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.
They also cater events and have daily specials and promotions. For more details about these upcoming events, please call 401273-5900.
details may be found by
their
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amount of prep work for them. Now, an option for those short on funds and time: the Reserve service by Clear, a free program that allows customers to book a spot ahead of time that sends them to the front of the line at TSA checkpoints.
Short on time and looking for an adrenaline rush? You might be curious, then, about the new “airport theory” trend circulating on TikTok, which suggests to airline passengers that they’ll be fine getting to the airport just 15 minutes before their flight, not hours beforehand as is usually recommended. “Unsurprisingly, it’s already led to plenty of missed flights,” Fast Company notes. More on the stressinducing trend:
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Selects:
The Clear site explains how the process works: In advance of your flight (how long in advance depends on the airport), you’d simply log on to make a reservation for the time you’d like to pass through security. You’ll receive a QR code that, on the day of your flight, you’ll show to a staffer in the Reserve lane near the TSA checkpoint. The service isn’t available at every airport (there are about 20 in the US, Canada, and Europe currently listed) and even at those airports, the service may be limited to certain areas. A company rep said they’re working on adding more airports into the mix.
Advocates: Those pushing for a late airport arrival say it’s a more efficient way to travel. “The goal is to limit valuable time spent waiting in the airport, streamline the experience, and maximize efficiency to get to your gate as quickly as possible,” Eric Napoli of AirHelp, an airline passenger advocacy group said.
Critics: Those against the maneuver say there’s no way to predict how long security lines or baggage check will be, whether your flight will see a last-minute gate change that could mess up your late arrival, or whether a flight will take off slightly early, as they sometimes do with full flights. Napoli notes that “many” airlines will even cease boarding 15 to 30 minutes before departure. SkyShare CEO Cory Bengtzen tells Today that people who’ve missed flights testing airport theory also force gate agents to scramble to find them new departures, “complicating an already broken system.”
Success stories: There do appear to be some, as found on social media.
Fails: There are those, too. “I would not recommend,” said one TikTokker who showed her plane leaving without her after she’d missed getting to the gate in time while testing out the theory, per Investopedia.
Reserve customers must still remove their shoes and jackets and take their electronics out for screening. Clear also offers a paid service called Clear Plus, which for the price of $189 per year allows users to not only skip to the front of the line, but also to not have to show ID; instead, your eyes or fingerprints are scanned. TSA PreCheck also offers a paid service ($78 for five years) that, because you’ve gone through advance vetting, means you don’t have to remove your shoes, jacket, laptop, or other items. Reserve remains an option for those who don’t want to pay. “Travelers can now save even more time by seamlessly reserving their spot in the security line,” a Clear rep said in a statement.
Stats: Netflights experts say that Google searches for “I missed my flight” have spiked 645% in the past month, after “airport theory” took off online, per Fast Company.
Shop In RI Selects: The Taste of Maine Restaurant in Woolwich, Maine for having the world’s largest lobster roll.
Shop In RI Selects Sugarbush Resort, Vermont as their #1 Skiing Getaway on the East Coast!
The Florida Keys as the #1 weekend getaway destination of the month.
San Diego beckons with its promise of perpetual sunshine and a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. Imagine yourself exploring miles of stunning coastline, from the surfer-friendly waves of Pacific to the serene shores of Coronado Island. Beyond the beaches, you can immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Balboa Park, home to world-class museums and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Want to catch a ball game? Then Stop by the stunning Petco Park to watch the Padres. The city’s diverse culinary scene, influenced by its proximity to Mexico, offers an array of delectable dining experiences. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply a relaxing getaway, San Diego provides an ideal escape.
There are a few food items that are synonymous with Maine, one of them being the ever-so-delicious lobster roll. Tourists have been flocking to every corner of the Pine Tree state for decades to devour the delicacy. However, not all lobster rolls are built the same. Often, the biggest complaint people have about a lobster is...not enough lobster. So, the Taste of Maine restaurant in Woolwich decided to solve that problem once and for all. Shared on Facebook by Taste of Maine restaurant, they claim to be serving the world’s largest lobster roll, a monster sub at least three times the size of a typical lobster roll. The number one question in comments seems to be about the price. Given current market conditions for lobster, the daily market price for the ’world’s largest lobster roll’ has been between $150 and $170. Some will scoff at the price, but if you’re traveling from afar just to get your hands on a Maine lobster roll, why not try the largest one?
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!
The Most Dangerous National Parks in America
Fourth of July Airfare Down
By
27% From Last Year
Travelers who plan to fly over the Fourth of July holiday weekend can expect to pay less for their domestic tickets this year, as round trip tickets will be 27% lower this year than they were at the same time in 2022.
A round-trip ticket this year will cost a traveler a little more than $300, which is over $100 cheaper than last year. The prices of round-trip tickets are in line with how much round-trip tickets cost in 2019, according to an analysis by Hopper.
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!
A peaceful hike can be a panacea for daily stressors—but maybe not if you’re exploring America’s most dangerous landscapes. Per the Manual, Malloy Law Offices took a look at data on deaths in our nation’s national parks, compiled from 2014 to 2023, and found that Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which straddles Nevada and Arizona, is the most perilous of them all, with drowning and car crashes cited as the main causes of death. “Whether trekking through rugged mountain terrain, boating in vast bodies of water, or simply driving a scenic road, I have to stress the importance of preparation,” Malloy Law Offices rep Seann Malloy says, per Quartz. “These national parks are beautiful but inherently unpredictable.”
This year, the most booked destination in the United States over the Fourth of July weekend, which is from June 30 through July 4, is Las Vegas. The domestic cities that follow include
4 Shop In RI
Here are the 10 most dangerous, along with the number of fatalities logged in each over the past decade:
Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, and New York City.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Nevada/Arizona); 204
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona); 134
• Yosemite National Park (California); 125
• Great Smoky Mountains Park (North Carolina/Tennessee); 99
• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina); 97
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!
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Utah/Arizona); 77
Woman United
June 29 and June 30 are expected to be the busiest days of the holiday weekend, with 3.7 million people expected to depart from U.S. airports on both days. The least busy day of the long weekend will be on the Fourth of July itself. A total of 3.5 million people are expected to depart from airports on July 5.
The busiest airport in the country is expected to be Atlanta’s, where over 1.8 million travelers are expected to pass through. Other airports which will be exceedingly busy include Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and Las Vegas (LAS).
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area (California); 72
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California); 65
The for the You can’t a domestic get a man went a ”stinging dropped the floor, snag ”After on flight lanta ponded MedLink provided said. local customer Feel in off those chanics neering non-stop It’s a L’Agulhas, sia—roughly Appalachian encountered via bridge, boat or A person three miles or obtain able for cold, tions like South the physical than same down
For travelers who are driving instead of flying, car rental prices are also down considerably from last year at 25%. On average, car rentals this year will set back travelers $47 per day.
• Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Maryland/DC); 62
There’s a Fresh Geyser Mystery in Yellowstone
She Became a Bride and a Widow Within Minutes
A coin collection with an intriguing backstory is so big—and so valuable—that auctioneers Numismatica Ars Classica are splitting the sale into 15 auctions over the next four years. The auctioneers say the collection of around 15,000 gold and silver coins, some of them thousands of years old, was buried in a garden for 50 more years. NAC Director Arturo Russo says the collector developed an “obsession” after the Wall Street crash of 1929, the Financial Times reports. “By the end of the 1930s, he was going to major auctions and making sophisticated, rare finds in the field around the world,” Russo says. Fearing a Nazi invasion, the man buried the coins in cigar boxes—and died of a stroke soon after German troops entered his country.
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 gey ser-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.
Johnnie Mae had suffered two recent losses, including that of her father, when she stood in front of friends and family and committed to the love of her life on Monday. But within the hour, her groom was dead, too. As Mae and new husband Toraze Davis of Omaha, Nebraska, left the church where they said “I do,” Davis suffered a blood clot that made his heart stop. “It happened within seconds ... just after the ceremony had begun,” friend Jewel Roberson said. Family and friends are now rallying behind Mae, director of ECO Supportive Living, which assists the elderly and those with disabilities. “Johnnie Mae has suffered through so much,” says Roberson. Now “she’s been widowed and married in a 10-minute span.”
The auction house hasn’t disclosed the man’s identity or homeland. Russo says that after the collector’s death, the only person who knew where the coins had been buried was his wife, who waited until the mid-1990s to unearth them. Cataloging the collection “was like going to a candy store every day for us,” he says. The auction house says the collection includes coins from more than 100 territories. One of the most valuable is a 100 ducat gold coin of Ferdinand III of Habsburg, CNN reports. Minted in 1629, it’s made up of 348.5 grams of gold. The collection is valued for insurance purposes at $100 million, but the auctions of what NAC calls the Traveller Collection could fetch much more.
“It’s seriously the saddest thing ever,” Tricia Pugsley said. She was supposed to DJ the couple’s wedding reception, but “they went to the hospital instead.” That’s where Mae “had to say goodbye to her new husband.”
The first auction, on May 20, will include some of the collection’s British coins. David Guest, director of David Guest Numismatics, helped catalogue some of the collection. He says some of the coins were so rare, and of such exceptional quality, that he “had to keep pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” Guest says the coin market has been “buoyant” for a while. He says people like owning a piece of history, the FT reports. “Coins were the mediation between leaders and their subjects, a projection of image and power,” he says. “They were a way to celebrate peace or war. They were the social media of their day.”
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $20,000 for Mae and the children the couple shared. Mae “always helps others; this is our time to help her,” the page reads. Some are finding solace in knowing that 48-year-old Davis died on what was evidently “the happiest day of his life,” a friend said. Another friend says she hopes the tragedy will teach others to care for themselves, including through annual visits to the doctor. “Not all medical
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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
Man, 2 Kids Found Alive
Dom DiMaggio
After Alaska Plane Crash
Real Life Happy Gilmore Hears From Adam Sandler
Terry Godes, one of a dozen volunteer pilots who joined a search in Alaska for a missing pilot and two children after seeing a Facebook post asking for help, says it “kind of broke” his heart when he saw wreckage partially submerged in a lake. “But as I got closer down and lower, I could see that there’s three people on top of the wing,” he tells the AP. He says they were “alive and responsive” and waved at him as his plane approached. The Alaska Army National Guard says the man and two children were rescued thanks to the sighting by the “good Samaritan aircraft.
around 80 miles southwest of Anchorage, with only the wing and part of the rudder above the ice and water. “They spent a long, cold, dark, wet night out on top of a wing of an airplane that they weren’t planning on,” he says.
