Ask the Experts 2025 by Beacon Media

AskExperts the BEACON MEDIA

October 2025

Special Supplement from

Shop Local at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Shop Local at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Fall is here, and if you’re looking for the freshest fruits, vegetables, and locally grown produce, now is the time to find them at Dave’s Marketplace.

Summer is here, and if you’re looking for the freshest fruits, vegetables, and locally grown produce, now is the time to find them at Dave’s Marketplace.

In Rhode Island and throughout New England, many local farms raise fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs for neighborhood markets. These growers are dedicated to the quality and value of fresh food for their living.

“We are in the perishable business – we want you to feel and smell how fresh everything is,” said Susan Budlong of Dave’s Marketplace. “We set this stage by having customers walk through our Produce departments first and foremost.”

Picked at their peak, locally grown foods taste and look better, and with shorter times between the farm and table, it’s less likely that nutrients will be lost. Nearby farms often grow different varieties of crops to provide a longer harvest season and the best flavors.

“Locally grown produce is generally only available about 12 to 14 weeks of the year,” said Budlong, who wants customers to know what they are eating. “We work hard to provide accurate signage for all our products – especially produce, seafood and meats.”

Not only is local food safe and convenient, farmers and grocers who sell their products aren’t anonymous and take their responsibility to the consumer seriously. Locally produced food also supports communities, preserves open spaces and benefits the environment.

“Our prepared foods are made either in our central commissary in East Greenwich or on site in our In Store Kitchens. All the meals are made with fresh ingredients – local ingredients whenever possible – and by hand,” said Budlong. “It really is better than

“Our prepared foods are made either in our central commissary in East Greenwich or on site in our In Store Kitchens. All the meals are made with fresh ingredients – local ingredients whenever possible –and by hand,” said Budlong. “It really is better than restaurant qual-

restaurant quality. We follow strict recipes for consistent quality measures – so what you purchase in Warwick, you can purchase in Wickford and have the same great taste!”

ity. We follow strict recipes for consistent quality measures – so what you purchase in Warwick, you can purchase in Wickford and have the same great taste!”

Larger supermarket chains often do not cook or prepare meals on site using locally grown foods; most products are prepackaged in another facility and trucked in. Same with many other perishable products – chains have moved away from providing custom cut roasts, or hand-cut swordfish – many do not staff butchers, fishmongers, or chefs with the experience of handling locally grown or harvested products.

“We like food, we enjoy buying it, selling it, preparing, and experimenting with it. We learned early on that food brings people together; it brings families together and it brings our communities together. Our families over the past 20 years have been hurried – sitting down to dinner isn’t the norm anymore,” said Budlong. “We strive to be part of every meal. To do that, we produce as many high quality foods –many of them comfort foods – that will allow you to enjoy dinner. And know that the food has been prepared fresh, with high quality ingredients. The quality and ingredients you would use if you made it yourself.”

“We like food, we enjoy buying it, selling it, preparing, and experimenting with it. We learned early on that food brings people together; it brings families together and it brings our communities together. Our families over the past 20 years have been hurried –sitting down to dinner isn’t the norm anymore,” said Budlong. “We strive to be part of every meal. To do that, we produce as many high quality foods – many of them comfort foods – that will allow you to enjoy dinner. And know that the food has been prepared fresh, with high quality ingredients. The quality and ingredients you would use if you made it yourself.”

Shopping is a personal experience for most people, and while times are changing and the speed in which we live has increased, the availability of locally grown foods provides a connection consumers look for.

“Our goal is to have all the items a family needs and wants –from the sale items to the staple items,” said Budlong. “We like the sense of community that Grocery Stores have – a meeting place to shop, have a cup of coffee and catch up with neighbors.”

“Our goal is to have all the items a family needs and wants – from the sale items to the staple items,” said Budlong. “We like the sense of community that Grocery Stores have – a meeting place to shop, have a cup of coffee and catch up with neighbors.”

