Celebrations in Business

Celebrations

in Business

Celebrating Business Success in the East Bay A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO Photo: 02809 Photography by Ed King

EAST BAY NEWSPAPERS

Page 2 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

University Orthopedics celebrates record growth

U

niversity Orthopedics finished a banner year of unprecedented growth. In May, the group celebrated the opening of its 90,000-square-foot, state-of-theart medical office and surgery center at 1 Kettle Point in East Providence.

Their Kettle Point location offers the latest in orthopedic treatments, as well as beautiful views of the Providence River.

On the other side of the bay, University Orthopedics also opened OrthoDirect West in West Warwick this past September to treat acute orthopedic injuries. This follows the opening of a new East Greenwich site in 2017.

The expansion of University Orthopedics has been in the works for four to five years, according to University Orthopedics President Edward Akelman, M.D. “The question was ‘how do we provide the highest quality orthopedic care integrated with world class education and research for our patients?’ ” Akelman says, “The extension of that mission is our new facilities, where everything is patient-friendly and easily accessible.”

Patients have access to every kind of orthopedics at the Kettle Point and East Greenwich sites – primary care orthopedics, sports medicine, injection suites and a surgery center (at Kettle Point). “If you’re a patient with a musculoskeletal problem,” says Akelman, “you can walk in and get all of your care at these facilities.”

The Kettle Point site features professional design aesthetics, showcasing Smart Building Technology integrated with the highest level of interior fit-out and finishes available in the market.

Each suite is designed to reflect the particular needs of the orthopaedic specialty area it serves. An Ambulatory Surgical Center, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray, and EOS low radiation X-ray) and physical therapy/rehabilitation facilities feature prominently in the scope of services offered. Spacious free parking and other on-site amenities make it especially patient-friendly. University Orthopedics credits builder Michael Integlia with helping to make it into the wonderful facility that it is.

Focused entirely on the patient experience, this innovative facility – along with the East Greenwich and West Warwick sites – offers comprehensive orthopedic care, including access to physicians across all sub-specialties of orthopedics: cartilage replacement, foot and ankle, hand and wrist, joint replacement, paediatrics,

RICHARD BENJAMIN

The new Kettle Point facility along the East Providence waterfront.

From left to right, Edward Burman Jr., president of EW Burman Inc.; Kathy Snelgrove, COO of University Orthopedics; Michael Integlia, president of Michael Integlia & Co.; Mark Palumbo, MD, University Orthopedics; Edward Akelman, MD, president of University Orthopedics; Weber Shill, CEO of University Orthopedics; Mehdi Khosrovani, president of NEMD Architects Inc.; and East Providence Mayor James Briden.

orthopedic oncology, spine, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, trauma and fractures.

In addition, University Orthopedics OrthoDIRECT facility provides patients with access to acute orthopedic care, offering same-day and next-day appointments. OrthoDIRECT is staffed by orthopedic-trained physicians to ensure that all patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. On-site X-ray technology is available to provide an expeditious assessment of orthopedic needs.

Patients are treated at OrthoDIRECT for: new and acute problems without

previous treatments, sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal acute injuries, possible fractures (for open or displaced fractures patients should seek treatment at the Emergency Room).

The opening of these facilities - Kettle Point in East Providence, West Warwick and East Greenwich - ensures that there are convenient locations for patients of University of Orthopedics in both the East and West Bay. “We’ve noticed that the new facilities not only enhance patient experience, they create a more positive and productive work environment for our staff,” says Akelman.

1 Kettle Point, East Providence (and other locations)

401-457-1500 universityorthopedics.com

Celebrations December 26-27, 2018 Page 3

Brown Medicine opens Endoscopy Center New outpatient suite in East Providence provides endoscopy and colonoscopy services

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rown Medicine, one of the state’s largest medical group practices with more than 200 physicians in multiple patient care locations in Rhode Island, celebrates the opening of the Brown Medicine Endoscopy Center, a new, 9,295 sq. ft. outpatient endoscopy suite offering diagnostic and therapeutic upper endoscopy and colonoscopy services.

The Center is located at 62 Amaral Street in the Riverside section of East Providence, R.I. It features state-ofthe-art technology, comfortable recovery rooms, easy highway access, and plenty of free parking.

The Center is led by Medical Director Thomas D. DeNucci, MD who also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School. “Our team of experienced gastroenterologists, nurses, technicians and assistants specialize in treating digestive disorders, and are ready to serve patients from Brown Medicine’s group practice as well as others referred to us,” he states.

“Because of our unique affiliation with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, we are able to collaborate on the latest research and teachings in the field of gastroenterology, bringing a multi-disciplinary and well-rounded approach to our diagnostic care for those we serve.“ Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool that has revolutionized the field of gastroenterology. It is a safe and reliable method of looking inside one’s body to examine the gastrointestinal tract without the need for surgery. “Endoscopy is often the best way to diagnose and treat digestive diseases,” continues Dr. DeNucci.

“Some of the most common upper gastrointestinal diseases include Celiac Disease, non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance, gastric and duodenal ulcers, H. pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Crohn’s disease, and also cancer of the stomach and esophagus. After evaluation by a patient’s primary care physician, an endoscopic procedure may be recommended, and we welcome all new patient referrals to our Center.”

Colonoscopy procedures are also performed at the Center. These procedures allow the gastroenterologist to

identify and evaluate abnormalities such as polyps, diverticulosis, causes of rectal bleeding, causes of colon inflammation including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and causes of unexplained diarrhea or abdominal pain. Polyps discovered at the time of colonoscopy are usually removed and will be tested in the laboratory to determine if they are pre-cancerous. “A major role of colonoscopy is to screen for colon cancer, and this is an important part of our work at the Center,” adds Dr. DeNucci.

“Most people who have had colonoscopies will tell you that the preparation is more challenging than the actual event. It involves drinking clear liquid and eating no food the day before, as well as drinking a solution that flushes the colon clean. Our dedicated and friendly staff is well-trained to help guide a patient through the preparation, and our Center is designed to make the process, from admission through the procedure to the recovery and discharge, as comfortable as possible. This is all we do.

Our procedures help save lives.”

For more information on Brown Medicine’s Endoscopy Center or to make an appointment, visit http:// www.brownmed.org/endoscopy or call 401-649-4030.