For the record, his given name is Landon Gilmore. But the teenage Indiana golfer has been going by ”Happy Gilmore” since he was a little kid because he can hit the ball like the fictional player of that name in Adam Sandler’s 1996 movie, per the Indianapolis Star. Now, the two have connected in real life. After Gilmore announced his commitment to golf for Ball State University, Sandler took note on Twitter. ”Go get em Happy,” Sandler wrote. ”Pulling for you.” Replied Gilmore: ”my life is complete.”
The man and the two children—one elementary school age, the other middle school age—were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, troopers say. The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser was reported overdue. Godes says most of the plane was submerged in Tustumena Lake,
John Morris said his son and two granddaughters were on the plane. After the rescue, he tells KTUU, he has “air in his lungs again.” The cause of the crash is unclear, though officials say the Kenai Peninsula lake is “notorious for its sudden dangerous winds.” Lt. Col. Brendon Holbrook, commander of the guard’s 207th Aviation Regiment, tells the AP that the three were rescued by a helicopter that hovered by plane’s wing. “It was literally the best possible scenario and outcome,” Holbrook says. “Ultimately, the crew of that airplane were lucky because from what my guys told me, that plane was in the ice with the tail refrozen and if that tail hadn’t refrozen, it would have sunk.”
and, yes, he enters tournaments under the moniker of Happy Gilmore. One key difference between reality and art: Gilmore doesn’t play hockey and can’t even skate. He has, however, mastered the unique hockey-style tee shot used by Sandler in the movie. ”It never fails,” he says of fellow junior circuit players. ”Every tournament, every
Taylor Swift ($825 million)
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Johnny Damon
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What’s Up With That?
Studies show that walking can boost your creative thinking by as much as 60%.
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
The richest 1% of the population holds nearly half of the world’s wealth.
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
Your nose is always in your field of vision, but your brain ignores it.
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The more pictures you take during an event or moment, the less you remember it.
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The modern human population took 200,000 years to reach one billion, another 200 years to reach seven billion, and only 11 more years to reach eight billion.
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If a song is stuck in your head, listening to the entire song can help get it out of your head.
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The average man spends seven hours a year hiding in the bathroom for “peace and quiet”.
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We’re born with only two natural fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds.
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More than 70% of people surveyed say they get their best creative ideas in the shower.
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The 8-hour workday was adopted so people could evenly divide the 24 hours in a day. ”Eight hours’ labor, Eight hours’ recreation, Eight hours’ rest”.
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
Rhode Island Hospitality Businesses, Spring Is Your Prime Time!
by Farouk Rajab President/CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
customer testimonials, and build anticipation with countdown promotions. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide ideal avenues for visual storytelling and direct engagement. To streamline operations and manage demand, encourage advance bookings and pre-orders. Offer gift cards as a versatile option for last-minute shoppers or bundle them with added perks to incentivize future visits.
As Rhode Island awakens from its winter slumber, a vibrant tapestry of seasonal events and cherished family holidays unfolds, presenting businesses with a golden opportunity. The state transforms, drawing in locals and tourists alike, fueling a surge in consumer spending. Mother’s Day, Easter, and Father’s Day, in particular, become focal points for celebration, creating a fertile ground for businesses to not only boost sales, but also cultivate enduring customer relationships through meaningful experiences.
The spring calendar is a medley of festivals, each a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences. From the tantalizing aromas of food and wine festivals to the captivating displays of arts and cultural celebrations, Rhode Island offers a rich array of events. Restaurants can provoke taste buds with themed menus featuring seasonal ingredients, while retailers can showcase curated collections that reflect the spirit of each festival. Hospitality businesses can partner with event organizers to provide exclusive packages, offering attendees seamless experiences. Imagine pop-up tasting stations showcasing local brews or artisan cheeses, or exclusive product launches that generate buzz and excitement. Sponsorships that place your brand front and center, or on-site activations that immerse attendees in your brand’s unique story, create lasting impressions. For hotels and inns, crafting tailored packages that bundle accommodation with festival tickets, dining experiences, and local tours ensures a memorable weekend for visitors.
The major holidays of spring – Mother’s Day, Easter, and Father’s Day – are pivotal moments for driving revenue. Restaurants can craft prix-fixe menus that highlight seasonal flavors, offer delightful brunch spreads perfect for family gatherings, or provide family-style dining options that foster shared experiences. Retailers can curate gift guides that cater to diverse tastes, while experiential businesses can offer limited-time promotions for services like rejuvenating spa treatments, immersive wine tastings, or thrilling adventure experiences. Leverage the power of social media and influencer marketing to showcase heartwarming gift ideas, share glowing
In today’s experience-driven market, storytelling is paramount. Connect with customers on an emotional level by sharing the stories behind your offers. Highlight the farm-to-table journey of your locally sourced ingredients, share the personal inspiration behind a chef’s Mother’s Day creation, or showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of artisan Father’s Day gifts. In the digital realm, ensure your online presence is seamless and engaging. Update websites and social media with detailed holiday menus, event schedules, and user-friendly booking options. Engage customers with interactive content, such as polls to gauge favorite Mother’s Day gifts or contests for a complimentary holiday experience, fostering a sense of community and excitement.
Beyond immediate sales, cultivate deeper community ties. Supporting local charities, hosting customer appreciation events, and participating in collaborative marketing initiatives strengthen your brand’s connection to the community. Align with nonprofit organizations for events like Easter egg hunts that bring joy to children, Mother’s Day fundraisers that support vital causes, or Father’s Day community barbecues that foster camaraderie. Consider supporting the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation with donations, contributing to the development of future hospitality leaders.
With strategic planning, creative promotions, and a genuine commitment to community engagement, Rhode Island businesses can flourish. By aligning with community events, crafting tailored promotions that resonate with your target audience, and embracing the power of digital marketing, you can attract new customers and cultivate lifelong loyalty. This spring, transform fleeting moments into lasting relationships, driving significant growth and establishing your business as a pillar of the Rhode Island community.
Farouk Rajab
Fitness Tips
By Stacie Venagro
|
Spring Into Fitness: How to Get Moving in April and Stay Consistent
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, April is the perfect time to refresh your fitness routine and embrace an active lifestyle. The arrival of spring brings a renewed sense of energy, making it easier to shake off the winter slump and commit to healthier habits. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your motivation, here’s how to spring into fitness and stay consistent all season long.
1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Start by defining what you want to accomplish in April. Whether it’s improving endurance, building strength, increasing flexibility, or simply moving more, setting realistic goals helps create direction and purpose. Instead of vague resolutions like “work out more,” aim for specific targets like “exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week” or “complete 10,000 steps daily.”
2. Take Advantage of the Outdoors
April is an ideal time to move your workouts outside. The fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and motivation, making it easier to stick to a routine.
Consider activities like:
-Walking or jogging in the park
-Outdoor bodyweight workouts at a local playground
-Hiking on nearby trails
-Cycling for a fun cardio session
-Yoga or stretching in your backyard
Not only do these outdoor workouts improve physical health, but they also help reduce stress and boost mental clarity.
3. Find a Routine You Enjoy
Consistency comes from enjoyment. If you dread your workouts, chances are you won’t stick with them. Experiment with different activities until you find something you love. Group fitness classes, dance workouts, swimming, or even sports like tennis or pickleball can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun part of your day.
4. Make Movement Part of Your Daily Life
Staying active doesn’t always mean structured workouts.
Look for ways to incorporate movement throughout your day:
-Take the stairs instead of the elevator
-Walk or bike instead of driving for short distances
-Stretch while watching TV
-Do bodyweight exercises like squats or lunges during work breaks
These small habits add up and make it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.
5. Stay Accountable
Accountability is a key factor in maintaining consistency. Here’s how you can stay on track:
-Find a workout buddy to keep you motivated
-Join a fitness challenge or sign up for a local race
-Keep a workout journal to track progress
-Schedule workouts like appointments so they become non-negotiable
6. Fuel Your Body Right
Proper nutrition plays a huge role in energy levels and recovery. With spring comes fresh seasonal produce, so take advantage of nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated, and avoid processed foods that can leave you feeling sluggish.
7. Embrace Progress, Not Perfection
Consistency is about long-term commitment, not perfection. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Instead of dwelling on missed workouts, focus on getting back on track. Celebrate small victories, and remember that every step forward - no matter how small - is progress.
April is a great time to reset, refocus, and re-energize your fitness routine. By setting realistic goals, making movement enjoyable, and staying accountable, you’ll create habits that last beyond just one season. So step outside, breathe in the fresh spring air, and start moving - you’ll thank yourself later!
What’s your favorite way to stay active in the spring? Let’s keep each other motivated!
How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
By Susan Gazerro
Almost every winter we are told that it’s flu season. Never, in all my years, have I seen sickness so wide spread. This season it’s been everything from the flu, phenomena, strep throat, fever, chills, non- stop coughing, to a common cold. It seems everyone knows someone that is or has been sick. It also seems that this season the sicknesses linger. Covid changed a lot of things. People became overly cautious about washing their hands and not coming in contact with germs. I do understand why, but contrary to that, we need exposure to germs, as that is how we build antibodies. I can’t help but wonder if that is why we are experiencing one of the worst flu seasons I have ever seen.
What can we do to stay healthy? First and foremost, as a fitness instructor, I will say that exercise is a great start. Exercise is important for many reasons. We know it keeps us from becoming obese. We know it keeps our heart healthy. We know it reduces stress and helps keep us in a positive mood. What exercise also does is that it improves your immune system and helps your body fight bacteria and viruses. A lot of people
get the flu shot, but in addition, below are some helpful things you can do if you don’t want to spend next winter curled up with a box of tissues.
