PROGRESS2026
n A gathering space for 40 years
n A coffee shop with a mission
n A flower shop in full bloom
n A school taking the next big step
Fort y y ears of creat ing c ommunit y t hrough stories
Books, toys, gifts and ‘a whole lot of soul’ since 1986
Barrington Books thrives after 40 years, bucking trends by focusing on what’s important
BY TED HAYES thayes@eastbaymediagroup.com
In a not-so-quiet corner of Barrington Books, tucked halfway up a tall cherry shelf stocked with nonfiction titles by authors D through G, is a small green paperback dedicated to the humble bookshop. On the back cover of Evan Friss’s best seller, The Bookshop, A History of the American Bookstore, a reviewer writes that “bookstores have always been unlike any other kind of store, shaping readers and writers, and influencing our tastes, thoughts and politics. They are powerful spaces ...”
Stephen Shechtman and Jennifer Massotti, who together own the beloved Barrington institution, couldn’t agree more. Forty years after the store’s founding in the Barrington Shopping Center, 18 years after Shechtman took over ownership and 16 after Massotti came on board, Barrington Books continues to grow, expand and weave itself deeply into the lives of its customers, many of whom have been going there for decades.“We have an incredibly supportive community and customer base,” said Shechtman, who worked as an attorney and real estate developer before buying the store in 2008. “We often say that we don’t own the store, we’re just its trustees, and that the store belongs to the community.”
Changing world
Even as Amazon and online sellers push the prevailing business model of cheap, quick and impersonal, the bookstore’s success isn’t a coincidence.
Massotti, who had prior retail management experience and worked as a graphic designer before coming to the store, was one of those kids who read well past bedtime, hiding under the sheets with flashlight in hand to get in a few more pages. She had left the workforce to be a stay at home mom but was intrigued when the chance to come to the shop presented itself — “it took something special like this place to get me back into the workforce, it was an opportunity to combine all my passions: literature, retail and design,” she said.
Years later, her work curating the store’s
Barrington Books welcomes customers to browse, read, relax, learn, and enjoy new experiences — that attitude has created an award-winning culture.
collections and shopping experience requires long hours, attention and care, and she is on the road a lot sourcing and networking. But she loves being a part of a shop that is so dear to so many. “There is a lot of work that goes into the romanticized idea of a bookstore,” she said. In curating the titles offered, “I tend to not follow mainstream trends” and instead she focuses on the kinds of things she thinks customers in this area particularly will like. Shechtman said her track record speaks for itself, as the store’s stock — from 25,000 unique titles of books to curated greeting cards to specialty toys and gifts — is fresh, and the store is inviting and comfortable.
Massotti’s focus has always been on the culture, both internally with standard setting for the team, and externally with the customer experience. One of her proudest moments came when she picked up the phone to find a local parent on the other end, asking if her children were there. “We knew exactly who it was,” she said. “The parents know the kids are here and they’re safe. We work hard to build relationships and earn trust with our customers. It’s really become a community hub.” That hub includes many spokes. Though most prominent authors stick to major cities when they’re promoting a new title, Barrington Books has brought many best selling authors to the area.
Doris Kearns Goodwin has visited and Chris Matthews, the best selling political writer, has been several times — “he loves our store,” Shechtman said, and was once greeted by a crowd of 800 that had overflowed into an accessory space across the plaza where his reading was to be held. “For us to land authors like that is a coup,” Shechtman said.“But the standard of events that we deliver has really become well known.” They are frequent collaborators with perennial best-selling authors the likes of David Sedaris and Adriana Trigiani. Their passion for sharing stories with customers is palpable and people within the industry have noticed, even earning a phone call on a Saturday morning by none other than Allen Levi, author of the runaway hit, Theo of Golden, just to thank the store for the support of his work.
Knowing your customers
The diversification and personalized service that have kept Barrington Books strong in a challenging retail market runs the gamut. There are weekly story hours for kids, monthly book clubs and a robust calendar of author events - intimate instore gatherings as well as large off-site productions. Behind the scenes employees — as many as 25 depending on the season — work hard to satisfy customers whose needs can’t be found strictly on the
shelves. “Sometimes that simply comes in the form of genuine connection, remembering names and what they read last and loved. An algorithm can’t deliver authentic engagement,” says Massotti. They regularly fulfill corporate gifting programs, curating and sending out gift packages from local businesses to their customers. They help supply books for local educational institutions including St. Andrews School, and often prepare baby shower and other special occasion gifts. Customers who buy a title for a loved one also get that special touch — the sound of paper cleanly tearing interrupts her as Massotti talks one recent afternoon — “that’s a gift being wrapped in our signature green paper,” she said. A complimentary service that their customers appreciate and have come to rely upon.
But the diversification hasn’t stopped the shop’s main tenet:
“The soul of this business has been and always will be books,” Shechtman said.
Added Massotti: “Books, toys, gifts and a whole lot of soul since 1986.”
Barrington Books, in the Barrington Shopping Center at 184 County Road, is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Call them at 245-7925 or see www.barringtonbooks.com.
Good community, good food and good vibes at Audrey’s Market
BY CHRISTIAN SILVIA csilvia@eastbaymediagroup.com
For owner Don Caron of Audrey’s Market and Deli, community comes first. Two years after Audrey’s opened in Swansea, the store is known not just for its food and atmosphere. It is also a community partner with a growing reputation.
The story of Audrey’s begins with Don’s sister, Colleen Santos, who started the similarly named Lil Audrey’s in Somerset with her husband. That store, which has been operating for nearly 40 years, was named after what the couple would have named their fourth daughter. The building where the Swansea store currently resides was previously owned by the family; however, it was sold years ago. When the building was back on the market, however, Don made sure to buy it back.
While Colleen is still the manager and involved in the business, Don, who owns both stores and comes from the corporate real estate world, has assumed a larger role.
“My sister was primarily the driving force and the face behind the brand,” he says. “Now, I’m over full-time doing this. I needed a change from the corporate real estate world.”
Don also said that his wife, Donna, has been an important confidante in the venture, giving him advice and spending several hours a week at the store, despite working a full-time job herself.