62 Amaral Street East Providence, RI

401-649-4030 brownmed.org/endoscopy

Page 4 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

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Wood’s Heating — Your complete home services company

or over 95 years, Wood’s Heating Service has consistently provided home comfort and safety to East Bay residents.

Wendy Wood, third generation and the company’s current General Manager, continues to uphold the high standards for quality service and customer satisfaction that her grandparents established long ago.

Originally called “Wood’s Filling Station and Lunch Room”, the company has always strived to remain ahead of the curve, offering new and emerging technologies. Longtime employee Arthur Dwyer recalls the early days at Wood’s Heating. “Back in the day, Wood’s offered coal and gasoline, milk and bread. We delivered ice on a truck. It really was the first convenience store, long before those existed.”

This proof is for your The company has continued to protection. It is your opportunity grow and change in response to custo catch any errors made during tomer’s needs.

As always, there are the processing of this ad. Town no enrollment fees, Planner is nottermination responsible for any fees, or indecipherable errors not marked.contracts.

This is not The company’s easy-to-read service a second opportunity to redeplan is just sign onethepage long. ad. Your originalAnd, layout just as it was 95instructions years ago, you call havewhen been followed the office you always getAny a real as closely possible. designperson, 24-7-365. or copy changes may result in an Technology is changing as well, additional charge. and Wood’s remains as cutting edge.

Please proof read are all copy All Wood’s technicians crosssign your nameedutrained andthoroughly receiveand continuing and date for authorization. cation classes to get the most up-toA precise on colornew match heating can only date information be insured with a customer press systems, propane, gas conversions, check. automatic standby generators, air conditioning, and hot water heaters.

As new energy efficient technologies are developed, Wood’s has a knowledgeable staff to provide the best answers for all your home comfort needs.

Wood’s also offers new products such as TURNKEY generator installation, propane service and delivery, ductless mini-splits with heat have checked this pumps andI plumbing services.

There have never more ways proof and been the following are to save on your heating bill and stay correct: comfortable all year round. They also offer FREE estimates on all q Phone Number equipment and propane services. (including area code) Aside from new services and products, Wood’s also offers several payq Address ment options for fuel delivery. Customers can pay “the old fashioned way” right off the ticket; they can q Email

Heating ACDEFG ACCOUNT: Woods ______________________________________ EDITIONS: ___________________________

enroll in the Easy-Pay budget program and pay the same Automatic Deliveryamount Use Our Easy Pay Plans the year. for Extra WOOD’S Coupons eachWOOD’S month throughout Peace of Mind Savings!

HEATING SERVICE HEATING SERVICE The newest and401-434-1487 popular payment 401-434-1487 method is to pay online.

Wood’s has always been an East Bay staple, and gives back to the community as well. They participate in Adopt-a-family during the holidays, and they donated two vans to We Share Hope, a non-profit dedicated to feeding the hungry.

Wood’s Heating Service remains just as dedicated to exceeding expectations as ever.

Serving most of Now Offering Now Offering Gas & AC Service & Appliance WOOD’S WOOD’S Plumbing Rhode Island and parts of MassaRepair Services Contracts HEATING SERVICE HEATING SERVICE 401-434-1487 401-434-1487 chusetts, they are truly the best value in full service home comfort.

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Generators What began as “Wood’s Filling Station and Lunch Room 95 years ago, has endured to become one of the region’s stalwart family businesses. Wood’s is a 401-434-1487 • www.WoodsHeating.com East Providence, RI modern company with a caring, committed team (shown here making donations to the Adopt-a-Family program this holiday season). They participate in the East Back Banner 401-434-1487 Providence Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Touch-a-Truck community event, 6 x 1.4 www.woodsheating.com which they have done since its inception 13 years ago, as well as the annual Watchemoket Square Day, as seen above.

Celebrations December 26-27, 2018 Page 5

Aldersbridge Communities celebrates name change, construction of new Rehabilitation Center NEW NAME United Methodist Elder Care, a nonprofit provider of long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living and independent living services for seniors, has changed its name to Aldersbridge Communities.

The name change was effective this past June when it was announced by Board of Trustees President Daniel P. Genannt at the annual gala.

Although Aldersbridge Communities is the new overall name of the organization, the names of each community – Winslow Gardens (assisted and independent living in East Providence), Linn Health & Rehabilitation (skilled nursing, therapy services and long-term care in East Providence), Arbor Hill (assisted living in the Federal Hill section of Providence) and St. Germain (assisted living at St. Germain Manor in Woonsocket) – remain unchanged, as does the organization’s ownership, leadership personnel and nonprofit status.

In 1971, United Methodist Elder Care was founded in East Providence as a retirement center by an innovative group of entrepreneurs and dedicated leaders of local Methodist churches to help older persons live in comfort, dignity and with purpose.

“Over the years, we expanded our services but didn’t stray far from our mission. However, our name did not keep up with the times,” states Richard A. Gamache, MS, FACHCA, chief executive officer of Aldersbridge Communities. “Although we’ve always aspired to be inclusive, the communities that we serve increasingly perceived us as exclusive. Non-Methodists wondered if they could get hired, serve on our Board, or place their loved ones in our care. Our original name was no longer reflective of what we do, who we are, and what we stand for.”

The word “Aldersbridge” was created based on a combination of historic “Aldersgate” Street in London where Methodism Founder John Wesley had his conversion moment in 1738, leading to the development of the religious movement in Britain and America; and “bridge” to represent the connectivity of people and places which is the basis for unity. “We also discovered during the rebranding process that ‘alder’ is the name of a tree that has healing qualities, is tremendously strong and has a uniquely beneficial

root system supplying nutrients to all nearby plant systems. Together, the symbolic meaning behind our name unites us in our healthcare mission and unifies our properties under one organization,” adds Mr. Gamache. “We celebrate the dawn of a new era as we move forward to serve the healthcare needs of our communities.”

NEW REHABILITATION CENTER – LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN EAST BAY Aldersbridge Communities is pleased to announce the final phase of construction of its new Rehabilitation Center at Linn Health & Rehabilitation, located on Alexander Avenue in East Providence, adjacent to Winslow Gardens.

