"Purveyors of the obscure." Explore the world of oddities, unique antiques & unusual props. @obscura_mick
CEDIAN PAINTING
The Palette Show coming 2025
Pillows, tiles, paintings & palettes by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting cedianpainting.com
Start the New Year off right and treat yourself to a cozy sweater, designer denim or a trendy bag for an instant wardrobe update! Inspired by Sea & Sun. 3845 Main Road • (401) 816 0901 • @salttiverton
TIFFANY PEAY
JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS
Explore the power of gemstones
Fine Art by Peter Dickison, The Dapper 3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com
FOUR CORNERS GALLERY
New Artists & New Art Works! Collections of painting, sculpture,
fourcornersgalleryri.com @fourcornersgalleryri
MILUKAS STUDIO
2-Day Art Essentials Skill Building Workshop on February 15-16, 10am-5pm Art sessions offered for all levels,
Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas
GROUNDSWELL GUILD
A dynamic lifestyle brand devoted to the art of food, hospitality, and curated experiences aiming to inspire and elevate everyday living through the beauty of design and aesthetics.
Table + Provisions Store. Closed Mondays for the winter. 3883 Main Road • (401) 816 4256 www.groundswellguild.com
Te Buzz
7 Warren exhibit provides opportunities for both artists and patrons
10 VOICES OF THE BAY: Helping seniors navigate healthcare in Barrington
12 RHODY GEM: Holistic beauty along Warren’s waterfront
14 Meet RI’s Emmy-nominated costumer for Newport’s Gilded Age drama
16 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A17 HOME: Clever built-ins keep a busy home chic and tidy
A26 RHODY READS: New releases and events from local book booster
A28 INFLUENCER: Our frequent food writer is also a poet and notary
A30 SHOP: Rethink winter living with concepts and goods
Feature
49 Hypnotherapy and energy work in Newport help clients hit reset
Food & Drink
57 EXPERIENCE: Bristol’s new Portuguese-inspired cafe
60 IN THE KITCHEN: A chef’s engrained journey to carving wood kitchen utensils
62 FOOD TRENDS: Healthy bites for the new year
64 PIC OF THE BAY
Who to Watch:
Photo courtesy of Zen Den
Photography by Gina Mastrostefano
Photo courtesy of Small Works Gallery
THE COVER: Celebrating Who to Watch Class of 2025. Design by Abigail Brown.
The annual feature of visionaries on the rise expands across the state
NEW YEAR, NEW LOVE!
PUBLISHERS
Barry Fain
Richard Fleischer
Matt Hayes
John Howell
EDITOR IN CHIEF Elyse Major Elyse@HeyRhody.com
ADVERTISING
Layheang Meas
GENERAL
Nick DelGiudice Nick@HeyRhody.com
MANAGING EDITOR Abbie Lahmers Abbie@HeyRhody.com
EDITOR Ken Abrams Ken@HeyRhody.com
Taylor Buttie SENIOR
DESIGNER Abigail Brown
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Jenna Kaplan Jenna@HeyRhody.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Shelley Cavoli Central RI & New Business Shelley@HeyRhody.com Louann DiMuccio-Darwich East Bay & MA Louann@HeyRhody.com
Ann Gallagher South County Ann@HeyRhody.com
Kristine Mangan Olf South County & Aquidneck Island Kristine@HeyRhody.com
Chris Revill Providence Chris@HeyRhody.com
Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony LaRoche
Little Lion Creative Kayla Mandeville Gina Mastrostefano Barbara Nitke Vintage Girl Studios
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Homonof Robin Kall
Gina Mastrostefano Hugh Minor Nina Murphy Emily Olson
Interested in writing? Email Abbie@HeyRhody.com
INTERNS
Alexandra Ashe
Interested in an internship? Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com
Every year, I embark on a creative journey that culminates in the creation of my “re-tree.” (Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center re-Tree Art Contest & Community Exhibition.) This project is not just an artistic endeavor but always a deeply personal exploration—of my childhood memories, my connection to nature, and my passion for blending the past with the present. This year’s theme was a reflection and an organic revelation: “Moon and Stars, Time and Space” reflects my childhood fascination with the cosmos and the boundless possibilities it represents.
As a child, I spent endless hours in a large, attic closet-turned-fort, adjacent to the brick chimney, tinkering with an electronics kit my father gave me and conducting experiments like a pint-sized scientist. This space, filled with my little radio and cassette recorder, was my sanctuary. It was a place where I could let my imagination run wild, creating my own little world. This sense of wonder and creativity is something I strive to bring into my work every day.
This year’s “re-tree” is a physical manifestation of this creative spirit. The exterior is adorned with
doilies, hand-knitted by women, symbolizing the traditional, feminine aspect of my upbringing. Inside, however, is a world of electronics, dinosaurs, and stars—a nod to the typical, maledominated interests that captivated me as a child.
The tree itself is a blend of vintage and modern elements. The portals, made from custard cups and Pyrex dish tops, allow viewers to peer inside and see the stars and lights that adorn the ceiling. This design is inspired by my childhood bedroom, our attic, where I would string up Christmas lights and gaze at the stars, dreaming of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
In my professional life, this project serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity and imagination. Financial planning, at its core, is about envisioning a future and making it a reality. Just as I built forts and conducted experiments as a child, I now help my clients build their financial futures, guiding them through the complexities of investments and planning.
The “re-tree” also symbolizes the journey of selfdiscovery and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Many
of my clients come to me with questions about their future, wondering what they will do when they retire or how they can achieve their financial goals. Through my work, I help them reconnect with their own sense of wonder and possibility, encouraging them to dream big and think creatively about their financial plans.
This year’s tree, with its blend of doilies and electronics, stars and dinosaurs, is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of staying true to oneself. It is a celebration of the past, a nod to the present, and a hopeful look towards the future. By sharing this project with my community, I hope to inspire them to embrace their own creativity and to see the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
The “re-tree” is more than just an art project. It reflects my personal journey, a symbol of the balance between tradition and innovation, and a reminder of the importance of creativity in all aspects of life. Through this project, I aim to inspire my clients to dream big, think creatively, and embrace the infinite possibilities that the future holds.
THE BUZZ
Arts | Voices of the Bay | Rhody Gem | Profile | Calendar
Small World
An exhibit in Warren provides an annual showcase for local artists
By Hugh Minor
Who says bigger is better? Certainly not the artists participating in this year’s Small Works! A Community Group Exhibit at The Collaborative in Warren. On display through January 18, the show boasts 160 works by 56 different local artists. What’s unique about them? For starters, all pieces are under eight inches.
“It’s sometimes intimidating for artists to create and display one or two large pieces,” explains Sandy MacDonald, a Providence-based artist, decorative painter, and muralist who serves as the gallery coordinator, and has been with the nonprofit since its founding in 2016. “This show gives the opportunity to show off up to four smaller works.”
Small Works at The Collaborative Gallery
View work by Adèle Saint-Pierre, which includes this shifty pair:
“Noël Babinot” and “Noël Bouchard” (at right)
The non-juried show accepts two-dimensional artworks of all mediums and non-functional three-dimensional artwork in sculpture, ceramics, and metal. All work must be original, submission fees start at $10, and 100 percent of the sales goes to the artist, plus, in Rhode Island, there is no sales tax on original art.
The exhibit often serves as a stepping stone for artists, many having their work on gallery walls for the first time ever. “It’s exciting but a bit intimidating for some who have finally reached a point where they’re ready to have their art featured,” MacDonald explains of first-time exhibitors. She shares that many of the show’s contributors work full-time in other fields but have a strong desire to create; they love the
process itself and don’t necessarily expect to become household names. Additionally, the exhibit provides a venue for artists with growing fanbases returning for the show’s third year.
“The Collaborative gives artists a chance to be in a community where we can encourage each other without being competitive,” says participating artist Adèle Saint-Pierre. A Franco-American artist who works in watercolors and colored pencils, Saint-Pierre loves to watch people respond to her work, which often has a humorous tone. “People always tell me that my pieces made them laugh, which is so important as so many of us are looking for something to lift our spirits.”
Analogous to Small Works , MacDonald is especially excited about the Youth Artist of
the Month, which gives one young person the chance to display their work in a real gallery setting. “It’s so wonderful to give someone discovering their own talents the opportunity to present their pieces and be seen by others.” The Collaborative also hosts workshops and single-day make-and-take classes, offered at sliding scale fees, and they welcome new instructors. There is also The Collaborative Lab for Creative Experimentation (AKA The Lab) nearby at 508 Main Street.
Sizing up the five walls filled with colorful small squares of art, MacDonald says, “Not everyone has room on their walls to hang a large piece of art, so these smaller works are the perfect solution.” Learn more at TheCollaborative02885.org.