Though the two stores share ownership and names, as well as products, there are differences. For instance, the Somerset store is well known for serving clamboils, while the Swansea store has become known for its sandwiches, as well as its fish and chips, which are sold every day. A wide variety of lunch items are available.
“We have the recipes that we’ve been doing for many years,” Don says.
Everything from hot and cold sandwiches to pizza and paninis can be bought at the store. In addition, the restaurant also features a large kitchen, so it has become a cooking hub for both stores. Tables throughout the Swansea deli invite customers to sit down, dine in the store and get to know the owners and employees. The food is brought in fresh nearly every day, and it is all supplied by local vendors.
“That’s part of our name: local and fresh. We try to get as much local stuff as we can,” Don says.
Those ingredients also go toward the grab-and-go products, which feature a wide variety of foods. On Monday, pot roast is featured. Tuesdays belong to spaghetti and meatballs. Wednesday is meatloaf day. Those are always subject to change, with staff taking suggestions from customers on items they would like to see on the menu.
It took some time for the deli to get its own identity, but Don says business has been good and is improving. However, to be a good local deli, it takes more than just good food. According to Don, it takes being in the community and getting involved. The deli has been doing this by catering to the local VFW and catering to
the Swansea Council-on-Aging. They have also sponsored the local Little League and hope to continue to make an impact in the community as they grow their reputation in town.
“We really want to help others in the community,” Don says.
The restaurant and its employees have been listening to the community as well. Recently, they installed an ice cream machine on the suggestion of town residents. And they have begun further promotion on a loyalty program, which sees customers get a $5 savings for every $100 purchased. While the program had been active for some years, recent heavier promotion of it has led to more frequent returning customers.
“I have people with upwards of $50 on their loyalty account,” he said. “One guy
said that he’s going to save up for a big clam bake in the summer.”
While the deli has grown over the past two years, Don still has bigger ambitions. The deli and market have a larger back area that they would like to see used more in the future. He would like to obtain a beer and liquor license and hold clambakes on the premises for the whole community to enjoy.
“We’re going to continue to add new things and learn from the community what their expectations are.”
In addition, Don said that the staff of the two stores, which combine to 27 people and includes everyone from chefs to cashiers, are what have made this a successful venture.
“They are what makes this work. That is the bottom line.”
Don Caron left the corporate real estate world and is now helping run Audrey’s Market and Deli, a place for great sandwiches, grab-and-go dinners, and community atmosphere.
Something bigger than coffee is happening at this coffee shop
At first glance, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee may look like a neighborhood coffee shop serving handcrafted drinks and warm pastries. But step inside, and it quickly becomes clear that something much bigger is happening.
Founded by Amy and Ben Wright in Wilmington, North Carolina, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee was inspired by their two youngest children, Bitty and Beau, who both have Down syndrome. After learning that nearly 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed nationwide, they set out to create more than a business—they started a movement.
Today, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee has grown into a nationally recognized brand with locations across the country, but its mission has never changed: to redefine what people believe is possible by creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Providence location, locally owned and operated by franchise owners Anne-Marie and Patrick Scott, is a shining example of that mission in action.
Long before opening the coffee shop, Anne-Marie and Patrick dedicated their careers to education, investing in students and helping others reach their full potential. That same passion now extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of downtown Providence, where they are building a business rooted in dignity, inclusion, and community.
For the Scotts, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee represents an opportunity to create lasting impact— not simply by serving great coffee, but by creating jobs that are too often out of reach for people with disabilities.
While the mission draws people through the
Every day, customers are greeted by baristas whose talents have frequently been underestimated. Many are working their very first job. Here, they gain confidence, develop valuable workplace skills, earn a paycheck, and discover what happens when someone believes in them.
them coming back.
The transformation isn’t limited to employees. Customers often arrive expecting a coffee shop and leave with a changed perspective. Conversations become more meaningful. Assumptions begin to disappear. Strangers become friends. A simple cup of coffee becomes an opportunity to experience inclusion firsthand.
Bitty & Beau’s has often been described as "a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop," and nowhere is that more evident than in Providence.
While the mission draws people through the doors, the quality keeps them coming back. The shop serves expertly crafted coffee beverages, teas, smoothies, breakfast pastries, and baked treats in a warm, welcoming environment where everyone belongs.
Providence has embraced both.
In less than a year, the community has rallied around the shop in remarkable fashion. Customers have become regulars, local organizations have partnered with the business, and the response has exceeded expectations.
Most recently, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee was honored as Providence’s Best Coffee Shop, a recognition that reflects not only the exceptional products being served, but also the extraordinary experience customers have every time they walk through the doors. The award is a testament to the incredible team of baristas and the Scotts’ leadership in creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
“We often say we’re in the people business,” said Amy Wright, co-founder of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. “Coffee is simply the invitation. Every person who walks through our doors has the opportunity to leave seeing people with disabilities differently than when they came in.”
That vision is what continues to drive Bitty & Beau’s Coffee from coast to coast.
In Providence, Anne-Marie and Patrick Scott have created far more than an award-winning coffee shop. They’ve built a place where people are welcomed, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Every cup served is another step toward changing the way people see other people.
Bitty & Beau’s opened in Providence earlier late last year with great fanfare and community support.
doors, the quality keeps
Come as a friend, leave as family
Rosa’s Tavern
has
become the ‘Cheers’
of East Providence through pure Townie friendliness
BY ETHAN HARTLEY ehartley@eastbaymediagroup.com
Led by head chef Steven Costa, a lifelong East Providence resident, Rosa’s Tavern embodies not only what it means to be a Townie, but what it means to actually treat your staff and customers like family.
Perhaps that comes from Costa’s upbringing, raised in a Portuguese family and soaking up the rich tradition (and love for food) that is so ubiquitous to the culture.
“I’ve been in the restaurant industry pretty much since I was a little kid,” Costa said. “I started with my grandfather cooking at Portuguese feasts, things like that. Growing up in a Portuguese family, cooking is a part of daily life.”
Maybe it comes from the fact that Rosa’s was made possible, literally, because of family. Costa opened the restaurant with his sister, Melanie, and brother, Nick, as partners.