The Center, which will officially open in Spring of 2019, is the largest in-house rehabilitation unit within a nonprofit skilled nursing facility in the East Bay. Measuring 1,800 square feet in size, the Center has ample space for providing occupational and physical therapy services to Linn residents and outpatients, to get them back on their feet after surgery or a health event, back to their home or work routine, or simply to function with the most optimal health.

The Center features a central, non-

slip walkway lane for working on ambulatory motion or golf putting, a simulated ATM, Wii game console area, steps, kitchen, laundry/bathroom, treadmill and other state-ofthe-art therapy equipment. Previously, the space had been used as a dining area for Linn residents.

“The space is light and airy with plenty of glass window openings and has an contemporary ‘easy street’ feel to it where you have different components from life that can get incorporated into the OT and PT routine as needed,” states RGB Architects Project Manager Tracey Donnelly, AIA. “It’s designed with materials and floor products for a warm and homey feel so as not to feel institutional. We made considerations for patient space to move around during therapy, and also addressed much-needed storage so the room will not look cluttered.”

At the end of the unit is a wall mural that is inspiring with water views and pleasant color tones.

There is also an area for private therapy rooms for sensory work and relaxation.

“Helping our residents and outpatients with activities of daily living is our goal,” notes Cathy Donnelly,

administrator of Linn Health & Rehabilitation. “Our therapists have either created unique programs or adopted proven rehab programs that are highly recommended for chronic or temporary health conditions that prevent a person from doing their best.

Whether it’s recovering from knee or hip replacement and being able to walk to the fridge or take something out of the oven; or a person with COPD working on getting in and out of the tub or shower, our therapists are here to provide the individualized attention a person needs to rehabilitate as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

(formerly United Methodist Elder Care)

40 Irving Ave, East Providence, RI

401-438-4456 Aldersbridge.org

Page 6 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

Gateway Hearing Solutions Celebrates New Ownership

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ateway Hearing Solutions provides its patients with the latest advancements in hearing aid technology and hearing loss treatment. Originally founded in 1982 by Robert Gould as Beltone Hearing Aid Center, the company eventually changed names but retained its focus on providing the best hearing aid options for its patients. This past year, Gould retired and the business was bought

by Dr. Holly Puleo, an audiologist who has worked with Gould for 20 years as well as for several ear, nose and throat physicians in Rhode Island. Gateway, which has offices in both Warwick and East Providence, will continue to provide its patients with the latest technology in hearing aids, at affordable prices, and carry on the same dependable service it has become known for.

Additionally, Dr. Puleo has hired audiologist Lisa Janicki, who brings more than 20 years of experience in diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology, to run the East Providence office, located on Warren Avenue, downstairs from Vision Care at the Brown Center. In addition to working clinically in several ENT settings, Janicki has also spent 10 years working for leading hearing aid manufacturers. She has trained many audiologists and dispensers in the newest hearing aid technology. Dr. Puleo is extremely excited to add Janicki to the staff, and to have someone running the East Providence office full-time.

“Lisa and I have known each other since our URI grad school days and I am so excited that she is joining us at Gateway Hearing,” says Dr. Puleo. “Besides her extensive experience in hearing health, she is kind and compassionate, and dedicated to helping others.”

The East Providence office has been at its current location for 16 years and is a full-service hearing center. Conveniently located just off of 195, Gateway offers its patients a multitude of services including hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, hearing aid repairs, musician earplugs, Tinnitus (ringing in ears) treatment and management, aural rehabilitation, earmolds and earplugs, audiologic evaluations and cerumen removal. They also carry a full array of hearing aids, including Siemens, ReSound, Unitron and Phonak brands.

They perform hearing tests

ordered by physicians – both primary care doctors and oncologists if a baseline is needed prior to treatment - so are a convenient option for residents of the East Bay who might need these services.

Gateway’s primary focus always has been and continues to be exceptional patient care. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will make every effort to make patients feel comfortable and help them with whatever their needs may be, whether it’s choosing the most effective hearing aid or having a hearing test.

“It is such an exciting time to be part of hearing healthcare,” says Dr. Puleo. “There has been tremendous advancement in hearing aid technology from sound quality to cosmetics. For me, there is no better feeling than helping people improve their quality of life.”

400 Warren Avenue East Providence, RI

401-431-5100 www.gatewayhearing.com

Holly Puleo, Au.D. Audiologist

Lisa Janicki, M.S. Audiologist

Celebrations December 26-27, 2018 Page 7

Bella Villa and Bella Vita celebrate anniversaries

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isa Buono and her husband, Angelo Mone, originally thought they wanted to open a Bed & Breakfast like Lisa’s uncle, but faced with the reality that Riverside, R.I., isn’t necessarily the best location for a B&B, they took on an even larger task.

Five years ago, they decided to buy and renovate a former Riverside nursing home and open Bella Villa, a full-service assisted living facility. As their own parents were aging, they saw the need for a high-quality facility that would provide a home-like environment for local seniors. Last year they also started Bella Vita, an adult day program, which operates out of the former Riverside Christ Church.

Bella Villa, located at 336 Willett Ave. in Riverside, is a 24/7 facility which currently has 14 residents and is licensed for 23 beds. Family-owned and operated since its inception and licensed by the Department of Health, the home offers a comfortable and safe living environment for seniors and assists them with daily tasks such as personal care needs, medicine management, laundry, coordinating activities, and healthcare needs. The staff also helps to coordinate travel for its residents when necessary.

Buono and Mone try to do a lot for the community through numerous activities and programs, such as a paint night to benefit the Hope and Faith Food Bank, a spaghetti dinner which raised money to help offset insurance costs for local seniors, and craft fairs to showcase local artists.

Bella Vita, the adult day program, runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and offers a multitude of services for local seniors in order to get them out of the house and keep their minds and bodies active and healthy. Transportation is available if seniors need help in getting to the facility, and programs offered include yoga, crafts, and various other activities geared toward developing and maintaining cognitive abilities.

Keeping it all in the family, Buono’s mother, Joan Buono, leads a daily exercise program every day at the age of 85.

Buono says they are thinking of adding Saturdays to the day program, but they need to first gauge interest and might start with one day a month to see how it is received.

