995; LOPCO Contracting – the “Personable, Particular Professionals” – specializes in exterior & interior painting and carpentry. Recently LOPCO Contracting was named ‘RI’s Finest Painting Contracting Company’ by ShopInRI Magazine. In 2013, Tom was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) and a “40 Under 40” award winner by Providence Business News. He is a member of both PCA (Painting Contractors Association) and RIBA (Rhode Island Builders Association). Tom has often had weekly ‘Home Improvement Tips’ that have aired on the radio on 630 WPRO AM and on television on WPRI 12. You can catch Tom LIVE on the radio EVERY Saturday, 2pm-3pm, on 630 WPRO AM (99.7 FM) during his weekly ProTalk Home Improvement Radio Show!

Governor Daniel J. McKee

Continues to Lead Rhode Island in the Right Direction

by Julia Romano

In high school, McKee’s extra curricular activities included playing the sport he was most fond of - basketball. McKee also spent much of his free time at the then- LincolnCumberland Boys and Girls Club, which was founded, in part, by his father.

After graduating from high school, McKee attended Assumption College, a private, Roman Catholic university in Worcester, Massachusetts. From there, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, the school of public policy and government of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

After marrying his high school sweetheart, McKee and his wife had two children, Matthew and Kara. Both children attended public school in Cumberland. For many years, McKee volunteered as a youth basketball coach, where he mentored young athletes and led the AAU team to two state championships.

If you take a look at the life of Governor Daniel McKee, it’s quite clear that his love for Rhode Island is unmistakable. It’s what motivated him to consistently dedicate his efforts to effecting positive change for our great state. Even within a not so healthy economy, Governor McKee has put forth an ongoing commitment to improving the state’s economic situation, with an ever so important focus on assisting the small business industry.

Daniel James McKee was born to James and Helen Willa McKee on June 16, 1951. Raised in Cumberland, RI, Mckee’s parents instilled in him the significance of working hard, so as to succeed, as well as the importance of giving back to the community. Since that time, McKee has certainly accomplished this, along with so much more.

McKee attended Cumberland High School, where he met his future lifelong partner and wife, Susan McGill, who has been a teacher in the Cumberland school system her entire career. She earned two master’s degrees-one in education and another in reading.

As a member of a family that owned and operated businesses in Rhode Island for over 100 years, McKee followed suit as business took on a central role in his life. In addition to working in the heating oil business, he opened a real estate agency, as well as a fitness center in Woonsocket.

In 1992, McKee first entered the political arena, after winning a seat on the Cumberland Town Council. Here is when the spark of giving back to the community was ignited. After serving on the council for 8 years, McKee won the bid for the Cumberland mayoral race in 2000. Mayor Dan McKee was now leading the town he loved, one of which he was born and raised, and with pride, raised his own family.

Governor McKee had numerous accomplishments as Cumberland’s mayor for 12 years. One of his most notable achievements as mayor was his creation of Blackstone Valley Prep, the first mayoral charter school in the state, and model for more of the independent public schools.

In 2014, Mayor McKee’s title advanced to Rhode Island’s 69th Lieutenant Governor after beating out Secretary of

State Ralph Mollis for the position, but the mayor, now lieutenant governor, did not stop there.

When Governor Gina Raimondo resigned upon taking the job of United States Secretary of Commerce in 2021, McKee ascended to the governorship. On March 2, 2021, the former town councilman turned mayor, turned lieutenant governor, took on the role of Rhode Island’s 76th Governor.

At this time, the pandemic was still in full force during this time, and Governor McKee delivered one of the best vaccine rollouts in the United States.

His leadership also helped to rebuild the Rhode Island economy, as he continued working to increase employment and sustain Rhode Island’s economic momentum. Governor McKee continues to remain an adamant proponent of charter schools and to serve on the school’s board of directors.

In the September 2022 Democratic primary, Governor McKee defeated four challengers in a close race. In the final run of the general election, he defeated Republican nominee Ashley Kalus.

This enabled Governor McKee to continue with what he does best - working diligently to improve our great state for each and every one of us. It’s no secret that Governor McKee is a champion of supporting small businesses. Based on his background in business, he not only understands the needs of small business owners, but he has been fighting for them since he took public office. He has earned the well-deserved reputation of being a Governor for small businesses.

In fact, Governor McKee has continued to lead numerous discussions with local business owners, and while listening to their needs, he has directed millions of dollars in grant money to small businesses during times they most need it.