BrightStars Can Help You Find A Child Care Program for Your Growing Family!

Choosing who cares for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. BrightStars was developed to help you select the best care for your child. The latest science tells us that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect a child’s brain development. Like the construction of a house, brains are built from the bottom up, with early experiences setting the foundation for the rest of development. High-quality programs help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically and enter school ready to learn.

BrightStars helps families in RI access quality child care, early learning, and school-age programs and help child care providers learn about best practices in early learning and apply them to the care children receive. We recognize program quality and give parents information to make choices about their children’s care and education.

Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a child care program for your family:

Look for a healthy and safe environment: Ensure that the program is safe and healthy. This includes considerations such as meals, sanitary bathrooms and safe indoor and outdoor spaces.

Choose a program that promotes learning and development: It is important for your child to have many opportunities to learn and

practice skills. Programs should have a stimulating environment for all children. Interactions with caring and responsible adults impacts your child’s daily experience. Early care and education programs should have enough staff members to safely supervise the children and support their learning and development. The early care and education program should have trained and qualified educators. This is critical to ensure that the educators can recognize and provide for your child’s learning and development.

Understand that high-quality programs welcome families: High-quality child care programs communicate regularly with families and offer opportunities for family involvement with an open door policy. You should be welcomed any time you visit your child’s program.

You can learn more on the BrightStars website: www.BrightStars.org and also access a visit checklist and guide for choosing the right program for your family: www.brightstars.org/ choosing-quality-programs/

Rhode Island AEYC manages BrightStars for the RI Department of Human Services and the RI Department of Education. BrightStars helps families ﬁnd early care, education and school-age programs through our referral toll free line 1-855-398-7605 or through an online search here: https://earlylearningprograms.dhs.ri.gov

The Benefits of Mortgage Financing Through a Local Credit Union

The Beneﬁts of Mortgage Financing Through a Local Credit Union Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and choosing the right lender is just as important as finding the right property. While many borrowers might look to large national banks, an increasing number of homeowners are turning to their local credit unions for mortgage financing. With personalized service, community knowledge, and borrower-focused lending, credit unions are making the path to homeownership smoother and more affordable.

Personalized Service

Credit unions are built on community connection, and that personal touch is evident in the mortgage process. Credit union loan officers take the time to understand each borrower’s unique financial situation and long-term goals. They offer guidance every step of the way, explaining options clearly and tailoring solutions to fit individual needs. This thoughtful approach reduces stress and helps borrowers feel supported from application to closing.

Flexibility in Lending

One key advantage of credit unions is flexibility. Large banks often follow rigid policies, placing heavy emphasis on credit scores and standardized criteria. Credit unions, on the other hand, look at the complete picture of a borrower’s financial health. This broader perspective can open doors for first-time homebuyers, self-employed individuals, or those with unique financial circumstances. For some,

this flexibility is the deciding factor between getting approved for a mortgage or being turned away.

Community Investment and Trust

When you choose a credit union for mortgage financing, you’re not just getting a loan- you’re supporting an institution that reinvests directly into your community. Credit unions sponsor local programs, provide financial literacy resources, and actively contribute to neighborhood development. People often feel a greater sense of trust and partnership, knowing their mortgage payments are helping to strengthen the community they call home.

Long-Term Relationships

Unlike lenders who focus only on the transaction, credit unions aim to build lasting relationships. That means continued support well after closing day. Whether it’s refinancing in the future, exploring home equity, or seeking financial advice, you can count on credit unions to be a reliable partner through every stage of life. Many families remain with their credit union for decades, creating stability and peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage financing through a local credit union offers competitive rates, personalized guidance, and the reassurance that your lender is invested in your success. For homebuyers looking for a smoother, more supportive experience, a credit union truly is the smart choice.