The day program also offers nutritious breakfast and lunch options, prepared by Mone who, according to Buono, is a great cook. “Everyone loves the food at both of our facilities,” she

says. “The food is excellent!”

Both facilities are staffed by CNAs, activities personnel and volunteers, which they can always use more of.

Staff are fluent in Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and English, of course! Buono, a nurse herself for over 35 years before deciding to start Bella Villa and Bella Vita, has found her second career incredibly rewarding.

“The best part of my job is seeing people’s conditions improve,” she says. “We see a lot of improvement in our seniors who are suffering with memory problems, and that is wonderful to see. We have a really good group of people and everyone enjoys coming here.”

Bella Villa Independent and Assisted Living 336 Willett Ave., Riverside

401-437-0336 Bella Vita Adult Day Program 22 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence

401-575-3645

Page 8 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

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Celebrating Benjamin Church Senior Center’s community impact

he Benjamin Church Senior Center in Bristol, R.I., has a great deal to celebrate this year! The Center, which provides programs and activities that support the independence, health and well-being of active adults aged 50 and older, is the recipient of several grants, which will allow it to increase and improve the already extensive list of vital services it offers to the senior community. In addition, the center is organizing the Foster A Senior holiday program for the third consecutive year.

According to Center Director Maria Ursini, the center was awarded a Rhode Island Foundation Grant which has enabled them to implement a Community Needs Assessment. Numerous community heads from organizations such as the police department, food pantry, Franklin Court Independent Living, town council, faith leaders, Bristol Housing Authority, fire department and Board of Directors of the Benjamin Church Senior Center Inc. came together to decide on the content of a survey, which was distributed throughout the community to gather information on what services would most benefit the local senior population.

The 50-question survey was generated in both English and Portuguese to ensure that it reached as much of the Bristol senior demographic as possible and was distributed online through the center’s website and Facebook page, via church bulletins, and hand-delivered to numerous local organizations. More than 400 people completed surveys were returned, allowing Ursini and her staff to compile valuable information which can be used to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for seniors in Bristol and neighboring towns.

“I don’t think anything has ever been done like this for Bristol seniors,” says Ursini. “Our hope is that the information will be passed along to the town of Bristol and that it will also benefit the greater community.”

A second grant the Center received was from the Tufts Foun-

The senior center team includes Assistant Director Donna Wilson, Director Maria Ursini and driver David Delmater. dation, which will focus on Alzheimer’s education, providing valuable information to the community on ways to provide care for loved ones suffering from this disease.

“We are hoping to bring people in to educate them,” says Ursini.

“Everyone is in a different scenario and a different place in dealing with this disease, but all caregivers need support.” The program will be run by Trisha Cloutier, dental hygienist and former professor, and a published author on the topic of Alzheimer’s. The plan is to establish support groups and to get classes started in the spring.

The Center is also organizing the Foster A Senior program again this year. The program helps to collect donations from community members and agencies in order to deliver gifts to the homes of seniors

who might otherwise be alone during the holidays. The program was started three years ago by Assistant Director Donna Wilson, in memory of her grandmother.

The senior residents of Bristol are fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring staff working on their behalf. The Center provides numerous invaluable services such as open enrollment for medicare, transportation services for trips to the grocery store, doctor, bank, etc., lunch service Monday to Friday, guidance in navigating local associations such as the Division of Elderly Affairs, nutrition programs and daily activities, to name just a few.

“I am very proud of the work we do here,” says Ursini. “We are always looking out for what’s best for our community.”

1014 Hope St, Bristol, RI

401-253-9221

Celebrations December 26-27, 2018 Page 9

Innovation and hard work sustain MRT for 100 years

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RT Jewelers is the number one diamond dealer in the state of Rhode Island, carries the largest selection of diamond stud earrings in all of New England, and boasts a 7,000-square-foot showroom featuring an extensive selection of inventory, but that is only part of its story.

A family-owned business since 1918, MRT is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In a time when many retailers are closing or have had to cut back because of increasing competition from online businesses and other factors, MRT is thriving, due to a combination of innovation, hard work, exceptional customer service, and business savvy.

Started in 1918 by the Radoccia and Tasca families, MRT began as a service, repair and wholesale jewelry business.

When Joseph Audette bought the business with a silent partner in 1972, it was located on the third floor of a Providence building, with little foot traffic and limited parking, and was still primarily focused on the wholesale and service part of the industry.

Audette, only 25 years old at the time, continued to manage the wholesale business but also began to grow the retail side. In the early ’90s, he moved MRT from downtown to East Providence, and the retail sales began to take off. They moved up the street to their current location in 2005. In addition to the spacious showroom, the store houses a 1,000-square-foot design room used for repairs, restorations and custom designs.

Joseph’s son, David Audette, joined the business in 1998 and began to really focus on the retail side of the business.

“We have continued to be successful for a number of reasons,” says David.

“We carry very high-end pieces, but we also have a huge selection under $100.

We have clients coming up from Newport, and we also service our local neighborhood, which we are very proud of. We have to be knowledgeable, we need to carry a large inventory — which can be risky — and we have to be confident in our ability to sell.

“We are also very hands on,” continues Audette. “We are not absentee owners. Every time a customer comes in, he or she will speak to an owner or some-

one very knowledgeable. We take the time to make our customers feel comfortable and answer all of their questions.”

According to Audette, there is no store in the area that is better at assisting young people who are making their first significant jewelry purchase, such as an engagement ring or wedding band. And because MRT continues to invest in its inventory, customers get to see live products instead of alloy and cubic zirconia samples that many jewelers stock in order to reduce their expense on inventory.

“If we have someone who comes into our store on a Tuesday and needs an engagement ring for Friday, we can do that,” says Audette. “We carry live, beautiful jewelry that’s available for immediate delivery, so our customers get to see exactly what they’re buying, rather than buying something basically sight unseen.”

Audette says the success of the busi-

ness is a testament to his father and the courage it took to invest in the company at such a young age. “He was just a hard worker who wanted to make a living,” he says. “He never dreamed it would grow this much, but we continue to get busier every year. The key is to keep investing in your brand and to continue to innovate; once you start to coast, it sets you up to get passed by the competition. We will never coast.”