Photo courtesy of The Collaborative
Voices of the Bay: Dianna Shaw
A convenient internship launches a 30-year career of helping older adults navigate healthcare
By Nina Murphy
Dianna Shaw was in her last year at college when she came across an internship opportunity at a Boston nursing home. The experience propelled her on a career path working in the senior health care sector. These days the Barrington resident is a senior care advisor and applies her wealth of knowledge from over three decades of experience to an umbrella of services, from health care navigation and assisted living and nursing home guidance to ER advocacy, proactive health, wellness planning, and more. A graduate of Simmons College (now Simmons University) with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and a master’s degree in dispute resolution/negotiation with a healthcare concentration from UMass Boston, Shaw is chair of the Barrington Senior Services Advisory Committee, which advocates for seniors in the community.
GOOD HOURS: During my last year of college we had to do an internship; it changed my life. There was an index card on a bulletin board that said, “Internship opportunity working in a nursing home 4pm-8pm.” I was like, “Oh, those are good hours,” and I could ride my bicycle. For more than 36 years I’ve been working with seniors, senior-related programs or [with] some sort of gerontology impact.
RELATIONSHIPS: I’m such a relationship person that building relationships with seniors was really just super fun, rewarding, and so genuine. Seniors are known for having no filter, just telling you what they think, right? They really want to reach out and connect, and oftentimes they’re lonely. I had a close relationship with my
paternal grandmother. Spending time with her and getting to know those seniors in this nursing home in Boston did it for me.
RESOLUTION: I was the assistant administrator at a nursing home when it went on strike, and all the staff walked out of the building. I couldn’t leave because in a strike situation, an administrator has to be on duty 24/7 so I would sleep on the floor in my office. The contract negotiations for healthcare were so interesting to me that I started taking classes in dispute resolution and negotiation with a healthcare concentration. At the time, managed care was coming into Medicare, and seniors were expected to negotiate and do dispute resolution if they felt like their medical care was denied. Can you imagine seniors with some sort of health issue having to try to negotiate on their own with a managed care company? They have since gotten rid of that.
ACCOMPANIED: Whether you’re 18 or 88, you should not go to an emergency room alone.
The ER is not typical health care. They triage by acuity [take the sickest people first, not based on what time you show up]; seniors are not always good about advocating for themselves and often have a long list of diagnoses and a long list of medications, and have very limited ability to report accurately on all that.
BARRINGTON SENIORS: The Advisory Committee focuses on people over the age of 60. That said, there are people with disabilities who fall into that “needing services” bucket. We advise the Peck Senior Center and also advocate for other services. Barrington tax assessments and tax revenue is a hot topic, especially since the town is doing some school projects like fields and recreation projects, so we advocate for seniors to make sure that they don’t get forgotten. There’s been a lot of work on how we can have some affordable housing for seniors in town. It’s a great committee with some very passionate people. A community needs to be intergenerational to make it a robust town.
Photo courtesy of Dianna Shaw
Dianna Shaw
Rising Tides Apothecary
Wellness
Shop
What it is:
A business focused on a whole-body approach to beauty and wellness.
Where to find it:
On historic Water Street in Warren, look for the circular “RT” sign and open flag on a brick-faced storefront. Rising Tides Apothecary is across the driveway from Waterdog Kitchen + Bar. Street parking is available, or find spots at The Guild lot, one block behind the shop.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Founder Katie Frank named her business after the saying, “rising tides lift all ships,” and it’s an MO that permeates all she does. “Our philosophy is simple,” begins Frank. “When you are elevated and at your best, you have the ability to lift everyone around you. Community, connection, and a holistic methodology to beauty and wellness are at the heart of everything we do.” And what they do is offer products and services that care for the whole person, helping patrons to radiate wellness and vitality back into the world. Frank prides herself on creating a personalized, solution-oriented experience where she gets to know her customers well in the name of addressing their needs. The shop is stocked with organic vegan makeup and natural skincare brands like Ursa Major. Says Frank, frankly, “My guiding light with Rising Tides Apothecary is to give you full permission to care for yourself, inside and out.”
Rising Tides Apothecary
141 Water Street, Warren RisingTidesApothecary.com @rising.tides.apothecary
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
P hoto
courtesy of Rising Tides Apothecary
WHO Celebrating Our at TO WATCH
Thursday, April 24th
Join us at Track 15 for an exciting event celebrating Rhode Island’s rising stars! Get ready to be inspired by talented individuals making waves in their industries. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
MEET the 2025 honorees
EXPLORE Providence’s newest food hall
LIVE MUSIC to entertain through the night
TRY a selection of food from the Track 15 restaurants
40 EXCHANGE TERRACE, PROVIDENCE PURCHASE TICKETS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Behind the Seams
Catching up between seasons with local Emmy-nominated costume supervisor
By Alexandra Ashe
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age , it’s exciting to know that many scenes of the historical drama – created by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame – are filmed at various Newport mansions, most recently during fall in preparation for season 3, but there’s another connection: costume supervisor Denise Andres. A 1975 alumna of the University of Rhode Island (URI), she maintains homes in both Wakefield and Brooklyn, New York.
Andres hadn’t set out to work in the world of costume design. Growing up, her aunts were skilled in fashion – one a milliner, the other a dressmaker – and owned successful businesses in Providence in the 1940s and ‘50s, and Andres’ mother encouraged her interest in sewing by getting her lessons in the summer. When Andres first enrolled at URI, she was more focused on liberal arts and just finding her way. It wasn’t until she needed a job to help pay for college that she stumbled upon URI Theatre’s costume shop. There, she found a mentor in Joy Spanabel Emery, a professor in theater and textiles, fashion merchandising, and design. “I was completely fascinated by it and became a theater major,” says Andres. “Joy was a fantastic teacher and just opened up a world for me. And working in costumes is what I’ve done my entire life.”
A veteran of nearly 50 years in television, film, and theater, Andres has worked costumes in countless productions including The Sopranos , The Wolf of Wall Street , and Shutter Island . Her IMDb page includes more than 40 projects, and the list keeps on growing. Among her television and film credits, she most often serves as costume supervisor. For The Gilded Age , she oversees a costume shop responsible for fitting over 500 background actors that bring the show’s late 19th-century setting to life. The costumes constantly need to be tailored and pressed, inventoried, and then put onto a truck and sent to a specific location for filming. The job can certainly be a challenge. From managing fittings to coordinating the transportation of costumes to various filming locations, schedule changes, location shifts, and actors telling her their sizes
that are completely off.
In late July, Andres was in Brooklyn when she got the call that a leak in the ceiling was threatening to ruin the hundreds of costumes stored inside the show’s costume shop in Troy, NY. She rushed straight to the scene, ready to assess the damage and relocate the costume shop, which resembles a small indoor mall rather than a single workspace. Fortunately, nothing was lost, but it took more than 30 crew members nearly two days to move the costume shop to a new location.
“It was a lot of work,” recalls Andres. “We were all exhausted, sweaty, hot, everything.” It was after all the chaos had subsided when Andres received the extraordinary news that she had been nominated for an Emmy Award. “Our assistant production manager said, ‘You guys got nominated for an Emmy.’ I started crying.”
But it didn’t come as a complete surprise for Andres. “I had a feeling we would get nominated,”
she admits. “It’s such a costume-heavy show and the clothes are just fantastic.”
Andres was nominated for Outstanding Period Costumes for a Series for the season 2 episode, “You Don’t Even Like Opera.” While FX’s Sh ōgun took the prize, the nomination was its own reward, which Andres notes that she shares with a talented team: designers Kasia Walicka-Maimone and Patrick Wiley, assistant designer Isabelle Simone, and costume supervisor Rebecca Levin. Together, they brought the extravagant world of The Gilded Age to life with glorious fashion, earning the show a total of seven Emmy nominations. But more than anything, it’s the show’s team that makes The Gilded Age experience stand out for Andres, who ranks it as one of her most rewarding jobs. “We have an awesome team, probably one of the best on this coast,” says Andres. “It makes the collaboration so great. Everyone gives way more than 100 percent.”