Let’s be real….your skin says a lot about you before you ever say a word. It’s your first impression, your protective barrier, and your silent storyteller. From sun-kissed summer days to sleepless nights, your skin reflects your lifestyle, your health and your habits. But what if your skin isn’t telling the story you want it to? If you’ve been noticing dullness, dryness, breakouts, or signs of aging that seemed to appear overnight, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.

At Massage Envy our licensed estheticians are ready to help you rewrite your skin’s story, one personalized treatment at a time. Whether you’re new to skincare or already have a full shelf of products you’re unsure are working, our team provides expert guidance, professional services, and solutions that deliver visible results.

Skincare Isn’t a Luxury, It’s

Self-Care

In a world of viral trends and influencer-endorsed products, skincare can feel overwhelming. It’s a trillion-dollar industry filled with promises, but not always with solutions that work for your unique skin. That’s where personalized, professional care makes all the difference.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense. When neglected, you might notice flakiness, clogged pores, uneven tone, or even early signs of aging. But when cared for properly? Your skin glows, feels smoother, and boosts your confidence every single day.

At Massage Envy, we believe skincare is more than surface deep. It’s health, confidence, and self-care all rolled into one.

Where Your Journey Begins

Every facial at Massage Envy starts with a one-on-one consultation with a licensed esthetician. No guesswork, no gimmicks, just a thoughtful, informed conversation about your skin’s needs and your goals.

To get started, ask yourself:

● What would I like to improve about my skin?

● What are my skincare goals?

● How quickly do I want to see results?

Your esthetician will then design a customized treatment plan, combining in-clinic treatments with professional-grade homecare products to extend your results between visits. Think of it as your personal skin success plan, guided by a professional who knows how to unlock your best skin.

Your Skin Type, Your Solution

Not all skin is created equal. That’s why at Massage Envy, we tailor treatments to your individual skin type and concerns.

Here’s a few of the solutions that we offer:

● Acne & Breakouts → Our Clarifying Acne Facial calms inflammation and clears blemishes.

● Dull, tired skin → Brightening or Tone-Balancing Facials exfoliate and resurface for instant glow.

● Fine lines or loss of ﬁrmness → The Age-Defying Facial helps stimulate collagen and restore elasticity.

● Dry, irritated, or sensitive skin → Our Calming Facial soothes, hydrates, and restores balance.

And now, with our new Concern-Focused Facials, we can target your top skin goals in an hour, perfect for busy schedules while still delivering visible results.

Want Faster, Visible Results? Go Advanced.

For those looking for advanced solutions, our estheticians also offer treatments designed to take results to the next level, including:

● Zero Downtime Exfoliation – Smooths texture and brightens without interrupting your day.

● Oxygenating Treatment – Detoxifies, hydrates, and restores youthful radiance.

● Red Light Therapy – FDA-cleared to reduce fine lines and boost cellular regeneration.

● Chemical Peels – Safely remove damaged outer layers for brighter, healthier skin, tailored to your concerns.

These clinically proven services don’t just make your skin look better in the moment, they help improve it over time.

Results that Last

The real secret to long-term skin success isn’t just one facial, it’s consistency. That’s why our estheticians will recommend a medicalgrade homecare routine to keep your skin thriving between visits. From cleansers and serums to moisturizers and SPF, every recommendation is personalized to align with your goals.

This isn’t about selling products, it’s about equipping you with the right tools to maintain your glow and protect your results.

Why Massage Envy?

Booking with Massage Envy Cranston, East Greenwich, Lincoln or Providence isn’t just about pampering, it’s about transformation. Your first visit includes an in-depth consultation, a review of your skincare history, and a results-focused plan designed to evolve with your needs.

Whether you’re after quick results or long-term rejuvenation, our estheticians are with you every step of the way, adjusting techniques, refining your routine, and celebrating every win along the journey.

Ready to Begin?

Your skin deserves the same care and attention you give the rest of your health. At Massage Envy, we’re ready to help you restore balance, confidence, and radiance with treatments designed just for you.