“I had a major incident with my knee and I was bedridden for six months. I was out of work for almost eight months,” he said. “I was finally able to get out of the house and that’s when I said, ‘What do you guys think if I open up a restaurant?’ And my whole family said, ‘Well, yeah, let’s do it together.’ ”
Even the name itself was generated from deep familial love — a tribute to Costa’s late great-grandmother.
“Everybody used to call her Grandma Rosa,” he said. “And I promised her that my next restaurant was going to be in memory of her.”
Opened in April of 2022, Rosa’s Tavern prides itself on being a restaurant and bar where you feel welcome to come and stay a while. And those who do will be rewarded by an offering of Portuguese and Italian cuisine prepared and finished just as you’d expect from someone who learned the trade through generations of family cooking, and honed his skills through decades of experience in the industry.
“I’m 100% Portuguese, but every restaurant where I was either manager or a corporate chef, we always did Italian
Rosa’s specializes in authentic Portuguese and Italian dishes, which are elevated with a variety of sauces made fresh each day.
food, and so that also became a passion of mine,” Costa said. “I thought I’d give people the best of both worlds here.”
Offerings at Rosa’s will please an array of palates. Chicken marsala mingles on the menu next to Chicken Mozambique. Clams and cod can transport you to the Azores or the Amalfi Coast, depending on how you dress them up. In fact, Costa said that one of the biggest draws for customers of Rosa’s is the ability to customize your dinner based on which homemade sauce you choose.
“The thing with my menu is you pick the sauce and you can pick whatever protein you want with it. I think that’s what makes us stand out the most from other restaurants in Rhode Island,” he said. “A lot of our customers like that. They have the option today of having the Chicken Mozambique, but tomorrow having it with cod or salmon or steak.”
Costa is always trying to find new ways to bring people in, from offering a bustling catering service, upping their cocktail game behind the bar with a masterful espresso martini, or a new outdoor patio that Costa built himself. Every Tuesday, kids 12 and under eat free, and there’s half-priced apps Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. The menu was also just updated in January, so even regulars have a reason to always check for new offerings.
“We have a lot of regulars,” Costa said. “Some of them we met just by opening this spot, and now they’re a part of the family … People like to call this the hidden gem of East Providence, the local
Melanie Quirk and Steven Costa, siblings and co-owners of Rosa’s Tavern, pride themselves on serving authentic food in an environment where patrons are treated like family.
Cheers of East Providence.”
And anyone who knows about “Townie Pride” will know the family treatment isn’t a gimmick, but a way of life. Rosa’s donates to various causes around the city, including recently offering a discount to DPW workers who helped clear the historic blizzard in February. Costa also does a monthly, free cooking demonstration at the local library.
“We started with like 20 people a year and a half ago and now we get close to 60 or 70 for each class,” he said proudly.
So there’s no question that from its very foundational origins to the experience it provides, Rosa’s has earned the motto printed on every one of its menus: “You may come in as a friend, but you will leave as family — and my family never goes home hungry.”
Nearly 90 years of happy pets
From a Depression-era basement business to Rhode Island’s largest independent pet specialty retailer, Rumford Pet continues to put pets — and the people who love them — first
BY JIM MCGAW jmcgaw@eastbaymediagroup.com
If you’ve lived in Rhode Island for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard the familiar name Rumford Pet. Maybe you’ve stopped in for a bag of dog food, a new cat toy or a quick self-service dog wash. Maybe you even remember the old Rumford Pet Center radio jingle featuring Ralph the dog and Roxie the cat. Whatever first brought you through the door, one thing becomes obvious pretty quickly: this isn’t just another pet store.
Rumford Pet has been helping local families care for their animals since 1936, making it nearly 90 years old — and, remarkably, the oldest continuously operating single-family-owned pet store in the United States. Four generations of the Baker family have helped the business grow while staying true to the same philosophy that started it all: treat customers like neighbors and their pets like family.
The story begins during the Great Depression, when Herbert “Salty” Baker started selling aquarium fish, canaries and pet supplies from the basement of his Rumford home. His son, George Baker Sr., took the next big step in 1959 by opening the company’s first retail store at 865 Warren Ave. in East Providence, originally known as Rumford Aquarium. Today, that location remains the heart of the company, while founder Herbert Baker’s great-grandson, Michael Baker, continues to lead the family business as CEO.
From those humble beginnings, Rumford Pet has grown into Rhode Island’s largest independent pet specialty retailer, with nine locations across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Yet despite that growth, it still feels very much like a neighborhood business.
Rather than trying to be the biggest store on the block, Rumford Pet focuses on being the most helpful. The staff receives ongoing training in pet nutrition and wellness, helping customers
choose the right foods and products for pets of every age, breed and health condition.
Rumford Pet specializes in high-quality natural foods, treats, toys and accessories for dogs, cats and small animals. What you won’t find are dogs or cats for
East Providence and Barrington (182 County Road) stores have become especially popular with anyone who’s ever tried to bathe a muddy Labrador — or a dog that decided rolling in something unpleasant was a terrific idea.
Each wash station includes elevated tubs, shampoo, conditioner, towels, blow dryers and treats, leaving customers with a clean dog while Rumford Pet takes care of the cleanup.
Full-service grooming
Another exciting addition is coming to the flagship East Providence store. Beginning Aug. 1, full-service professional dog grooming will be offered there for the first time in the building’s history. Grooming services are also available at the North Kingstown, Cumberland and Wakefield stores.
Rumford Pet’s biggest expansion came in 2021, when it acquired four former Pet Valu locations, doubling its footprint to nine stores while preserving neighborhood pet stores and many familiar employees.
Even with that rapid growth, Rumford Pet hasn’t lost sight of its roots. Community involvement remains an important part of the business, from supporting local animal welfare organizations to hosting adoption events, monthly nailtrimming clinics and other pet-friendly activities. Upcoming events are regularly posted on the company’s website.
That commitment to both the business and the community is something Pete Risano, president of Rumford Pet, appreciates every day.
“I’m just incredibly proud to be part of the history that the Baker family has built,” Risano said.