927 Warren Ave., 100 Years of Design...

East Providence, RI

401-435-3500 mrtjewelers.com

Page 10 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

From Newspapers to Media, the (news) beat goes on

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s other local businesses celebrate successes and milestones in 2018, so does East Bay Newspapers.

To begin with, we’ve decided to change our name and re-brand the company that has been continuously publishing newspapers since 1837.

Recognizing who we are today, we are changing our brand to East Bay Media Group.

The new brand reflects what we do today — publishing news seven days a week through our website (EastBayRI.com) and social media channels — as well as through our seven weekly newspapers. Throughout the year, we also collaborate with community organizations on special publications.

Working closely with Discover Newport, the Bristol Merchants Association, Discover Warren and the Barrington Business Association, we publish “Explore Bristol County,” a year-round travel guide to the region.

Collaborating with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce, we publish their annual Resource Guide.

Together with the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, we publish the official souvenir book for America’s oldest Independence Day celebration.

Throughout the year, we collaborate with community organizations to sponsor fundraisers and events, and at the end of the year we stage the wildly popular Photos With Santa

Post

The THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

event at the Audubon Environmental Center, welcoming hundreds of families at the start of the holiday season.

Moving forward, East Bay Media Group promises to do all this and more, and the new brand will become more visible in our products, our promotional materials and on the outside of our main office, located in an historic building at the corner of Bradford and Thames streets in downtown Bristol.

As the year comes to a close, we looked back to find some of the best of what we did in 2018. Here are some of the best front pages on the year, along with a look at the most popular stories on EastBayRI.com.

Happy holidays, and thank you to all our readers, partners and advertisers!

Following are the most-read stories on EastBayRI.com, according to Google Analytics.

1. Great white shark spotted southeast of Westport 2. Video: Citizens install new safety measures at fatal bike path intersection 3. Barrington woman dies after jump from bridge 4. Boy, 13, charged with possession of cocaine in Warren 5. Warren Police: Warren man exposed himself to girl at bus stop 6. Warren man charged in murder of Barrington chiropractor 7. Obituary: Maximillian Walker Bean, 24, of Barrington 8. Bristol postal carrier arrested for exposing self to woman 9. Lewis feels ‘Lucky’ to finally own local establishment 10. Barrington crash victim loved life, ‘had a gazillion friends’ 11. Bristol police investigating serious bike path accident in Bristol 12. Schools’ bullying response angers Warren-Bristol parents 13. Warren man chases and films larceny suspect 14. A new tavern is taking shape on Thames in Bristol 15. Warren landmark closes its doors [The Country Inn] 16. Bristol rescuers work to reach victim at rollover crash 17. Warren gets its own covered bridge — for now 18. AMC horror series films in Barrington 19. Prominent Barrington doctor murdered in East Providence home 20. Body found in Barrington’s Hundred Acre Cove 21. Warren mourns a good friend [Matt Harris] 22. Police release report after principal jumps from Mt. Hope Bridge 23. Well-liked Portsmouth High School student dies 24. One person dead after car accident in Barrington 25. Warren’s Wharf Tavern restaurant changing hands

EastBay MEDIA GROUP

1 Bradford Street, Bristol, RI

401-253-6000 EastBayRI.com

Phoenix Bristol

East Providence

eastbayri.com

The Top 25 Most-Read Stories of 2018

VOL. 64, NO. 45

FREE

Victory!

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018

eastbayri.com

VOL. 182, NO. 22

$1.00 THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018

Tears of joy for Miss Fourth

BY KAT HLE E N T RO OST-C RAM E R

jmcgaw@eastbaynewspapers.com

See PAGEANT Page 12

Roberto DaSilva raises his arms triumphantly as he addresses his supporters Tuesday night, Nov. 6, following the results of the 2018 general election, which saw the former state representative and Pawtucket Police officer win his race against James Russo to become East Providence's historic first elected mayor. Turn to page 3 for an election recap.

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Jade Ramos is crowned 2018 Miss Fourth of July by 2017 winner, Olivia Borgia.

Young and in charge — Meet the new parade chief Michele Martins will be behind the scenes on July 4, while all eyes are on ‘her’ parade

BY M ANUE L C. “ M ANNY” C O RRE I RA mannycorreira@aol.com

Putting together the nationally acclaimed Bristol Fourth of July Parade can be pretty heady stuff, even for a longtime veteran of the Fourth of July Committee, but for a relative newcomer like Michele Bazinet Martins, things are looked at with a much wider scope.

“It can be overwhelming,” she confessed, “but you have to put everything in perspective.”

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Addison Abate reacts to being named 2018 Little Miss Fourth of July.

VOL. 6, NO. 22

Arctic explorer part of team that studies climate change through snorkeling and diving

Rafter-rattling applause greeted the highoctane opening dance performance by the Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July contestants in the Mt. Hope High School auditorium on Saturday, May 26.

It was the 69th annual pageant for Miss Fourth, and the 21st for Little Miss. Sarah DelSanto, Kerry Krista and Sandi MacLeod served as judges, with Frank Fales as tabula-

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Gearing up for another epic expedition

Jade Ramos is named Miss Fourth 2018, while Addison Abate is named Little Miss Fourth of July

DaSilva becomes city's historic first elected mayor

Times Portsmouth

Ms. Martins, 45, follows a long list of well-respected Fourth of July Committee members who have had the distinction of serving as parade chairman. She considers it an honor and privilege to be in charge of the nation’s oldest, continuous Independence Day Parade.

“It’s a big step for me,” said Michele, whose flaming, curly red hair is one of her most prominent features. “This is my fifth year on the committee, and I’ve been lucky to receive a lot of guidance from many of my fellow committee members.”

Not only is Ms. Martins the parade

Parade chairman Michele Bazinet Martins is all set for the big event on the Fourth of July.

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BREEZY GRENIER

ABOVE: Posing in a bikini at the North Pole in 2016 was no big deal for Breezy Grenier of Portsmouth, who scuba dives year round in New England and is used to cold weather. BELOW: Breezy Grenier tries to coax a feathered friend at Milford Sound, a fjord on New Zealand’s South Island, during a 2014 trip.

10 Designer Tips for a Great Kitchen Learn how simple changes can make a big (and unexpected) impact, from creating an efficient workspace, to maximizing storage, selecting the right countertop, and more!