Book your skincare consultation today at Massage Envy Cranston, East Greenwich, Lincoln or Providence and discover what personalized skin care can do for you.

Because your skin is always telling a story—make sure it’s the one you want to share.

Connect with a ME skincare professional at MESkinExpertRI@gmail.com for all of your skincare questions!

We Create Bright Futures

For All Ages

Our programs create bright futures for people of all ages with differing abilities.

Build a career that creates bright futures in other’s lives, as well as your own.

For Our Team Together

Community support makes brighter futures possible.

For more than 60 years, the Trudeau Center has been transforming lives and creating bright futures for individuals with differing abilities across our region.

Our comprehensive programs include:

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Early Intervention

Home-Based and Center-Based

Children’s Services

ABA Center

Pathways Strategic Teaching Center

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Day Program

Community Support Services

Employment Concepts

Adult Recreation

Group Living Residences

Our generous employee benefits include:

Competitive pay rates

A comprehensive benefits package

Focus on employee wellness

Work/life balance ...and more!

We believe every person deserves a bright future.

Learn more at trudeaucenter.org

The Credit Union Difference

Are you searching for a straightforward, communityoriented approach to banking? As a not-for-profit institution, a credit union prioritizes the well-being of its members in its asset management and decisionmaking. Because of this credit unions can offer better savings rates, lower loan costs, and reduced fees. Additionally, you can have the opportunity to influence your banking community, which can lead to lower interest rates on loans and higher yields on savings and Money Market accounts.

Credit unions are managed by elected community leaders and are focused on raising funds for local charities and community interests. The board of directors, elected by the members, operates with the community’s best interests in mind and are free from corporate influences. Becoming a member of a Credit Union, your funds are secure and insured.

Credit Unions play a vital role in strengthening the local economy and supporting community programs

and charities. Our active involvement allows us to provide resources and scholarships that benefit local public initiatives. Credit Unions offer a range of services, including high-interest banking, various borrowing options, investment opportunities, and conveniences like fraud monitoring.

Focusing on member service and community priorities, Ocean State Credit Union has been an invaluable resource for membership opportunities for over 70 years. Our commitment ensures that each member receives professional and respectful support, helping members achieve their financial goals.

We invite you to visit any of our locations, our newest branch at 40 Westminster St, Providence. You may also explore OceanStateCU.org for guidance on finding the best financial solutions to meet your needs. Our dedicated staff is here to answer any questions you may have and help you discover the credit union difference at Ocean State Credit Union.

“Come Home” To Our Catholic Cemeteries

There has been much confusion over the years about cremation in our Church, and we would like to help with excerpts from the ‘Instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’ released in 2016 to help with clarification.

In writing an article such as this, it is difficult because the times offer so many of the variables that families must consider, and a detailed instruction manual is not this purpose.

We believe that the body is the vessel of our immortal soul, which is why it is important to keep our funeral arrangements dignified and consistent with our Catholic belief when preparing our funeral arrangements. “Burial in a cemetery or another sacred place adequately corresponds to the piety and respect owed to the bodies of the faithful departed who through Baptism have become temples of the Holy Spirit and in which “as instruments and vessels the Spirit has carried out so many good works” (§3) Celebrating the life of our loved one through the proper liturgical rites is essential, and we believe that our deceased would want it that way. The Church teaches us to give reverence toward the body even after death.

So often during their time of grief, the latest trend or idea grabs the attention of people to uniquely immortalize their loved one. Never wanting our loved one to be forgotten, judgement of a dignified Catholic funeral can be easily lost. Many times, families are not aware of the Church’s teachings, not only with cremation but

for their loved one to be laid to rest in the consecrated grounds of our Catholic Cemeteries.

Spaces for graves can be offered for full body internment or cremation. It can be for one or two individuals or families of various numbers. We also provide above-ground options with mausoleums and columbaria cremation urns. All of this can be confusing, but is why we are here to walk you through the options so that you can make a choice that best fits your needs and the selection your family member would want.