Adrienne Sullivan, district manager, said it’s the people behind Rumford Pet who have made the company successful for nearly nine decades.
sale. Instead, the company partners with local shelters and rescue organizations to host adoption events that help homeless animals find loving families. The company also continues to add services that make life easier for busy pet owners. Self-service dog washes at the
“Having been with Rumford Pet since 2021, it’s an honor to now serve as district manager for a business that truly cares,” Sullivan said. “Our nine stores succeed because of our dedicated employees who give their all every day. We love the communities we serve and remain fiercely committed to helping local pets live their healthiest lives.”
Learn more about products, services, upcoming events and all nine locations at www.rumfordpet.com.
JIM MCGAW
Rumford Pet District Manager Adrienne Sullivan stocks a display of CycleDog toys at the East Providence store.
“Chewy” happily browses Rumford Pet’s treat aisle.
Victoria’s Flowers is in great hands, and growing
BY MIKE REGO mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com
There's several reasons why Victoria's Flowers, located at 606 Metacom Ave. in Warren, has quite literally "blossomed" under the still relatively new stewardship of Hannah Araujo.
The entire Araujo clan, including cat "Otis," have actually had a hand in the success. It's pretty much been that way since Hannah took over proprietorship of the shop from the former owner in January of 2023.
"I worked for the previous owner, and then she wanted to sell, and it was just kind of right time, right place," Hannah explained of her ownership beginnings, which have included mom, Jami, since the start.
"I just figured I was going to help her for a few weeks to get her on her feet. And now it's three years later, six days a week," Jami added, with a hint of a wry smile.
After being a stay-at-home mom to her three daughters — Hannah, Kelsey and Angelina — for the better part of 20 years, Jami was eager to assist. The sisters also work at the shop as does dad, Rui, who serves as a delivery driver on Saturdays.
"I needed help, and she wanted to help me," Hannah continued, noting Jami's contributions. "She's creative and good at it."
"She needed help. I stepped in," Jami added.
As for Otis, well he's the shop mascot and a welcoming presence to those who come to purchase something or simply stop in to see him.
"Otis, he usually comes to work with me every day," said Hannah. "He's a flame point Siamese. People love him. They'll come in just to see him. They don't buy a thing. They just want to pet him. He loves people. He'll jump up on the counter, rub up against you. He's a great cat."
At just 23-years-old, Hannah has already done some great things with Victoria's Flowers.
Quickly becoming a savvy businesswoman, she took what was already established and expanded upon the offerings. She's shown an intrinsic understanding for what her customers desire and a keen sense of the area in which the operation has thrived being anchored in Warren.
"I love what I do," said Hannah, who like the rest of her family resides in nearby Rehoboth. She also has local strong ties, having spent summers with her grandmother in Bristol on Wood Street.
Hannah continued, "I like the community. The location's really nice, being on Metacom. We're first in, first out. We get a lot of out-of-towners who need to pick up flowers going into Warren and Bristol, a lot of peo-
ple going into Providence. We're centralized, going to Barrington, Providence, Fall River, Rehoboth. We can still go to Newport, and all those (Aquidneck Island) towns. It's a great location to be able to deliver everywhere."
Though not quite "everywhere," Hannah has taken advantage of all means to spread the word about the business. And although they don't quite have "everything" on offer, since taking over the Araujos have added complementary items of a similar genre to purchase in addition to flowers.
"We've been a lot more active on social media, done a lot more community involvement," said Hannah. "We feel like that's really working for us. We've done a lot more weddings, a lot more
meet those standards."
Helping the shop meet those ethos are employees Lori, Cathy and Paul, of whom Hannah said, "We are extremely grateful for our wonderful staff, whose hard work and dedication mean so much to us."
As for Hannah, her stamp has been on Victoria's Flowers now for three years. Folks remain a bit fascinated about how a 20-year-old kid, basically, became a business owner and a quite good one at that.
"I think people just really love her story, that she took it over at 20," proud mom Jami said of Hannah's unique background. "All these kids that are 20, you know what they're doing? They're not buying businesses. And (the community) really rallied behind her after the first story in the paper ("Flower shop owner loves bringing joy to those in dark times," Warren Times-Gazette, June 21, 2023 edition.) People come in all the time and say, 'I just love that write-up. I love your story.'"
For Hannah, the risks associated with taking on such a challenge at her then relatively young age were never a factor.
walk-in business as well."
Jami noted, "Walk-in business has skyrocketed. (The previous owner) didn't have a cooler or anything like that. So now people know they can stop in and just grab whatever we have; flowers, gift items, we have cards, we have chocolates."
Employee Lori Mahoney said Hannah's fastidiousness, attention to detail is what keeps patrons coming back.
"They have a ton of repeat customers. And there's not one day that I work here that someone doesn't say, 'I love the flowers.' And it's the same folks. It's the quality, I think," Mahoney added.
Said Hannah, "We have very high standards and will always send back products that do not
"I just think I can do anything. It's just work that you put in. You just need to put in the effort," Hannah said. "I don't think anything's not possible if you don't try."
That type of drive and passion, the desire to pursue goals are traits Hannah's had since her very beginnings, long before she bought the shop.
After hearing how her daughter explained her positive, willful approach to the business and life in general, Jami added, "She's always been like that."
Victoria's Flowers is open Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to place an order call 401-245-8700 or visit victoriasflowers.net.
Hannah Araujo (left) is the passionate owner of Victoria’s Flowers, and Jami is her proud mother and passionate co-worker.
Cathy Sousa helps buyers navigate a changing real estate market
BY VANESSA COMBS vcombs@eastbaymediagroup.com
Since joining SERHANT when the brokerage expanded into Rhode Island last fall, Cathy Sousa has continued to grow her business while helping buyers and sellers across Rhode Island and Massachusetts navigate an evolving housing market.
Her commitment to clients and deep knowledge of the local market recently earned her the title of Best Realtor of the East Bay 2026.
While her business continues to grow, Sousa said the real estate market has settled into a more balanced pace than the frenzy buyers and sellers experienced just a few years ago.