If you or a child have a fever or flu symptoms, don’t go to school or work. Once the fever is gone, stay home and rest for at least another 24 hours before returning to your regular schedule. When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. Frequently wash your hands, using soap and water, not just water. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work and school.
As I mentioned above, exercise also aids in staying healthy, but there are other healthy habits you should be practicing. My suggestions include getting plenty of sleep, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, eating nutritious food, and adding vitamins like Vitamin C, Zinc, and elderberry, to your daily routine. You can also add a few drops of tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus oils to a cotton ball and rub on your chest and/or temples. You can also use these in a
diffuser at home or in the workplace. Herbal teas are also helpful when it comes to trying to avoid contracting the flu. Drink tea with ginger, lemon or rosemary, especially when you are fighting an infection. Adding honey gives some additional benefits. Honey is also great for sore throats and coughs. Another natural remedy, my mom and grandmother taught me about years ago is to gargle with hot water and salt. I have said, in many articles, that salt is a healer. This remedy works 100% of the time. When you have a sore throat, nothing works quicker than gargling with warm/hot water and salt. Taking a hot steam or bath can also be beneficial. These natural remedies won’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but they will certainly help reduce symptoms, and/or boost your immune system. I will say they should, by no means, be considered a substitute for medical advice.
I will now circle back to exercise. Taking care of your body should be a priority. Our bodies are meant to move, and moving them keeps us healthy. When you exercise, it helps to build a strong immune system. You don’t have to be in the gym seven days a week. Moderate exercise will help build a strong immune system. Moderate exercise includes walking, swimming, biking, dancing, and even light weights for strength training. You actually don’t even have to go to a gym. You can move
your body just about anywhere. While sitting in a chair, you can do heel raises, squeezing your calf muscle. You can stand in front of the chair and do chair squats. You can do wall pushups. If you have stairs, walk up and down the stairs. Carry something while you walk the stairs, so it adds some strength training. Do crunches and pushups on your living room floor. It’s about moving.
We can all set aside a minimum of 30 minutes a day to move our bodies. Go for a walk. If it’s nice out, get out and enjoy the weather. If it’s raining, go to the mall and walk around each floor. There is no excuse for not moving. It might be inevitable that we get sick, but I am sure I’m going to fight it every step of the way. Exercise is my medicine. Let it be yours too.
“The six best doctors are sunshine, water, rest, air, diet and exercise”
“Exercise is like a legal drug that helps you feel good and can add years to your life”
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Cheers to 50 Years!
The Cumberland-Lincoln Rotary Celebrates five decades serving local communities
By Mark Berger
Reaching any type of milestone should be cause for celebration. Whether it’s either something personal or professional, time is often taken to reflect and honor those who built its foundation, and those continuing its mission.
One such example would be The CumberlandLincoln Rotary. They recently announced its upcoming 50th anniversary of helping various causes throughout these two northern Rhode Island towns. Their outreach extends from providing scholarships for high school students heading off to college, supporting the Northern RI Food Pantry, Franklin Farm, the Hotel for Homeless Dogs, Happy Basket program in Cumberland, Holiday Baskets program in Lincoln, Cumberland’s 4th of July Parade, Lincoln’s Memorial Day Parade, being active supporters of the Cumberland High Helping Hands Club, and starting the origination of the two Town of Cumberland Holiday Ornaments.
Chapter President Claudia Rocha said the Rotary has a long-standing tradition of being a viable community resource. The group’s devotion toward helping others and volunteerism drives them to want to do even more.
“Being part of an organization that has become integral in our towns for that long is truly a testament to the people who have contributed to its success,” said Rocha, who also serves as vice president, relationship manager, at Navigant Credit Union. “The Rotary has been a part of numerous events to assist various members of our community. We are happy and blessed to be a part of these two towns for 50 years, and we’d like to celebrate our anniversary with a special fundraiser aimed to support our towns’ middle
schoolers, with the hope that this can continue to be an age group we support throughout the entire school year.”
Rocha noted that the organization has thrived through the efforts of its members and the community. However, the group has seen requests for assistance and overall membership decline post-Covid. She hopes to reverse that trend.
“Rotarians nationwide are known for their motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ and we are proud of what we accomplished over the last 50 years. Yet, I’d like to spread the word that we are still here in the communities. We welcome the opportunity to invite those interested in service projects to visit us, to learn more about what we’d like to achieve,” she said.
Rocha added that new members can offer fresh ideas and suggestions that can often lead to a positive change.
The Cumberland Lincoln Rotary Club is putting together Step Into Summer! – a summer activity drive for select in-need 6th and 7th grade middleschool students in Cumberland and Lincoln.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we’d like to offer these students screen-free items to encourage them to stay active, explore their creativity, and make the most of their break. To ensure the success of this initiative, we are seeking sponsorships and donations, to help cover the costs of the toys, activities, and backpacks. We are reaching out to
local businesses, organizations, and our generous community members for their support,” said Rocha.
The event is scheduled to coincide with the end of the school year. These backpacks will feature sporting goods, games, summer toys, coloring materials, sunscreen, and other essential items.
The group is currently accepting donations and has created an ‘Amazon Wish List’ of the items to be included in the bags, for those who would like to directly purchase items. Sponsors of the Step Into Summer! fundraiser will be featured on the backpacks, and will be named in press releases and social media posts.
Anyone interested in making a donation may visit their list of items available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guestview/2GGE3OD58ANEC.
Additionally, local businesses are being asked to donate gift certificates or coupons for ice cream, drinks, food, and entertainment that can be added to the activity bags. Once the materials have been collected, the Rotary will seek volunteers to fill the bags, which will be delivered to the respective middle schools.
Rocha said that it is important to remember that not all students have plans or things to keep them occupied during the non-school months.
“Most kids can’t wait to get out of school and play outside, attend camps or go on family trips,” she said. “For some kids, however, the reality can be far different and less fun. These bags are just a small way of providing a little extra joy and motivation, to keep their minds open to new adventures.”
Rocha invites the community to consider attending
a future Rotary meeting and potentially joining them. They meet twice per month on Mondays at noon at the Amica Headquarters located in Lincoln. Please reach out to her via email at clrotaryri@gmail.com for the schedule and more information about the Chapter or the fundraiser.
The Cumberland Lincoln Rotary Club was chartered on September 11, 1975.
Today, the Cumberland-Lincoln Rotary consists of: Michael Aragao, Shameem Awan, Dennis Burns, Laura Cabral, Timothy Draper, Janice Geddes, Ted Murphy, Debbie Parziale, Claudia Rocha, Bob Spadano, and Amy Shallcross Vogel.
“Absolutely stunning!” This is what is said when you first encounter the fashion designs of Barkisu, LLC. The Barkisu LLC dream began in December 2018 and is creating practical, wearable, beautifully designed fashions today.
In a recent interview with Fashion Designer, Barkisu Cole Veiga, explained that she grew up with her grandmother who sewed. She had no prior direct fashion design experience before starting her brand in 2018. Barkisu previously worked in Human Services and has a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Child and Adolescent Development from the University of Rhode Island. She redirected her career pursuits and decided to pursue her passion for fashion, teaching herself to sew, and started her clothing line, Barkisu, LLC.
What is the passion for creating the Barkisu clothing line?
At Barkisu, we celebrate boldness, confidence, and individuality. Every product we offer is carefully curated to inspire self-expression while embracing culture, design, and function. We are passionate about empowering individuals to step out in confidence, knowing that what they wear is a reflection of their unique identity.
What is Barkisu LLC’s mission?
At Barkisu LLC, we believe that true wellness begins with bold self-expression and unwavering confidence. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace their inner strength through curated products and resources that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. We are committed to helping you unlock your fullest potential and live boldly every day.
How has the journey been developing Barkisu, LLC?
Barkisu discussed the evolution of her brand, starting with dresses and skirts, then moving into bags and masks during COVID-19, and most recently introducing menswear. She described her design process of selecting fabrics and creating unique pieces that help people feel confident and express themselves.
What products does Barkisu LLC offer?
Barkisu LLC offers a variety of products designed to complement your lifestyle which include:
• Bags: Our collection includes the Sling Bags, Crossbody Bags, Tote Bags, Envelope Bags, and Travel Bags, combining functionality with bold designs.
• Scarves: The Scarves add a touch of boldness to your look, crafted using African fabric prints and lined with wool.
• Custom Jackets, Sweatshirts, and Trench Coats: Our custom Trench Coats, Sweatshirts and Bomber Jacket is part of our exclusive and limited collection of outerwear.
What challenges has Barkisu, LLC experienced?
Barkisu acknowledged the challenges she has faced in building her brand, including marketing and social media. However, she is committed to dedicating more time to her business this year and exploring ways to grow, such as offering sewing classes and taking on contract manufacturing work.
What are some of the services offered by Barkisu, LLC?
At Barkisu LLC, we are dedicated to inspiring the world to embrace boldness through culture, design, and function. Join us on this journey and express your unique style with our curated collections.
Barkisu, LLC offers free shipping on orders over $100.
Barkisu, LLC invites you to subscribe to our email, to be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers. Additionally, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and inspiration.
For more information or specific inquiries, please visit our contact us page on our website: www.shopbarkisu.com, or call us at: 401-615-4514
Email: barkisullc@gmail.com
Instagram: @shopbarkisu
Contact: Barkisu Cole Veiga, MS
Founder and Owner of Barkisu, LLC
The Celebration of Easter Around the World
By Paul Lonardo
This Easter, over a billion eggs will be hunted in the United States, while more than 100 million plastic eggs will be purchased. And then, there are all of the chocolate and candy eggs that are consumed. There is also the Easter Bunny, who will be making appearances at parties, events, and malls across the nation. Millions of children will line up to take pictures with the ubiquitous, cuddly, long-eared folkloric figure. But where did these secular symbols and traditions come from?
Easter’s roots can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals that celebrated the spring equinox, the season associated with rebirth. According to a German legend, one spring morning, the fertility goddess Eostre noticed a fallen bird freezing, after a dusting of snow that had fallen overnight. The bird was not able to fly and was near death, so the maiden benevolently transformed it into a hare, in order to save its life. Because of its former nature as a bird, the bunny retained its ability to lay eggs (the ultimate symbol of fertility and rebirth), which the bunny would paint in bright colors, and give to Eostre as a gift of thanks.