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Snorkel relay

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Breezy Grenier doesn’t mind the cold.

The 30-year-old Portsmouth resident goes scuba diving year round in this area, has spent plenty of time in Canada and has taught snowboarding all around the country. As a child growing up in New England, she wasn’t allowed to stay inside playing video games, even during the winter months.

“We stayed outside, from sunup to sundown,” she said.

So when Ms. Grenier posed in a bikini at the North Pole during a 2016 expedition aboard a nuclear icebreaker, it was no big thing, she insisted.

“I just wanted to say I did it,” said Ms. Grenier.

Now the ocean scientist, explorer, educator, Coast Guard veteran, tourism business manager and scuba instructor — a regular “Jane of all trades,” as she describes herself — is preparing for her greatest adventure yet.

Ms. Grenier is one of the newest members of the Sedna Epic Expedition, an all-women team comprised of ocean explorers, scientists, artists, educators, adventurers and medical and scuba diving professionals from this country, Canada and Mexico. The multi-year project studies climate change through snorkeling and diving and takes place in Canada and Greenland’s High Arctic.

The team brings its innovative outreach program to Inuit communities in the Arctic while focusing on health, wellness, environment and empowerment issues. Many of these indigenous peoples suffer from intergenerational trauma that manifests itself in poor health, drug and alcohol abuse, poor education, poverty and high teenage pregnancy and suicide rates, according to Ms. Grenier.

“The focus is young women and girls but in all honesty when we go to these isolated communities, we’re there for everyone,” Ms. Grenier said.

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Team Sedna’s ultimate goal is to complete a world record-breaking, 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) snorkel relay of the Northwest Passage in 2020 to raise global awareness of climate change.

“There will always be one to two women in the water,” Ms. Grenier explained, noting that the length of

9:30–11:00AM time each participant will be submerged will depend on the location, currents and elements. “They may go for an hour each, or as far as they can.

Maybe they’ll go 100 feet, maybe they’ll go three miles. It’s in hyperthermic water, so there are safety precau-

tions.

“Our youngest are in their early 20s; there’s no age limit to how old you can be. It’s really more about if you can physically stand the Arctic environ-

See ARCTIC Page 12

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Celebrations December 26-27, 2018 Page 11

2018 — A year of triumphs and tragedies Times-Gazette TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

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VOL. 61, NO. 47

Local chef on national stage

Times Sakonnet

Warren

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Eli Dunn of Eli’s Kitchen to appear on Chopped; episode to air this coming Tuesday, Nov. 27

BY TE D H AYES

thayes@eastbaynewspapers.com

One of Eli Dunn’s favorite things in life is working the line in a busy kitchen. The owner of Eli’s Kitchen on Market Street loves coming up with creative dishes, and to him some of the greatest rewards for a job well-done include nods of approval, smiles and satisfied expressions from the diners out at their tables.

Customers are the truest critics, but Mr. Dunn recently took his skills to a different audience: A panel of celebrity judges on the Food Network’s hit TV show “Chopped.” It’s the nation’s num-

See CHOPPED Page 15

Eli Dunn and his staff at Eli’s Kitchen. During a recent filming for The Food Network’s hit show “Chopped,” though, he was on his own.

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VOL. 61, NO. 30

Firefighters to get new power cots

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.

Janice Gomez of Little Compton tries her luck at the slots.

Visitors try their luck as brand new casino opens for business

BY TO M K I L L I N DA LG L IS H tdalglish@eastbaynewspapers.com

TIVERTON — Janice Gomez from Little Compton sat alone at a video slot, one in a row of many, off to the left of the cavernous gaming floor just inside the new Tiverton Twin River Casino and Hotel.

She was the only player amidst a sea of such machines, all lit up, waiting for others like her. It was the first day of the “soft opening” of the gaming facility, and just 15 minutes or so after the ribbon cutting in the heat outside the casino entrance on Thursday morning at 10 a.m., August 30.

"I love the videos, the one penny

See CASINO Page 3

Twin River executives, and Rhode Island and Massachusetts politicians, cut the ribbon to open the new Tiverton Casino.

LITTLE COMPTON — The Little Compton Fire Department is receiving a regional $211,364 grant alongside the Woonsocket Fire Department to purchase new power cots for its rescuers.

Power cots are battery operated stretchers capable of lifting very heavy patients.

The cots come with a hydraulic lift system that loads and unloads the power cot from the ambulance.

The goal of the purchase is to reduce injuries to the department’s firefighter/ EMTs, increase the safety of patients by decreasing cot drop incidents, and enhance the department’s operability throughout the region.

“The Town of Little Compton greatly appreciates the Assistance to Firefighters Grant recently announced,” said Little Compton Town Council President Robert Mushen.

“This grant will enable a significant improvement in speed and safety of response to emergencies requiring the use of a stretcher. For a small town with a small department, this will be an unprecedented ‘response multiplier.’”

Little Compton’s grant was among four totaling $1,113,758 in federal funding to Rhode Island fire departments announce

by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline for equipment upgrades.

The federal funds are being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Rhode Island’s congressional delegation helped include a total of $350 million for AFG firefighter equipment grants in the 2018 Omnibus Appropriations law.

Barrington native Sean Spicer will sign copies of his political memoir at Barrington Books

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer will return to his hometown later this month to sign copies of his new political memoir "The Briefing: Politics, The Press and The President."

Mr. Spicer, a Barrington native, will be at Barrington Books from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and at Barrington Books Retold in Cranston from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.

Both appearances will consist of a book

See WHITE HOUSE Page 2 RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.

Barrington Fire Department Lt. Milos Mirkovic (right) holds two bottles of naloxone, which is also known as Narcan, while fellow firefighter John Greenhalgh looks on.

Officials say Barrington is not immune to opioids or overdoses

BY J OS H BIC K FO R D

jbickford@eastbaynewspapers.com

Eighteen years ago, the Barrington Fire Department hardly ever received a call for a drug overdose.

Maybe one call every six months. Maybe less.

That was Scott Carroll's first year on the job. He spent the bulk of his time responding to car accidents, house fires, and routine medical emergencies.

Now he's a captain with the department, and the calls to the fire station for drug overdoses or heroin use are one a week or a few times each month.

