In a fast-moving market, smart buyers slow down where it matters. By preparing early and following a clear strategy, you can make confident decisions and buy without second-guessing.
These seven tips help you measure carefully, so you only have to buy once.
1. Get pre-qualified with a local lender 2. Differentiate their needs and wants
Persistent and open-minded
Available, flexible and willing to compromise
Keep their emotions in check
Visualize the potential of a property
Hire me as their buyer represenative
SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE HOME BUYERS: WANT MORE DETAILS ON EACH EFFECTIVE HABIT? Follow @AliciaReynoldsRealtor on Instagram!
Photo courtesy of Margin Street Inn
News & Culture
12 OCEAN STATE MEDIA: A local filmmaker honors the classic triple-decker
14 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month
16 RHODY READS: Recommended books and events from downtown PVD bookstore
18 RHODY GEM: Inventive toppings and baklava at a North Kingstown pizza joint
19 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A13 HOME: Skillful use of pattern and panache keep a large Providence house inviting
A16 WELLNESS: Winter skincare advice from East Bay luxury brand formulator
A22 SHOP: Items found locally designed to inspire movement with style
Leading Ladies
53 Inspiring stories of women making a difference around Rhode Island
Food & Drink
71 FIELD TRIP: Frosty air dining with a side of curling to ease Olympics withdrawals
74 ROUND-UP: Take a statewide trek for March holiday treats
76 COCKTAILS: A mixologist shares what’s old is new again in Providence
78 IN THE KITCHEN: How a love of pasta-making inspired a Warren-based entrepreneur
Hey Rhody Photos
80 A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram
In our January issue, we inadvertently referred to Sadeqa Johnson’s newest work as The House of Eve, her previous book, published in 2023. Her new book, released February 12, 2026, is Keeper of Lost Children
ON THE COVER: Enjoy a
Photo by Taylor Buttie
Photo courtesy of Samantha Kennedy
bite by the saline lap pool. Photo courtesy of Weekapaug Inn.
Photo courtesy of Elm Real Estate & Design
Winter blues? Get into the Spring Groove!
The spring market in Rhode Island moves fast. Getting into the spring groove means knowing when to move, how to prepare, and having a clear strategy in place.
Whether you’re selling, buying, or renting, success comes down to nailing the details and partnering with an agent who knows how to keep everything moving.
Listed by Stephen: $975,000 273 275 WICKENDEN STREET Providence - Two 3-Unit Multi Families Sold by Stephen: $1,450,000
by
$800,000 109 BOWEN STREET
Providence - 4-Unit Multi in College Hill Listed by Stephen: $1,395,000 11 ELMCROFT AVENUE
Providence - Elmhurst Colonial Represented by Stephen: $3,250/month
Get support today for things like depression, anxiety, ADHD and more.
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is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI.
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Hey Rhody!
As I write this message, tall peaks of frozen snow linger alongside roadways courtesy of January’s generous dumping. From certain vantage points, it’s still beautiful, but causes bouts of cabin fever nonetheless. Enter March, with its spring-forward promise of lengthening days and two of our most anticipated annual features: Leading Ladies, and the regional travel cover story.
For many years, in tandem with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, our Leading Ladies special section has offered a sponsorship opportunity for business leaders to share about themselves, their teams, and the great work they do. Page after page is filled with inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and determination. In celebration, the Cheers to Leading Ladies party is planned for March 26 at Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston. It’s always a special night. Find details at Eventbrite.com.
“Travel Local” continues the mission of showing that a world of experiences is possible right here – and nearby – where we live. Propelled by a love of New England (and an expired passport and air traffic control concerns), I’m personally happy as a clam to pack a bag, toss it in the trunk, and take Route 44
to what feels like Venice for a gondola ride before dinner and a chic comfy room, cross a causeway to a sparkling island resort, or enjoy peace and quiet at a beautifully appointed property. Destinations three hours or less away in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, are also included.
In this issue, you’ll also find new books for your TBR list, learn what it’s like to be a female stand-up in Rhode Island, meet a trio of adoptable pets, and discover pizza and desserts with Kurdish influences. “Radio is the Sound Salvation” (page 21), turns up the volume of the staying power of college radio.
Local pros share everything from winter skincare tips, to cool goods, to talented photographers to follow. In Food & Drink, check out a restaurant’s new brunch service, get best bets for March holiday desserts, and for those missing the Winter Olympics, igloo dining with curling has landed in Providence.
Thank you for reading!
Elyse Major
Editor In Chief
Pinwheel
Margin Street Inn
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Barry Fain
Richard Fleischer
John Howell
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Arts | Ocean State Media | Rhody Pets | Rhody Reads | Rhody Gem | Calendar
Let’s Talk
A sit-down with female stand-ups on the state of the comedy biz in Rhode Island
By Emma Bartlett
As Providence stand-up comedian Leslie Zwicker sees it, Rhode Island’s comedy scene is a lot like the rest of the state: small but mighty. There’s a strong pool of talent, and fellow comedians consistently show up to cheer one another on. “We write together, give each other feedback. We eat chicken tenders together, and what’s more powerful than that?” jokes Zwicker, whose stand-up journey began in 2022.
From the Comedy Connection in East Providence to John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory, the laugh industry is booming across the Ocean State. And according to one celebrated performer, the landscape looks very different than it did 40 years ago. “There are more women comedians now,” says Poppy Champlin, who has appeared on Oprah , opened for Rosie O’Donnell, and won America’s Funniest Real Woman on The Joan Rivers Show . “I feel like it’s an evening out and, not only an evening out, but it may be switching more toward women.”
Today Champlin teaches comedy classes, runs Queer Qomedy Queens , and hosts Poppy’s Hot Mic at Pump House Music Works in South Kingstown. Zwicker, who finds herself on the Pump House stage, shares that her material leans lightheartedly into poking fun at herself and highlighting life happenings. Fellow comedian Kim Arundel gravitates toward everyday things for content as well but adds a physical component. “I’m very animated in my style,” says Arundel, who took Champlin’s comedy class in 2018. “I am not a comedian that just
stands there and talks: I am all over the stage; I’m on the floor, I’m gesturing. It’s all very natural – it’s like something turns on and I just go.” Champlin explains that developing that voice takes time, and it can take years to become good at it. But being a strong comedian was only part of the struggle for earlier generations of women, who have battled biases unrelated to talent. Doreen Collins, who has been part of Rhode Island’s comedy scene for 25 years and was the first woman inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, recalls a fellow female
Photo (L) by Maxwell Snyder, courtesy of Leslie Zwicker
Kim Arundel
Leslie Zwicker
comedian being told she wouldn’t be a success because she was “too good looking. Women have had to overcome that,” says Collins. “If you look too good, they’re not listening to you. But if you’re funny-looking, then they’re laughing at you. It’s a whole other layer that I don’t think men have had to be judged on.”
Some of that judgment, she notes, still lingers today. Collins currently performs Aging Disgracefully , a comedy cabaret with Charlie Hall that celebrates getting old, and she runs an annual all-female comedy show called The Ladies Room
Sponsored by female-owned businesses, a portion of each ticket price goes to a female-based charity.
“Women have been oppressed for so long and, being able to stand up and be ourselves fully, I think women have a lot to say,” says Champlin. And, despite the competitive nature of comedy, performers say the state’s scene is communal –a place where people share advice, workshop material, and build industry connections. “If you’re funny, you’re going to get a spot, and if you’re not, then you get opportunities to work on it,” Arundel says.
Poppy Champlin
Why These Local Filmmakers Are Celebrating the Classic New England Triple-decker
Once built for immigrant workers and their families, the iconic three-floor homes nurture community in a way small apartment buildings don’t
In Partnership with Ocean State Media OceanStateMedia.org • By Luis Hernandez
For over a century, triple-deckers have been a staple of Rhode Island’s urban landscape. The iconic threefloor homes were first built to accommodate immigrant industrial workers and their families. But while they’ve fallen out of favor over the years, some people think the houses could help solve today’s local housing crisis. Wakefield filmmaker Marc Levitt explores that possibility in a new documentary called Triple Decker: A New England Love Story . Ocean State Media’s Luis Hernandez met up with Levitt and his co-producer Dennis Hlynsky to discuss the film.
On why he wanted to tell the story of triple-deckers in Rhode Island:
Marc Levitt: I was fascinated for years when I came to this area about the triple-decker and its physical form. And how it created a sense of calmness as I walked into the space and recognized that it was, sort of, giving you a sense of nurturing in life as you went into it. And being part of the way in which people understood about how to behave as human beings within a cultural setting. The intimacy of them seems to be a very big part of this culture. One of the reasons is that they’re close
together. There’s a lot of intimacy here, and when people come here to see them, there’s something very sweet about them, something that gives you a sense of community.
On how triple-deckers exemplify communal living in Rhode Island:
Dennis Hlynsky: If you take the sort of a microcosm of three families living in a house –whether they’re related or whether they’re not, whether they’re working together – they have to deal with each other in a way that you don’t have to deal with your neighbors when you are living in a ranch house or when you’re living in a high-rise apartment.
Often the landlord lives in the house. If you take that constellation of family, that constellation of living together and multiply it by all of the houses that are in New England, there are stories in all of these houses. That story, I think,
is the story of New England culture. There’s something about liberalism in New England; where that comes from. If you have to live next to your neighbor and you have to take the trash out at the same time, or you have to clear the snow off the sidewalks, there’s a kind of camaraderie. [You see it] when you walk up the stairs and somebody’s cooking something and their door is open, and later on they come down with a bowl of soup because they’ve made too much.
On the future of triple-deckers in Rhode Island:
Hlynsky: The bulk of the triple-deckers were formed around the mills. When the mills moved out to the suburbs, the reason for the triple-deckers kind of fell by the by and they became tenements. They became these empty hulks. They became really cheap housing, and they became kind of unwanted. I think the
Photo by Luis Hernandez, courtesy of Ocean State Media
idea of tearing them down and building on the same lot an apartment building that has 16 small units; it just takes something away from the culture that I have come to love in New England. I hope that the richness of living in these houses will draw people out to say, “No, don’t tear this down. Let’s figure out ways to, you know, make them work.” It’s easier to tear it down and to make something else. But what is going in its place? And will it be warm? Will it be functional? Will it be a community? Or are we trying to make a set of apartments where everybody lives apart from one another and never has to see anybody? Those are the decisions that we have to make as we contemplate this housing crisis.
This article was originally posted on February 9, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@OceanStateMedia.org.
A Little Luck. A Lot of Expertise.
A little luck can help, but successful sales are driven by smart strategy , strong marketing , and experienced guidance .
Some of our professional services include:
Complimentary Market Analysis to determine your home’s value
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Marc Levitt directed the documentary Triple Decker: A New England Love Story
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.
If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.
MOMMA
BELL
BREED: Mixed
AGE: 1.5 years
GENDER: Female
Momma Bell’s beauty is undeniable, and her heart is ready to be your girl. Momma Bell was found after being hit by a car and is now ready for her journey to a loving forever home where she will be safe and loved. She is active and playful, and is medium in size. Her ideal home would have a fenced-in backyard so she can run and play safely, along with a family who will give her the exercise she needs, plus plenty of snuggle time.