Sounds an awful lot like the modern Easter Bunny that we all know and love. However, many countries around the world celebrate the Christian holiday a bit differently, and include elements that range from the mystical to the bizarre. In Sweden, for instance, legend has it that on the Thursday before Easter, witches take flight on their broomsticks, destined for
the mystical island where they gather with other dark creatures. For three days, evil spirits, trolls, and witches run amok, but with the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, these otherworldly beings return to their dark lairs and peace is restored.
In Finland, they combine two Easter traditions, celebrating both the covenant of witches and the resurrection of Jesus. In both of these countries, at Easter Time, the boys and girls dress as trolls and witches and go door-to-door in their neighborhoods, exchanging small handmade gifts for sweets. Not a bad deal. Sounds like a springtime Halloween.
In the Transcaucasian country of Georgia, every year around Orthodox Easter, Georgian cemeteries fill with families who gather to drink wine, nibble on sweet bread, and roll eggs dyed a deep blood-red. It’s part of a longstanding Georgian tradition of dining with the dead, every spring.
In Papua New Guinea, you’ll find Easter trees at the front of churches that are decorated
with sticks of tobacco and cigarettes that are handed out after the service.
In the Philippines, some devout Catholics have taken to the practice of selfcrucifixion and self-flagellation on Easter. Their thinking is that it helps purify them and cleanse them of the sins of the world. The Roman Catholic Church, however, is not keen on the idea, and has been actively trying to discourage this practice, without much success.
An Easter custom in the Czech Republic is less severe. In this country, men get a special Easter “whip,” which they use to swat women they are fond of. In return, the women give the man who “whipped” them a decorated egg.
If the men are old enough, they also receive a shot of whiskey. Not to be left out, women can make their own play for a
man they like, and are encouraged to dump ice water on him. This seems to be quite a stray from Easter eggs hunts and candy baskets, but, ‘to each their own.’
Easter celebrations on the Greek island of Corfu are varied and unique, but amongst their strangest traditions is when celebrants throw crockery and pots out of the windows. On Holy Sunday at around 11 o’clock in the morning, all the church bells ring, and that is the time when people throw their big, red clay pots filled with water from their balconies and terraces. The sound of the Corfu Easter pots smashing is deafening, and symbolizes the earthquake that is alleged to have occurred upon the crucifixion of Jesus.
But regardless of how Easter is celebrated around the world, it’s all part of the Christian festival and cultural holiday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus.
Joseph Baptista, President
New Savings Opportunities: Changes Coming to 401(k)s in 2025
By: Carrie McPherson
Congress passed the Secure 2.0 Act in 2022, to expand saving opportunities for individuals who have access to savings vehicles like 401(k)s and workplace savings plans. Several of the bill’s provisions go into effect in 2025, and if you’re like many workers, your 401(k) or workplace savings plan is likely the foundation of your retirement savings strategy. Explore the changes happening to 401(k)s below to determine if your retirement savings strategy may be affected.
Expanded standard contribution limits for all. For those that are able to “max out” their workplace savings plan, there is an increased contribution limit in 2025. Employees of any age will have the ability to save up to $23,500 (or 100% of their income, whichever is less), in their 401(k) plan. This is a $500 increase over the 2024 contribution limit.
Special rules for those ages 60 to 63. Under SECURE 2.0 Act provisions, 2025 brings new savings limits for those who turn age 60, 61, 62, or 63, by the end of the calendar year, if their plans offer catch-up contributions. Individuals in this age segment can take advantage of a new, special catch-up contribution limit that enhances their savings opportunity. Rather than the standard $7,500 catch-up contribution, those ages 60-63 can save $11,250 in 2025 .
fault, will be enrolled to participate in the plan. The minimum automatic enrollment contribution percentage for 401(k) or 403(b) plans is 3% of annual income and cannot exceed 10%. It also requires that the amount deferred into the plan increase by 1% per year, until the 10% deferral level is reached 2. Employees can choose to opt out of plan participation, but this automatic enrollment feature is set to encourage employees to take advantage of workplace retirement savings plans. Check with your employer to see if the automatic enrollment feature will affect your contributions.
Determining how much to set aside for retirement, and in what types of savings vehicles, is best decided through careful planning. The start of a new year is a great time to consider if you want to change or start contributions to these types of accounts. Discuss your retirement strategy with your financial advisor, and consult with a tax professional on all tax-related matters.
1- “Notice 2024-80, 2025 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs, as Adjusted for Changes in Cost-of-Living” Internal Revenue Service.
The new savings limits create an important opportunity, particularly for those who later in life might be in a financial position to dedicate larger sums toward retirement savings. For those ages 60-63, total 2025 401(k) contributions top out at $34,750. The special catch-up provision means someone turning 60 in 2025 could set aside close to $140,000 in tax-deferred retirement savings, over a critical four-year period. Once you turn 64, the standard catch-up contribution limit of $7,500 again applies. Talk to your financial advisor to determine if taking advantage of these increased contributions limits makes sense for your retirement plan.
Automatic enrollment. The SECURE 2.0 Act provisions expand automatic enrollment in 401(k) and 403(b) plans to companies that have employees who are not already enrolled. Under the rules, plans established on or after Dec. 29, 2022, must, in 2025, implement an automatic enrollment feature. This means that employees, by de1 2
2- “Five Changes Coming to IRAs and 401(k)s in 2025”, November 2025. Compiled by Kiplinger Magazine. https://www.kiplinger.com/ retirement/iras/changes-coming-to-iras-next-year
Carrie A. McPherson, CRPS®, CDFA®, ChSNC® is a Financial Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with Park Row Wealth Advisors, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Providence, RI. She specializes in fee based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 15 years. Please contact her at: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ park-row-wealth-advisors or (401)824-2557, 1 Citizens Plaza Ste 610 Providence, RI 02903.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
A Second Act:
Financial Benefits of Working in Retirement
By: Edward Pontarelli Jr.
Retirement, for many, marks the end of a career, and a transition into a work-free life, but that does not mean you have to stop working completely. Many retirees find satisfaction and comfort in transitioning from a main career to a second act that may require less time. If you are on the fence about whether to continue your career, transition to a new full or part-time role, or retire completely, you are not alone. Consider the following benefits of working another year or more in retirement.
Boost your nest egg. Continuing to earn a paycheck provides more time to save and invest in your future. You can use this extended earning period to make catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts and maximize employer contributions to your 401(k), if applicable. Allowing your investments to continue to grow can strengthen your ability to weather potential market volatility down the road. Additional savings may also give you confidence that you’ll have enough money to live the lifestyle you want in retirement.
Plan your healthcare strategy. Approaching retirement means planning for how to maintain healthcare insurance coverage, while costs for care are on the rise. Working farther into retirement can give you time to figure out your game plan for managing these expenses, while possibly remaining on an employer’s health plan. Starting at age 65, you can enroll in Medicare. Do your research to ensure you understand what expenses are covered by Medicare Parts A and B, and drug insurance (Part D), and consider if you need to purchase supplemental insurance, to fill in any coverage gaps. Also, review your long-term care policy, health savings account (HSA), or other designated healthcare funds, so that you know how you can handle potential health expenses. Determining your retirement healthcare strategy while on an employer’s healthcare plan can allow time to evaluate which plan is right for you, and avoid being underinsured.
Maximize Social Security. Retirement income often comes from a complex patchwork of sources, and a key income source for many is Social Secu-
rity. Working a year or two into or beyond retirement to attain supplemental income can allow you to delay the starting date of Social Security. Each year you delay, your overall benefits from Social Security increase, which can help establish an income cushion for your later retirement years. Keep in mind that Social Security benefits max out at age 70, so working beyond then, may not be to your advantage.
Working longer gives you time to figure out what’s next. Crafting a retirement plan is about more than money. It’s also about deciding what activities you’ll pursue to make your retirement meaningful. Use the last months or years of your career to plan your next chapter. If you’re not ready to leave the workforce, explore your options for part-time or consulting work. Or, consider community service, or board or advocacy roles, you may not have had time for while working a full-time job.
Extra time in the workforce can help supplement your savings and grant time to plan for your ideal retirement. Work with your financial advisor and tax professional to determine the right time for you to leave the workforce.
Alignment and Appreciation: The Keys to Administrative Success, in April
Alicia J. Alexander, MSL Founder of Make A Difference Consulting
April serves as a pivotal month in the corporate calendar, a time to reflect on first-quarter progress, and realign strategies for the months ahead. In the spirit of “Aligned Appreciation April,” organizations can achieve administrative success by focusing on two core elements: alignment and appreciation. When leadership, management, and employees are aligned in vision and purpose, and when authentic appreciation is embedded in the workplace culture, businesses thrive.
The foundation of Organizational Excellence lies in five key pillars: Neuroleadership, Neuromanagement, Authentic Appreciation, Workplace Forgiveness, and Organizational Trust. When these principles are embraced, workplaces foster a culture of collaboration, resilience, and success. Let’s explore how these pillars contribute to administrative excellence in April and beyond.
1. Neuroleadership: Guiding with the Brain in Mind
Neuroleadership focuses on leveraging neuroscience to enhance leadership effectiveness. Leaders who understand how the brain processes information, emotions, and relationships, can drive better decision-making and team performance.
The Focus of Neuroleadership in April:
• Aligning leadership strategies with how employees process change, motivation, and stress.
• Encouraging self-awareness and emotional intelligence among administrators.
• Using brain-friendly leadership techniques, such as clear communication and goal setting, to enhance productivity.
As organizations reassess priorities in April, leaders who align their strategies with cognitive science foster a more engaged and adaptable workforce.
2. Neuromanagement: Leading With Science-Based Strategies
While Neuroleadership focuses on leadership behaviors, Neuromanagement applies neuroscience to management practices. It involves structuring workflows, policies,
and team dynamics, in a way that optimizes employee performance and well-being.