“There aren’t as many homes on the market as there were a year ago,” Sousa said. “Buyers still seem to be looking, but it’s not as crazy as it used to be.”
Where homes once routinely attracted multiple offers within days, many are now taking several weeks to sell.
“That’s something we haven’t seen in a while,” she said.
Sousa said homes priced under $600,000 continue to sell quickly, while higher-priced properties generally spend more time on the market. Buyers have also become more selective, often looking for homes that are move-in ready rather than properties requiring extensive renovations.
“They don’t want to spend these numbers and then have to do $200,000 worth of renovations,” she said. “They’re looking for something they can move into comfortably and update over time.”
Although Sousa’s primary focus is the East Bay, her business extends throughout both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Licensed in both states, she has sold homes in communities
including Bristol, Warren, Portsmouth, Warwick, Narragansett and Brookline.
Her recent sales at 17 Shore Road in Bristol and 333 Clark Road in Brookline demonstrate the geographic reach of her business.
Living in downtown Bristol
allows Sousa to share firsthand knowledge of the community with prospective buyers.
“When I sell a house in Bristol, I’m not only selling the house,” she said. “I’m selling Bristol.”
She said buyers who once focused almost exclusively on Bristol's west side are increas-
video have become increasingly important tools for reaching prospective buyers, and some of her own listing videos have generated thousands of views online.
“A lot more people are hopping on that bandwagon,” she said. “They’re really trying to promote their properties more through social media.”
Although SERHANT is widely recognized for its luxury listings, Sousa said her business spans every price point.
“My bread and butter is firsttime homebuyers, people downsizing, rentals — anything real estate,” she said. “I really do enjoy helping people.”
She encourages first-time buyers to think of homeownership as a long-term investment rather than waiting for the perfect home or lower interest rates.
“Real estate is a great investment,” Sousa said. “Maybe this isn’t going to be your forever home. Maybe it’s a five- or seven-year plan.”
She also encourages buyers to consider multifamily properties when the numbers make sense, allowing them to build equity while generating rental income.
Looking ahead, Sousa expects the local housing market to remain relatively steady unless interest rates fall dramatically. She also believes sellers are beginning to adjust their expectations as the market continues to normalize.
“People are still selling at great prices,” she said. “But it’s not the COVID market anymore.”
ingly discovering neighborhoods throughout the community.
“People are realizing that anywhere in Bristol is a home run,” Sousa said.
Sousa has also embraced the brokerage’s modern, technology-driven approach to marketing. She said social media and
Whether she’s helping a firsttime buyer purchase a starter home, marketing a waterfront property or representing clients across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Sousa said her focus has always remained the same.
“I really do enjoy helping people,” she said.
Cathy Sousa recently earned the title of Best Realtor of the East Bay 2026.
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority celebrates 45 years
BY VANESSA COMBS vcombs@eastbaymediagroup.com
For 45 years, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) has helped Rhode Island students and families navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions — paying for college. What began in 1981 as a nonprofit student loan provider has evolved into one of the state’s most comprehensive higher education resources, offering everything from admissions guidance and financial aid counseling to scholarships, refinancing options and affordable student loans.
As the organization marks its 45th anniversary, RISLA is celebrating not only its longevity but also the impact it has had on generations of students. Since its founding, the nonprofit has provided more than $4.5 billion in loans to students, parents and families and helped more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders prepare for college through its free College Planning Center.
“This milestone is one of great pride for RISLA,” said Christine Barlow. “For decades, many students and families have faced challenges with college access and affordability. As a nonprofit organization, we are proud to help make higher education more accessible year after year by offering free college planning services and excellent customer support for affordable student loans.”
Although RISLA’s mission has remained unchanged since it was created by the Rhode Island General Assembly, the organization has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of students and families. Today, its role extends well beyond financing college.
“Today, RISLA is a one-stop, full-service resource for students at every stage of higher education — planning, applying, funding and repaying,” Barlow said. “We’re expanding access, broadening services and helping students reach their goals.”
More than a lender
Although RISLA was founded as a student loan authority, one of its greatest areas of growth has been its free college planning services, helping families make informed decisions long before they borrow.
In 1998, RISLA launched the College Planning Center, which has since become Rhode Island’s trusted source for college
admissions and financial aid guidance. Over the past 28 years, the center has helped more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders prepare for college.
Located in Chapel View in Cranston, the College Planning Center offers free one-on-one appointments to help students and families identify colleges that fit their goals, navigate the Common Application, review college essays, understand financial aid offers, compare award packages and develop responsible plans for paying remaining college costs. The service helps families avoid costly financial mistakes and make informed decisions before taking on student debt.
The organization also extends its reach beyond its office by visiting high schools and community organizations throughout Rhode Island to present workshops on every aspect of the college planning process.
According to Barlow, one of the biggest challenges families face today is not only the rising cost of higher education, but also knowing where to begin.
“Simply put, where to start and how to navigate the process from start to finish,” she said. “With deadlines looming for admissions, financial aid and payment, we are available to assist students and their families every step of the way.”
Adapting to changing needs
As college costs have continued to climb, and the financial aid process has become increasingly complex, RISLA has expanded its programs to help borrowers manage the financial realities of higher education.
In 2014, the organization introduced one of the nation’s first nonprofit student loan refinancing programs, giving borrowers the opportunity to lower their interest rates and reduce overall repayment costs.
RISLA has also expanded borrower protections by offering longer repayment terms, income-based repayment options during periods of financial hardship and incentives designed to reward student success. Among them is the Internship Rewards program, which provides eligible students with a $2,000 principal reduction after completing a qualified internship while enrolled in college.
The organization also works to reduce the need for borrowing through its Knowledge for College Scholarship Program, awarding $100,000 annually to Rhode Island students. Each year, 50 students receive $2,000 scholarships while also gaining financial literacy resources to help them make informed borrowing
By the numbers
n 45 years serving Rhode Island students and families
n $4.5 billion in student and parent loans provided since 1981
n More than 300,000 Rhode Islanders assisted through the College Planning Center
n Approximately 5,000 Rhode Islanders receive RISLA loans annually
n More than 11,000 students and families receive free college planning services each year
n $100,000 awarded annually through the Knowledge for College Scholarship Program
n 50 students receive $2,000 scholarships each year
decisions.