RHODE HOME RESCUE
hillary@rhodehomerescue.org
TANGY
BREED: Domestic Shorthair
AGE: 6 months
GENDER: Female
If you have been thinking about adopting a precious kitten, look no further. Tangy is as cute and playful as can be; she has a real zest for life. Her coat is mostly white, with pretty splashes of orange, and her eyes are light green, sparkling with excitement. This little nugget of love can’t wait to complete your family.
WALKER’S WAY RESCUE beckie@walkerswayrescue.org
Momma Bell
Tangy
Photos (left and center) by Donna Normand
DYLAN
BREED: Mixed
AGE: 1 year
GENDER: Male
Meet Dylan, whose handsome good looks will capture your heart. You can’t help but fall in love when you meet him. He is energetic, fun-loving, smart, and can’t wait to meet you. Dylan loves to go for walks and long rides in the car. He would love a fenced-in yard where he can run around and play. So what are you waiting for – call today to find out how you can meet this wonderful boy.
Dylan
Photo (R) by Karen Kalunian
Rhody Reads
Symposium Books Spotlight
By Scott McCullough and Anne Marie Keohane
Six new releases, each with an event, make March the perfect month for discovering your next favorite author. Find even more suggestions at our store. Look for the Symposium Books Spotlight sign over the table of recommended reading.
Let the Poets Govern by Camonghne Felix: Blending memoir, literary analysis, and political commentary, Felix explores how language shapes history and personal identity, drawing on her experiences in politics and with Black radical thought to advocate for using poetry as a tool for resistance and reimagining freedom. Book in-store on March 3. Event at Pell Lecture at The Pavilion, April 22 (time is TBA).
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez: Nikki heads to North Carolina after hearing from her grandmother, Mother Rita. There, she’s determined to learn why her mother and grandmother are estranged, but instead is told about a kingdom on this very mountain, and of her great-great-greatgrandmother, Luella, who would become its queen. Paperback release March 3. Book Club at Symposium Books March 26 at 6pm.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere by Kate Brown: A manifesto for the next food revolution, Tiny Gardens Everywhere blends past and present, archive and experience, to offer an inspiring vision of the transformative potential of gardening and urban life. Tilled into a rich history of urban agriculture is an inspiring layer of contemporary activism. Event at Symposium Books: March 12 at 6pm.
Tarot by Tempest by Laura Tempest Zakroff*: Zakroff’s latest book offers a unique and accessible system to help you read Tarot without needing to memorize each card’s meaning. Build both your confidence and intuition through understanding how symbolic meaning, movement, and math weave together, revealing the mysteries of Tarot. Event at Symposium Books: March 13 at 7pm.
Before I Forget by Tory Hoen Henwood: Cricket Campbell is stuck, but her life changes upon learning of her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Rather than put him in a care facility, Cricket moves back home. As he loses his memory, he begins to predict the future; believing in her father’s prophecies means facing her past. Book in-store on March 31. Event at Symposium Books: April 1 at 6pm.
The Bridge Back to You by Riss M. Neilson*: Olivia learned to be a chef at Celia’s Place. It’s also where she fell in love with Carmello. After leaving to become a personal chef, she returns upon learning his mother left her shares of the restaurant. While Carmello wants to drive her away to have full ownership, she sees this as her chance to reconnect with the one who got away. Event at Symposium Books: April 4 at 4pm.
*Rhode Island-based author
Give the gift of indie books with a Symposium Books gift card. Order online at SymposiumBooks.com
ABOUT SYMPOSIUM BOOKS
For 22 years, Symposium Books has been downtown Providence’s go-to for books, vinyl, fun merch, and conversation. Named after the ancient Greek dialog by Plato, the elegant storefront has built a solid reputation for its stellar selection of new, used, and bargain books across various genres – including independent presses, academic publishers, and art publishers. Shelves are filled with a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, which promote differing voices and perspectives. “Symposium Books is known for fostering a welcoming environment for book lovers in a cozy space,” says Scott McCullough, who co-owns the business with wife Anne Marie Keohane. Keep an eye out for our author events, book clubs, silent book clubs, music nights, and other events.” 240 Westminster Street, Providence; Instagram: symposiumbooks
Rhody Slice
Restaurant
What it is:
A Kurdish-inspired pizza place with salads and desserts.
Where to find it:
Look for Rhody Slice in a plaza on Post Road; the long red sign over the windows makes it easy to spot.
What
makes
it a Rhody Gem?
Owner Izzy Oner says that with pizza, it’s all about the base. “Our goal is simple: we want to be known for our crust, because to us, great pizza starts there,” he explains. “My family has been making and selling pizza in New England since the 1980s, and that legacy shows up in every pie we make today.” The menu of pizzas features crave-worthy pies like the pepperoni and hot honey, house meatball, and the Funguy – a savory blend of fresh garlic, mozzarella, and whipped ricotta, topped with portobello mushrooms and a truffle oil drizzle. “We’re not trying to copy anyone, we’re making the kind of pizza we love, shaped by our roots and our standards,” says Oner, who credits his Air Force background with instilling values to always improve, always refine, and never settle. “That mindset lives in our dough and our process every single day.” There are also salads and grape leaves, but don’t miss dessert. Along with chocolate chip cookies and cakes, there’s baklava. “We love infusing flavor into food, layering ingredients with intention, and making every bite feel like something you’ll remember.”
Rhody Slice
7415 Post Road, North Kingstown New location coming soon to Wakefield 420-7405; RhodySlice.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool, 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!
Photo courtesy of Rhody Slice
The Must List
10 essential events this month
Through March 22: The Gamm Theatre presents Henrik Ibsen’s haunting masterpiece Ghosts , a story of hypocrisy, forbidden love, and moral reckoning set in a remote Norwegian town, adopted and directed by Tony Estrella. Warwick, GammTheatre.org
March 7: Warm up at Centreville Bank Stadium on blanket giveaway day at the season opener of the Rhode Island Football Club when the home team takes on Loudoun United FC in an afternoon match, 2:30pm kickoff. Pawtucket, RhodeIslandFC.com
Photo by Ken Abrams
March 7-8: Find some gems at Rhode Island’s largest vintage market, Little City Thrifty , a curated indoor shopping experience featuring vintage clothing, books, records, art, home décor and more, held at the WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, LittleCityThrifty.com
For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com
March 26: Join Hey Rhody Media at the Courthouse Center for the Arts to celebrate the Leading Ladies featured in this issue, an in-person event honoring the remarkable achievements of women in business in Rhode Island. West Kingston, Eventbrite.com
March 14: Don your green and join dozens of local organizations at the 70th annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade , a colorful procession of pipe bands, marching contingents, and community groups kicking off at 11am from Newport City Hall. NewportIrish.com
March 14: See rising stars compete at The Search Grand Finale , a community-driven talent search competition featuring inspiring performers in music, dance, comedy and more hailing from all over New England. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
March 15, 20, 29: Brain Waves RI is hosting three Brain Fairs – held at Brown University, Roger Williams University, and Hope Artiste Village – featuring talks, crafts for kids, interactive learning stations, and community resources. BrainWavesRI.org
March 20-28: The Rhode Island Stage Ensemble (RISE) at the Assembly Theater presents Matilda, Jr. , the story of a girl armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Harrisville, RIStage.org
March 26-29: The 2nd annual Lil Rhody Laugh Riot features big-name comedians, including Chelsea Handler, John Mulaney, Marc Maron, and others in the largest comedy festival ever to hit the Ocean State, at venues around the Providence area. LilRhodyLaughRiot.com
March 26-29: Foodies won’t want to miss the Providence Culinary Collective , in partnership with the Rhode Island Wine Experience ( Wine X ). Register now for cooking classes, paired dinners, tastings and tours, panel discussions, and more. GoProvidence.com
FEATURE
Radio is the Sound Salvation
Since the 1930s, Rhode Island’s college stations have rocked the analog airwaves
By Anna Lofgren and Elyse Major
For those who still enjoy listening to music via live broadcast on the radio, there’s a special place for those seeking an alternative. Look to the low numbers, which in Rhode Island means starting at 88.1 FM (WELH, The Wheeler School). That’s where you’ll find unique selections curated by enthusiastic amateurs, often playing tunes you won’t find on the commercial stations further up on the dial; playlists assembled by students and volunteers that draw from the disc jockey’s own mood or preference. That might mean a set that includes everything from The Supremes to Springsteen to the Sex Pistols. Instead of commercials, there are public service announcements, and formats are often block programming – meaning you learn when to tune in for the DJ playing your niche preference.
WDOM DJ Caleigh Lynch, a 2023 graduate, broadcasting from Providence College
At Brown University, circa 1936, two students used low-power carrier-current systems to share messages and music between dorms. By the 1960s, The Brown Network transitioned from extracurricular hobby to a fully-fledged commercial broadcast station, WBRU 95.5 FM. In the early 1980s, the format changed from album-rock to modern rock, and it was the first place where many discovered bands like REM,
U2, Talking Heads, and others. WBRU was also the go-to on Sundays for its 360 Black Experience in Sound , kicking off the day with gospel and soul. In 2017, WBRU ended its historic FM signal when Brown sold it to a Christian rock radio company for $5.63 million, underscoring an early crack in the medium’s dominance.
Meanwhile, in Kingston, the University of Rhode Island’s radio station launched in 1939
and, similar to WBRU, was on the air by 1964. In 2021, the station’s reach was reduced due to hurricane damage to the radio tower. Despite setbacks, the shows went on and funds for a new tower were raised with the station’s signal expected to go live in early 2026. Some DJs and shows have been fixtures at WRIU for decades, cultivating loyal audiences. WRIU’s Traditions, a folk show started by Chuck Wentworth, the
by Ken Abrams
Photo
late producer of the Rhythm and Roots Festival, lives on with DJ Thomas Duksta. Dan Ferguson’s Boudin Barndance , specializing in folk and roots, has aired on Thursday nights since 1987. “WRIU offers diversity in its programming with knowledgeable presenters bringing those varied sounds. Programming like that will never exist on the commercial side,” says the proud URI alum.
Fuzek
Bekah Berger, who co-hosts a morning program on 92 PRO-FM, got her start at WRIU when she was a student at the university. “I studied journalism and communications and participated in two radio internships, one of which was with the WPRO newsroom,” says Berger. “I was more news-focused on WRIU, and I remember reading about people I looked up to, and a lot of them got their start on TV or radio on campuses,” Berger shares. “It’s one thing to want to be a broadcaster, but another thing to be able
to actually use hands-on equipment,” she says. While her firsthand experience proved valuable, the most memorable aspect of her time at the station was the excitement she observed among the staff. “I loved how passionate they were, and how important WRIU was to all of them.”
With its roster of about 80 students each academic year, Providence College’s student-run radio station WDOM 91.3 FM, hosts a diverse mixture of music, sports, and talk shows “that reflect the vibrant spirit of our campus
community,” says John H. Smith, station manager and director of corporate engagement at PC’s School of Business. “The medium allows students to gain the ability to communicate effectively and think critically, which are critical soft skills that can be applied to any industry. Their programming impacts the over-the-air audience in Rhode Island and around the world through the online stream. There is no other student-based group at PC that has this kind of consistent, global impact,” says Smith.