The Focus of Neuromanagement in April:
• Ensuring that processes align with employees’ cognitive strengths and limitations.
• Reducing workplace stress by streamlining workflows, and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Encouraging psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, without fear of judgment. Administrators who implement Neuromanagement techniques create an environment where teams can thrive, fostering both alignment and appreciation.
3. Authentic Appreciation: Recognizing and Valuing Contributions
True appreciation goes beyond surface-level recognition, it is about genuinely valuing individuals for their contributions, efforts, and uniqueness. Authentic appreciation fosters motivation, loyalty, and job satisfaction.
The Focus of Authentic Appreciation in April:
• Aligning recognition efforts with employees’ preferred appreciation languages (e.g., verbal praise, tangible rewards, or professional development opportunities).
• Encouraging peer-to-peer appreciation to build a culture of respect and collaboration.
• Using April as a time to celebrate administrative professionals, and acknowledge their pivotal role in organizational success.
When appreciation is embedded in the workplace culture, employees feel seen, valued, and respected. Employees are motivated to contribute their best work.
4. Workplace Forgiveness: Creating a Culture of Resilience
Mistakes, miscommunications, and setbacks are inevitable in any organization. However, workplaces that practice forgiveness are better equipped to move forward, innovate, and maintain trust.
The Focus of Workplace Forgiveness in April:
• Aligning conflict resolution strategies, with a forgivenessbased approach.
• Encouraging leaders and managers to model humility, accountability, and second chances.
• Promoting emotional intelligence and empathy, to resolve workplace tensions constructively.
By fostering forgiveness, organizations create a resilient workforce where individuals feel safe to take risks, grow, and collaborate.
5. Organizational Trust: The Cornerstone of Success
Trust is the glue that holds teams together. Without trust, alignment and appreciation cannot flourish. Organizational trust is built through transparency, ethical leadership, and consistent follow-through on commitments.
The Focus on Organizational Trust in April:
• Aligning leadership decisions with company values and ethical standards.
• Encouraging open dialogue and active listening between employees and management.
• Demonstrating appreciation through trust, empowering employees, with autonomy and confidence in their roles. When trust is strong, employees feel secure, valued, and motivated to contribute meaningfully.
Bringing It All Together: The Power of Alignment and Appreciation
As we embrace “Aligned Appreciation April,” organizations must integrate these five pillars into daily operations. Success in administration requires more than just efficiency, it demands a workplace culture where employees feel aligned with organizational goals and are appreciated for their contributions.
Practical Steps for Administrative Success in April:
1. Conduct Alignment Check-Ins: Meet with teams to assess whether roles, goals, and expectations are clear.
2. Enhance Recognition Programs: Implement meaningful ways to appreciate employees, based on their individual preferences.
3. Encourage Forgiveness and Growth: Foster a learning environment where mistakes lead to growth, not fear.
4. Strengthen Trust Through Transparency: Communicate openly about company direction, challenges, and successes.
Make data-driven decisions that support employees’ cognitive and emotional well-being.
By implementing these strategies, businesses, specifically administration, can achieve Organizational Excellence, through strengthening leadership and creating an engaged workforce that thrives throughout the year.
This April, let alignment and appreciation be your guiding principles for success. Through Organizational Excellence, Together, We Make a Difference!
At Make A Difference Consulting, we believe that alignment and appreciation are the foundation of Organizational Excellence. When leaders embrace Neuroleadership, Neuromanagement, Authentic Appreciation, Workplace Forgiveness, and Organizational Trust, they cultivate workplace environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed.
If you’re ready to elevate your organization by integrating these principles, the Founder of Make A Difference Consulting, Alicia J. Alexander, MSL, is here to guide you. Whether through coaching, consulting, or speaking engagements, Alicia partners with corporate decisionmakers to create aligned, appreciative, and high-performing workplaces.
Connect with Alicia J. Alexander, MSL, to explore how your organization can implement The 5 Pillars of Organizational Excellence into your company, and drive long-term success. Visit Make A Difference Consulting to learn more.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward Organizational Excellence!
Let’s transform your workplace, one aligned and appreciative step at a time!
Alicia J. Alexander, MSL, is the Founder of Make A Difference Consulting in Pawtucket, RI. Ms. Alexander is an Expert in Organizational Excellence, and a Certified Facilitator of The 5 Languages of Appreciation In The Workplace. She is also an authority on Neuroscience and Authentic Appreciation. Ms. Alexander is a published author on the topic of Organizational Development and Change, in the collegiate journal of the International Society of Development and Change, and a co-author of The Book On Forgiveness. She holds a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis on Organizational Development (qualitative research). Ms. Alexander resides with her family in Pawtucket, RI.
RICCO Presents the Rarely Heard Howells Requiem and
Duruflé Requiem in March Concert
By: Mark Berger
The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RICCO) is honored to present a deeply moving and uniquely beautiful concert featuring two powerful works: Herbert Howells’ Requiem and Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem on Howells & Duruflé Requiem
May 17, 2025 – Cranston Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston, RI 02920.
May 18, 2025 – Worcester, MA, First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue Worcester, MA 01609.
These two extraordinary pieces, composed by contemporaries during the 20th century, are renowned for their rich harmonies and emotional depth. While Duruflé’s Requiem is more familiar to American audiences, Howells’ Requiem is rarely performed in the U.S., making this concert an exceptional opportunity for lovers of choral music.
“The Howells’ Requiem is one of the most gorgeous, otherworldly pieces of music in the entire repertoire,” says Joshua Rohde, RICCO’s Artistic Director. “It’s 30 minutes of sheer beauty—ethereal, lush, and incredibly moving.”
Both works were written in response to the turbulence of the early 20th century, yet the composers chose to focus on beauty rather than the harshness of the world around them.
“At a time when many composers were writing more dissonant, jarring music reflecting the ugliness of war and loss, Howells and Duruflé turned to rich harmonies and timeless chants,” says Rohde. “They sought to create beauty and solace in the face of chaos, making these pieces particularly meaningful and profound.”
Duruflé’s Requiem is especially notable for its integration of organ, which plays a central role in the composition. “This isn’t a situation where the organ is a substitute for an orchestra—it was specifically written for the instrument,”
Rohde explains. “Duruflé himself was a renowned organist, and his deep understanding of the instrument shines through in this work.”
This concert is not only a rare chance to hear the Howells Requiem, but also an opportunity to experience the beauty of these two remarkable works performed together. As Rohde notes, “The harmonies and textures in both pieces are simply stunning. Despite the complexities, they sound effortless and can transport listeners to another world.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.RICCO.org
In addition to presenting these two unique requiems, these performances will feature RICCO’s Collegiate Vocal Competition winners as soloists. As part of its mission to encourage the vocal arts in the New England region, RICCO holds an annual Collegiate Vocal Competition, now in its 15th year, which is open to all vocal students, undergraduate or graduate, currently studying at any institution of higher learning in New England. Recent winners performed in November and December with the Chorale’s Messiah performances on Block Island, in Providence and in Manville.
Soloists for the upcoming requiem performances will include: Mara Riley, Soprano, from the New England Conservatory; Delaney Finn, Mezzo-Soprano, from Boston University; Zachary Fisher, Tenor, from the University of Massachusetts; and Ziqi Fang, Bass, from Brown University.
“It’s thrilling to give these young singers the chance to perform with a large choir and orchestra, often for the first time,” said Rohde. “Some of our past winners have gone on to sing in prestigious venues across the globe, so this is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to witness future stars in their early stages.”
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April Fools’ Day is a Celebration of Laughter and Trickery
by Julia Romano
Every year on April 1st, people across the globe indulge in a playful tradition that involves pranks, hoaxes, and harmless mischief. Known as April Fools’ Day, this celebration of humor has persisted for centuries, but its origins remain shrouded in mystery. While the exact reason behind the day is unclear, the spirit of fun and trickery continues to bring joy (and sometimes frustration) to people of all ages. Here, we take a closer look at the history, meaning, and evolution of April Fools’ Day.
When Did April Fools’ Day Begin?
The origins of April Fools’ Day are difficult to pinpoint, as no single event marks its birth. However, many historians trace the holiday’s roots back to the 16th century in Europe, with theories ranging from the adoption of the Gregorian calendar to earlier pagan festivals of mischief and disorder. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII reformed the Julian calendar, establishing the Gregorian calendar, which shifted the start of the new year from April 1st to January 1st. People who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1st were labeled “April fools,” and they became the target of pranks and tricks. This change in the calendar is often cited as one of the earliest reasons for the modern tradition of April Fools’ Day, though it is still widely debated.
Why Do We Celebrate April Fools’ Day?
April Fools’ Day serves as a lighthearted occasion that allows individuals to play tricks on one another without causing harm. It is a day devoted to humor, laughter, and good-natured fun. While the exact reason for the day’s existence is unclear, it seems to have evolved from earlier celebrations that involved foolery and disorder.
One popular theory suggests that the day grew out of medieval festivities like the Feast of Fools. In medieval Europe, the Feast of Fools was a celebration during which societal roles were reversed, and traditional hierarchies were temporarily ignored. Lower-class citizens would mock their superiors, and people would often dress up in ridiculous costumes. This spirit of mischievous reversal might have carried over into April Fools’ Day.
Additionally, April 1st falls close to the spring equinox, a time when the earth is undergoing significant changes. In many
cultures, the arrival of spring has been associated with chaos, disorder, and trickery. With the changing of the seasons, there is a sense of unpredictability in nature—rainstorms, sunshine, and shifts in weather patterns. It’s possible that the unpredictable nature of spring was symbolically reflected in the playful unpredictability of April Fools’ Day.
How Is April Fools’ Day Celebrated?
The tradition of April Fools’ Day is characterized by jokes, pranks, and hoaxes. The types of pranks range from simple, innocent tricks to more elaborate deceptions, but the key to any April Fools’ joke is that it must be harmless. The ultimate goal is to create laughter without causing lasting harm or distress.
Some common pranks include telling people exaggerated stories, switching items around in unexpected places, or pretending to misplace something. Classic examples include calling someone and telling them an outrageous story or getting them to fall for a fake news report. One famous prank was conducted in 1957 by the BBC, who aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees. Many viewers were taken in by the elaborate hoax, believing it was a legitimate broadcast.