Photo (L) by Tony LaRoche, courtesy of URI
Photo, (R)
Photo by Barbara Nitke, courtesy of HBO Photo
Louisa Jacobson and Denée Benton dressed in period attire
Denise Andres
Te Must List
essential events
month For a statewide listing of events visit us online! HeyRhody.com
January 24: Partake of an evening of classical music with the award-winning ensemble Telegraph Q uartet performing works by Rebecca Clarke, Bedrich Smetana, and Beethoven’s String Q uartet No. 10 in E-flat Major Newport, NewportClassical.org
Through January 26: Parallel Threads: Entangled End is an immersive art and history exhibition that explores connections between workers in Australia and the United States, featuring work from both New England and Q ueensland artists. Bristol, BristolArtMuseum.org
January 1: Brave the elements at the 21st Annual Polar Plunge at Easton’s (First) Beach, benefiting A Wish Come True, an organization that grants wishes to Rhode Island children with life-threatening illnesses. Newport, AWish.org
January 3-5: Laugh off those mid-winter blues with Chicago native comedian-turned-actor DeRay Davis , best known for roles on 21 Jump Street , VH1’s Hip Hop Squares , and his recent Showtime special, DeRay Davis: Power Play . East Pro v idence, RIComedyConnection.com
January 4: Explore your creative side at the Jamestown Arts Center with printmaking experts Josy Wright and Casey Weibust for Original Prints , a day-long relief and mono-printing workshop, open to all experience levels, ages 16+. JamestownArtCenter.org
January 4: Sip a winter ale or two and jam to the DMB Project, a Dave Matthews Band tribute band, as they kick off a new year of Barn Sessions inside Ragged Island Brewery. Portsmouth, RaggedIslandBrewing.com
January 8, 15, 22, 29: Elevate humpday by signing up for a Fermentation Class at 41º North. Sample five wine tastings with small food pairings all planned around a special theme or particular region. Book early as these events sell out. Newport, 41North.com
January 11: Seaweed Science in Narragansett Bay is a hands-on workshop to better understand the role seaweed plays in the local ecology, led by University of Rhode Island graduate student Rebecca Venezia. All ages are welcome. Bristol, ASRI.org
January 12: Acoustic fans won’t want to miss the Rumford Junction CD Release Party The band will play music from their new album Tributaries at Myrtle. CDs will be available for purchase at the show. East Pro vidence, GiveMyrtle.com
January 25: Explore the Conifers of Blithewold with Dan Christina, director of horticulture. On this walking tour, learn how these trees are used to soften corners in design, create garden rooms, and more. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Photo courtesy of NewportClassical.org
Telegraph Quartet perform in the City by the Sea
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At Residential Properties, we know smart strategies make all the difference. Get in touch with Tom and Angie to learn more about how Rhode Island’s Real Estate Company™ can help you achieve your goals in 2025.*
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OUR ANNUAL SEARCH FOR UP-AND-COMING LOCAL CHANGEMAKERS GOES STATEWIDE
EDITED
BY
ABBIE LAHMERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
NICK DELGIUDICE
Save the Date: Our Who to Watch Party celebrating the honorees takes place April 24 at Track 15 in Providence. Watch for details and ticket sales to be posted online, and follow @heyrhody for updates.
It has long been a tradition for Pro v idence Monthly to shine the spotlight on a group of visionaries and changemakers with big plans for the capital city. This year marks a new tradition as our annual Who to Watch feature not only appears in each of our four magazines but also casts the net wide, identifying rising stars not only within Providence city limits but all of Rhode Island. Some of our small-but-mighty state’s most industrious and creative leaders may not be known to you yet, but it’s likely that if you’ve relished time spent on our sweeping shores, partaken in locally grown food, or spotted larger-than-life troll sculptures, you have a handful of these individuals to thank for those experiences. These honorees are rolling up their sleeves to forge new career pathways in the arts and business sectors, make groundbreaking medical advances, enhance workflow efficiency with innovative tech, develop a long-anticipated food hall, dismantle stigmas surrounding cannabis, cultivate connections with the land, and even help combat climate change with kelp. If you’re entering 2025 feeling uncertain about the future, look up from your doomscrolling and let these 10 visionaries quell your anxieties.
Who to Watch honorees each answered five questions about their work and plans for the city in 2025; answers were minimally edited or trimmed by our team to account for space. To learn more, follow each individual on social media or online.
Watch Ericka Joy Atwell-Cardona Put RI’s International Film Festival on the Map
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
December marked one year since my husband Joshua and I returned to West Warwick after working a decade in Hollywood. In January, I launched EJOYA Productions, driven by my passion for storytelling, creativity, and empowerment. My work is focused on connecting people and uplifting their potential. I’m committed to helping Rhode Island’s creative community flourish.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Through EJOYA, I inspire local talent by partnering with the Artists’ Exchange to offer acting classes, workshops, and on-camera intensives, leveraging my Hollywood experience and network. I also coach public speaking and confidence. Driven by the “Hollywood hustle,” I’m dedicated to creating opportunities for the local community and helping others realize their potential. At RIIFF, I work to elevate the festival’s local and global presence. I forge media partnerships, host impactful industry panels, build local alliances, recruit interns, and create memorable red carpet moments.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
One thing I learned in Hollywood is that a dream isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. In the years to come, I hope the seeds I’ve planted continue to grow, and I look forward to contributing to RI’s production scene. I’m committed to nurturing local talent and offering opportunities for others to climb, whether through mentoring interns at RIIFF or supporting creatives through EJOYA. There’s so much joy in this work!
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Honestly, I don’t focus on challenges – I tackle them head-on and move forward. My time in Hollywood has made me resilient and adaptable, and I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. I approach obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m confident that whatever challenges arise in 2025, I’ll overcome them.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I’m optimistic because I know I’m walking with purpose and light. All of my hard work, sacrifices, and experiences have come together in ways I couldn’t have imagined – and it’s still unfolding. With myself at the helm and my brother Bo watching over me, I’m confident I won’t be disappointed. I’ve learned to bet on myself, and what once felt like a curse – my ambition – has become my greatest strength. I hope to encourage others to have the same mindset. There’s room for everyone to shine!
Watch Joann (Jo) Ayuso Create Access to the Outdoors for City Youth
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I have been a resident of Rhode Island for 18 years, most of those years in Providence, and now I live by the water. I advocate for clean soil, water, and air for those who don’t have it. Growing up in cities, my relationship with the water was estranged. Because of that, I created MEO to provide urban and low-income youth with outdoor experiences. Our water programs let youth form connections to the worlds inside the ocean, especially through sharing knowledge about kelp and oysters.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I do this work because there are people in my community who have little to no access to the shoreline, green spaces, pollution-free air, fresh seafood, lead-free water, or lead-free soil or land to grow food in a garden. MEO works to create access to these essential resources, while sharing how vital it is to keep living waterways, used for food and recreation, healthy for generations to come.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Everything we do is for the next seven generations. MEO creates safe opportunities for our urban and low-income youth in the outdoors. MEO is planning an oyster restoration project in the Providence River, mirroring the practices of the Billion Oyster project in NYC. We believe all community members should be able to be involved in this process to ensure it is a cleaner space for people to visit and spend time on.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
As a new non-profit, the biggest challenge is funding. MEO relies on funding from grants and individual donors. There are two of us on staff and we look forward to growing our team to continue to work for our community. Another challenge is buy-in – stakeholders from the State House, universities, policy-makers, and residents who want the same thing but either refuse or do not know how to support governance models led by those most impacted to be part of the solution.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
As a community we move forward in times that are uncertain. I believe and trust in the circle of people I work with. We gather, share resources, and support our mental and overall health and safety.
Watch Louise Bishop Create a Trail of Tourism in South County
President at South County Tourism Council • (she/her)
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I was born and raised just north of Hartford, Connecticut, and spent many summers exploring and enjoying Rhode Island’s coastline. Now, I’m fortunate to call Westerly – a picturesque part of the Ocean State – my home. Professionally, my work focuses on enhancing the region’s tourism appeal while ensuring that we preserve the very essence of what makes South County and Rhode Island so special.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
The tourism industry plays a vital role in Rhode Island’s economy as the third-largest economic driver in the state. South County, in particular, has long been known for its beautiful shoreline, drawing visitors from around the world. However, I see an opportunity to diversify and expand the region’s appeal by highlighting its rich natural and cultural assets beyond just the coast. One initiative I’m especially proud of is the introduction of the Rhode Island Troll Trail. This project, which launched last May in Charlestown, features recycled art sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Looking ahead, I hope to further enhance Rhode Island’s outdoor attractions by developing beautification plans for several key parks. This initiative aims to give visitors a more immersive experience of the state’s natural beauty. One of my most exciting projects is expanding the Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition. This event draws master sand sculptors from around the world, and by growing its scope, we can solidify Rhode Island’s reputation as a cultural and artistic destination.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
While we’ve made great progress, the primary challenge remains our timeline. These projects – such as expanding the Troll Trail and developing beautification plans – are large in scope and require careful planning and collaboration. They are not quick fixes, but I’m confident that with the right partnerships and community involvement, we will overcome these challenges.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
As we approach 2025, my optimism is grounded in the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our tourism partners. We have received tremendous backing from local chambers of commerce, town managers, and the community. This collaboration has been crucial in driving the success of our projects and initiatives.