As a nonprofit lender, RISLA focuses on helping borrowers succeed rather than maximizing profits, allowing it to offer competitive fixed interest rates, enhanced borrower protections and programs designed to support students throughout repayment.
Looking ahead
Today, RISLA provides low-interest student loans to approximately 5,000 Rhode Islanders each year while offering free college planning services to more than 11,000 students and families annually.
Forty-five years after its founding, Barlow said the organization’s mission remains the same even as higher education continues to evolve.
"Our mission statement has not changed," she said. "What has changed are the programs and support services we offer to continue our mission in the everchanging times."
As college costs continue to rise and the path to higher education grows increasingly complex, RISLA plans to continue expanding its reach by developing new programs, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations, and enhancing college planning resources so more Rhode Island students have access to the guidance and financial support they need to pursue higher education.
A new venture in primary and personal care
Opening soon in a renovated space, Your Health RI promises a new model of health and wellness
BY SCOTT PICKERING spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com
Two local physicians are weeks away from launching a dynamic and innovative new venture in primary care.
Dr. Deqiang Zhang and Dr. Luis Osorio are teaming up to open Your Health RI, a direct primary care model that promises “primary care the way it should be” — personal and built around each patient’s needs. The new practice, opening in August in a renovated space on Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, near the Barrington town line, features a unique membership model. Patients are members, and each doctor has a panel size of hundreds, not thousands. They combine internal medicine with lifestyle medicine, an evidence-based focus on nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, sleep health and social connections.
The practice is supported by monthly membership fees, not by insurance companies. There are two membership tiers, $250 for those 41 or older and $200 for those 40 or under. Families will receive a discounted rate. There will be no copays or additional fees for any other direct services at the Your Health RI office.
“The most important thing in primary care is the patient relationship,” Dr. Zhang said. “We designed this model so we can spend the time needed to practice our best medicine and take good care of you. We can finally focus on the root cause of problems and be proactive, not reactive.”
When discussing their new practice, both physicians often use the key word “relationship.” They say it is severely lacking in
available to all patients to support their overall health goals.
“You are going to have a better experience with medicine,” Dr. Osorio said. “You’re going to make changes in your life that are going to make you better, and make you feel better. As internists, we have the knowledge and decades of experience to treat all your medical problems, but on top of that, we’re going to have the time to focus on root causes of the problems with lifestyle medicine.”
All of this will take place in a space completely renovated to look and feel different from a traditional medical office. They took down every wall in what was recently a traditional Family Medical office at 1445 Wampanoag Trail and rebuilt the space entirely. It is designed to be relaxing and soothing, more like a “medical home” than a doctor’s office. There will be a supply of healthy snacks and drinks.
Most importantly, members are not limited to one visit per year. They may visit the facility as often as needed. They can text or call their doctors directly. Unless their doctor is on vacation, all of their interactions will be with the same person every time.
the increasingly corporate environment of traditional primary care practices. After years of firsthand experience in that model, they believe data-driven, insurance-based corporate medicine is dictating how doctors practice and how much time they can spend. It has greatly weakened personal connection and trust, which are the foundation of good primary care.
The shift to assembly-line medicine affected not only
patients but also physicians. Dr. Osorio said the increasing demands of the new system and the crushing time constraints of managing a panel of more than 2,000 patients to meet expected quotas led to burnout. A couple of years ago, he took a twomonth medical leave before returning with renewed focus. He sought a better model. Your Health RI is that model. Each doctor plans to maintain a maximum panel of 300 patients. Visits will be sched-
uled for up to an hour at a time and will feel dramatically different from what people have come to expect from traditional practices.
Appointments will begin in the doctor’s office, move to an exam room, and then end in the doctor’s office, with the patient and physician discussing lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, medication, and overall wellness. Body composition scans and red light therapy, included in the membership fee, are
The two doctors are supported by a small office staff but have no mid-level providers, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants. All health and wellness advice and support will come from the two physicians. That patient-doctor relationship will be at the core of everything they do.
Both doctors know this new model has the power to improve quality of life — not just for the members, but for the physicians themselves. They already have interest from hundreds of people and encourage anyone who’s interested in joining them to contact them through their website at yourhealthri.com.
Dr. Deqiang Zhang (left) and Dr. Luis Osorio are teaming up to launch a new model for primary care – one where patients are members, and the doctor-patient relationship is at the forefront of all care.
Primary care the way it should be — personal, patient, and built around you. At Your Health RI, there is no middleman so we can practice medicine the way it's meant to be, giving our patients the time, attention, and care they deserve.
Two board-certified physicians. A 300-patient limit per physician. One flat monthly fee. No co-pays, no waiting weeks for an appointment, no being treated like a number.
We Designed
Our Practice For You.
After decades of practicing inside a model built for volume rather than patients, we made a decision - build a practice where patients come first. Your Health Rl is the result. We’re two Board-certified physicians, partners in practice and in purpose, who believe the physician-patient relationship is the most powerful tool in medicine. We built our practice around you.
Deqiang Zhang, M.D.
Luis A. Osorio, M.D.
She’s right at home – in Bristol and in real estate
BY SCOTT PICKERING spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com
There isn’t much about her job that Tracey Mulvey doesn’t love. A Realtor with RE/MAX River’s Edge, based in Bristol, Mulvey has endless passion for navigating the real estate market, especially in her hometown.
“I love Bristol. I love real estate. I love to work with people at every price point,” she said recently.
After an early career as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), followed by many years as a stay-at-home Mom with her two children, Mulvey reentered the work force as a real estate agent. That was 10 years ago, and she has never looked back. She and real estate are a perfect match. In just 10 years, she has surpassed $125 million in sales, with success stories in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Naples, Florida.
“I love people. I care about people. Their happiness means a lot to me. That’s how I’ve always been as a person,” Mulvey said.
Those intrinsic people skills have served her extremely well. She recently was the top Realtor in Bristol, and she adopted the slogan: “Your hometown Realtor.”