In more recent years, April Fools’ Day has extended beyond personal interactions. Media outlets, brands, and even tech companies participate in the fun. Companies such as Google,
Taco Bell, and IKEA are well-known for their creative April Fools’ campaigns, often releasing fake products or launching humorous advertisements that delight their audiences.
Where Is April Fools’ Day Celebrated?
Although April Fools’ Day is celebrated around the world, the specific way in which it is observed varies from country to country. In many Western countries like the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, the tradition is widely recognized. However, in some regions, the pranks are taken more seriously, while in others, they are just lighthearted fun.
In France and Belgium, the day is known as “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish), where people attach paper fish to others’ backs without them knowing. The prank is believed to date back to the 16th century when fish were considered a symbol of naivety. In Scotland, the celebration lasts for two days, with the second day, known as Taily Day, dedicated to tricks aimed at pranking people’s backsides. In India, April Fools’ Day is celebrated with less fanfare, but in some regions, people will prank others by making false statements about events or news.
One notable aspect of the day is how the pranks often mirror the local culture, with different nations injecting their own regional sense of humor and customs into the day’s festivities.
Who Are the “Fools” of April Fools’ Day?
While anyone can become an “April fool,” the focus is always on the prankster’s ability to deceive without malicious intent. Often, the best April Fools’ pranks rely on the element of surprise, as people let their guard down when they least expect it.
The “fools” of April Fools’ Day are generally the unsuspecting individuals who fall victim to pranks. They are not necessarily gullible or naive but may simply be caught off guard by the unexpected humor of the day. In the spirit of the occasion, once the prank is revealed, all parties involved share a laugh.
The Psychology Behind April Fools’ Day
Why do we find pranks and tricks so entertaining? There’s a psychological element to April Fools’ Day that taps into our love of novelty and humor. There’s the joy of surprise— the moment when we realize we’ve been tricked. Surprise is an emotion that evokes laughter because it breaks from our expectations in a playful way. The unexpected surprise becomes a method of causing both parties to be humored and entertained.
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Bristol County Makes the “Weekend of Wishes” a Huge Success
Two events benefiting A Wish Come True raise close to $100,000
by: Mark Berger | photos: Gene Hutnak Photography
The weekend of March 14-17th provided the backdrop for a local non-profit organization to help children who are fighting courageous life-threatening battles, along with their families.
With the help of many community partners in the Bristol County area, A Wish Come True, the oldest wishgranting organization in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut, hosted two events to raise funds and awareness for several local kids, who are battling lifethreatening illnesses.
“Weekend of Wishes” kicked off with their annual dance, “Shamrocks and Shenanigans,” and continued over the weekend with “Wish Hats for Wishes,” which included 55 local establishments, joining in to sell “Wish Hats,” and raise funds for four local Wish children.
Overall, the weekend was an incredible success, raising close to $100,000, to benefit A Wish Come True’s mission of granting wishes and embracing the family throughout their journey.
Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said that the event’s growth and partnerships have a positive impact on their mission in the short term, with an eye for helping to reach more families.
“We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support the Bristol County community provides us toward continuing our important work,” Mary-Kate said. “The local businesses really stepped up to support our ‘Wish Kids.’ It is because of them and the incredible volunteers that contribute their time and effort to organize this event that enables us to support these magical wishes.”
Shamrocks and Shenanigans, held at the Venus De Milo in Swansea for the second consecutive year, raised an astounding $86,000, through sponsorships, live auctions, raffles, and donations, with over 500 in attendance. Cochairs of the event include Carol Cassidy-Lindo, Broker/ Owner of High Pointe Properties, and A Wish Come True Board Chairman Paula Pais Leach of Swansea.
An inspirational night of hope raising funds to grant wishes for two local Wish Kids and their respective families, Bailey, a threeyear-old who was diagnosed with Unilateral Retinoblastoma, and Kareem, an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Bryan Schmeling of New Day Planning-Thrivent, served as the night’s Emcee. Entertainment was provided by Back in the Day band, The Kelly School of Irish Dance, and the dessert trays were generously provided by Cornerstone Bakery & Restaurant.
The presenting sponsor for Shamrocks and Shenanigans was Apollo Safety, Inc. President John Carvalho said that the desire to participate in this event stemmed from wanting to make a difference for others in the community. He saw that the good A Wish Come True does, and eagerly accepted Mary-Kate’s offer to help.
“It is our honor and privilege to help out A Wish Come True’s goal of connecting with as many local kids as possible,” John said. This was the second time Apollo Safety, Inc., served as their Presenting Sponsor for this event. “They perform commendable work in reaching families in need. It is our privilege to stand alongside them and help them in any way possible.”
The month-long “Wish Hats for Wishes” fundraiser, led by a dedicated group of community volunteers, came to a successful close during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, raising over $10,000 for an incredible cause. Throughout the month, patrons visited bars and restaurants across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, purchasing paper “Wish Hats,” for a minimum donation of $1.
This heartfelt campaign helped support 16-year-old Logan, who was diagnosed with Epilepsy, and 16-year-old Madison, who is living with both Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. A special thanks to Jimmy Cavanaugh and his team of volunteers, who have been organizing this event for over 30 years! Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause, continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.
Mary-Kate said that while they are thrilled with the local push, they are far from done from helping others across Southern New England.
“A Wish Come True helps the child and the family alike with programs, services, support and in many other ways,” she said. “While we are making a difference in these families, we know there are many more out there who could use a helping hand, as we have had over 13 referrals in the last month. Our purpose is connecting with these families, and giving them the support necessary to get them through this difficult journey.”
She also noted that the organization is busy putting together several more events throughout 2025, to further its mission and assist more people. Among those upcoming events include:
April 5th - Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES MMA) Fights for a Cause, at Park Theatre in Cranston.
June 23rd - A Wish Come True Spring Golf Classic, presented by Massey and Associates, at Alpine Country Club in Cranston.
August 10-11 - 25th Annual Rock and Jock Charities Concert, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, and Golf Tournament, at Potowomut Golf Club in East Greenwich.
A full list of events and other ways of getting involved may be found by visiting the A Wish Come True website at www. awish.org.
About A Wish Come True:
A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded on October 8, 1982. Their mission is to provide wishes and resources to families with a child (ages 3-18), suffering with a life-threatening illness that lives throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut.
Click here now to support magical wishes at www. awish.org. There, visitors may also learn more about the organization, including upcoming events, and how to become more involved.
For more information on ways to help please contact Mary Kate O’Leary, Executive Director, at marykate@ awishcometrue.org.
Ask An Expert
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!
Is Vinyl Planking REALLY Waterproof?
Perhaps one of the more interesting conversations I have with our floor install techs are those revolving around vinyl planking and its use in areas where there is a good chance that they will be exposed to a fair amount of moisture after installation.
I make no secret of the fact that in these particular areas (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the like), I am much more partial to traditional tile vs. the more modern vinyl planking options that are out there.
While my brain tells me that vinyl planking is a super functional option for these areas, my heart leans heavily toward tradition.
In terms of conversations that I have with our actual clients, the question often comes up that asks if vinyl planking is even waterproof.
Vinyl planking has become a popular choice for homeowners because it looks great and is easy to maintain, and though one of the biggest selling points is that it’s advertised as waterproof, the question remains, is it really?
When something is waterproof, it means that water can’t pass through it, no matter how long it’s exposed. Some materials, like plastic or rubber, are completely waterproof. Others, like wood, can soak up water and get damaged. Vinyl planks are made mostly of PVC (a type of plastic), which does not absorb water. This means that vinyl planks, themselves, are waterproof. However, that doesn’t mean your entire floor will be safe from water damage.
Most vinyl planks have a waterproof top layer that protects against spills and moisture. Water will sit on top of the planks, rather than soaking in, which makes cleaning up easy. This is why vinyl plank flooring is actually a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
However, water can still cause problems in certain situations. If water seeps between the planks, it can reach the subfloor underneath. If the subfloor is made of wood, it can swell and rot over time. Water trapped under the planks can also lead to mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
It’s important to understand the difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant.” Waterproof means that water cannot damage the material, no matter how long it is exposed. Waterresistant means that the material can resist water for a while, but it may eventually let water through.
Vinyl planks themselves are waterproof, but the way they are installed can make a difference.
If there are gaps between the planks, water can seep through. Some types of vinyl planks have a locking system that creates a
tight seal, making them more resistant to water. Others may require glue or be installed loosely, which could allow water to get underneath.
Even though vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, it’s still important to take steps to protect it. Here are some simple ways to keep your floors in great shape:
1. Clean Up Spills Quickly – Even though the planks won’t absorb water, letting water sit for too long can cause damage to the subfloor.
2. Use a Moisture Barrier – If installing vinyl planks over a wood subfloor, consider adding a moisture barrier to protect against water damage.
3. Seal the Edges – Some people use silicone sealant around the edges of the room to prevent water from getting under the flooring.
4. Choose High-Quality Planks – Some vinyl planks have better locking systems that keep water from seeping through the seams.
5. Watch for Leaks – If you have a dishwasher, washing machine, or sink nearby, check for leaks, regularly, to avoid water damage.
Vinyl planking is indeed a great flooring option for homes because it is durable, stylish, and easy to maintain. The planks themselves are waterproof, but that doesn’t mean your entire floor is 100% safe from water damage! Water can still seep between planks or around the edges, reaching the subfloor. To keep your floors in the best condition, clean up spills quickly and take extra steps to prevent water from getting underneath.
With proper care, vinyl planking can be a fantastic, long-lasting flooring choice for moisture-prone areas in any home – even though I still prefer tile.
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!
Nestled between Lincoln Mall and Bryant University near the Lincoln/Smithfield line, the dealership has new and certified, pre-owned vehicles ready either for lease or to own.
Regardless of the make and model you want, their knowledgeable staff will ensure that your car-buying process flows smoothly.
Toyota of Smithfield General Manager John Durrani said anyone seeking their next vehicle should contact their award-winning Sales Department to find dealer incentives.