"I would say it was about three years ago that it picked up for us," said Capt. Carroll.

Officials call it the opioid crisis, or opioid epidemic, and they point a finger of blame at pharmaceutical companies.

Drugs designed to help people cope with serious pain were prescribed for

bruised ribs and broken toes. Pharmaceutical reps pushed a narrative upon doctors; they said pain was being under-treated and pain treatment needed to be a higher priority.

Some doctors fell in step, and before long, the amount of prescribed opioids had grown to a staggering level.

Rhode Island experienced a 90 percent increase in overdose deaths from 2011 to 2016.

According to information provided by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, opioid prescriptions in Rhode Island in 2012 reached a high-water mark of 83.2 prescriptions for every 100 people.

The sale of oxycodone, hydrocodone,

codeine and other opioids yielded millions in profits for pharmaceutical companies. In just one year, the state's Medicaid program spent $6 million to pay for a single brand of opioids. More money was spent on generics.

A short time later, drug overdoses began to spike.

The epidemic surfaced in cities and in rural communities alike. Fire departments in urban areas responded to multiple overdose calls each day, and small-town volunteer departments struggled to keep up with the growing trend.

Rhode Island had 336 overdose deaths in 2016 — a 90 percent increase from 2011 to 2016. Officials said 50 percent of the overdose deaths involved Fentanyl.

Over time the opioid crisis made its way to Barrington.

See OPIOIDS Page 7

A Faire fixture

See TPI Page 2

10 Steps to a Successful Remodel

What’s going on near the recycling center?

Town's last landfill is being capped

BY J OS H BIC K FO R D

jbickford@eastbaynewspapers.com

The town's fourth and final landfill capping project is underway.

Crews recently began clearing trees and topsoil at the former landfill, which is located along Upland Way near the department of public works headquarters and the town's recycling center.

Barrington has already capped two former landfills located at Chianese Field and one that is located just west of Santa Maria del Campo Cemetery. The Chianese landfills are now covered with athletic fields,

See LANDFILL Page 8

Tockwotton Means... ...Comfort, Security and Friendship.

John Wells of Seekonk has made a life and a living around Renaissance Faires

Wondering what’s involved with a kitchen or bath remodel? Learn the steps, the three levels of a remodel, how to prepare your budget & more!

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Former White House press secretary coming to town

A power cot in raised position (not necessarily the brand Little Compton will receive). The cots can help rescuers gently lift heavy patients.

BY T ED H AY ES

Eli Dunn, of Eli’s Kitchen in Warren, preps for the dinner crowd Friday evening.

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Opioid crisis — 'It's here'

thayes@eastbaynewspapers.com

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.

VOL. 52, NO. 36

And the games begin

Plan is to clean up property, expand manufacturing space in Warren

WaterRower, the Metacom Avenuebased rowing machine manufacturer, has closed on a deal to purchase the 25-acre TPI complex at 373 Market St. for $4.25 million.

WaterRower CEO Peter King said company officials closed on the sale earlier this month, purchasing the property from RBS Warren LLC, a South County-based property management firm. TPI Composites is the property’s sole tenant, following the dissolution of US Watercraft last year.

Mr. King said TPI will stay on at the property.

“We’re just the landlord now,” he said.

The sale is only the latest for WaterRower, which has had a busy three months. In August, company officials signed an agreement to purchase the Parker Mill for $3 million. Though that deal is not yet closed, Mr. King said he hopes to complete that soon.

As was the case with the Parker Mill, Mr. King said the purchase of the socalled TPI building came as an opportunity to gain space for WaterRower, and to also provide much-needed manufacturing space in general in Warren. The town lost tens of thousands of square feet of industrial space with the development of the former American Tourister mill into apartments, and Mr. King said something needs to fill that void.

The property covers 25 acres, with the building covering nearly 240,000 square feet of floor space.

Purchasing and rehabilitating the property “is a big job, but it will be worthwhile,” Mr. King said.

“If we can bring some quality indus-

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VOL. 182, NO. 34

Body found in rubble of fire Officials investigating cause of early morning blaze that destroyed 3 homes in Common Fence Point

Group needs to find money for a feasibility study, before moving forward with any plans, fundraising or construction

BY JIM MC GAW

jmcgaw@eastbaynewspapers.com

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.

A large Westport crowd votes "by clear two thirds majority," declared Town Moderator Steven Fors, to approve construction of a new $97 million grade 5-12 school at Tuesday night’s special town meeting.

$97M school clears first hurdle

Town meeting says loud yes (once sound finally works); ballot vote Feb. 27

A body was found during a search through the rubble of one of the homes destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning in Common Fence Point.

"We did discover a body, but we have no identification yet," Fire Chief Michael Cranson said during a brief phone interview shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Neither the sex nor the approximate age of the deceased could be immediately determined, Chief Cranson said.

Two homes were destroyed and a third badly damaged in the fire, which started sometime after 2 a.m. Wednesday. The three homes sat side by side on the east side of Narragansett Boulevard, overlooking the Sakonnet River.

Chief Cranson said the body was found in "the middle home."

"The Portsmouth Police are working in conjunction with the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s office and the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s office to investigate the incident and to identify the remains," Portsmouth Police Detective Lt. Michael Arnold said in a pre-

See FIRE Page 5

BY CH RIST Y NADAL IN

cnadalin@eastbaynewspapers.com

JIM MCGAW

A body was found during a search through the rubble of this Narragansett Boulevard home destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning.

This photo was taken around 7 a.m. Wednesday, before the body was discovered.

ON THE WEB Visit eastbayri.com for updates to threse stories as more information becomes available.

BY JIM MC GAW

bburdett@eastbaynewspapers.com

jmcgaw@eastbaynewspapers.com

Next stop for Westport’s $97 million high school is the voting booth when residents will be asked one more time to approve a new grade 5-12 “middle-high school.”

The project cleared its first hurdle last Tuesday evening when a crowd that dwarfed the usual annual town meeting and overwhelmed the venue’s capacity, cast an overwhelming vote in favor of the new school to be built on the site of the closed middle school. The state would pay around 40 percent of that.

A two-thirds majority was required and, looking out at all the raised hands, Town Moderator Steven Fors declared a “clear

Building committee co-chairwomen Tracy Priestner (right) and Dianne Baron give a presentation on the project before the vote.