“I will of course work anywhere,” she said, “but Bristol is definitely my main focus. I consider myself an expert in my hometown. My love for Bristol drives me.” Many people say she is the go-to hometown realtor, because of her love for Bristol.
Her success stems from that passion, but it is based on much more than geography. Communication is key.
Mulvey provides exceptional service to her clients, beginning with consistent, steady, seamless communication. She makes herself very available to her clients and can be easily reached. She is a great listener, is extremely responsive, and can be a calm voice when things get tense. “Whatever the situation, I’m able to stay calm and find solutions,” she said.
A client recently said of Mulvey: “The marketing strategy was flawless. Whenever unexpected problems or hurdles popped up, she didn’t just hand us the problem, she handed us the solution.”
Mulvey is also proud of the team she works with at RE/MAX River’s Edge.
“Our service to our clients is exceptional,” she said. Lastly, she is a true professional. I’m very professional, and I’m extremely discreet. I don’t talk about who I’m working with … I conduct my business professionally, and with a lot of integrity.”
Most of all, she truly loves what she does.
“I’m going to do this as long as it makes me happy. I really love my work.”
“I love people. I care about people. Their happiness means a lot to me. That’s how I’ve always been as a person.”
TRACEY MULVEY
Tried and true — A community partner for 63 years
In 1963, at a time when doctors in private practice were constantly on call, a group of local physicians established the Bristol County Medical Center, one of the state’s first multi-specialty physician practices. Now the Medical Associates of Rhode Island, Inc. (MARI), it is Rhode Island’s largest independent primary care practice.
It has 63 years of continuous service to the community — with the highest quality scores in the region. Other practices come and go; and at a time when the medical community is suffering a shortage of primary care physicians, MARI has remained open and continues to accept new patients.
With extremely low physician turnover, it is not uncommon for MARI patients to have had the same physician for decades. Patients can really rely on the more than 20 primary care physicians, adult and pediatric, as well and many nurse practitioners and physicians assistants in the practice.
In addition to their primary location at 1180 Hope St. in Bristol, a second office opened in East Providence several years ago, at 950 Warren Ave. This facility is staffed by three internists, and two podiatrists; in addition, there are Lifespan Laboratory services on site.
MARI physicians admit to Rhode Island Hospital (a tertiary care facility), Women & Infants Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center. Several of their physicians participate in voluntary teaching activities at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University.
The Bristol location is a 25,000-squarefoot facility that houses a professional team of MARI physicians offering healthcare in a variety of specialties. They have sixteen internists, two pediatricians, two dermatologists assisted by a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and two podiatrists. The practice also hosts visiting Providence-based specialists, offering access to cardiologists, gastroenterologists, hematologists and oncologists, neurologists, obstetricians, gynecologists as well as sleep medicine specialists and surgeons.
On-site services include
n Comprehensive radiology services, including general digital radiology services, ultrasound services (American
College of Radiology (ACR) accredited), and 3D mammography services. All exams are performed by female technologists specially trained in 3D mammography using the Hologic Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam, one of the most advanced breast imaging systems available. Images are interpreted by board-certified radiologists with specialized certification in breast imaging.
n Laboratory services by Lifespan Laboratories. A professional staff of medical technologists, lab technicians and phlebotomists is available six days a
week.Diagnostic services include hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and coagulation. Walk-in service is available.
n Eye services with Dr. Carl A. Sakovits and Andy R. Sakovits, optometrists of Bristol County Eye Care. Located in the lower level of the facility, Bristol County Eye Care provides convenient routine and emergency eye care as well as treatment of eye diseases and infection. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are also available.
n Physical therapy services are provided by Bristol County Physical Thera-
py. Their therapists are specialists in the field, focusing on treating the outpatient orthopedic population, including patients who are post surgical rehabilitation, orthopedic trauma, athletic injuries, and chronic conditions.
n MARI also offers Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing services Monday through Friday. Their state-of-the-art bone densitometer is a safe, fast, noninvasive and painless method to provide physicians with an accurate assessment of patient bone density and associated risk of fracture.
n The Bristol facility also features a Walk-In Center, a valuable community service. The Center is available for routine care for established patients, as well as care for minor injuries and illnesses to the general public, ages 18 and up. Access to in-house diagnostic services such as x-ray and laboratory means the patient receives care promptly within a single facility. There are always M.D.s on site at the Center — the same ones that are part of the practice.
The Walk-In Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 8 to 11:45 a.m. They are closed on Sundays and the following holidays, New Years, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Growing to serve more students
The Wolf School’s expansion will create new learning spaces while strengthening its unique approach
to
educating Complex Learners
BY VANESSA COMBS vcombs@eastbaymediagroup.com
The Wolf School is preparing for its next chapter with a major campus expansion that will nearly double its current space while creating new opportunities for students with diverse learning needs.
The K-8 independent school, which serves Complex Learners from across the region, recently began construction on an addition that will extend the existing building and add a second floor. The project, expected to take about 18 months, will allow the school to gradually increase enrollment while expanding the programs that have become the hallmark of its educational model.
“We’re really looking at expanding our programming,” Head of School Anna Johnson said. “It’s not just about reading and math and writing. Those are critical, but it’s also about all the other skills students need to be successful in the real world.”
Once completed, the addition will feature a theater, STEM room, dedicated art and music classrooms, outdoor learning areas and a life skills kitchen. The school also plans to create spaces where students can practice everyday skills, including a school store.
The Wolf School currently serves about 67 students and expects to add approximately 25 more over the next three years while maintaining its intentionally small class sizes of eight or nine students in the lower school and up to 11 in the middle school.
Founded to support students with a variety of learning differences, The Wolf School specializes in educating children who often face challenges with sensory processing, speech and language development, and social communication.
Its signature Immersion Model© sets it apart from many traditional schools. Every classroom includes a special educator, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist and teaching assistants who work together throughout the day. Rather than pulling students out for therapy sessions, speech and occupational therapy are integrated directly into classroom
The Wolf School recently began construction on an addition that will allow the school to gradually increase enrollment while expanding the programs that have become the hallmark of its unique educational model.
instruction.