Photo courtesy of WDOM
1956 WDOM Station Manager Gerald Terpening was in the vanguard of college radio
With over 40 students currently involved with the station, Bristol’s Roger Williams University’s WQRI 88.3 FM has grown substantially since its first air date in 1989. A collaborative, inventive radio community thrives across multiple shows, with eclectic content across various genres. Musical Whiplash, a variety show, features two hosts with conflicting music tastes, students Eliza Boulay and Benjamin Smith. America on Edge features unfiltered political coverage from host Skylar Gianninoto. Sam’s Jams explores rock’s foundations with community DJ Sam Kopper, a former
employee of Boston’s legendary station WBCN 104.1 FM. “We are fortunate to have several retired professional DJs who have weekly shows, provide professional development to student DJs, and jump in to assist when needed,” says Carol Sacchetti, associate dean of students and director of student programs, leadership, and orientation. “Radio is not dead on our campus, especially when you have students who are passionate about this medium. We have seen our students grow our social media presence and expand others’ knowledge of bands and genres,” says Sacchetti.
PVD Spinsters
Julia Brough and Rose Kenyon
NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS
Founded in 2000 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing community radio, Providence Community Radio streams a mix of new live programming and archived shows playing in random rotation 24/7. The station has 10 DJ’s, who each curate their own segments. “These include rock, jazz, electronic, and more,” explains Rose Kenyon, part of The PVD Spinsters duo with Julia Brough, whose bi-weekly Wednesday show spotlights the local scene. “On air, we discuss local venues and reminisce about the WBRU Summer Concert series.” says Kenyon. “We also sometimes feature guest DJs and most recently, RI State Rep David Morales.” The radio frequency is shared with Brown Student and Community Radio (WBRU-LP) and non-profit community arts center AS220 (WFOO-LP). Learn more at ProComRad.org
Photo (L) by Billie Jo Gray, courtesy of The PVD Spinsters (R) by Ken Abrams
Singer-songwriter
Steve Allain in the WRIU studio
REMEMBERING UMASS RADIO
Wheeler School proves student radio is not limited to the college experience. The pre-K through Grade 12 private school on Providence’s East Side owns and operates WELH 88.1 FM with a music format that’s “a trip down memory lane for an old WBRU listener,” says David Schiano, director of operations at WELH and Wheeler Media Program. Founded in 1995, WELH has undergone numerous changes. Wheeler regained control of programming after a lease with Rhode Island Public Radio
ended. Schiano then decided to launch “classic alternative” programming, which means playing anything from Big Country to The Buzzcocks. “Our students have a blast on the air, and finding their voice and creativity are always encouraged,” says Schiano. “We run WELH like a professional radio station, and I believe that is why we have such strong ratings every month.” The station’s commitment to quality has paid off, with approximately 30,000 listeners per week. WELH is commercial-free with only station
With 9600 watts of power, UMass Dartmouth’s radio station WUMD 89.3 FM (formerly WUSM 91.1 FM) was a favorite of many. In 2017 it closed its chapter as indie college radio when it sold its FM license to Rhode Island Public Radio (now Ocean State Media) and began as an online-only station. Pour one out for Maria Mobilia’s show Local Anesthesia which boosted the presence of many area bands in the mid-1980s.
identification breaks and nonprofit ads from The Ad Council interrupting the music. Using social media to promote an upcoming broadcast, Boudin announces on a late-January morning, “It’s Thursday, which means The Boudin Barndance radio show is coming your way this evening from 6-9 pm EST, streaming at WRIU or from our website. Hope you can join us!” There’s a palpable joy in his post. Says Boudin, “It is music programmed by real people with a passion for what they present.”
Photo by Ken Abrams
A range of immersive experiences are around the corner
By Elyse Major
The plan is to meet at the boathouse. Dressed nicely for dinner, I head to my room to change into jeans, a hoodie, and waterproof shoes. It’s a damp and misty September day, and the golden hour hits just right, skirting the landscape along the pond in a gleaming saffron hue like nothing I’ve ever seen. When I arrive at the boathouse, I encounter other guests ready for our shared adventure. The resident naturalist outfits each of us with a head-lamp, life jacket, and paddle, and helps us into our kayaks. Once everyone is ready and steady, he takes the lead and we follow him like ducklings, paddling in a row. Clouds hide the Corn Moon, but it glows from behind the cover, resulting in a swath of periwinkle brightening the grape popsicle-colored sky. The water is glassy and still between our unsynchronized swooshes. Once we land at the beach, we assemble to toast the shy full moon. Our guide pops the cork to wild applause and laughter, and fills chilled stemless glasses from his cooler with champagne for each champion. We shoegaze the shoreline, seeking little bubbles and creatures as we chat and sip. Before long we’re all back aboard our narrow vessels paddling toward our beacon – the inn – illuminated by its many windows. I’m not in Norway or Spain, I’m in Westerly, Rhode Island, at the Weekapaug Inn.
P hoto courtesy of Stone House Inn
STONE HOUSE INN, LITTLE COMPTON
“I can’t believe it. Right here where we live.”
Whenever I have experiences like this, I think of this line from the 1944 musical set in 1904, Meet Me in St. Louis . It’s spoken by Esther Smith, played by Judy Garland, as she looks over the Grand Lagoon at the opening of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, or the St. Louis World’s Fair. This actual spectacle was like an analog World Wide Web with exhibits of objects from
around the country and globe. The fair lasted for seven months, saw 19 million visitors, with 1500 buildings across 1200 acres (for scale the Magic Kingdom is 107 acres). It truly was a big deal to have it, “right here where we live.”
More than ever my own wanderlust is satisfied sans renewed passport. From a gondola ride with prosecco to being steps from the shoreline, there’s
so much to discover. Using the State House as the starting point, find some destinations in neighboring states that are no more than a three-hour drive away. What you’ll save on airfare, you can use to splurge at small shops or luxe accommodations (although check for seasonal offers). Stop and smell the salt air, look up at the starry sky, and you’ll be saying Esther’s line, too.
Right Here: Relais and Châteaux
Travelers seeking luxury experiences look for the fleur-de-lis indicating membership with Relais & Châteaux, an association known for strict admission standards of individually owned and operated hotels and restaurants. Weekapaug Inn is among the few in Rhode Island. 25 Spray Rock Road, Westerly; WeekapaugInn.com
A FENWAY SUITE AT WEEKAPAUG INN, WESTERLY
P hoto courtesy of Weekapag Inn
Right Here: The Charm of Venice
Italian hospitality means everything from a gondola picnic to pasta del giorno
Each time I turn onto Westminster Street, I’m dazzled by The Beatrice and Bellini , the luxury boutique hotel and restaurant respectively, that in less than five years have become a go-to for special nights – and celeb sightings. The hotel boasts year-round programming designed to showcase the city’s attributes, like my package that included a prosecco-driven picnic aboard a private gondola, dinner, and overnight stay. At the landing, longtime gondolier Rosario helped my husband and me aboard, then regaled us with history as he rowed the waterways; the early-evening reservation meant being serenaded during sunset – something we’ll never forget. Next, it was off to Bellini, home of its namesake peach cocktail. From the crudo tasting plate to grass-fed filet mignon to chocolate cake, each course delighted. Upstairs, a contemporary room awaited with the many luxe amenities that keep The Beatrice topping national hotel rankings. 90 Westminster Street, Providence; TheBeatrice.com
IN ALIGNMENT WITH LA GONDOLA PROVIDENCE’S OPERATING TIMELINE, WATCH FOR THE BEATRICE PACKAGE TO RETURN IN MAY
Right Here: An Island Escape by Causeway
Leave your worries on the mainland, just two minutes away
Divided by a causeway from any hustle and bustle, Newport Harbor Island Resort feels worlds away. Drive along Gladys Carr Bolhouse Road to suddenly cross Narragansett Bay and be met with the titanic pale-yellow property once known as Gurney’s. Much more than a name change, the resort was treated to a $50 million property-wide renovation that leans into its locale with interior design features, fiber art, and elevated New England fare on the menus of its two restaurants. I stayed at the property’s Cozy Earth Suite, named for the luxury brand of super-soft bamboo textiles which outfit the room. Stocked with hot cocoa, sweets, and complimentary in-room movie rentals, this suite was designed for relaxing, so take advantage of any amenities and get in a walk to the lighthouse before slipping into that thick robe, because once you do, you ain’t going nowhere. 1 Goat Island, Newport; NewportHarborIsland.com
THE LAYER CAKE GARNISHED WITH A SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE IS A BELLINI FAVORITE
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF THE ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE AND NEWPORT BRIDGE
Photos courtesy of Newport Harbor Island Resort
Photos by Elyse Major unless otherwise noted
Right Here: Quiet Time
Discover coastal charms from a tranquil base
When I stayed at A Shore Thing at Charlestown Beach, it felt like visiting family: safe and doting. The hosts – two crafty pals living their innand shopkeeping dreams – are happy as clams as they show me around the restored 1830’s farmhouse-turned B&B. I’m in the Art Room on the second floor, one of three guest rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each morning, I saunter downstairs in pajamas for breakfasts that are served with care: a first course of yogurt parfait, blueberry pancakes with warm real maple syrup, eggs, bacon, and a twisted orange slice garnish. The two-acre property has park-like grounds dotted with pretty installations that lead to a barn gift shop, a trove filled to the brim with coastal treasures. The location is ideal for jaunts to the beach and breachway, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Ninigret Park, and after dinner and a show at Theatre By The Sea. 2183 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, Charlestown; AShoreThingRI.com
Right Here: A Film Set and
Farm
A historic estate is the location for a unique overnight
It’s a brisk November evening when I arrive at Mount Hope Farm . I’ve been invited to stay at the country estate’s Governor Bradford House, one of two buildings that host guests. It’s a Georgian-style house circa 1745, with five ensuite guest rooms, two living rooms, a dining room, and full kitchen; in a word, it’s huge! I’ve brought along two friends, and we explore – walking up and down and back up staircases – discovering bathrooms and choosing our bedrooms. The peaceful farm is abuzz with a Sip and Shop event inside the barn, and we learn that a film crew is afoot, working on an Amish thriller. A self-serve continental breakfast of bagels and cream cheese from farmers market vendors is at the ready, along with coffee, tea, and juice. The next morning, we stroll the grounds, looking at farm animals, admiring the playhouse, all while trying to spot actress Mischa Barton. 250 Metacom Avenue, Bristol; MountHopeFarm.org
Right Here: A Grown-up Getaway
High-end lodgings that encourage rest
I have been lucky enough to have visited Margin Street Inn in winter for a craft workshop inside the carriage house, and spring and fall for overnights at The Beech House, the second of the two stately homes comprising 10 well-appointed guest rooms, each with living, dining, sitting rooms, and fireplaces. No matter the season, a morning walk along the landscaped path to breakfast at the Main House is as much of a treat as the scratch-made meal that awaits. Rooms throughout both properties are like House Beautiful covers come to life, rich with restored architectural details, wide doors and windows, and unexpected nooks, all decorated uniquely with skillful pairings of patterns, colors, and textures. This is a place for adults to dream by the fire. The flourishing downtown Westerly dining and arts scene is a heartbeat away, and Watch Hill, just 10 minutes. 4 Margin Street, Westerly; MarginStreetInn.com