Our financial times are tighter than ever, and we are here to meet your needs in whatever way possible. That is why a variety in the types of spaces we sell within our cemeteries, is so crucial. We are trying to change with the times so our families can be comfortable with the choices they make, while giving them the opportunity for their lines heirship to remain together in perpetuity.

Too many of our faithful may be stored away outside of consecrated ground due to a variety of reasons; but we wish to remind everyone of the teachings and bring our loved ones home to our Catholic Cemeteries

Come visit our offices to discuss the options, whether it be one of our location foremen, or our Family Counselor, we are all here to assist you in making a decision that you and your family are comfortable.

Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Providence

Minimize the burden on you or your loved ones by taking the time to call Catholic Cemeteries today at 401-742-0796. Start pre-planning to learn about all your options and allow us to answer your questions.

“If the arrangements had not been taken care of in advance, we would not have any information on how this process works” -actual feedback from cemetery survey.

For some, there may be financial difficulties in providing a final resting place, which is why Catholic Cemeteries offers multiple options, in-ground and above.

The Mausoleum of Sts. Peter & Paul located at St Ann’s in Cranston has been providing both full casket and cremations options to families for over 4 years. Be sure to schedule an appointment to reserve the space you want for you or loved ones.

Did You Know…

✞ Catholics should be laid to rest at a Catholic cemetery

✞ Catholic Cemeteries has options beyond in-ground burial for both full body and cremation

✞ Veterans receive a large discount on grave spaces

✞ Utilizing this ad will give YOU a discount

✞ Catholic Cemeteries o ers many ways to further memorialize your loved one whether they are in one of our cemeteries or far away

✞ We ﬁnance with no interest and no tax on any space within our cemeteries

✞ Calling 401-742-0796 to schedule an appointment today will relieve the added stress to pre-plan at the time of need as well as cutting future costs on inevitable inﬂation

Factory Carpet Outlet – Your One Source for Quality Flooring

Guy Williams took over the family business in 1999 after years of selling wholesale carpeting to retail stores. Since then, he has grown Factory Carpet Outlet (FCO) into one of the largest floor-covering outlets in Southern New England. FCO is a leading retailer specializing in high-quality flooring solutions and custom services. Whether for your home or business, we are your one-stop source for all flooring needs. Our newly renovated showroom, now featuring LED lighting for enhanced color clarity, offers an expanded selection of affordable, durable, and stylish flooring options.

Our mission is simple: to provide the best selection of flooring products at competitive prices, backed by expert installation and exceptional customer service. We build lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring every flooring project is handled with professionalism and care.

We carry an extensive selection of carpets, area rugs, luxury vinyl flooring, ceramic and porcelain tile, hardwood, sheet vinyl, and laminate—sourced from top manufacturers known for quality and sustainability. From plush residential carpets to commercial-grade flooring, we have solutions for every space.

Professional installations

Custom flooring solutions ● Custom binding (available for products purchased from us or elsewhere)

● Financing options, including promotions with up to 18 months interest-free

When you choose Factory Carpet Outlet, you’ll find designer choices and quality products at competitive pricing. Visit our 10,000 sq. ft. showroom today, and our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect floor covering to suit your needs. Trust this local business to deliver transparent pricing, genuine branded products, and flooring that will beautify your home or commercial space.

www.factorycarpetoutlet.com

Ask the Senior Care Experts at Briarcliffe

The senior care experts at Briarcliffe have been helping people in need of senior care for decades. All it takes is a phone call to connect with a compassionate and knowledgeable professional. If calling isn’t your thing, the Briarcliffe website has been designed with education in mind. At www.briarclifferi. com you’ll find information on everything from Supportive Independent to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. There’s even a Financial Options section where you can compare your current costs to Assisted Living.