Watch Melissa Bouchard Help Companies Leverage Tech to Streamline Workflows
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Rhode Island has always been my home – it’s where I was born, raised, and began my education at the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. In 2019, two local colleagues and I took a bold step and established Fusion3 Consulting. We saw firsthand how businesses struggled with disjointed systems, often relying on email and isolated applications that hindered productivity. Our boutique technology and implementation consultancy was created to address this need. We are committed to helping organizations adopt integrated platforms that enhance workflows, improve collaboration, and drive meaningful growth.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My motivation is rooted in helping companies – and the people within them – discover more effective ways to work. Every project at Fusion3 is driven by a commitment to improve efficiency and make day-to-day tasks easier with technology. Many companies find themselves stuck with clunky processes or outdated systems that slow them down. We saw a need for a partner who could not only set up the right tools but also show teams how to make the most of them. After each project, the results are incredibly rewarding and demonstrate the difference. People feel energized and empowered, and their work becomes less of a struggle.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I aim to elevate Rhode Island’s tech expertise. Fusion3 is dedicated to providing students and career changers with a blend of practical, hands-on training and traditional academics to support the growth of the state’s technology sector.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
As a small consulting firm, balancing growth with personalized service is essential. Fusion3 has earned a reputation for close, tailored support, and as we expand, we’ll remain focused on delivering the same high level of expertise and care that distinguishes us. By addressing these challenges directly, we’re confident in our ability to make a significant impact on Rhode Island’s technology landscape.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I’m optimistic because we have the right people in the right roles, aligned with our mission. This combination of talent and shared purpose is powerful. Our team’s passion and dedication will continue to drive meaningful change – not just for our clients, but for the broader business communities we support.
LinkedIn: Melissa Bouchard
Watch Dr. Jacqueline Christophe-Hayot Grow a Workforce for the Future
Executive Director of Professional and Executive Business Education at the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Business • (she/her)
LinkedIn: Jackie Hayot
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Having lived in various countries and cities, I bring a unique global perspective to my work fostering professional growth and development in Rhode Island. Since joining the College of Business at URI in February 2024, my team and I have grown graduate enrollments, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of investing in employees’ professional development. As the state’s flagship institution for business education, URI offers a wide array of programs designed to meet many needs.
What’s
your motivation for doing this work?
Throughout my own educational journey, I experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of pursuing degrees while working. It took me 11 years after high school to complete my bachelor’s degree, another 16 before I pursued my MBA, and five more years before embarking on my doctorate, which led to finding my dream job. This experience has fueled my passion for encouraging working adults to pursue their educational and career goals, whether it’s a degree, certificate, or higher-paying job. I aim to be a voice that says, “Keep growing, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.”
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
The state has been focusing on improving educational outcomes and preparing students for success in the modern economy. The URI College of Business’ initiative to educate working professionals in the Ocean State will play a key role in upskilling the workforce to meet the evolving needs of statewide industries while shaping the future of education, with a focus on accessibility to working professionals, educational equity, practical skills, fostering innovation, and partnering with local businesses.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Economic uncertainty, skill gaps posed by rapid technological changes, a competitive job market, resistance to change, time constraints, and demonstrating return on investment are all challenges we’re prepared to face. It will be crucial to develop strong relationships with businesses to understand their needs, stay informed about grant opportunities, and emphasize the long-term benefits of succession planning, among other strategies.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
Record-breaking applications, a diverse student body, expanding graduate programs, alumni success, community engagement, and supportive leadership are all reasons for optimism. The positive outlook and supportive leadership of figures like Dean Sean Rogers in the College of Business create an environment conducive to growth and success.
Watch David DeFrancesco Cultivate Local Food and Resources for Farmers
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Born in Rhode Island, I work in Washington County, where I live with my wife Sheri and two amazing children, Noa and Ione. In 2017, I co-founded the RI Farm Incubator, a 501(c) (3) operating on the 91-acre Shewatuck Farm in North Kingstown, where I serve as farm manager. It’s an honor and privilege to live and work in Rhode Island, where I’m able to focus on what’s really important day to day.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My motivation comes from the people working toward a vision of uplifting local food, which supports both the community and growers. If increasing locally grown food is a priority in Rhode Island, how can we help those doing the work overcome critical barriers to success? The RI Farm Incubator allows us to mitigate the cost of overhead for farmers and food producers, including those growing at Shewatuck Farm. Those barriers include access to fertile, flat farm land, which is hard to find and challenging to rent or buy, as well as access to clean irrigation water, GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification, networks for solving integrated pest management challenges, production methods and supply chain support, storage, packaging, marketing, sales, and customer service. The incubator has centralized all of that in a food-safe facility for growers to utilize.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Seeing the growers at Shewatuck Farm continue to expand their businesses – with value-added production and planning around what’s in demand – makes a huge difference, as well as seeing more families opting for a local supply of seasonal produce.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
My challenge is to determine how to maximize the availability of land at Shewatuck Farm, keep the lights and cooler on, fund our existing programs, and expand our board of partners to build on our solid foundation with new energy and ideas. There are also all of the challenges that come with running a small nonprofit, and for me, balancing a workload of construction and farming.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
There is work to do. That sense of responsibility can drive motivation in ways that help to keep a positive attitude in the workplace. Collaboration between well-intended people is a powerful force.
Watch Bri Duffy Spark Change in Perception of Cannabis Culture
Co-Owner of High Society RI • (she/her)
@bakedbrieeeee, @highsocietyri, @highskooliebus
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
My partner David Macomb and I come from families scarred by addiction and trauma. Cannabis has been a lifeline and a source of healing in our battles with anxiety and depression. High Society RI is a multifaceted cannabis experiential marketing agency that connects dispensaries and cultivators with the public through direct, engaging interactions. In 14 months, we’ve hosted over 85 exclusive pop-up socials and offer the CannaBus for private parties, creating Rhode Island’s most unique, enjoyable, and safe cannabis consumption events. High Society supports restaurants in underserved communities, having generated over $100,000 in revenue for restaurant partners.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Our motivation comes from a deep desire to change perceptions about cannabis in public spaces. It’s hard not to see the double standard: people bring their children to buy alcohol or cigarettes, yet we face judgment for simply enjoying a joint in a public setting. We aim to create a safe, welcoming environment that helps normalize cannabis use. AURA Cannabis Co. has been the most supportive partner in this endeavor.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
We’re working toward becoming Providence’s first legal cannabis consumption club with a physical location, rooted in integrity, respect, and a commitment to following every regulation and law. We want to leave a legacy here, not just as business owners, but as kids from an underserved community who stood up to create something positive.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
One of our greatest concerns is the possibility that Rhode Island might limit cannabis consumption lounge licenses to dispensaries. Doing business here can feel like both a blessing and a curse – it often comes down to money and connections, and it’s the wealthy who come out on top. We’re here fighting not just for our own dreams but for our community, for people who deserve a seat at the table.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
We’ve already moved mountains in this industry. While we do this work out of passion, it’s the joy we see at our events that fuels our optimism. We hold onto hope that Rhode Island will recognize the unwavering support we’ve given to the city of Providence and allow us to continue leading the way for cannabis events.
Watch
Meet Unmet Needs in Women’s Healthcare
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
For over five decades, my career has centered around life sciences, particularly MedTech. As the FemTech founder and CEO of a women-owned Rhode Island-based medical device company, my focus is on healthcare solutions that make a difference in patient care. My family and I chose to live in Rhode Island 46 years ago, and my commitment to Narragansett remains strong, serving on various town committees, advocating for business growth, and securing grants for community improvement. I am passionate about the performing arts and continue to take weekly ballet classes.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I am energized by launching groundbreaking medical and surgical devices. In 2020, my small team was invited to compete in a US Air Force challenge to facilitate female aviators urinating mid-mission; we were named an award finalist in a pool of 57 submissions. We shifted our focus from aviators to addressing the needs of “the forgotten woman” – women over 60 who experience functional urinary incontinence; these women are two times more likely to need long-term care. Our design aims to meet the needs of patients and caregivers, delaying or avoiding moving from home.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Growing the life sciences sector is a strategic goal for Rhode Island, and my company focus aligns with enhancing our presence in the medical device industry and creating manufacturing jobs in the state. We have identified collaboration opportunities with several research and design firms and contract manufacturers. We plan to leverage Rhode Island’s expertise in fabric technology.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Securing funding is a significant challenge for many start-ups. We were awarded an Accelerator Grant from the New England Medical Innovation Center in 2023, and in 2024, were recognized as finalists in the Rhode Island Business Competition. While seeking angel investors, we actively apply for Rhode Island Innovation Vouchers, grants, and federal funding.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
The feedback on our product has been overwhelmingly positive, and there’s a clear unmet need for women with functional incontinence. We have assembled an exceptional advisory board of urology doctors nationwide, and my team possesses extensive experience as commercialization experts. We’re well-equipped to compete against larger companies while advancing innovative healthcare solutions.