“Anyone trading in either their used or certified, preowned cars, will receive an additional $1,000 over book value,” Durrani said. “There won’t be a better time for anyone to trade in their cars. Your trade is worth more than it ever has before, and it’s worth more now than it will ever be worth.”
For those who already either own or lease their vehicle, customers are encouraged to visit their awardwinning Service Department to keep their vehicles motoring. Their staff can diagnose smaller problems before they become more expensive ones
While trying to boost inventory, Durrani said they
welcome customers to bring in their used cars. He said there are several Toyota incentives to move someone from their older car into a newer one.
“We want the public to drive in with their used vehicles. Right now, we need more inventory to fulfill orders,” Durrani said
To help facilitate their need for additional certified, preowned vehicles, Toyota of Smithfield also offers 115% of its book value for any used cars. It doesn’t matter whether or not the customer plans on buying from them.
“We will purchase your trade-in, even if you don’t buy a vehicle from us,” he added.
The dealership holds a monthly private sale. This month’s event is scheduled for Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, by appointment only. Attendees will have access to their inventory. Managers will be there to answer questions and offer additional incentives.
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 also offered up front. Durrani said that this is just part of the all-around, customer-driven experience he implemented to ensure the process does not get bogged down in miscommunication.
Schedule an appointment by calling them at: 401-723-0962, or visit their website at: www.toyotaofsmithfield.com
COLLISION REPAIRS
When an accident occurs, it’s important to find a reputable auto body shop that will ease your mind and help you every step of the way. Our trusted team is trained in collision repair, framework, dent repair, computerized diagnostics, paint matching, paint restoration, and detailing / refinishing services.
CONVENIENT RENTALS
We own and maintain our own fleet of rental vehicles ready for you the second that you walk through our doors. Delta Auto Rental helps streamline the rental and collision process. We are proud to offer a wide selection of rental vehicles from compact to luxury, Jeeps, SUVs, etc.
24/7 TOWING
Delta Auto Body and our partners now have multiple tow trucks able to pick you up 24/7, 365 days a year wherever your vehicle is located. Delta Towing will immediately send out a truck to recover your vehicle and bring it to their facility for repairs.
brain is bad at judging quantity increases but accurate at judging quantity decreases.
In New York City, about 1,600 people are bitten by other humans every year.
common interest found on people’s resumes in New Hampshire is “Bigfoot.”
hiding in the bathroom for “peace and quiet,” according to a 2018 survey.
Silly Laws
Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate of any U.S. state, and New Orleans has the highest incarceration rate of any city in the state.
The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.
12 Things You Didn’t Know
12 Things You Didn’t Know
50% of Netflix users watch an entire season of a show in a week.
A new U.S. study has found that economy round-trip and one-way airline tickets are the lowest they’ve been since 2013.
6. In the US, about 40% of college students drop out, the top reason being money.
The design of the tallest residential building in the world, 432 Park Avenue in Manhattan, was inspired by a trash can.
A polar bear’s skin is black. Its fur is not white, but actually clear.
Samsung has been granted a patent in South Korea for contact lenses that project images directly into
7. In 1993, “Tetris” became the first video game ever played in space.
STATE THE FACTS...
By 2050, it’s estimated that four trucks of plastic waste
Studies show the key to happiness is spending your
Studies show the key to happiness is spending your
Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland
By 2017, it is estimated that nearly 207 billion emails
Air Jordans were banned from the NBA, however
Research shows that kids are more likely to be honest when they know it will please their parents, even if
On average, early risers writing emails between 4am
8. Roughly 2% of people are considered “sleepless elite,” early-birds and night-owls that can run on less than 5 hours of sleep without needing coffee or naps.
More people are killed by donkeys annually
Studies suggest that gifted people often have bad handwriting because their brains work faster than
A recent study found that higher blood pressure in an
A study found that only 24% of Canadians know that
Studies show Americans ages 18-29 are far more
1. the surnames of the two men who created them.
Shakespeare invented the words “assassina-
1. Contrary to popular belief, blowing into video game cartridges didn’t fix them by removing dust. Reinserting the cartridge fixed the connection.
Cheetos are naturally gray before they are given a bright orange artificial color.
9. When ”Jump Around” plays at the University of Wisconsin football games, the fan’s jumping registers on the Geology Department’s seismograph, located two miles away.
It is unlawful to injure a football goal post; doing so is punishable by a $200 fine. (Massachusetts)
Charles F. Feeney has given away $8 billion—he now has $2 million to live on.
Spanish just for the purpose of trash talking opponents.
In 2015, Americans wrote out 17.3 billion checks. In the same year, they made 69.5 billion debit card purchases.
In Texas, the law states that any two individuals who feel the need to fight can consent to mutual combat through a signed or even implied agreement, but they can only use their fists.
Research has found that, on average, a person’s social media writing contains three times as many mistakes as their emails.
Cotton candy only costs about six cents per serving to make, including the cardboard cone.
The sentence “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the English language.
If you keep a goldfish in the dark room, it will eventually turn white.
The world’s first labor strike was held on the site of a pyramid.
2. “Psycho,” “Silence of the Lambs,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” were all based on the same serial killer.
New research has found that the more visually creative a person is, the lower the quality of their sleep.
MC Hammer once challenged Michael Jackson to a dance-off.
Looking through Instagram accounts of healthy meals can actually trick you into enjoying those foods more than you otherwise would, a study found.
10. If California were its own country, it would be the fifth richest country in the world.
Kites may not be flown within the city limits. (Chicago, Illinois)
The average American woman now weighs as much as the average 1960s man.
The world’s oldest hotel has been operating since 705 AD in Japan.
2. On average, shorter men tend to live slightly longer than taller men due to an inverse correlation between height and longevity.
Rhode Island History
1 out of every 8 Americans have been employed by McDonald’s at some point.
All of the Rugrats were voiced by women.
According to a survey, 67% of hiring managers cite lack of eye contact as the biggest mistake candidates make in interviews.
According to NASA, the perfect nap should last no more than 26 minutes.
The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with.
Amy Schumer is the only woman ever to land on Forbes’s list of the world’s highest-paid comedians.
In France it’s illegal to name your pig Napoleon.
Whistling underwater is illegal. (Vermont)
The average human eats 8 spiders in their lifetime, at night.
11. George Washington died in 1799 after doctors drained nearly 40% of his blood in an attempt to cure a sore throat.
Apple has more money than the U.S. Treasury.
Subscriptions to streaming music services increased by 50% in 2016, totaling 92 million.
Women are statistically better drivers then men.
3. When a secretary at Apple was late because of car trouble, Steve Jobs gave her a Jaguar and said, “Don’t be late anymore”.
The US flag was designed by as part of a high school project by 17-year old Robert Heff. It was 1958, and there were only 48 states at the time but Heft had a hunch Hawaii and Alaska would soon be granted statehood.
Research shows that the creativity may begin in the cerebellum, rather than the “right brain.”
It used to be illegal to interrupt a religious meeting by having a horse race. (Spokane, Washington)
In Denmark, if a person finds a lost child, they can claim the child as their own if a parent does not turn up within 2 hours.
In a group of 23 people, there is a 50% chance that 2 of them will share the same birthday.
The name tag on Heath Ledger’s nurse uniform in “The Dark Knight” read “Mathilda” the name of the actor’s daughter.
The average human eats 22 flies in their lifetime, at night.
3. Staying awake for more than 17 to 19 hours impairs your physical performance as much as being drunk.
According to an extensive study, the best day to buy plane tickets is Sunday—especially if you’re booking more than 21 days in advance.
New research has found that the NFL players that incur the most penalties get arrested more than their teammates.
According to USDA projections, by 2025 Americans will consume 219 pounds of meat per year on average.feeling to occur.
The word “lethologica” describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.
Studies suggest that eye contact must be held for about 8.2 seconds for that “Love at first sight” feeling to occur.
It cost $15 million to build Disneyland’s New Orleans Square—the amount the U.S. paid for the real New Orleans in the Louisiana Purchase.
12. Texas is so large that El Paso (in the western corner of the state) is closer to San Diego, California, than it is to Houston, Texas.
The Cogswell Tower in Central Falls was the site of an Indian observation point in use during King Phillips War in 1676. The tower was built in 1904 as part of the last will and testament of Caroline Cogswell.
In Montana, cows out number people 3 to 1.
Making art has been found to lower stress hormone levels in most people, regardless of skill.
It is illegal to skateboard without a license. (Florida)
You can control the volume of a YouTube video by using the up and down arrows on your keyboard.
4. Dragonflies are one of the most effective predators on earth, catching their prey 95% of the time.
A rhinoceros horn is made of compacted hair.
Any man carrying onions in Paris must be given right of way in the streets.
Not only is Lake Superior the largest freshwater lake in the world, but it holds three quadrillion gallons of water.
One man, without help and without proper construction tools, spent 34 years building the Watts Towers, which still stand in Los Angeles.
4. A spoonful of ice cream makes your brain feel good the same way as listening to music or winning money.
Though most Americans speak English, we have no official national language.
Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment prohibition.
You cannot wear roller skates in restrooms. (Portland, Oregon)
Studies show that, when it comes to food, the human brain is bad at judging quantity increases but accurate at judging quantity decreases.
5. Blue whales can eat half a million calories in a single mouthful.
In New York City, about 1,600 people are bitten by other humans every year.
A U.S. study found that the most disproportionately common interest found on people’s resumes in New Hampshire is “Bigfoot.”
Medical errors are the 6th leading cause of death in the US.
The New River, which flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina to Virginia and West Virginia, is thought by most scientists to be the oldest in North America.
In Russia it is illegal to say any sentence containing more than 4 words in English.
Swearing at someone over the phone in Virginia is punishable by a $100 fine.
Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate of any U.S. state, and New Orleans has the highest incarceration rate of any city in the state.
5. At their closest points, Russia and the United States are only 2.4 miles apart.
The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.
6. Forgiving yourself and others can bring you peace of mind, helping you get a better night’s sleep.
50% of Netflix users watch an entire season of a show in a week.