Tucked away on 30 beautiful acres just off Central Avenue in Johnston, Briarcliffe was established in 1961 and is family owned and operated. When you make an appointment to visit, you’ll find that they spend time getting to know you and your needs as well as explaining numerous care, safety and lifestyle benefits.

The Briarcliffe Preserve, the newest space on the Briarcliffe Senior Living Campus is a gracious and modern, supportive independent and assisted living community, where car,

compassion and hospitality meld to create an opportune senior living experience. You’ll find beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces infused with natural light, along with access to amenities, an onsite concierge, restaurant style dining, fitness center, a rich resident engagement calendar with activities 7 days a week blended with personal care services, designed to create the perfect senior lifestyle.

ENVIRONMENT

There are numerous architectural features that allow you to age in place, feel safe and have easy access to the outdoors. The community size was designed to be just right. Each unit features a kitchenette, specially designed bathrooms and upleveled interiors, personalized to meet your discerning standards. Wide corridors, extra-large windows and high ceilings bring an abundance of light and uplifting energy creating a light, airy feeling. Apartments feature either individual patios, over sized windows or Juliette balconies. Travel distances from apartments to community spaces are easy to navigate.

SAFETY

Fire code standards at assisted living communities typically require residents evacuate independently without assistance. Built to higher healthcare standards and fire codes, The Preserve is allowed to utilize a “defend in place” strategy. Each bathroom features barrier free showers for safety and ease of access. There are multiple emergency alarm pull stations in each apartment and throughout the community spaces for your safety. Each apartment features individual climate controls. Briarcliffe has a back-up generator for each of it’s four buildings. The Preserve generator powers the entire building and exceeds what the standards require.

Ask The Experts

You’ll find an expertly designed, one of a kind community focused on care, safety and comfort. There’s simply nothing else like it. Get in touch with the senior care experts at Briarcliffe. You can call 401.944.2450 or visit www.briarclifferi.com

Recognizing Signs of Aging

When families come together, it can be an opportunity to recognize the signs of aging in our elderly loved ones. It’s normal for loved ones to experience some changes as they age and early intervention can make a huge difference; improving their quality of life, preventing further decline, and giving families peace of mind. Seeking professional help early could reduce the risk of serious health issues down the road.

Here are a few common signs:

Changes in Behavior

Is your loved one acting differently? Do they seem confused at times? Maybe they’re agitated by simple questions or requests. Perhaps they’re acting more distant or aloof. Pay attention to any mood changes while you spend time together over the holidays.

Any of these symptoms may indicate underlying concerns, from memory loss to issues with their physical health. It may be time to check in with a healthcare professional for an assessment.

Differences in Appearance

Does your loved one seem to be paying less attention to their clothing or hygiene? Have you noticed changes in weight or grooming?

They may be facing challenges due to mobility limitations, cognitive challenges, or depression. If a decline in these areas continues, it may be a sign that assistance is needed.

Lack of Organization in the Home

Are there stacks of unopened mail or piles of papers spread around your loved one’s home? Are there signs of clutter or a lack of basic upkeep around the house? They may be overwhelmed by the tasks needed to maintain their living environment. Rather than let the situation worsen, help find ways to manage these everyday duties.

Medication Mismanagement

Taking medications consistently can

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877-732-3264

be a challenge for any of us, but it is even more critical for seniors and older adults. It’s important to pay attention to whether they’re taking the right dose on the prescribed schedule.

While you spend time with elder loved ones this holiday, be on the lookout for warning signs like expired medications or mismatched pill counts and ask them about their routine and whether they are comfortable with the process.

Seeking Help

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to seek assistance. Contact a Care Navigator at Saint Elizabeth Community. They’ll listen to your concerns and help point you in the right direction so that you and your loved one access the services you need. A Care Navigator can connect you with local healthcare providers and offer resources for home care or mental health support.

For more information or assistance, visit stelizabethcommunity.org.