Watch Chris Marsella Build Solutions
Evolving City Center
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I’m originally from Warwick but my professional life is in Providence. My family has been investing in the city center for more than 50 years, from conceiving of the railroad relocation in the 1970s to realizing the Providence Performing Arts Center. That commitment to the city is in my DNA and I’ve been deeply engaged in historic preservation, tourism, and more. Marsella Properties is a property management firm managing assets across the state, and through Marsella Development, we get to go out and build, including Track 15, the food hall my family is developing at Union Station.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I have been fortunate to travel the world, and I still catch myself in awe of Providence and the work it took to create that renaissance over the last 40 years while ensuring the historic fabric is protected for the next 400. Downtowns have changed a lot, and while there is so much to experience in Providence, there is still a lot to be done. We need to come together and think about rising tides. If we can’t do that in this small, interwoven state of ours, no one can.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Along with opening Track 15 – a dream five years in the making for my family – I will continue to focus on how downtown Providence can evolve. We need people to move their businesses here. Growing that economic base is critical and we need to start thinking outside of the box on policies and approaches to attract businesses and talent.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
While we have our fair share of vacancies in office buildings, we do have beautiful buildings ripe for conversions to residential. It’s time for our elected officials to start recognizing the importance of incentives and programs. That will be my focus in 2025 – to get the right people together to create a solution.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
Our food hall will finally be open! It’s been a long road, but I am so proud of the work my family and our team has done. I can’t wait to open the doors and share a destination with residents and visitors that tells the history of our city and state while showcasing the future of its people.
Watch Enyu (Alaina) Zhang Transform Kelp into a Sustainable Solution
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
From the moment I arrived in Rhode Island, I felt a bond with a community deeply connected to water, nature, and shared values. My research applies microalgae and macroalgae to address climate change. I’ve developed a bioplastic from sea lettuce, and partnered with Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to launch a kelp farm in Narragansett Bay. Under Dr. Di Lorenzo at Brown University, I drafted a manuscript now under review in Frontiers in Marine Science .
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Growing up near Chao Lake in Anhui, China, where cyanobacteria blooms were common, I developed an early awareness of environmental issues. The overgrowth of green algae devastated fisheries and negatively affected the local community, including my family. I recognized the familiar smell of decaying algae near Narragansett Bay, and conducted a research project that transformed waste seaweed into biodegradable plastic. This prompted me to ask, why not turn the seaweed into a natural, sustainable solution to the excessive nutrients in the water? I then developed a model to characterize how sugar kelp farms can serve as a sustainable solution to environmental issues.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I hope to collaborate with local aquaculture farmers, using climate models to support them in mitigating climate impacts. My research is rooted in community needs, and I aim to use this model to address environmental challenges. I also want to create educational opportunities, such as grants and mentorships, for K-12 students. My ultimate goal is to become an environmental lawyer.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Establishing strong partnerships with local farmers and community stakeholders will be challenging, especially when it comes to translating climate model data into actionable insights, and I’ll need to navigate funding constraints to create accessible educational opportunities for others.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I see increasing commitment to environmental issues across the region. People are receptive to scientific insights, especially when connected to tangible outcomes. Working alongside local farmers, for instance, has shown me the value of combining community knowledge with scientific tools like climate models. I believe that this type of collaboration will only grow, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
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OUR GOAL
We strive to set and maintain the highest standards of practice among the aesthetic providers in Rhode Island. We place emphasis on excellence, professionalism, safety, and continued education to ensure exceptional patient care and outcomes.
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HOME & STYLE
Home | Rhody Reads | Influencer | Shop
Calm, Cool, and Collected
Clever built-ins and hidden storage keep a busy family’s Colonial chic and organized
By Elyse Major
Alan and Kait Yick both worked in NYC and lived in New Jersey, but always pictured making their way back to the Ocean State to raise a family. They made good on that promise shortly after the birth of their first child, packing their bags and staying with Kait’s sister and brother-in-law in Narragansett while they searched for a house. It didn’t take long for the couple to fall for the picturesque neighborhood with its close proximity to the water, and despite limited real estate offerings, soon found and purchased a home. However, there was this other house around the corner that caught their eye.
“We always admired this beautiful Colonial on our family walks,” Kait begins, “with gorgeous gardens that looked plenty big enough for our growing family.” The Yicks soon heard through mutual friends that the owners might be interested in selling. “Sure enough, six years later – and hundreds of walks and bike rides of admiring the house from afar – our friends put us in contact, and we toured the home. We knew we loved it immediately and worked out a purchase and sale agreement.”
Once the house was theirs, Alan and Kait wanted
to make some modifications to suit their family. Says Kait, “We knew we wanted clean, bright, airy, natural, kind of modern, kind of classic, kind of beachy, kind of farmhouse… and we also have three kids so we realized that we had to factor that in as well.” Alan explains their decorating style falls in the “we think we know what we like but we don’t know how to do it” so they called White Slate Studio, a nearby interior design business. “Julie [Sanford] and Rachel [Pappas] really made our vision come to life!”
A playroom offers space for play along with desks and task lighting for each child
Photo courtesy of White Slate Studio
IN PRINT
Leading Ladies is a multi-page section within the March 2025 issues of Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody!
• Professionally written by our editorial staff
• Content optimized for social sharing
• Opportunity for a professional head shot
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Join us in celebrating the Leading Ladies of 2025, taking place at the end of March - Details Coming Soon!
Celebrate Women in Business in the Ocean State in Leading Ladies , an annual sponsored content section in our March 2025 Issues!
ON WEB & SOCIAL
Your Leading Lady content will be included on our four websites and includes:
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LEADING LADIES
seating makes the most of a small room
Modular
Sanford and Pappas got to work on a host of both cosmetic updates and custom work, which included installing floating benches and shelves to both sides of the dining room fireplace and the unexpected use of shiplap in a vaulted living room ceiling. “Maybe our favorite custom build is the simple white desk we built for the playroom where the kids can sit and draw, work on art projects, or do homework,” says Sanford.
Rugs create zones in the open floor plan
Fast forward to today: Alan is co-founder and broker at Key Real Estate, and Kait maintains that the best thing about living in South County is the community. “The family values are so strong,” Kait begins. “The people are kind, caring, and loving, and raising their children to be the same. The schools and teachers are amazing. We couldn’t imagine a happier and more wholesome place to be raising our family.”
2025: A New Year, A New Glow
Begin 2025 with radiant skin. Whether you're combating fine lines, aging spots, acne, or simply seeking a youthful refresh, we’re here to provide the care and solutions your skin needs. Our team of experts use the latest technology and treatments to ensure you look and feel your best all year long.
Layered objects in front of the round mirror include art by Rachel Pappas
Potted house plants infuse rooms with natural elements
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
SoCo Love
“We have lots of local favorites and most of them sell coffee, food, and ice cream!” says Kait Yick with a chuckle, rattling off Brickley’s, Monahans, Twin Willows, Meldgies, Nana’s, Coffee Connection, and Fuel. “We go to Lakeside Trading for all of our outdoor needs, Jerry’s for our home-project supplies, POW Science for toys, Wakefield Books, and Crosswnyds Traders for ‘Gansett gear.”
Greenhouse Vibes
In addition to health benefits like ridding the air of common toxins and reducing noise, house plants are designer pets for adding fresh style, filling awkward spaces, and adding shape and color. Plants shown are from The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown.
Neutral Zone
Narragansett-based White Slate Studio specializes in designing beautiful, functional spaces through hard and soft finishes, custom installations, and more. From high-end residential to boutique-style commercial interiors and retail spaces, owner and lead designer Julie Sanford works directly with clients at conception to learn their vision, resulting in oneof-a-kind spaces. Learn more at WhiteSlateStudio.com.
Photo courtesy of White Slate Studio
THIS MUST BE THE PLACE Award-winning wings and top-notch service are
the stars at PJ’s Pub in Cranston
Whether it’s your first visit, or you’ve been stopping in for the past 16 years, if PJ’s is known for one thing, it’s hospitality. Walk through the doors, and you’ll always be met with an immediate and cheerful “hello!” Owners Paul Voigt and Johnny Krikorian believe that the definition of a pub is more than just a place for food and drinks to be served, and together with their team they have successfully created a smalltown bar with a top-class reputation.
Known familiarly as the “bar where everyone knows your name,” it’s a weekday hot spot for the lunch and football crowd. The menu features favorites like fried
pickles and poutine, alongside signatures like the four-stack grilled peanut butter and jelly, and the mile-high Johnny K burger. Look up, and a massive menu of their awardwinning wings and sauces stretches over the bar.
Late night, the music turns up and the lights dim, and you can find regulars cozied up with cocktails into the red leather banquets. As with all the locations in the PJ’s Hospitality Group, five-star service and quality drinks are the priorities, and seasonal favorites like the S’mores Martini and Smoked Maple Bourbon top their cocktail list at the moment (insiders know there’s a few more infamous – and risqué – martinis that
aren’t printed on the menu).
Under the glow of classic neon bar lights, they’re also known for being one of the few spots in town to keep the kitchen open late – the entire menu is available until 1am, seven days a week.
“For the past 16 years, we have earned our reputation with a stellar combination of great food and friendly people,” says Voigt. This reputation makes PJ’s the go-to for catering, as well –they’re already gearing up for Super Bowl parties.
PJ’s Pub is open 12pm-1am seven days a week at 1139 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston. Find food, drink, and catering menus at PJS-Pub.com.
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Rhody Reads
New releases and author events to fill your winter calendar
By Robin Kall
Welcome to a brand-new year of reading! 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years for fiction and I am so excited to share some of my favorites with you. This list includes a blend of bookish things I enjoy, beloved authors, and authors I met at their debuts who now have a second novel.