A new U.S. study has found that economy round-trip and one-way airline tickets are the lowest they’ve been since 2013.
The design of the tallest residential building in the world, 432 Park Avenue in Manhattan, was inspired by a trash can.
6. Within 48 hours of quitting smoking, your nerve endings begin to regrow, and your sense of smell and taste begin to return to normal.
Citizens may not swim in the public fountains within the city limits. (Rockville, Maryland)
A polar bear’s skin is black. Its fur is not white, but actually clear.
Samsung has been granted a patent in South Korea for contact lenses that project images directly into the wearer’s eyes.
During Sweden’s long hours of winter darkness, it is illegal to complain that you wish it were sunny.
By 2050, it’s estimated that four trucks of plastic waste will be added to the ocean every minute.
Judge Darius Baker imposed the first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile on August 28, 1904 in Newport.
Virginia has birthed more presidents than any other state.
27% of Americans don’t believe we landed on the moon.
Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state.
The Civil War ended in 1865, but Irene Triplet is still collecting a pension. Her father served in the war which entitles Triplet, who is now 91 years old, to a survivor’s benefit of $73.13 a month
Studies show the key to happiness is spending your money on experiences rather than possessions.
It is forbidden to run a marathon in less than 3 hours 30 minutes. (Iceland)
Studies show the key to happiness is spending your money on experiences rather than possessions.
7. After John F. Kennedy was prescribed a rocking chair to mitigate his back pain, he enjoyed them so much that he began giving rocking chairs as gifts.
Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn’t wear pants.
If someone knocks on your door in Scotland and requests the use of your toilet, you must allow them access.
If you have $10 in your pocket and no debt, you are wealthier than 25% of Americans.
By 2017, it is estimated that nearly 207 billion emails will be sent every day.
7. If you’re 6’ tall and look out over the ocean at sea level (from the water’s edge), the horizon is roughly three miles away from you.
No person may roller skate and listen to a radio at the same time. (Nashville, TN)
Research shows that kids are more likely to be honest when they know it will please their parents, even if their parents still punish them.
On average, early risers writing emails between 4am and 8am make 11.8 mistakes per 100 words.
Air Jordans were banned from the NBA, however Michael Jordan always wore them as Nike was willing to pay the fine for each game.
More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.
8. The screaming at Beatles concerts was so loud; no one could hear them play, not even themselves. This led them to stop playing live shows entirely.
A recent study found that higher blood pressure in an expectant mother is associated with having a boy.
Studies suggest that gifted people often have bad handwriting because their brains work faster than their hands.
8. Dogs can understand as many as 250 words and gestures. The average dog is as intelligent as a 2-year-old child.
A study found that only 24% of Canadians know that Queen Elizabeth II is their head of state.
No member of the clergy is allowed to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a church service. (Nicholas County, WV)
Studies show Americans ages 18-29 are far more stressed out that anyone else in the country.
Noisy sandals are forbidden on the Isle of Capri, Italy.
Shakespeare invented the words “assassination” and “bump.”
9. The human brain makes up only 2% of our body weight but consumes 20% of our body’s energy.
In 2015, Americans wrote out 17.3 billion checks. In the same year, they made 69.5 billion debit card purchases.
Cheetos are naturally gray before they are given a bright orange artificial color.
No pool tables are allowed in a public establishment, because it supports gambling. (Orland Park, Illinois)
It is illegal to fly over or land flying saucers in the southern French town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This odd anti-UFO legislation has gained the town international popularity.
9. The word “mortgage” comes from the Old French term “mort gaige,” which translates to “dead pledge” or “death contract”.
If you keep a goldfish in the dark room, it will eventually turn white.
Cotton candy only costs about six cents per serving to make, including the cardboard cone.
Research has found that, on average, a person’s social media writing contains three times as many mistakes as their emails.
Looking through Instagram accounts of healthy meals can actually trick you into enjoying those foods more than you otherwise would, a study found.
The United States is the most generous country in the world, based on a tally of charitable donations and volunteer hours.
The White Horse Tavern was built in 1673 and is the oldest operating tavern in the United States.
100 acres of pizza are served in the US every day.
A storage room on the top floor of the Supreme Court was converted into a basketball court. Justices and their clerks shoot hoops there.
Rhode Island Red Monument in Adamsville pays homage to the world-famous poultry breed.
Americans spend roughly 4.4 years of their life at each of their jobs.
Rhode Island founder Roger Williams established the First Baptist Church in America in 1638. The existing structure was built in 1775.
The Library of Congress is keeping an archive of every tweet ever tweeted.
Many people assume Jamestown, Virginia is the oldest city in the United States, but the reality is Jamestown is merely the oldest English settlement. The oldest city in the United States is actually St Augustine, Florida.
22 million chickens are consumed in the US every day.
Settled in 1642 Pawtuxet Village in Warwick lays claim to being New England’s oldest village.
10. Pirates wore eye patches to have one eye adjusted for the top deck, and the other already adjusted for the darkness when going below deck.
According to a survey, 67% of hiring managers cite lack of eye contact as the biggest mistake candidates make in interviews.
10. If you took a single penny and doubled it every day, you would have over $5.3 million in 30 days.
According to NASA, the perfect nap should last no more than 26 minutes.
The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with.
Amy Schumer is the only woman ever to land on Forbes’s list of the world’s highest-paid comedians.
Women are statistically better drivers then men.
In Switzerland it is illegal to flush the toilet after 10pm, if you live in an apartment.
1 out every 3 Americans is obese.
Portsmouth is home to the oldest schoolhouse in the United States. The school was built in 1716.
The book believed to be the first-ever to be printed in America was called Bay Psalm Book, published way back in 1640. In 2013, one of the 11 copies known to be still in existence sold at auction for $14.2 million.
11. The “O” before an Irish name (ex: O’Brien, O’Malley, etc) means descendant of.
11. The average person will spend 26 years of their life sleeping and up to 11 years watching tv/videos.
New research has found that the NFL players that incur the most penalties get arrested more than their teammates.
The word “lethologica” describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.
Studies suggest that eye contact must be held for about 8.2 seconds for that “Love at first sight” feeling to occur.
According to USDA projections, by 2025 Americans will consume 219 pounds of meat per year on average.feeling to occur.
In Finland, your traffic fine is calculated according to your income.
It cost $15 million to build Disneyland’s New Orleans Square—the amount the U.S. paid for the real New Orleans in the Louisiana Purchase.
The White Horse Tavern in Rhode Island was built in 1673 and is the oldest operating tavern in the United States.
12. The word ‘tire’ originates from the term ‘attire,’ because a wheel with a tire is a “dressed wheel”.
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Route 6 Auto Mall Kia
By Mark Berger
Nestled in the heart of Swansea, Massachusetts, Rte 6 Kia has long been more than just a car dealership. It’s a place where dreams meet driveways, where families find their perfect vehicle, and where customer service is not just a promise but a way of life. For years, Route 6 Kia has been a trusted name in the community, offering high-quality vehicles, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
A Legacy of Excellence
Route 6 Kia’s journey began with a simple mission: to provide customers with a seamless car-buying experience while fostering long-term relationships. From the moment a customer walks through the doors, they are greeted with a warm smile and an expert team ready to help them navigate the world of Kia vehicles. Whether it’s a stylish Kia Forte, a rugged Kia Telluride, or the environmentally friendly Kia EV6, the dealership prides itself on offering a diverse inventory that meets the needs of all types of drivers.
What sets them 6 Kia apart is its dedication to making car ownership accessible and enjoyable. Their financing team works tirelessly to ensure that every customer, regardless of their budget or credit score,
can drive away in a vehicle that fits their lifestyle. With competitive pricing, attractive lease offers, and flexible financing options, Rte 6 Kia makes it easier than ever to own a high-quality vehicle.
Beyond Sales: A Commitment to Service
A great dealership isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about taking care of them, too. The service department at Route 6 Kia is a cornerstone of the business, staffed by highly trained technicians who specialize in Kia models. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, the team ensures that every vehicle remains in peak condition, offering services like oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and more.
Customers can trust that their vehicles are in expert hands, thanks to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and genuine Kia parts. The dealership also offers convenient online scheduling, making it easier than ever for customers to book appointments and keep their cars running smoothly.
Putting the Community First
Route 6 Kia is more than a business - it’s a proud member of the Swansea community. The dealership actively participates in local events, sponsors community initiatives, and supports charitable organizations that
make a difference. Whether it’s hosting a food drive, partnering with local schools, or offering scholarships, Route 6 Kia is dedicated to giving back.
Their commitment to sustainability is also evident in their growing lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles. By promoting eco-friendly driving solutions, Route 6 Kia is helping customers reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the latest in automotive technology.
Customer Stories: A Testament to Trust
One of the many reasons Route 6 Kia continues to thrive is its loyal customer base. Many patrons have shared stories of how the dealership exceeded their expectations. From first-time car buyers to longtime Kia enthusiasts, the experiences all share a common theme: trust, satisfaction, and outstanding service.
Take Sarah, for example, a recent college graduate who was looking for her first car. Unsure of what she could afford, she walked into Route 6 Kia feeling overwhelmed. The team not only helped her find a Kia Soul within her budget but also guided her through the financing process, ensuring she got the best possible deal. Today, Sarah is a proud Kia owner and regularly returns for service check-ups.
Then there’s the Johnson family, who needed a reliable SUV for their growing family. After test-driving several options, they fell in love with the Kia Sorento. The Route 6 Kia team made the buying process smooth and stress-free, and the Johnsons now confidently travel on road trips, knowing they made the right choice.
The Road Ahead
As the automotive industry evolves, so does Route 6 Kia. The dealership remains at the forefront of innovation, offering the latest Kia models equipped with advanced safety features, cutting-edge technology, and modern designs. Whether customers are looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a spacious SUV, or an electric vehicle for a greener future, Rte 6 Kia is prepared to meet their needs.
For those searching for a dealership that prioritizes quality, transparency, and community engagement, Route 6 Kia in Swansea, MA, is the ultimate destination. With a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and a vision for the future, Route 6 Kia continues to drive dreams forward—one car at a time.
1049 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy, Swansea (508) 646-9700