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST INCLUDES BAKED GOODS, FRESH FRUIT, AND FRITTATAS, INNKEEPER SARAH COOPER’S SPECIALTY
EACH GUEST ROOM HAS ITS OWN COLOR SCHEME AND ENSUITE BATHROOM
Right Here: Nostalgic Family Fun
Activities and
lore
galore on 500 acres
Over the course of a two-night visit to Poland Spring Resort , days started with a chef-made buffet breakfast and ended with a slice of fresh layer cake. In between I received a golf-pro lesson on an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed course, visited the original source at the Poland Spring Bottling Museum (which includes an excellent hands-on exhibit for kids); toured the Maine State Building museum (built in Chicago for the 1893 Worlds Fair); savored the best lobster rolls (yes, plural) at Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant; had a scoop of Maine Wild Blueberry at the ice cream parlor; traversed the storybook trail installed to tell the story of Togo, the heroic sleddog; passed by an outdoor wedding reception, and browsed the library. On an afternoon too rainy for a dip in the pool, tennis, or pickleball, nearby places like Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, and homemade fudge and shopping in South Paris fit the bill. 640 Main Street, Poland, ME; PolandSpringResort.com
IT TOOK 16 FREIGHT CARS TO BRING THE DISMANTLED MAINE STATE BUILDING FROM THE 1893 CHICAGO WORLD’S FAIR TO POLAND
Break-up the three-hour drive to Poland Spring Resort mid-way with lunch and a stroll through scenic Kennebunkport
Photo courtesy of Margin Street Inn
Photos courtesy of Poland Spring Resort
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Right Here: Wellness Retreats
Rejuvenate and recenter year-round
One month before my birthday, I was invited to spend two nights at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster, to partake in their wellness retreat series and have a spa treatment. The timing couldn’t have been better as I’d been reflecting on my life – and skin. A bonus was that my family was invited to accompany me – with group activities that included a soup-making class, dinner at Bayzo’s Pub, and bikes for riding the Cape Cod Rail Trail. What followed was a meaningful weekend of a positivity workshop with Maria Sirois, PsyD.; a plumping natural Northern Lights Age Defying Facial; and our first family bike ride in years. The first evening, we drove to Nauset Beach to explore the lighthouses, and on the final night, my oldest son and I walked the illuminated path to the beach to look up at the night sky, where I counted my lucky stars. 2907 Main Street, Brewster, MA; OceanEdge.com
Right
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Here: A Luxe Mountain Escape
25 fireplaces and a two-time James Beard nominee make this lakefront resort hotel shine
When I enter the main lobby at The Lake Estate on Winnisquam , I’m awestruck. The photos on the website are no match for the stunning sights and smells. Recently built, the interior of the 114-room year-round resort and spa is still scented by the white oak timber visible at every turn. “It’s my love letter to New Hampshire,” the architect mentions during dinner, a special multicourse event helmed by Executive Chef Chris Viaud, with Kendall-Jackson wine pairings. After a tour with owners Ed and Patti Rocco, it’s clear this is their love letter, too. State pride abounds, from the quilt on my bed (a nod to local hospitality) to the farm-to-table menu. Emphasis is placed on comfort, style, and satisfaction; classic movies are screened nightly at the theater, and there’s a floral studio. The spa itself is breathtaking, and my facial leaves me as serene as the snow-covered lakeview from the banks of windows. 725 Laconia Road, Tilton, NH; TheLakeEstateNH.com
BELKNAP AND OSSIPEE MOUNTAIN RANGES CAN BE SEEN FROM THE LOBBY WINDOWS
Photos courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club
Photos courtesy of The Lake Estate on Winnisquam
Rooftop Nightcap
In February, Aloft Providence Downtown relaunched its rooftop bar, Blu Violet . The swanky space named for the state flower has been redesigned to complement the dramatic skyline. Look for hotel specials like March’s Santino Lil Rhody Laugh Riot. 191 Dorrance Street, Providence; Marriott.com
Celebrity Restaurant
Admirers of Martha Stewart can enjoy some of her favorite dishes and signature cocktails in surroundings inspired by her New York home. A hotel stay means sampling breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Opens mid-March. The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods Casino , Mashantucket, CT; Foxwoods.com
B&B by the Sea
Whether you want to roll out of bed and put on a bathing suit or dance the night away at a beach bar, the Admiral Dewey Inn simplifies shoreline adventures year-round. Continental breakfast and good coffee each morning. 668 Matunuck Beach Road, Matunuck: AdmiralDeweyInn.com
History Meets
High-End
Feel like a character in a Brontë novel as breezes from the Atlantic lure you inside to your enormous room, which may have a soaking tub, fireplace, or spiral staircase. Built in 1854, a $12 million restoration ensures all the modern comforts at Stone House Inn . 122 Sakonnet Point Road, Little Compton; NewportExperience.com
America 250 Destination
A stay at The General Stanton Inn is like imagining what it was like to live during the Revolutionary War, but with today’s amenities, think: Martha Washington, but with a blow dryer and nice bath products. The food at the onsite tavern is scrumptious, and there’s frequently live entertainment. 4115 Old Post Road, Charlestown; TheGeneralStantonInn.com
ALOFT PROVIDENCE’S RELAUNCHED BLU VIOLET ROOFTOP BAR
WHERE BREAKFAST IS SERVED AT THE ADMIRAL DEWEY INN, MATUNUCK
ELYSE MAJOR TREATED TO A PRIVATE INTERVIEW WITH MARTHA STEWART IN SEPTEMBER
THE LANTERN ROOM AT STONE HOUSE INN BOASTS SAKONNET POINT VIEWS
EARLY AMERICAN CHARM AT GENERAL STANTON INN,
CHARLESTOWN
Photos courtesy of Aloft Providence Downtown
Photos courtesy of Admiral Dewey Inn
Photos courtesy of Stone House Inn
Photos courtesy of The General Stanton Inn
5 Trolls in RI
Mrs. Skipper
Start your troll hunt in East Providence with Mrs. Skipper. She’s located at One Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI
Erik Rock
Iver Mudslider
Continue to North Kingstown to visit Iver Mudslider at Ryan Park.
Drive down to Ninigret Park in Charlestown and enter through the moon gate to say hello to Erik Rock.
Greta Granit
Just a short walk from Erik, also in Ninigret Park, you will fi nd Greta Granit hidden in the woods. Follow the clues to get to her. 1 3 2 4
Young Boulder
Your fi nal destination will lead you to Young Boulder deep in the Arcadia Management Area on the Richmond/Exeter line.
5
The Rhode Island Troll Trail Is Complete!
Come meet Iver Mudslider, Mrs. Skipper and Young Boulder - the three new trolls that have joined Erik Rock and Greta Granit to complete the RI Troll Trail! Iver resides in Ryan Park in North Kingstown, Mrs. Skipper is by Kettle Point Pier in East Providence and Young Boulder calls Arcadia’s Browning Mill Pond home. Admission is free. Find out more at SouthCountyRI.com.
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Broadway Revival
An industrious couple converts a multi-family Italianate Victorian into their forever home
By Elyse Major
Dan and Charle Hornby describe themselves as a couple of real estate junkies. Early in their marriage, they bought a three-family in Providence’s West End as rental property: an Italianate Victorian, a popular 19th-century style known for asymmetry and narrow windows. After their first child was born, they decided to move into the building’s second-floor apartment. Research soon revealed that the home was originally built in 1849 by a cabinet maker for himself and his family. “We are very inspired by the history of the West Side and all the historic buildings,” says Dan. “We thought it would be amazing to restore it to its former self,” adds Charle.
This process of converting a house back into a single-family residence might seem daunting for some, but as the owners behind Elm Real Estate & Design, it’s all in a day’s work. “It feels important in all our projects to honor the lives these homes have had before and the people who built them by making them practical for modern living, but also keeping or restoring that beauty that you can only find in old homes,” says Charle.
Over the years, multiple owners had renovated away many details original to the home; however, parquet floors, the staircase, and a large stained glass window in the entry remained. “We found a piece of the original plaster molding tucked behind a drop ceiling and were able to recreate it for the majority of the first floor, which really makes a huge difference,” Charle notes with excitement.
When it comes to decorating the grand old home, Charle enjoys mixing styles in an eclectic way, while staying true to the architectural type. For lighting, she goes big and bold, and many rooms feature a French Empire crystal chandelier, bringing opulence to even work-a-day spaces like the kitchen. She also is skilled at incorporating color and texture. “I think paint can be one of the most transformative things for a home, and it’s so cheap! I love what you can do to a room just by changing the color, or doing something unexpected like painting the ceiling. I’m also really happy we went for it with the wallpaper in the front entry/stair,” she says of the flock-effect Morris & Co. paper. “It’s something that felt uncertain at the time and now I can’t imagine it any other way.”
“I wanted to make sure we honored the house without making it look like a set of a period-set movie. It feels comfortable and warm and welcoming – nothing too precious but lots of things to catch your eye, to read, to inspire.”
Deep blue cabinets and warm woods are both effective and practical in the busy kitchen. An opulent crystal chandelier over the island adds unexpected glamor
A pair of orange-red tufted armchairs lend luxe appeal
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State
Market Share
Helen’s 445 is the screen name of the bar in Ella McCay, the James L. Brooks’ movie filmed in Providence. Today that former set location is Sawyer’s, a cozy market on Broadway stocked with hyper-local goods, a cafe, and wine bar, co-owned by the Hornbys and Lydia Emmons.
Local Hang
To hang wallpaper, the Hornbys turned to Adam Benoit and Daniel Chapman, a PVDbased team whose specialties also include paint and architectural/ornamental plaster. Instagram: calicocontracting.
Broadway Star
Whether you consider yourself a foodie or simply enjoy a great meal, Nicks on Broadway – helmed by 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast Derek Wagner – serves up modern American dishes that follow seasonal harvests.
Winter Skincare Made Simple
Rhode Island’s own sustainable beauty brand founder and formulator on keeping skin healthy, resilient, and protected
By Elyse Major
New England winters can be rough on our skin. The cold temps and low humidity, coupled with the dry heat indoors (which can be great for extending a blow-out), make keeping skin healthy a concerted work in progress. Brenda Brock, founder and formulator of Farmaesthetics, the award-winning all-natural fine herbal skincare brand based in Newport, says that taking care of your skin doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent. “Aim for a
daily regimen using products that are free from synthetic, chemical, or artificial ingredients,” begins the actress-turned-innovator, who built her business from a farmstand at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, which now opens seasonally as a retail outpost.
Brock explains that many skincare products out there are often derived from petroleum; they diminish tissue integrity, thin the skin barrier, and lead to sensitivity over time. “I formulate our herbal skincare products using
whole, natural, nutrient-rich ingredients, designed to nourish the skin the way real food nourishes the body. Our products are created to sustain long-term skin health, feeding the tissue so it can remain balanced, resilient, and vibrant for years to come.” Brock adheres to what she calls a “heartbeat routine” of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting – morning and night. “From there, you can layer in additional products or treatments as needed, but consistency with the core routine is key.”
Photo by Elyse Major
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Trending Tools and Techniques
Brenda Brock on dry brushing and gua sha
Intrigued by the endless scroll of celebs touting beau ty routines, we asked Brenda Brock for her take on dry brushing and gua sha. Tools and techniques that aren’t new but are definitely getting lots of buzz on the socials.