Since her popular debut, Prep , Curtis Sittenfeld has gone on to write favorites such as Eligible, American Wife, Romantic Comedy , and coming your way on February 25 is her second collection of stories, Show Don’t Tell . In this witty and heartfelt collection, Sittenfeld explores marriage, friendship, fame, and artistic ambition with her signature humor and insight. From a woman revisiting old friends after a divorce to an artist challenging the “Mike Pence Rule,” each story is a deep dive into the complexities of life and relationships.
I have been reading Mirvis’ books since 1999’s The Ladies Auxiliary . On February 11, We Would Never hits the shelves. In this page-turner, family peacemaker Hailey Gelman is shocked when she’s suspected of murdering her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jonah. As tensions rise during a bitter divorce and custody battle over their daughter Maya, Hailey’s family steps in to protect her at any cost. Her mother Sherry will go to extreme lengths, brother Nate can’t stay away, and their father Solomon hides a dangerous secret.
From the treasured author who brought us unforgettable novels such as Still Alice, Inside the O’Briens, Lo v e Anthony, and Left Neglected comes Lisa Genova’s greatly anticipated novel, More or Less Maddy on January 14. In Genova’s latest, a stressed-out NYU freshman is diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a devastating low and a wild manic spiral. Instead of choosing a “normal” life, she embarks on a career in stand-up comedy, grappling with her mental health, identity, and dreams.
Charmaine Wilkerson’s Black Cake was a stunning debut that went on to become an acclaimed Hulu series. Readers can look forward to the January 28 release of Good Dirt Ebby Freeman’s life is forever altered when she witnesses her brother’s shooting, the crime still unsolved and tied to a cherished family heirloom. Growing up in a wealthy New England neighborhood, the Freeman family’s story has always been under public scrutiny. As she uncovers the secrets of her family’s history, she discovers that the heirloom jar may hold the key to her future.
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson is a book that has stayed with me largely because of the well-drawn characters. In People of Means , out February 11, Freda and her daughter Tulip navigate pivotal moments in history while chasing justice and equality. In 1959, Freda faces the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South while balancing love and activism. Decades later, in 1992, Tulip, a rising PR star in Chicago, must confront workplace discrimination and a powerful call to action.
It’s hard to believe that Take My Hand was Dolen Perkins-Valdez’ debut; she follows it up with Happy Land , which comes out April 8. Inspired by true events, Happy Land tells the tale of Nikki, who embarks on a journey to uncover her family’s mysterious past when her estranged grandmother calls with a shocking request. What begins as a search for answers turns into a mind-blowing tale of a hidden kingdom in the hills of North Carolina, ruled by Nikki’s great-great-great-grandmother.
ABOUT ROBIN KALL
Based in East Greenwich, since 2002 Kall has been connecting readers and writers via author events and interviews, book clubs, giveaways, a podcast, and online platforms.
READING WITH ROBIN EVENTS
JANUARY 11: Join Robin Kall and publishing coach Lisa Tener for the Seaside Writing Retreat for Creative Flow , promising lively discussion, a delicious lunch, writing prompts, a Q&A, writerly swag, and more. Narragansett, LisaTener.com
JANUARY 15: Join NYT
Bestselling author Fiona Davis for an evening of wine and charcuterie at Newport Art Club, followed by conversation and book signing. Ticket includes a copy of The Stolen Queen and a book club Zoom chat with Davis on February 26. Newport, RobinKall.com
JANUARY 22: A conversation and book signing with NYT
Bestselling author Lisa Genova includes a copy of More or Less Maddie and a sweet treat from Sweenor’s Chocolates. Westerly, RobinKall.com
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases.
FEBRUARY 13: National bestselling author Tova Mirvis presents We Would Never. Location is TBD; enroll in the RWR email list for updates. RobinKall.com
Meet Kou Tukala Nyan
From poetry to being a notary public, this busy writer does it all
By Alexandra Ashe
Our readers know you from your dining experience articles. Any favorites to share?
Oh my, this is like asking what my favorite plant in my garden is! If you’re in Providence craving great food and drinks (cocktails included), The Point Tavern, The Patio on Broadway, and Brickway On Wickenden. Some favorite brunch spots have been Slice of Heaven in Jamestown, The Rhody Hen Cafe (East Providence, North Providence, and Pawtucket), and Blue Plate Diner in Middletown. And Twin Oaks in Cranston (fall-off-the-bone meat, people!). I also loved the Crime and Cuisine tour on Federal Hill.
What do you like most about the writing process?
As someone who finds herself involved in many random activities, it’s hard to stop and reflect, and sometimes, you have moments when you think your efforts don’t matter. I want people to know that they matter. Every art form is communication. It’s heartwarming to know that whatever I put into the world makes people connect, be inspired, or make their day easier or brighter. I hope that through everything I do, I make a difference.
How did your poetry book come to be?
Jesus, Adulting, People in Poetry is a collection of poetry I’ve written throughout my young adulthood. The writing process was both easy and hard. My conflict and blessing is that I love to share and allow ideas to flow out of me, even when battling
Photo (L) by Vintage Girl Studios, courtesy of Kou Tukala Nyan
Tukala Nyan performing at a Mixed Magic Theatre event
discomforts. Then, when the pandemic happened, it was just my book and me, so that’s how it was finally published. When readers finish, I hope they can feel inspired to write if they’ve been sitting on their poetic gifts.
One of your “random activities” is humanitarian causes. Tell us more. I would call myself a “basic needs advocate.” Some of the humanitarian causes I’m most passionate about are those that help people’s social, educational, physical, and mental health at the most basic level. I once stumbled across a video online about homeless women trying to deal with periods, and I was immediately like, “How can I help?” With the help of my church and my friends, I was able to start Project OverFlo, which became a series of events to educate the community about self-care, activism, and effective positive change.
Any special plans for the year ahead? I’m excited to publish my second book Try & Make It Home . It’s a collection of poetry and short stories about people encountering unusual circumstances while trying to go about their day-to-day lives. I’m looking forward to deepening connections and meeting new people. I’d love to continue my adventures in our lil’ ol’ state and beyond, tasting all the great foods and seeing all the great sights! Learn more at KouTukalaNyan.com.
Winter Living
Five philosophies and ways to bring them home all season long
By Emily Homonoff
W
ith short days and temperatures growing brisk, it isn’t surprising that many of us have begun to hibernate. While the winter season can be a great time for selfreflection, it doesn’t have to be all drab and darkness. Cultures across the globe have their own ways of adapting to the difference in order to continue finding fulfillment. Here are some creative concepts from which you can draw inspiration to make your own living space warmer and cozier this winter.
Còsagach: The Scottish term còsagach nearly translates into being snug and warm. Perhaps it’s why the Scots also have a concept known as hurkle-durkle, which means staying in bed a little past your alarm clock so that you can rest. What better way to achieve both than by enveloping yourself in an oversized wool throw and enjoying a hot toddy or big mug of hot chocolate.
Fika: The feeling of holding a warm mug of coffee as the snow falls is delicious. Perhaps this is why the Swedish have coined the term fika. But more so, this concept is about spending that time with friends, getting to hear little details of everyone’s day, and lavishing in the simple things. Of course fika wouldn’t be the tradition it is without a slice of something sweet as well.
The sofas are piled with soft blankets and cushions, inviting you to curl up. Nature is present in the form of evergreen branches gathered on winter walks.
Layers of comfy bedding draw you in as night falls
Photos courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small
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Gemütlichkeit: This German term is a combined feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good spirit. While gemütlichkeit is centered around cheery feelings between friends and family, you can create the same sense inside the home, primarily through cooking hearty meals (think stews in Dutch ovens) and having friends over. This concept encourages us to be merry, not just around the holidays and affirms that good humor is a way of life.
Hygge: Perhaps the most notable cozifying concept is hygge, which hails from Denmark, a country often named one of the happiest places on earth. Given that, at its core, hygge is about creating warmth, being content, and embracing the quiet, this should come as no surprise. Reflection is also a hallmark of the hygge lifestyle, so take it as an opportunity to read an engaging book!