“Our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists are in the classrooms during math, science, English language arts and social studies,” Johnson said. “They’re embedding students’ goals into the curriculum while they’re learning.”
That collaborative approach allows students to receive significantly more therapeutic support while staying engaged with their classmates.
Johnson said the school’s impact is best reflected in its graduates.
She recalled one student who entered kindergarten with significant communication challenges and struggled to express himself. After years of individualized support, he graduated from The Wolf School, attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington and later enrolled in Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
“Over 200 students have graduated from The Wolf School, and there are so many success stories,” Johnson said.
As the school grows, Johnson said its mission remains unchanged: providing
students with an environment where they feel supported, understood and prepared for whatever comes next.
“We’re looking at the whole child,” she
said. “Academics are important, but so are communication, social skills, independence and confidence. That’s what we’re building every day.”
Nearly two decades of helping clients navigate the market
BY VANESSA COMBS vcombs@eastbaymediagroup.com
For nearly 20 years, Sarah Principe, a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate, has helped buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions through honest guidance, local expertise and lasting relationships.
Real estate was a natural career choice. Principe grew up in a family of builders, with her father developing new homes and subdivisions, giving her an early appreciation for the industry.
Before earning her real estate license in 2007, she spent two years working as a mortgage broker to better understand the financing side of homeownership.
“I knew I wanted to be an agent, but I also knew that in order to be a good agent, I should really learn the ropes of the mortgage industry and understand how lending works,” she said.
After becoming licensed, Principe found an opportunity in Bristol and Warren’s underserved rental market, building relationships with landlords and tenants that would later grow into long-term cli-
ents.
“Tenants become buyers, and landlords are also buyers and sellers,” she said. “Building those relationships really helped my business grow.”
Today, she says one of the most rewarding parts of the profession is helping people find a home that truly fits their lives.
“There are some people that I meet who become lifelong friends,” she said. “We live in New England, where every home has its own character and style.”
Principe believes local knowledge is one of the most valuable assets a Realtor can offer.
“When you’re selling a home, you’re not just highlighting the house,” she said.
“You’re selling a lifestyle, a neighborhood and a community. Nobody does that better than a local agent.”
Like many Realtors, she continues to help clients navigate a competitive housing market with limited inventory. At the same time, she has noticed buyers becoming more selective about what they’re willing to pay.
“I think buyers are getting very savvy,”
she said. “They’re recognizing when a home is overpriced, and they’re willing to move on instead of overpaying.”
That has made honest conversations with sellers even more important.
“When someone has an emotional attachment to their home, pricing can be difficult,” Principe said. “But honesty is the most important thing.”
She also hopes to dispel one of the biggest misconceptions about the profession.
“Showing houses is probably the easiest part of my job,” she said.
Behind every transaction are negotiations, inspections, appraisals, contracts and constant communication with buyers, sellers, lenders and attorneys.
“From the beginning of the process to the end, I’m negotiating on behalf of my clients,” Principe said. “People don’t always see everything that happens behind the scenes.”
For Principe, it’s that behind-the-scenes work — combined with helping clients through a major life milestone — that has made real estate a rewarding career for nearly two decades.
Wayne Electric Inc. builds a legacy for the future
Local company is dedicated to its customers: ‘It’s our passion’
BY JOSH BICKFORD jbickford@eastbaymediagroup.com
For more than 30 years, Wayne Electric Inc. has been delivering a high quality service to residential and commercial customers alike.
Established in 1992, Wayne Electric Inc. completes all sorts — and all sizes — of jobs: Highend residential homes, large commercial projects, marina work, generators, and smaller residential projects.
“What separates us is that we’re very well established. We’ve been around for a long time,” said Wayne Electric Inc. Owner Wayne Gablinske. “It’s our passion. We dedicate our time to our customers. We pay attention to what they want.”
Wayne Electric Inc. has grown
over the years, and currently has a team that includes 12 electricians and three in-office professionals. The company recently completed a large residential project in Bristol.
“We do a lot of high-end work,” Gablinske said. “Fifteen-thousand to 18,000 square foot homes.”
Wayne Electric Inc. is also focused on its commercial clients and in construction trades.
A cornerstone in the local electrical industry, Wayne Electric Inc. has played a key role in the growth of Unity Park in Bristol — a large former mill complex that is now home to KVH Industries, Saab Technology, Flux Marine and many more businesses.
“We’ve been there for five years,” Gablinske said. “We’ve done a lot of the buildouts and all of the service infrastructure. All the big services… all the underground utility to the service.”
Wayne Electric Inc. also works closely with smaller contractors
and homeowners. The Bristolbased company will always remember its roots, said Gablinske.
“We don’t forget where we came from. That’s my motto,” he said. Wayne Electric Inc. works throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts; the company vehicles are spotted regularly across the East Bay, Aquidneck Island, Block Island, Prudence Island and spots in between.
Gablinske said Wayne Electric Inc. has been working with some families for generations.
“I’ve been doing this for 34 years,” he added. And the company is planning to continue on for many more years.
About six years ago, Gablinske partnered with his foreman, Roger Ferreira. Now the two team up to help Wayne Electric Inc. run like a finely tuned machine. Gablinske said Wayne Electric Inc. has established a strong founda-
tion, a legacy, and is poised to build even more success heading into the future.
For more information or to request a free estimate, visit https://www.wayneelectricri. com
Wayne Electric Inc. takes pride in its transparent approach, offering free quotes to help residents and business owners make informed decisions without any surprises. “At Wayne Electric, we believe in exceeding our clients' expectations,” stated the company’s website. “Our experienced team works closely with you to offer design assistance tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and care.
“Whether you're planning a new installation or need upgrades for your existing systems, you can count on Wayne Electric for reliable service and innovative solutions. Let us illuminate your project with our expertise and dedication to quality.”
Wayne Electric Inc. owners Wayne Gablinske (left) and Roger Ferreira stand outside the business headquarters in Bristol.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF
For 70 years, Roger Williams University has been proudly educating generations of students while strengthening the Ocean State and beyond. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor our past and look to the future with a continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community.
EXPLORE WHAT IS HAPPENING AT RWU.EDU