“Circulation is so important to skin health and gua sha is a great choice for facial care, as is dry brushing on the body,” says Brock, who applies Nu trient Dense Fine Facial Oil with her fingertips al most daily, and enhances her routine using a gua sha tool two-to-three times a week.
DRY BRUSH
“A gentle dry brushing awakens the skin with light, rhythmic strokes, encouraging circulation and exfoliation and preps the skin’s surface for absorbing nourishing oils. This is done on completely dry skin with a body brush or loofah,” advises Brock.
GUA SHA
Brock recommends applying Nutrient Dense Fine Facial Oil onto clean, damp skin of face and neck with gentle tapping motions. “Do not tug or pull the tool across the skin but gently guide it over,” says Brock. What follows is her method for using a gua sha.
EYEBROWS: Use the double-notched edge or a smaller curve of the tool to glide from the inner brow area outward along the brow bone to the temple.
CHEEKS: Use the long, flat edge of the tool. Start from the side of your nose and move in a sweeping motion up and outward towards your temple, along the cheekbone.
HAIRLINE: Use the gua sha at the hairline with little zig-zag motions. Move across the hairline a few times to release tension and encourage blood flow from forehead to scalp. This is great for the complexion and healthy hair as well.
JAWLINE: Place the “U” shape (double-notched edge) of the tool at the center of your chin and glide it along the jawline towards the earlobe.
NECK: Using the curved side, glide the tool from the base of the neck upwards to the jawline. This helps promote lymphatic drainage.
UNDER EYES: Use the smaller, curved end of the tool with very light pressure. Gently glide it from the inner corner of the under-eye area outwards to the temple.
Gua sha
Brenda Brock
CLEANSE
Each morning and night, it’s important to wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser. Housed in a frosted glass bottle, Farmaesthetics’ Fine Herbal Cleanser has a pleasant smell that comes directly from its ingredients, including geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil, and witch hazel. There are no added scents to any of Brock’s products, but they smell light and fresh. Use a few pumps to wash away impurities and excess oil while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture and pH balance. To prepare the skin for optimal absorption of moisturizer, follow up with Pure Complexion Tonic, a soothing toner applied with a cotton round.
MOISTURIZE
After cleansing, when skin is clean and damp, warm a few drops of facial oil between your palms and apply to face and neck, pressing or tapping with light massage into tissue using gentle, upward strokes. “Our Nutrient Dense Fine Facial Oil is a 100 percent natural, lightweight herbal moisturizer made of nine organic botanical oils that deliver a deeply layered benefit deck. It’s perfect for use prior to lotion or cream application when drier skin or colder months call for layering,” says Brock. Farmaesthetics Complexion Conserve Face Serum is a concentrated treatment that repairs damaged, diminished or over-exposed tissue; it restores elasticity by delivering deep hydration, and long-lasting antioxidant support. “Castor seed, rose and carrot seed oil are among the super-herbs in this formula that strengthen skin barrier to help prevent moisture loss and damage from environmental elements like dry air and cold temperatures,” Brock explains.
PROTECT
“Protection isn’t just sunscreen, it’s about shielding, strengthening, and nourishing the skin barrier so it can do its job,” says Brock. “Remember, natural herbal products protect with nourishing ingredients to support, not smother as mineral oils and synthetic compounds often do.” The brand’s Nourishing Lavender Milk is an organic calendula-based lotion formulated to lock in moisture on the face, neck, and décolleté, restoring hydration and protecting from moisture loss. And to keep smiling without splitting your lip this season, their Lip Softener utilizes nature’s skin-mending herb calendula and vitamin-rich carrot seed oil to plump tissue and keep lips soft and youthful, even in the frosty air. Learn more, including stockists and hospitality and wellness partners at Farmaesthetics.com
Artistic Vision
Six in-community photographers share what drives their work
By Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor
Photography in Rhode Island is having a moment. Thanks to aesthetic-forward platforms like the ’gram, Tik Tok, and the like, the world is being exposed to our sensorially stunning and scenic land, sky, city and ocean-scapes. Much due credit is owed to the casual capturers on their iPhones, as well as the micro and macro-influencers getting hip to the state with as much motion as we have like the ocean, but above all, our local photographers deserve praise and upliftment in this moment. In this photo renaissance, mediums like film have been revived, cutting edge drone videography has skyrocketed, and utilization of the internet has redirected our lenses back to the beauty of community. Embodying this emphasis on community, here are six photographers to keep your eyes on, sharing about what they do, how and why, in their own words.
Justin Case
“I share my view of the city I live in and love through my lens. I enjoy freezing moments in time for others to see, comment on, and reflect upon. I’m drawn to the idea of people viewing my images and connecting with the moments I’ve captured, knowing that no two people see an image the same way in that instant. There is also a gap in coverage within Black and brown communities that I hope to help fill. Our stories are just as important as any others and deserve preservation. I hope that both the paid and volunteer work I do contributes, even in a small way.” Instagram: iknowjustincase
Kris Craig
“Through my career at the Providence Journal , I was fortunate enough to focus my camera on the small threads that form the tapestry of community life across the state and make up the richness of Rhode Island. Having left the Journal , the intention of my practice is to continue to listen and photograph people in their space, in their time, and in their world because I feel these stories need to be heard and these faces need to be seen, not just within the members of that community, but communities far outside its boundaries.” PictureKris.wordpress.com
By Justin Case By Caterina Maina
By Kris Craig By Dee Speaks
By Kincaid Elaine By Dominique Sindayiganza
Kincaid Elaine
“The intention of my art is for folks to see the community, the black community, queer community, the community of women, as I see them. To associate words of softness, joy, and beauty, with the folks seen through my lens. My art practice wouldn’t be possible without the aid and trust of the community I created and remain a part of. It’s an honor to tell our stories and be a safekeeper of our special moments through portrait photography.” Instagram: kincaidelaine_
Caterina Maina
“The intention of my art and practice is to serve as a vessel for personal histories, offering viewers an intimate encounter with both my own story and the broader human experience. Rooted in film-based portraiture and self-portraiture, I use my 4x5 large-format camera to create images that are intentional, vulnerable, and deeply tied to personal and cultural histories. Beyond photography, my curatorial work and community organizing create opportunities for artists and audiences to connect in meaningful ways. I believe art serves as both a personal outlet and a communal space to process histories, imagine possibilities, and build bridges across differences.” Instagram: caterinamaina.studio
Dee Speaks
“The intention of my art/practice is to use photography to create space for people to be seen as they are, centering authenticity, representation, and the power of visibility. Capturing quiet strength and joyful connection is one of my favorite aspects of this medium.” Instagram: deespeaks_
Dominique Sindayiganza
“As a photographer, I use my camera to create and celebrate community. Who we photograph and focus on matters! The photo shown here was made in Providence in collaboration with PVD World Music to promote the diversity of African traditions in art and music. In my long-term personal photo series, entitled HOMECOMING , I photograph strangers at their homes in Rhode Island.” Instagram: sindayiganza
Dr.
Adventure Awaits
Cool stuff to get you moving and grooving
By Britt Machado
When you can’t stand the slush anymore, it’s time to stop dreaming and start moving. Maybe you’re headed somewhere the cold can’t find you, so all you need is a gorgeous carry-on paired with your favorite crossbody bag. Wherever you’re going, keep your travel garments chic (bonus points for matching with your companion). For those of us staying close to home, it’s time to pick up a hobby and maybe indulge in some new gear. Anchor yourself in optimism because the next great
THE ANVIL MINI: Hill Hill Providence | HillHill.com
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THURSDAY MARCH 26 6-9 pm
Sip Enjoy Meet Local bites all night a complimentary drink (one per guest)
Incredible ladies from every Rhode Island industry
Music and great conversation with like minded women & guests!
LEADING LADIES
inspiring, passionate, determined leaders who are making a difference in our communities
Photo by Nick DelGiudice
Photo by Rue Sakayama
Photo by Dee Speaks
Kayla Viveiros
CEO
Kayla Viveiros, CEO of MUNROE DAIRY, credits her humble beginnings with shaping the way she leads today. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for stability, careful listening, and staying grounded - along with a lasting respect for hard work and responsibility. These values continue to guide her as the first female CEO of Munroe Dairy, a 145-yearold, family-owned dairy and grocery delivery company that has served Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts for generations.
Kayla’s path to leadership was not traditional. It did not follow a straight line or a prescribed formula, but rather was defined by passion, persistence, and a refusal to accept limitations. She is proud of that journey - not only because of where it led, but because of how it shaped her philosophy of leadership. “Businesses do not succeed simply because of strategy or scale,” she says. “They succeed when people feel seen, respected, and supported. Leadership, at its core, is human work.”
Businesses do not succeed simply because of strategy or scale. They succeed when people feel seen, respected, and supported.
In addition to leading a complex, multi-faceted organization, Kayla is a mother of three daughters and a wife of 22 years. She credits her husband’s steady partnership and unconditional support as the foundation that allows her to lead with confidence and presence each day. His support enables her to show up fully - for her family, the business, and the broader community. While balancing work and family is never without challenges, it has sharpened her perspective, strengthened her resolve, and deepened her empathy. Leading while raising children has reinforced the importance of patience, communication, and modeling values through action.
Before stepping into her role at Munroe Dairy, Kayla spent years working alongside small and medium-sized manufacturers through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network. That experience profoundly shaped her leadership approach. She worked closely with business owners and teams navigating growth, uncertainty, workforce challenges, and operational pressure. She saw firsthand the weight leaders carry—not only for profitability, but for the livelihoods of employees and the stability of their families.
At Munroe Dairy, people come first. Kayla believes every employee has a life beyond the workplace, and that the strongest organizations are built when leaders honor that reality rather than ignore it. “When leaders communicate clearly, treat people with respect, and lead with care, trust grows,” she explains. “With trust comes resilience—the ability to adapt, collaborate, and move forward together, even when conditions are challenging.”
Throughout her career, Kayla has been recognized at both the state and national levels for her leadership and service to the manufacturing sector. She has been nominated for Rhode Island’s 40 Under 40 and the Next Generation Leadership Award. Nationally, she was selected as a NIST Emerging Leader, an honor awarded to just 16 leaders each year across the country. That
Photo by Dee Speaks
recognition came as part of a year-long leadership development program focused on collaboration, manufacturing leadership, and national impact through the MEP network.
Kayla is also a published industry writer and author, sharing practical insights on operations, leadership, and performance improvement. While these recognitions are meaningful, she views them as reflections of collective effort rather than individual achievement. Leadership, in her view, is never a solo endeavor. The work only truly matters if it strengthens teams, organizations, and the communities they serve.
As CEO of Munroe Dairy, Kayla’s role is to turn complexity into clarity. She sets direction and builds systems that support the full operation—from sourcing and production to delivery and customer experience. Today, Munroe Dairy spans manufacturing, warehousing, fleet operations, customer service, and a community-facing market and café, The Sacred Cow, in East Providence. The operation includes dedicated customer service teams, a garage team that maintains a fleet of 40 refrigerated and freezer-equipped trucks, and more than 30 delivery routes operated by milkmen and milkwomen.