RHODY RESOURCES:
Where to find what you need to embrace each concept
CÒSAGACH
BLANKETS: Rhody Warm Wool Blankets: Find stockist farms at RISheep.org
WHISKY: The Savory Grape, East Greenwich
LEG WARMERS: LaBrie Dance, Smithfield
PILLOWS: noon designs, Pawtuxet Village
FIKA
CAFE: Cafe Choklad, Pro v idence
COFFEE BEANS: New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Statewide
MUGS: Arch Contemporary Ceramics, Tiverton
BAKED GOODS: A Slice of Heaven, Jamestown
GEMÜTLICHKEIT
BOARD GAMES: Frog & Toad, Pro v idence
COOKWARE: Wickford Gourmet, North Kingstown
LPS AND CDS: In Your Ear Records, Warren
SEASONED FIREWOOD: J&J Materials, Co v entry
HYGGE
BOOKS: Heartleaf Books, Pro v idence
TAPER CANDLES: Homeport, Newport
HERBAL TEAS: Maeva’s Cottage, Woonsocket
LOUNGEWEAR: Crosswynds Traders, Narragansett
IKIGAI
PLANTS AND FLOWERS: Jephry Floral Studio, Pro v idence
HOMEGOODS: Eclectic Energy, Wakefield
MOOD LIGHTING:
Lighting & Design By J&K Electric, Johnston
ARTWORK: AiR Studio Gallery, Westerly
Ikigai: When you look at your life through the lens of passion, mission, and profession, you start to understand your ikigai, or life’s worth. For decades, this Japanese method has been applied to making the home a more authentic place to be. You can take small things that you love and incorporate them into your dwelling. A core component of ikigai is also removing tech from living spaces – challenge accepted!
A Home for All Seasons by Kay Prestney and Becca Cherry, and Winter Living by Selina Lake, Ryland Peters & Small. Available by request at your favorite local indie bookseller.
Waxflower and eucalyptus in the glass jar on the table add scent to the room
Photo courtesy of Ryland
Peters & Small
FEATURE
Beneath the Surface
Hypnotherapy and energy work sessions let clients go deep to get to the root of stressors and forge new patterns
By Emily Olson
Before my hypnosis session at Newport Center for Hypnotherapy, Suzi Nance, proprietor and certified hypnotherapist, asked me to choose something to work on during our meeting. I chose what I thought was neutral and potentially universal: frequent night waking with a side of anxiety. I went to her charming office in a historic Newport building on a Monday morning as a researcher, determined to maintain my journalistic impartiality, but Nance’s warmth and disarming intuition as she gently probed for the root of my problem soon had me reaching for a tissue box. She waved away my apologies, recounting a story of a stoic older gentleman surprised to be reduced to tears in her office over yet another attempt to quit smoking. “It happens,” she said with a shrug.
We discussed the information in my intake form – details about my career and family – and Nance, a grandmother of eight, doled out some wise advice and encouragement peppered with just enough four-letter words to break through the formality of our meeting. My carefully constructed walls were demolished. I felt seen.
“Are you ready?” she asked as I moved to a green velvet recliner in the corner of her office. She covered me with a fuzzy blanket – “You’ll get cold,” she explained – then asked me to close my eyes. She led me into a hypnotized state using what felt much like a guided meditation before talking through the suggestions – what she calls a new script for my brain – that we developed together during my intake session. Her voice anchored me in the room while my mind went on a journey. Twenty minutes later, I was present again, deeply relaxed and refreshed.
Nance says that the trance state I experienced in her office is a very normal state for our minds to be in. If something startles you, it’s because it jolted you out of a trance. If you arrive at work without remembering the journey, it’s because you were in a trance with your subconscious firmly in control. Our subconscious mind is where habit lives, and this is the aspect of ourselves that hypnosis taps into.
Suzi Nance of Newport Center for Hypnotherapy
Photo (left) courtesy of Suzi Nance, (right) courtesy of Zen Den
“When our conscious mind steps back, the subconscious mind takes over,” Nance explains. “In a way, it’s good because if we didn’t have automatic behaviors, we’d never get anything done. Unlike our conscious mind, our subconscious is not judgemental. It just wants to protect us and make life easy. It says if you did something yesterday, we’ll do it again today. And that’s how we get stuck.”
So how does hypnosis help you access that subconscious mind? “Hypnosis simply puts you in a relaxed state,” Nance says. “That’s all it is. And when you’re relaxed, the subconscious is open to a new story if you tell it right.”
Telling the story right is key because the subconscious mind will only accept what makes sense. It isn’t like the movies – no one is going to leave a hypnotist’s office barking like a dog every time they hear a bell ring. But she can help people break bad habits, cope with chronic pain, get over phobias, and like me, deal with stress and anxiety. That’s why Nance spent nearly an hour talking with me before starting our hypnosis session. She wanted to be certain that the suggestions she gave me when I was hypnotized would resonate.
That type of personalized, custom care is what draws many people away from traditional Western medicine, which can sometimes feel very one-size-fits-all, and toward alternative therapies like hypnosis. Julia Collins, owner of Zen Den Newport, embraces personalization and says that it’s her facility’s greatest strength. Zen Den focuses on energy work, specializing in polarity therapy and craniosacral therapy.
“Polarity therapy is pretty unique,” says Collins. “It’s a totally comprehensive system of health based on electromagnetics that’s similar to Chinese medicine in that everything has reflections in the body. For example, if someone came to me with problems in their middle back, I’d work on their kidney system to bring better balance into the body.”
During a polarity therapy session, Collins or one of the other three polarity therapists would apply their hands to a client’s body to receive information about the texture and temperature of tissues before working to move and balance energy within the body. “Think of it as listening through the hands,” Collins says. “We pick the limbs up. We move the client around. We apply soft and moderate pressure or might switch to deep, dynamic pressure.”
If someone goes into a session relatively healthy, they would leave with a sense of mental clarity and feeling at ease, with greater peace and less emotional turmoil. But, Collins says, someone who goes into a session feeling unwell would likely experience a drastic change in their state of being.
At Zen Den, practitioners provide personalized care
Photo courtesy of Zen Den
During polarity therapy, practitioners “listen” through the hands and limbs to balance energy
42 Spring Street, Suite 8A, Newport, ZenDenNewport.com
Craniosacral therapy focuses on the spinal system and the pressure within it. “The spinal system is a closed system, like a highway for the body,” Collins says. “We gently move the spine to affect the flow of fluid within the system. Craniosacral therapy removes waste and brings fresh nutrients to the area.”
Often, both therapies are blended to meet a client’s individual needs. “Because the two forms of therapy work on all systems in the body, I find the combination to be very effective,” says Collins. Zen Den also offers Thai bodywork, sound healing, reiki, yoga, and breathwork.
As one busy year closes and another begins, Collins says awareness of the physical body is paramount. “Observe your body,” she says. “Take a body scan to see what your body feels like. Take a deep breath. Take a walk. Make the time for little stuff.” Those who want more can book a complementary 15-minute discovery call with Collins to learn about the treatments Zen Den offers. “Even starting with one session and seeing what the experience is like is beneficial,” Collins says. None of this is easy with our packed schedules, but Collins says she believes time is created, not
found. “If we want to prioritize something, we have to carve out the time,” she says.
Following both Collins’ and Nance’s wisdom, I carved out some time every day to make a tangible note of all the things on my mental to-do list. That, perhaps combined with my hypnosis session, has made a difference in my life. I won’t say that I’ve slept through every night, but more often than not, I’ve awoken with the sun. Those subtle shifts in my life coupled with the mental clarity that comes with restful sleep has made every stressor easier to face.
Photo courtesy of Zen Den
FOOD & DRINK
Experience | In the Kitchen | Food Trends
Culinary Legends
A newlywed celebrity chef and his wife lean into Azorean roots for charming new Bristol eatery
By Gina Mastrostefano
With its picturesque, colorful storefronts, old-timey lamp posts, and signature red, white, and blue street lines, downtown Bristol is known for its classic Americana appeal, but a new neighbor in town with a bright orange facade infuses Azorean panache into the mix. Folklore Provisions has generated quite the buzz not only with its Portuguese-influenced menu but also with the return of chef Eli Dunn. His success with the former Eli’s Kitchen in Warren and victory on Food Network’s Chopped have made him a household name in Rhode Island.
This new venture, a collaboration between Dunn and his wife Rachel, is a casual dining experience ideal for both a daily coffee run or – in true European style – a drawn-out lunch complete with a glass of wine. Inside, guests are greeted by a pen-and-ink style drawing of hydrangeas along the wall, and blue and white tile lining the counter, where a host of eye-popping pastries are displayed. The dining room is adorned with photos of the couple and their family, giving the space a cozy, welcoming feel, the perfect setting for a long-overdue catch-up brunch with my brother.
Photography by Gina Mastrostefano
FOOD & DRINK
Must-Try Items
BLT ( $12 ) : Four slices of natural bacon on toasted house-made “nanny bread” with lettuce, tomato, and mayo served with choice of dressed greens or house-seasoned fries
THE USUAL WITH CAÇOILA ( $14 ) : Two eggs any style served with home fries, toast, and caçoila (pulled pork simmered with garlic, paprika, hot pepper, sweet onion, and red wine, topped with sweet pepper)
Cuisine: Portuguese-American fusion brunch fare Atmosphere: Cozy-meets-minimalist cafe
We started off with a much-needed round of coffee – an iced oat milk latte with Borealis espresso and honey for me. We shared the Fried Mozzarella special with a tangy homemade marinara. I don’t typically start the day with fried cheese, but this dish was pleasingly light and great for an early lunch. I also enjoyed their classic BLT, which did not skimp on thick, crispy slices of bacon on lightly toasted bread. It paired wonderfully with the Caesar salad that had no business being as good as it was – the addition of capers and sundried tomatoes were a delightful surprise.