As part of his strategic plan for Rhode Island’s future, Governor McKee submitted a budget article specific to small businesses, directing funding to remove red tape and slashing taxes to make it easier for small businesses to succeed in Rhode Island.

Based upon his support for boosting small business, the following was instituted:

• Decreasing the interest rate for certain delinquent taxes

• Creating a Taxpayer Steward to help small business owners during the tax process

• Removing restrictions to allow Rhode Islanders to sell baked goods they make in their own home kitchens

• Adding $100 million to the unemployment insurance trust fund that will reduce the tax small businesses have to pay

Governor McKee continues to focus on the same issues he has cared about throughout his entire career, his entire life — an accessible government, effective fiscal management, a high quality public education for all students, and equity and justice.

As we move into 2023, I am confident that Governor McKee will continue to enact policies and programs to improve the lives of all Rhode Island residents. And with a spotlight on the small business industry, the foundation of our great state can only become stronger!

Dog Facts You Didn’t Know

• A dog’s nose has about 4 times as many scent cells as a cat’s and 14 times more than a human’s. That’s why dogs are often used to track down illegal drugs and missing persons. They can sniff out their dinner from any room in the house!

• With patience and understanding you can teach any old dog new tricks, depending on what you are trying to teach, or un-teach the dog, which is usually more difficult. Dogs can learn at any age, and like humans, it’s just old habits that are hard to break!

• According to a recent survey, the most popular name for a dog is Max. Other popular names include Molly, Sam, Zach, and Maggie.

• An estimated 1 million dogs in the United States have been named the primary beneficiary in their owner’s will.

• Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of their feet.

• Dogs can alert their owners of an epileptic seizure up to an hour before it occurs.

• Walt Disney’s family dog was named Lady. She was a poodle.

• The heaviest dog ever weighed 319 pounds.

• The oldest dog ever died at age 29.

lifespan is thirty years or more, you develop a close

What’s Up With That?

WANTED: Your Used Vehicles!

By Mark Berger

The continued need for certified, pre-owned vehicles remains high. Many factors are hurting auto dealers, who are scrambling to meet increasing customer needs.

Toyota of Smithfield requests all vehicle owners to trade in their older vehicles—no matter their condition or worth—for more fuel-efficient models.

Walmart loses about $3 billion every year to theft. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Toyota of Smithfield General Manager John Durrani hopes those looking for inventory will bring in their used car to take advantage of several dealer incentives.

In 1997, Bill Gates invested $150 million in Apple so the company wouldn’t go bankrupt. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

“Anyone trading in either their used or certified pre-owned cars will receive an additional $1,000 over book value,” he said. “There isn’t a better time for anybody to trade in their cars. Your trade is worth more than it ever has before, and it’s worth more than its ever going to be worth.”

Just the smell of coffee has a placebo effect that can increase focus and feelings of ambition.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The dealership has back orders for weeks and sometimes months on certain makes and models. Durrani said that the market has been volatile to say the least. With few options available on their respective lots, announcing trade-ins bonuses have become critical.

One McDonald’s hamburger can contain meat from 100 different cows.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Durrani said that people currently have the means to either purchase a new vehicle or one of the very-limited selection on the premises. The need remains because of higher-than-usual requests.

It takes 50 glasses of water to grow enough oranges to make one glass of orange juice.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

“We are appealing to the public for used vehicles. Simply put, we still don’t have the inventory to adequately fulfill orders,” Durrani said.

New York’s area code is 212 because it was the fastest number to dial on a rotary phone.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

To help facilitate the need for more certified, pre-owned vehicles onto their lot, Toyota of Smithfield also offers 115% of the book value for any used cars. It does not matter whether the customer decides to purchase a car from their lot.

Roughly 49% of all Americans over the age of 20 consume one sandwich every day.

“We will buy your trade, even if you don’t purchase a car from us,” he added.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Listening to music you enjoy causes your brain to release dopamine, boosting your mood, and making you feel good.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The dealership holds a monthly private sale. This month’s event is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, by appointment only. Those who attend will be expected to follow social guidelines but also have access to their inventory. Managers will be there to answer questions and offer additional incentives.

40% of Americans believe humans and dinosaurs existed at the same time.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

The Dealership’s Peace of Mind Purchase Process means no hassles over pricing, trade-in values, cash back and rebate incentives offered up front and the best available leasing and financing terms up front. Durrani said this is just part of the all-around, customer-driven experience he Implemented to ensure the process does not get bogged down in miscommunication.

Two tablespoons of honey would give a bee enough energy to fly around the world.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

“We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Fill your home or office with green and make 2023 come alive!