A key part of Kayla’s responsibility is ensuring all of these moving parts work together seamlessly, so every employee understands how their role fits into the bigger picture. She also guides thoughtful, strategic change as the company modernizes key areas of the business, including the launch of a new website and the transition to a new ERP system. These efforts are designed to improve visibility, strengthen operations, and enhance the experience for both employees and customers—while preserving the company’s heart and personal touch. Change, she believes, is most successful when people understand the “why” behind it and feel supported throughout the process.
Kayla also spends significant time on operational strategy, supply chain stability, leadership development, and organizational culture. Some of the most meaningful moments in her role come from working alongside the team, asking questions, listening, and watching people collaborate to solve challenges. “Leadership is not about having all the answers,” she says. “It’s about presence, listening without defensiveness, and creating space for honest
conversations that lead to better decisions.”
As Munroe Dairy moves through 2026, the company enters an exciting chapter. This year marks its 145th anniversary—a milestone that reflects the loyalty of its customers, the dedication of its employees, and the strength of the Rhode Island community that has supported the business for nearly a century and a half. The focus remains on strengthening the foundation through modernization, strategic infrastructure investment, and leadership development, while continuing to deliver the quality and service customers expect.
Leadership, Kayla believes, starts with people. Leaders can hold high standards and still lead with care. “Munroe Dairy’s story demonstrates that honoring family, community, and legacy is not separate from success,” she says. “It is the foundation that allows success to last.”
151 N Brow Street, East Providence, 401-438-4450, CowTruck.com
Photo by Dee Speaks
Photo by Nick DelGiudice
RACHEL M. KOGER FERRO CEO | Founder
91 Main St., Warren, 401-369-1434, CoseBellaEvents.com
CATHY CORELLI CHIANESE President, Marketing & Creative Director
Rachel Koger Ferro is the founder of COSE BELLA EVENTS, a luxury wedding and event design company known for heartfelt, artfully curated celebrations. She launched the company in October 2021 following a pivotal personal turning point that gave her the clarity and courage to fully step into her purpose — marking both a new chapter in her life and the beginning of Cose Bella. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education and Severe Disabilities, Rachel spent years as a dedicated teacher before pursuing her long-held passion for design. What began as a leap of faith quickly evolved into a thriving business. Within three years, she transitioned from teaching to leading Cose Bella full time while raising her two sons with her high school sweetheart.
Published in Wedding Chicks and Loverly, Rachel is known for creating weddings that feel intentional, intimate, and deeply personal. Cose Bella serves discerning clients who value
refined design, meaningful details, and elevated hospitality. From New England to destination celebrations abroad — including Portugal — Rachel has grown her company from an at-home startup in Warren, Rhode Island into an internationally trusted brand. Her clientele includes private estates, historic venues, and exclusive coastal properties. She collaborates closely with fellow creatives and local partners to craft celebrations layered with beauty and connection. Her work blends artistry with warmth, ensuring each event feels both sophisticated and genuinely lived-in.
In a short time, Rachel has built a reputation grounded in authenticity, strong relationships, and thoughtful execution. She also hosts a PodcastCoffee with Cose Bella - available on Apple, Amazon, and Spotify.
“I truly believe that when you trust your faith, take the next right step, and lead with heart, extraordinary things unfold.” says Rachel.
Did you know that no two tigers share the same stripe pattern, making each one uniquely identifiable in the wild? In the same way, CC MEDIA PARTNERS focuses on helping each client’s message stand apart from the competition. While marketing and advertising are often viewed as art, true success lies in the balance of creativity and strategy.
With more than 25 years of industry expertise, founder and president Cathy Corelli brings a distinctive approach to building brands and driving measurable results for businesses throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her leadership combines strategic media planning and buying with CC Media’s robust in-house capabilities, including graphic design, copywriting, and full-scale television, radio, and OTT commercial production.
CC Media Partners manages comprehensive, integrated campaigns across all media platforms—social media, digital advertising, and website development— creating cohesive brand experiences that deliver consistent impact.
The agency’s diverse client portfolio spans regional healthcare groups, retail brands, attorneys, and service-based businesses. “We don’t specialize in any one industry, although healthcare is a personal passion of mine,” Cathy shares. “I originally pursued medical illustration, but ultimately shifted my path after realizing cadaver studies weren’t for me,” she adds with a smile — an early example of how her creative instincts continue to shape her professional journey.
In today’s marketplace, businesses need a true partner—one who treats each brand as if it were their own. Cathy and her long-time creative partner, Rosa Cantor, deliver handson leadership, trusted expertise, and personalized service that build confidence and long-term success. “Our success is measured by our clients’ success, and we’re honored to be part of that journey,” Cathy says.
Beyond her professional work, Cathy is a proud supporter of the RISPCA, Florida SPCA, and DOGS, Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs), and an active member of the Executives Association of RI.
Left to right: Rose Cantor & Cathy Corelli Chianese
Joanne M. Daly, CDFA®
Senior Vice
President,
Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Ayers Daly Group at Morgan Stanley
JOANNE DALY cares deeply about her clients and their families. She is dedicated to helping them take control of their financial future. “I am passionate about helping others become financially empowered and make smart well- informed decisions about their money, especially women,” she says. Joanne’s clientele include individuals, couples, doctors, small business owners and professors, but many of her clients are women who have become responsible for their financial future after experiencing death of a loved one, divorce, or inheritance of significant wealth.
Joanne knows personally how important it is to be involved in your finances, since her mother became a widow at 45 and her sister went through a divorce after 25 years of marriage. Joanne saw firsthand the emotional and financial challenges they faced, which is why she requires that both spouses participate in their meetings. Joanne strives to ensure that if something happens to one of them, the other will be better prepared to handle their financial affairs on their own. “Of course I will be there for them, to guide them and advocate for them,” she says, “helping them navigate through the overwhelming paperwork and helping them preserve their wealth so that they can live a comfortable lifestyle.”
As a result of Joanne’s personal experiences, she has truly made it her mission to help her clients become financially informed and engaged in their finances, to help ensure they make smart decisions about their money. “I am their wealth coach, helping them navigate through their financial journey,” Joanne says. “I essentially act as their personal CFO, helping them in many financial aspects of their life and working in collaboration with their attorneys and CPAs
to create a holistic wealth plan that incorporates their personal values and goals. I provide customized financial and investment strategies to help them enhance and preserve their wealth so they can achieve what’s most important to them.” Through ongoing financial education, coaching and planning, her clients feel confident in making informed financial decisions.
Joanne enjoys educating others through financial presentations to civic organizations and companies. She is a frequent guest speaker on various topics, including financial empowerment, wealth planning, widowhood and divorce. She has presented at Bryant’s Women Summit, South County Hospital, URI Osher Life Long Institute (OLLI), URI Alumni Foundation and The Rhode Island Society of CPAs, to name a few.
I provide customized financial and investment strategies to help them enhance and preserve their wealth so they can achieve what’s most important to them.
Though Joanne’s office is in Providence, she often meets with clients in their home, office, the firm’s Newport office or via virtual meetings. Joanne has more than 25 years of financial services experience, was a former CPA Tax Manager for Ernst and Young and earned an M. S. in taxation from Bryant University. Joanne has attained Morgan Stanley’s Family Wealth Advisor (FWA) designation which is granted to those financial advisors who have successfully completed an extensive accreditation program focused on the skills needed to help families communicate about money and values, share their goals and grow and preserve wealth across generations. She is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.
Outside of work, Joanne is an active volunteer with United Way of RI (Board), Narragansett Lions Club, GFWC Women’s Club of South County, Rotary Club of Wakefield (Board), Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (Event Committee & Past Board), South County Health (Past Investment Committee & Foundation Board), Christ the King (Parish Finance Committee), RI Society of CPAs and the Estate Planning Council of RI. Joanne lives in Narragansett with her husband and two daughters.
*Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its financial advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.
Photo by Nick DelGiudice
HEATHER PALIOTTA Executive Director
“I love people and I love to talk with people,” says Heather Paliotta.
Born and raised in South County, Heather began her journey at the CHARLESTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in 2002. Serving as Executive Director for the past 18 years and Director of the Charlestown Seafood Festival for 24 years, Heather’s accomplishments include growing the membership, recruiting volunteers, quadrupling the size of the Chamber’s largest fundraiser - the Charlestown Seafood Festival - earning recognition as a “Top 10 New England” and “Top 100 North American” event, celebrating its 41st anniversary this year.
Heather has received numerous accolades including recognition of her time, effort, and dedication to help plan the highly successful Charlestown Memorial Parade (since 2014), her outstanding work running and promoting the Charlestown Holiday Ramble (since 2018), and numerous citations and awards in the community in which she serves. In 2022, Heather joined the SRIV to run the Applumpkin Festival, and continues to help to grow this family-friendly community event in Charlestown.
Married with four daughters, four grandkids, and “mom” to dog Cooper, Heather is committed to connecting her community. “We are strong advocates for our members, and strong ambassadors for preserving our coastal heritage,” says Heather, who adds proudly, “Charlestown is a ‘Hidden Gem.’”
ADRIANA SANTANA Founder & Lead Curator
CHARCUTE founder and Brazilian entrepreneur Adriana Santana built her business the way she approaches hospitality: with heart. After navigating major life transitions and building her life in the United States, she transformed her love of food, design, and connection into CharCute – a mobile charcuterie cart designed to bring people together through thoughtfully curated experiences. “CharCute is an experience,” she says. “It’s designed to make people feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.”
Adriana’s elevated approach has drawn notable attention, selected for high-profile events, including New York City’s Pink Apple Gala, an international charity event sponsored by Porsche. Each gathering, whether a wedding, corporate event, or intimate celebration, is crafted with care and meticulous detail. “Food has the power to connect people and create joy,” she says.
Most proud of building CharCute from the ground up, Adriana credits resilience and
authenticity for her success. Looking ahead to 2026, she’s focused on brand elevation, wine tastings inspired by her travels to Tuscany, and mentoring women entering the charcuterie and events industry. “Success doesn’t have to be loud,” she says. “It can be intentional, beautiful, and deeply personal.”
Throughout Rhode Island, CharCute.Onboard@gmail.com Instagram: @Char.CuteBoard
4945 Old Post Road, Charlestown, 401-364-3878, charlestownrichamber.com
MELISSA O’DONNELL MSW, LICSW Executive Vice President of Behavioral Health
Melissa O’Donnell, Executive Vice President of Behavioral Health at REAL HELP, has built her career by listening first and leading with purpose. A Rhode Island native and a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, she began her work as a direct care provider in a hospital maternal child health setting, where centering patient voice quickly became her north star. That hands on experience shaped a career blending compassionate care with strategic leadership.
Today, Melissa leads the clinical, operational, and fiscal direction of a growing multistate organization. She supports clinicians, expands programs, and sets quality benchmarks rooted in client centered care. Through Real Help’s telehealth platform, she helps remove barriers such as transportation challenges, inflexible schedules, and limited access, allowing clients to receive personalized support wherever they feel comfortable.
Her leadership has earned recognition including the Apex of Valor Award, the Welch Award for Excellence in Patient Centered Care, the Rhode Island College School of Social Work Honor Roll, and being named one of Rhode Island’s Top 50 Women Leaders.