See SCHOOL Page 3

Laughing on the island From all walks of life, the Bit Players bring comedy, goofs and a lot of fun

EAST BAY LIFE

A 61-year-old man driving an SUV that was involved in a serious head-on collision on the Escape Bridge in Portsmouth Monday morning was later transported to Rhode Island Hospital by a Boston MedFlight helicopter.

After extricating the man from the Ford Escape using the Jaws of Life, first responders rushed him to the Common Fence Point playground, where the helicopter was standing by.

The accident occurred just after 9:30 a.m. on the bridge, which links the Island Park and Hummocks sections of town.

Dispatchers helping to organize the response said the driver of the Ford Escape suffered a bilateral fracture of the fibula and tibia bones in one of his lower legs, and rescuers had applied a tourniquet.

The other vehicle was a dump truck owned by Brennan & Sons, a local excavation and construction compa-

She was intubated five times and given PICC lines on four separate occasions; and she endured a lung biopsy and a gastric tube. Finally, before sending her home on Nov. 2, she needed to be weaned off the

If we build it, will they come?

It’s Field of Dreams, without the magical realism. And it’s not a field at all, but a state-of-the-art aquatics center, and one day, ideally, it will be sited at the Bristol Community Center on Asylum Road.

But as much as proponents, like Bristol Aquatics Exploration Committee chairman “We have a lot Patrick McCarthy, want to of talent see this pool of dreams a around the reality, they are residents table. What and taxpaywe don’t have ers, too. And they know is a lot of that the costs of such a centime.” ter, which will PATRICK run several MCCARTHY million dollars for construction alone, don’t end with the ribbon cutting.

“Sustainability is key,” said Mr. McCarthy. “We want this to be sustainable.” He envisions programs, fees and memberships supporting all operations, so the center does not become an ongoing expense for Bristol taxpayers. That is why he has always supported the idea of creating an aquatics center for more than just the people of Bristol. “It needs to draw from all the surrounding communities to be sustainable.”

Potential user groups are many: senior citizens, school swim teams, first responder scuba diving training,

See EMMA Page 5

See AQUATICS Page 8

Emma, David and Shannon Gray (from left to right) at Destiny’s Diner on Gooding Avenue. Over the years, the folks at Destiny’s have given the Grays much more than a good breakfast, hosting fundraisers in support of Emma’s rare genetic disorder.

Helicopter transports patient following bridge accident

BY BRUCE BURDE TT

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10 Steps to a Successful Remodel Wondering what’s involved with a kitchen or bath remodel? Learn the steps, the three levels of a remodel, how to prepare your budget and more!

Saturday, February 10th JIM MCGAW

First responders move a patient to a Boston MedFlight helicopter in Common Fence Point following a head-on collision on the Escape Bridge Monday morning. ny. The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital but escaped serious injury, witnesses said.

Both vehicles were facing south fol-

lowing the accident, with the car pushed up against the sidewalk on the

See ACCIDENT Page 4

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For the love of Emma

Family of child with rare syndrome finds they get by with a lot of determination, and a little help from their friends

A blur of activity, Emma, wipes down a table at Destiny’s before heading back to the counter to deliver a stack of orders.

BY C HRIST Y NADAL IN

cnadalin@eastbaynewspapers.com

When Shannon and David Gray, of Rosedale Drive, checked into Women & Infants Hospital for a scheduled Cesarean section in July of 2012, they anticipated a quick procedure and a healthy baby; the pregnancy had been uneventful.

The months — and years — since have been anything but uneventful.

Immediately after being born, Emma was having difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She spend the next two and a half weeks in the Women & Infants NICU, before being transferred to the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Boston on Sept. 5, then back to Hasbro

Children’s Hospital on Sept. 21.

During that time, newborn Emma was hooked up to a ventilator, a nitric machine, sedated with Methadone and Ativan, given an ultrasound, a CT scan, several echocardiograms, a bone marrow biopsy, and a cardiac catheterization.

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Page 12 Celebrations December 26-27, 2018

Weichert, Realtors Tirrell Realty celebrates an another banner year

P

hil Tirrell is celebrating a fantastic Fall. The number of home buyers is up from last year and is maintaining a strong market, especially in East Providence and Seekonk where there has been a boom in first-time home buyers. According to Tirrell, millennials are starting to buy more houses, mostly in the $200,000 and $300,000 range. There has also been an increase in downsizers moving from Barrington to East Providence in order to lower their taxes.

“The number of homeowners downsizing and moving to East Providence is the highest number I’ve seen in my career,” says Tirrell. “All different demographics are downsizing and moving here - some have children who have graduated, some have second homes - it’s a more affordable community, it’s safe, and it’s convenient to Providence and has most of the same activities if people are moving from Barrington,” he added. “In some cases it’s only a 10-minute walk from where they used to live, and they’re paying a fraction of the taxes.”

Tirrell is also celebrating six years at his current location at 431 Willett Avenue across from CVS Pharmacy.

The space is inviting and has plenty of parking, which is a convenience Phil is happy to be able to offer to his customers. A former Bank of America branch, the office has bright yellow walls, two conference rooms, agent stations, and a café for client meetings and presentations.

It is a tribute to Phil’s hard work and vision that the company is thriving. He worked for various real estate agencies before starting his own company, Tirrell Realty, in 2005. In 2009, he decided to partner with Weichert, Realtors a decision he says was one of the smartest of his career.

“Weichert is the largest independent real estate company in the country,” Tirrell says, “they have helped us tremendously with great tools to increase business.” They are the only company with Smart Phone technology that pairs up clients with agents through online programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company gets four million hits a month that lead customers to agents.

Access to this technology has kept his business on the cutting edge and has allowed him to grow consistently

— AWARD AGENTS —

Bill Tirrell

Luci Stoddard

Rose Pereira

over the years.

The company now employs 26 agents and 2 administrators.

Their area of expertise is East Providence, Seekonk and the entire East Bay area. As Tirrell looks ahead to 2019, he is optimistic about the market and the productivity of his business.

“Buy or Sell with Tirrell!”

®

431 Willett Avenue, East Providence, RI

401-437-2030

Kristen Moniz Jenn Feighery