My brother had The Usual, a perfectly done two-egg breakfast with home fries and toast, with the Caçoila, a Portuguese-style pulled pork simmered with spices, sweet onion, and red wine that stole the show.
To round out a meal worth lingering for, we also sampled a few pastries from the bakery case that are made in-house by Folklore’s pastry chef. The toasted goat cheese and apricot scone was the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, while the fresh blueberry muffin was bursting with fresh fruit and flavor.
Though a recent addition to Bristol, Folklore oozes nostalgia, as if it’s always been there. For those, like me with Portuguese roots, a visit to this eatery – using only the best ingredients – is akin to a family visit and can’t be missed.
A chef channels his love for cooking into crafting artisan wood utensils from foraged trees
By Abbie Lahmers
When most artists speak of inspiration striking, the sentiment is usually rhetorical, but not for Juan Ferrer, whose pursuit of woodworking also came with a clap of thunder. “I was kind of thrown into this journey when lightning struck my backyard,” he says, telling the story of how the act of nature felled a 50-foot maple tree 10 years ago. An experienced chef, Ferrer had been working in kitchens since early high school and was well-versed in the world of fine dining – and wood utensils were his preferred tools of the trade. “I had this idea that I wanted to explore woodworking, but I was pressed for finances at the time.”
So when the serendipitous bolt of lightning granted him the resources, he had no choice but to buy a cheap chainsaw and start breaking down the maple. “I was just sort of
taking what I could get and slowly cutting it apart to make projects with it,” explains Ferrer. He honed his craft organically over time, growing his arsenal of tools and skills, and selling wooden spoons and cutting boards to friends and family.
By 2021, he was working in construction but found himself at a crossroads when he lost his job. The same week, Tim Kearns of the Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market reached out, inviting him to join as a vendor. “I didn’t know whether my product would be marketable,” Ferrer reflects, but he brought a box of spoons he’d carved over the past several years and set up his first market table. “The reaction from the public was so extraordinarily overwhelming in a positive way – I sold almost $1,000 worth of spoons in one day.”
Spoon & Board has since taken off, with a mission of crafting chef-inspired utensils that
Now the market manager of the Pawtucket Farmers Market, Ferrer also sells his goods at the market, along with the Tiverton Farmers Market. Find Spoon & Board products at Seymour Foods in Providence, Fenwick & Oliver in Bristol, and online. SpoonAndBoard.square.site
TREE-T YOURSELF
Whether you’re a professional chef or foodie enthusiast, there’s Spoon & Board items perfect for your kitchen.
Serious Chef
A hand-carved spoon to suit your unique cooking style can’t be beat, along with a high-quality cutting board.
Casual Cook
Ferrer designs spatulas tailored to right- or left-handed cooks, perfect for sauteing or stir-frying. Handmade chopsticks are also essential for sushi lovers.
Dinner Party Host
Charcuterie boards, which come in unique shapes and styles, make beautiful statement pieces that can be hung on the wall when not using. Salad bowls are also both decorative and functional.
Baking Enthusiast
Ornate salt cellars and sugar boxes add panache to countertops, while bespoke rolling pins are a game changer. Throw in a honey dipper for good measure.
Finishing Touches
Any wooden kitchenware user will benefit from the gift of Ferrer’s own all-in-one Organic Board Butter, a finishing product he formulated to not only maintain Spoon & Board utensils but also restore heirloom and antique wood pieces.
last a lifetime. “I think it fills people with a sense of pride to work with high-quality tools,” he says. For Ferrer, the artistry of cooking carries over into woodworking. He describes wood as a “living and dynamic thing,” with different patterns of grain and porosity levels. “You have to learn how the grain reacts over the course of the curing and drying process, and as a chef, you can use
Hand-carved spoons from RI trees
that to your advantage. Certain trees and cuts behave in many ways like different cuts of beef.”
And customers benefit from his expertise when it comes to crafting pieces with different culinary utilities in mind, whether selecting spoons best suited to stewing, saucing, or sauteing, or with shapes that conform to cookware they already have. He fashions rolling pins that range from heavy bodied to light, French tapered or flat. “Each customer has an intuitive experience when exploring my kitchen wares,” notes Ferrer. No two items are exactly alike.
Another key element to Spoon & Board’s mission is a commitment to only using foraged wood from Rhode Island, which he often happens upon as fortuitously as the lightning maple. “I don’t cut trees down – that’s another big part of my ethos,” he shares. “Nine times out of 10 times, the trees find me.” Mother Nature knocks them down, market goers or other connections alert Ferrer to them, and he gives them a second life. Most notably, when the Lincoln School in Providence had to bid farewell to their beloved 200-year-old copper beech – which had sadly succumbed to beech blight – Ferrer was enlisted to harvest the East Side landmark. He crafted over 200 items to be gifted to school donors.
In his Pawtucket apartment that doubles as a woodshop, Ferrer has built “a library of species” over the years. He estimates he has about 1,000 pieces of wood that he’s managing at one time, from drying and curing to milling and carving. He seals the foraged sections with paraffin wax emulsion to slow down the drying process, a step that will later prevent the wood from cracking under tension, which is just the beginning of the deep level of reverence he brings to the process.
Ferrer describes the labor-intensive craft as a sort of catharsis, to wait upwards of two years for the wood to dry and then gradually shape it into an object that will become a part of someone else’s culinary ritual. “Cooking, to me, is about forming good relationships, whether it’s your family or friends, and being a part of that is extraordinarily humbling.”
Food Trends: Healthy Habits
East Bay markets and eateries that make aiming for healthier choices simple
By Ken Abrams
Founded in 2022, Basil & Bunny is a cozy eatery serving up tasty and nutritious plant-based foods from their inventive menu. “We offer so many healthy options, from flavorful grain bowls and salads to sandwiches full of plantbased proteins,” says owner Lyslie Medeiros, who originally developed the concept at Hope & Main in Warren. Menu highlights include
the Bunny Bacon Ranch, with two house-made bean and mushroom patties, vegan cheese, bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles, and ranch on a double-decker sesame seed bun. Another favorite is the Backyard BBQ Chicky, a brioche bun stuffed with crispy chicky seitan, barbecue sauce, onions, slaw, and mayo.
“Plant-based foods are a great way to go. They
are low in saturated fats and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And yes, you still get lots of protein,” says Medeiros, who enjoys guiding customers on the road to healthier and greener eating. “I absolutely love showing people how delicious plant-based foods can be. At Basil & Bunny, we are happy to help you navigate toward a healthier you.” Bristol, BasilAndBunny.com
Green eating at cozy Unity Park plant-based eatery
P hoto courtesy of Basil & Bunny
Wholesome ingredients from an East Bay mainstay
If shaking things up in the kitchen is your resolution this year, Clements’ Marketplace is a great place to start. “We’re always expanding our selection of healthy options that fit various dietary specifications. Whether it’s gluten-free, keto, paleo, or organic, we like to think we have something for everyone,” says Matthew Ponte, director of marketing and communications. He shares that customers have been raving about cold-pressed juices and kombuchas from Rhode Island brand Fully Rooted. “They have zero preservatives or additives and no added sugar. There has also been a movement toward probiotic-rich and fermented foods designed to improve digestive health.”
Clements’ sells produce from Vertigreens, a state-of-the-art hydroponic farm in Westport, MA, that provides an assortment of salad blends and other ultra-healthy produce options grown without pesticides or herbicides. “Fortunately, the days of healthy foods not being as delicious as their everyday counterparts are well behind us,” says Ponte. “There are so many specialty producers making absolutely delicious products that are also better for you.” Portsmouth & Bristol, ClementsMarket.com
Shop organic and whole foods at Portsmouth marketplace
For a great selection of organic produce, grassfed meats, fair-trade coffees, vegetarian and vegan products, cheeses, bulk bins, and more, look no further than The Green Grocer. “We offer a wide array of products that we take time to vet, that match the values of a core part of our mission to encourage healthy living for all,” says Caleb Wood, perishables procurement specialist.
Wood encourages patrons to start small to achieve their healthy eating goals. “The average American diet is lacking in substantial fiber or protein, leaning very heavily on processed foods,” he explains, “so adding a few whole foods, like grains, fruits, and vegetables, might be an easy place to start. There is no one-sizefits-all solution.” The market also works to maintain fair pricing for customers through a partnership with the Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association, collaborating with other stores in the same field “to provide a robust selection of items to fit our customers’ budgets, no matter how big or small,” adds Wood. Portsmouth, TheGreenGrocerRI.com
This February 13th, not only is it Galentine's Day, but we're also celebrating Sharon's retirement!
DON'T MISS THIS GREAT EVENT
PIC OF THE BAY
Bird’s eye view of the Mount Hope Bridge dusted in snow
ABOUT KAYLA
@k___elizabeth
Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera in hand.