2348 Post Road, Warwick & 1635 Mineral Spring Avenue, N. Providence, 401-332-8614, Realhelp247.com
Durga Larkin, M.D. Physician-Author & Expert in Empowered Aging
For decades, Dr. Durga Larkin has helped people see the world more clearly, literally and figuratively. A respected eye surgeon by training, she has spent her career restoring sight while observing something equally profound: the way people experience aging. Those encounters, in exam rooms and operating suites, reshaped her professional path and inspired her current role as a PHYSICIAN-AUTHOR AND SPEAKER focused on empowered aging.
“I’ve seen how growing older can be framed either as decline or as a season of possibility,” Dr. Durga says. “The way we think about aging shapes how we live.” That realization led to her book, Timeless Vision: Empowered Aging Redefined, and to a new chapter in her work that extends beyond the clinic to communities eager for a hopeful narrative about later life.
Dr. Durga’s medical journey is anything but ordinary. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, attended medical school at Duke University, completed her internship at Harvard, and trained in ophthalmology at Tufts. Along the way, she built a career marked by leadership and service. Her roles have included Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Brown University, Chief of Ophthalmology at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and President of the Rhode Island Eye Physicians, and Surgeons. Professional organizations have recognized her contributions, but colleagues and patients alike often point to her compassion and clarity as defining traits.
As an eye physician and surgeon, Dr. Durga has cared for patients at every life stage, helping them preserve independence, confidence, and connection through better vision. She has always viewed her role
as more than technical expertise alone. “I love what I do because it allows me to combine science, compassion, and human insight,” she says. “That combination is powerful as people navigate aging.”
Through Timeless Vision, she brings that perspective to a wider audience, encouraging readers to see aging not as a closing chapter, but as the beginning of a new one. Her message is optimistic. Aging, she believes, can be a time of curiosity, clarity, and growth. “Your best years are still unfolding,” she says, a line that has become both a mantra and an invitation.
Dr. Durga is particularly proud of how the book has allowed her to extend her impact beyond individual patient care. By sharing stories, insights, and practical wisdom, she helps people reframe their relationship with time. In a society that often treats aging as something to resist, her work offers an alternative grounded in experience and empathy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Durga plans to continue sharing her message through speaking engagements, interviews, and community events across Rhode Island and beyond. In these settings, she appears simply as Dr. Durga, author, speaker, and expert in empowered aging, meeting people where they are and reminding them that enthusiasm and joy do not have an expiration date.
As we live longer and spend more of our lives as older, Dr. Durga believes the conversation around aging matters. Whether in the exam room or on the page, her goal remains the same: to help people live fully, embrace each stage of life, and recognize the beauty in the years ahead. “Aging is not something to fear or fight,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to grow into our fullest selves, and to live these years with intention, curiosity, joy.”
THE LEADING LADIES OF THE ALCOVE
What happens when a group of extraordinary women assemble and decide to launch a feminist cultural center? You get a nonprofit with thoughtful programming, inspiring exhibits, and safe spaces to gather. In midJanuary, a ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of THE ALCOVE on Providence’s West End. It followed the beautification of a concrete block masonry building, which now includes a second story, rooftop terrace, and an asphalt parking lot replaced by a patio and gardens to be completed this spring. The entire endeavor is powered by local women, from the design architect to the interior designer, and of course, the accomplished eight: a uniquely Rhode Island who’s who of decorated leaders. Individuals, some with loose ties, but most of whom were strangers to each other, who joined forces to build an organization. The founding board, each accomplished in their own right, form a powerful collective that includes Marisa Albanese, Executive Director, Ocean State Charities Trust; Marcela Betancur, Executive Director, Latino Policy Institute; Dana BorrelliMurray, CEO, Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England; Touba Ghadessi, Provost, RISD; Sara Gilkenson, Diversity Director, Supreme Court of Rhode Island; Anne Hills Holland, Director, 189 Development; and Felicia Salinas-Moniz, Board Treasurer. The group is joined by Amanda E. Strauss,
Executive Director of The Alcove, former Director of Brown University’s John Hay Library; the first woman in the role, where she left a permanent legacy, transforming collections and physical spaces during her five-year tenure.
We build momentum, uplift each other and unleash creativity and innovation.
“The vision for The Alcove arose from research, community conversations, and an enduring commitment to the idea that we all have a cohort, we are not alone,” begins Amanda. “The Alcove is built on a simple premise – women and gender expansive people thrive in community. When we are attentive to the collective and purposeful in our engagement, we build momentum, uplift each other and unleash creativity and innovation.”
The Alcove is also home to one of the world’s only permanent Portrait Gallery dedicated to showcasing the lives and histories of women and gender expansive people and a companion Biographical Library, one of only a handful of private lending libraries in the region.
“I am so proud to be involved in this project and grateful to be within a community of leaders who wove our strengths together to create this,” says Anne Holland, a serial founder and integral part of many initiatives, including LitArts RI. “It’s been a ton of work, we fundraised for and managed a multi-million dollar building project, we bought more than 2,000 books for a biographical library, we commissioned dozens of portrait paintings for our gallery, and we filled it with beautiful plants, art and furnishings.” Smiling, she adds, “For you!” Programming planned throughout 2026 ranges from a speaker series and book club to peer circles focused on leadership and career development. “We are focused on creating new ways for women and gender expansive people to meet each other, learn from each other, and create deeper partnerships and connections so that we can build a stronger Rhode Island,” says Amanda. “We’re just getting started and welcome you to become part of our organization. There are many entry points, from becoming a member to attending a free public program. All are welcome.”
2451 East Main Road, Portsmouth, 401-323-3546, HomesByConnectRealEstate.com
At HOMES BY CONNECT REAL ESTATE, relationships come first. That philosophy is set by Katy Donovan, owner and broker of the brokerage, who has spent more than 15 years building a career rooted in connection, communication, and collaboration. In an industry driven by trust, Katy’s people-first approach has earned her loyal clients and recognition, including being named the 2025 Realtor of the Year by the Newport County Board of Realtors.
Katy’s path to real estate began in the classroom, where her educator’s mindset still guides her work today. Through her writing – including blog series like Katy’s Bottom Line, A Guide to Home Ownership for My Gen Z Kids, and Conversations with Our Parents – she breaks down complex topics for clients at every stage, from first-time buyers to families navigating later-life transitions. As a Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, she also supports older adults and their families through downsizing and estate-related moves with clarity and care.
Michelle Cortés-Harkins has built a financial planning career rooted as much in empathy as in expertise. A Fee-Only Financial Planner and Divorce Specialist at HARKINS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, she brings a blend of analytical rigor and human understanding to clients navigating life’s most complex transitions. Her work centers on helping individuals, couples, and organizations make confident, values-driven financial decisions at pivotal moments. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.
Before entering financial services, Michelle spent more than a decade in social work as an English as a Second Language teacher and community organizer. Those years on the front lines continue to shape her clientcentered approach. She witnessed how financial uncertainty affects families and communities and carries that perspective into every planning conversation. “Money is never just about numbers,” she says. “It’s tied to values, relationships, and the choices people make at critical points in their lives.”
At Harkins Wealth Management, Michelle specializes in guiding clients through complexity, including business ownership,
From her office in Portsmouth, Katy manages an all-women team for its attention to detail, collaboration, and client advocacy. She credits the brokerage’s success to a culture where shared knowledge and accountability are nonnegotiable. “Our team is our greatest strength,” she says. “We work together so our clients feel supported and heard from start to finish.”
Community involvement is woven into the fabric of Homes By Connect. Through the Connect Cares program, the brokerage supports local organizations including the Women’s Resource Center and the Aquidneck Food Pantry, reinforcing Katy’s belief that real estate should strengthen the communities it serves.
Whether she’s helping a buyer take their first step into homeownership, supporting a family through change, or mentoring agents looking for a collaborative professional home, Katy leads with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Her work reflects leadership and care.
executive compensation, concentrated equity positions, inheritance, and major transitions like divorce or remarriage.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst CDFA®, she helps clients understand the long-term impact of settlement decisions, evaluate trade-offs, and plan intentionally for life after divorce with independence and resilience in mind. Her broader planning approach integrates tax-aware investment strategy, long-term risk management, and responsible, impact-focused investing.
A graduate of Rhode Island College, Michelle holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, along with the CRPC®, CSRIC®, and CPFA® designations. She serves on the Women’s Council at Commonwealth Financial Network and helped lead its ESG Impact Committee, supporting thoughtful leadership, inclusion, and sustainable financial practices across the industry. Her familyowned firm recently earned B Corp recertification, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys longdistance biking and hiking with her spouse and business partner, Rick, having completed routes such as the West Highland Way and Skye Trail.
THE TEAM AT FINDLEY DERMATOLOGY
by Nick DelGiudice
At FINDLEY DERMATOLOGY, care is built on a simple belief: patients deserve prompt access to high-quality dermatology care delivered with compassion, clarity, and consistency. This women-led practice continues to grow with intention; expanding its space, team, and capacity to serve patients in our community, without long waits or unnecessary barriers.
Deeply connected to the Rhode Island community it serves, the practice was founded by Dr. Alyssa Findley with a vision of making exceptional skin care accessible and personal. Today, Findley Dermatology treats patients of all ages, accepts all major insurance plans, and welcomes new patients, often scheduling appointments within days rather than months. Accessibility is not an afterthought; it is foundational to how care is delivered every day.
To meet growing demand, the practice recently expanded into a beautiful new office space, more than doubling its size. The thoughtfully designed environment includes dedicated areas for general dermatology and cosmetic treatments, as well as for Mohs and surgical treatments, enabling efficient care while enhancing patient comfort. Behind the scenes, the team has grown to 17 skilled professionals who share a commitment to collaboration and patient-centered care.
The provider team includes Dr. Alyssa Findley, MD, FAAD, FACMS, along with Nadia Rudman, PA-C, Emily Ferullo, PAC, and Catherine Luz, DCNP, FNP-C. They work together as a unified team, sharing insights, maintaining continuity of care, and ensuring patients feel heard and wellinformed at every visit.
We treat every patient like family; listening first, never rushing, and tailoring care to what truly matters to them.
Every appointment at Findley Dermatology begins with listening. Visits are never rushed, concerns are thoroughly addressed, and treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs, goals, and lifestyle. Patients are supported through every stage of care, whether they come in for surgery, a routine full-body skin exam, to manage chronic conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, or seek evaluation for moles, cysts, warts, or other skin growths. The practice also offers comprehensive skin cancer detection and treatment
under one roof, including in-house Mohs surgery and reconstruction. This integrated approach allows patients to move seamlessly from diagnosis to treatment with a team they already trust, reducing stress and eliminating unnecessary delays during what can be an overwhelming time. For those interested in aesthetics, they also provide a full range of cosmetic and anti-aging services, including injectables, lasers, microneedling, PRP, chemical peels, and customized facials. These services are approached with the same philosophy as medical care: thoughtful, individualized treatment that prioritizes skin health, natural results, and patient confidence. Connection is central to everything the practice does. Patients are treated like family, communication is open and compassionate, and continuity of care remains a priority. Healthy, confident skin starts with access— and this growing practice is proud to provide it. Appointments are available ASAP. To learn more or schedule a visit, call 401-415-8586 or visit FindleyDerm.com.
1275 Wampanoag Trail, Suite 6, East Providence, 415-8586, FindleyDerm.com
Photography
DONNA EVANS
Multi-Million Dollar Producer/Realtor
Donna Evans, a 20-year veteran in sales and Realtor with COLDWELL BANKER REALTY, is a seasoned professional in the real estate industry. As a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and recipient of awards such as the International Diamond Society and Five-Star Professional, she is dedicated to providing her clients with a smooth and stress-free buying and selling experience.
Donna’s knowledge of Rhode Island, having grown up in the Ocean State and lived around the East Coast, allows her to offer valuable insights to her clients. Her clients consistently praise her professional acumen and personable approach, with one saying “Donna’s skill and overall pleasantness to work with are unmatched. She truly is a master of her craft.”
Donna’s reputation and network within the industry are both substantial, making her the ultimate professional to guide clients through the intricacies
THE LEADING LADIES OF CRESTAR
The Crestar Art Team
When Edith McCarthy and her husband Brendan took over CRESTAR.ART four years ago, the East Greenwich picture and art framing studio was a small team of four, with only one woman on staff. Today, the business has grown to nine employees, six of whom are women. “We didn’t plan it that way,” Brendan says. “It just happened that they were the most qualified when we hired them.”
That organic growth reflects their commitment to building a workplace centered on collaboration, skill, service, and Edith’s quiet leadership. Under their guidance, Crestar has become one of Rhode Island’s leading art printing and framing studios. The team scans original artwork with state-of-the-art large format technology, prints up to 60 inches wide on a variety of media, and offers one of the largest selections of frames and matboards in the region. Every project is
of the buying and selling process. With her expertise and dedication to client satisfaction, Donna Evans is the perfect choice for all your real estate needs.
Coldwell Banker Realty 1000 Division Street, East Greenwich, RI, 401-486-3448
handled in-house to maintain full control over quality and timing.
“We feel honored that people trust us with treasures and give us the opportunity to help them protect and present them beautifully.” Edith notes.
KAREN OCCHIALINI
Licensed Realtor in RI & MA
Karen Occhialini believes real estate works best when it starts with people. A Licensed Realtor in Rhode Island and Massachusetts with RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD, she brings a thoughtful, relationship-first approach to every transaction. After years living in Boston, Karen returned home to Rhode Island in 2014 with a renewed appreciation for the East Bay and a deeper understanding of how meaningful home can be.
Today, she works with buyers and sellers at every stage of life, guiding them through decisions with careful listening and clear, supportive advice. “No two clients or life transitions are the same,” Karen says, a philosophy that shapes how she approaches every move. Her role blends advisor, problem solver, and creative partner, helping clients envision renovations, reimagine spaces, and move forward with confidence. That personalized approach has earned her Circle of Excellence awards in 2024 and 2025, along with certifications as a Relocation Specialist and Military on the Move Realtor.
Community involvement matters just as much. Karen serves on the Barrington Education Foundation board and created the Project Snug Soles initiative, reinforcing her commitment beyond the closing table.
Many clients return or refer loved ones, reflecting trust and care that continue long after closing for years.
51 Liberty St, East Greenwich, 401-885-0300, Crestar.art
259 County Road Barrington, 617-894-5218, KODreamHomes.com
THE DESIGN TEAM AT RIKB DESIGN BUILD
For nearly 40 years, RIKB DESIGN BUILD has set the standard for innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship across Southern New England. Renowned for their awardwinning expertise and creative approach, RIKB transforms homes into spaces as functional as they are beautiful, delivering inspired solutions for every remodeling project.
“We believe a home should reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and be designed to function for the way they live,” says Tanya Donahue, owner and president. “I’m honored whenever a client chooses us to bring their vision to life.”
At the heart of RIKB’s success is collaboration. Every project begins with a commitment to meeting clients exactly where they are in life. Whether it’s a young family creating a gathering space, homeowners who love entertaining, those caring for aging loved ones, or individuals planning for their future, RIKB designs with intention. Their team crafts spaces that adapt to unique needs while blending creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail.
RIKB’s talented designers—Tanya Donahue, Emily High, Stephanie Castellucci, Kelly May Enos, Ellen Ovalles, Kingsley Catalucci, Sandra Michaels, Erika Pearson, and Kim Gammell—serve as the bridge between a client’s vision and the finished space. They
are exceptional listeners and problem solvers who work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. Partnering with the technical design and production teams, the designers ensure every element of the project reflects the client’s lifestyle and aesthetic.
We believe a home should reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and be designed to function for the way they live.
“Our designers are the cornerstone of our process,” says Donahue, “Their ability to combine vision, integrity, and precision allows us to build beautiful spaces and lasting relationships with our clients.”
From kitchen makeovers and spa-like bathrooms to whole-home renovations and multi-generational spaces, RIKB’s portfolio reflects the diversity of its clients’ needs. They also excel in smaller-scale projects, offering everything from cosmetic updates to small additions. The team’s Design-Build approach integrates every aspect of the process—
design, technical planning, and construction— under one roof, providing clients with one point of contact and a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Visit RIKB’s Design Center to spark ideas and explore the latest trends. This dynamic space features thoughtfully curated kitchen and bath displays that showcase innovative designs, materials, and layouts. For those seeking insights and inspiration, RIKB offers complimentary design seminars, where its experts share the latest trends and insider tips for remodeling projects.
RIKB has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island by Providence Business News for eight consecutive years (2018–2025) and is the only Rhode Island contractor featured on the prestigious Remodeling 550 list. It has built a reputation for quality, style, and exceptional customer service.
Whether you envision a simple update or a complete home transformation, RIKB Design Build is here to bring your vision to life.
To learn more, visit RIKB.com, register for an upcoming seminar, schedule a consultation, or call 401-463-1550.
SANDRA METCALFE Boutique Owner
This year, Sandra Metcalfe celebrates the fourth anniversary of NAUTI GIRL BOUTIQUE, now with two locations, the original in Narragansett Pier, and a new storefront in Jamestown. “I’m very excited about adding a new location in Jamestown for our ever-expanding customer base,” says Sandra. Known for its curated mix of fashion-forward clothing and accessories, Nauti Girl offers everything from effortless everyday styles to standout looks for nights out, complete with high-end brands and eye-catching jewelry.
The boutique carries an exciting variety of gifts, shoes, ladies apparel, and just as important, a great selection of dog collars, leashes, and accessories for our fourlegged babies! The stores also carry home goods and decor for your boat or beach house. New arrivals for 2026 are sure to create quite the buzz with unique fashion statements and custom jewelry. “Bringing the latest trends to my customers
remains my focus,” says Sandra, who continues to deliver a truly personalized boutique experience. Follow Nauti Girl on Facebook, Instagram and check out the newly designed website.
22A Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882, 401-376-2292; 47 Conanicus Ave., Jamestown, RI 02835, 401-376-2292, Nautigirlboatdecor@gmail.com, Nautigirlboutique.com
JAMILA LEWIS GREENE Head Chef and Owner
1277 Post Road, Warwick, 401-400-3701, SECateringRI.com
Jamila Lewis Greene, head chef and owner of SIMPLY EXQUISITE CATERING, has built a career defined by service, resilience, and purpose, where care shows up not only in what she cooks, but in how she leads.
Before stepping fully into the culinary world, Jamila served eight years in the U.S. Army as a nurse, including a deployment to Iraq, where she helped build a hospital and cared for service members and civilians in high-pressure conditions. That chapter shaped her leadership style and problemsolving approach, grounding her work in structure, safety, and intention. “My story is rooted in service,” she says, a philosophy that continues to guide every decision she makes. After her military service, Jamila remained in nursing while quietly growing Simply Exquisite Catering from the ground up. What began as providing healthy meals to a single childcare center expanded into a full-scale operation serving multiple centers, community organizations, and private events. Her menus reflect Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences, blending culture and nutrition with the belief
RACHEL KINNEVY-FITZPATRICK General Manager
Originally from Denver, a love of the arts brought Rachel Kinnevy-Fitzpatrick, mother of three wonderful kids, to the GREENWICH ODEUM where she began as a part-time bartender nine years ago, eventually moving into her dream job as General Manager. Alongside a dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and loyal patrons, Rachel creates more than performances at the theater - she creates community, which includes folks from all walks of life. As the theater celebrates its 100th year, Rachel promises the magic will continue.
59 Main Street East Greenwich, 401-885-4000, GreenwichOdeum.com
that food is both care and connection. Success, Jamila notes, has never followed a straight line. Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leadership in highly regulated environments required learning how to build systems, manage teams, and stay grounded in values while scaling a business. Along the way, she received a Community Partner Award from United Way, a recognition that underscores both her professionalism and impact.
In 2026, Jamila is launching Simply Exquisite Supper Club, a monthly dining series designed to showcase food as history and art. The debut, a Black History Month edition on February 28, transforms ingredients tied to survival and resourcefulness into a refined, multi-course experience shaped by Afro-Caribbean, African American, and Asian flavors.
Her takeaway is simple and powerful. “Success doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful,” Jamila says. When work is driven by care, consistency, and community, it nourishes far more than the bottom line.
JENNIFER MCAUSLIN Director of Development
At ACCESSPOINT RI, Jennifer McAuslin turns relationships into resources that expand opportunity for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. As Director of Development, she leads fundraising, marketing, and partnerships with a clear goal: show supporters how their investment changes lives. A Rhode Island College psychology graduate, Jennifer built her career in nonprofits, starting on the front lines at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Warwick, moving into program leadership at Connecting for Children and Families, and later discovering her calling in development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island.
That journey led her to AccessPoint RI last year, drawn by a mission rooted in independence and inclusion. “What I love most is the people,” she says, whether collaborating with staff, meeting community partners, or leading a Thursday glee club with day program participants. The music, she notes, is a weekly reminder of why the work matters.
Jennifer is proudest of the trust she has built with donors and colleagues statewide, creating partnerships where everyone feels connected to the impact. Looking ahead, she’s excited for the Pin Pal Party, an inclusive bowling fundraiser supporting the organization’s Special Olympics team. Her message is simple and powerful: communities grow when people show up together.
KERIANN KOEMAN Owner
A New Home for Joy: Wicked Tulips Doubles in Size. This spring, WICKED TULIPS FLOWER FARM is putting down new roots. Under the leadership of Keriann and Jeroen Koeman, the farm moved to North Kingstown. By combining their Exeter and Johnston farms, they’ve created a stunning destination that’s twice the size of previous years.
This 90-acre farm also opens the door to something new. The Koemans are making history as the first commercial tulip bulb producers on the US East Coast. As the business evolves, the Koemans are shifting their business model toward producing Rhode Island–grown tulips bulbs, an exciting milestone that reduces reliance on importing bulbs from Holland.
Keriann possesses an unwavering passion for empowering and guiding women to embrace their joy, prioritize their needs, and live authentically. And while the farm expands in a big way,
Keriann’s core mission remains the same: cultivating joy. From her signature embodied movement sessions among the flowers to this new agricultural leap, she invites you to witness history in bloom.
North Kingstown RI, Preston, CT, WickedTulips.com, KeriannKoeman.com
LISA LANCELLOTTA Associate Director, Professional & Executive Business Education
For nearly three decades, Lisa Lancellotta has been a steady force shaping the graduate student experience at the URI COLLEGE OF BUSINESS. Now serving as Associate Director of Professional and Executive Business Education, her career reflects longevity and evolution rooted in a genuine passion for helping students succeed.
Lancellotta joined the College of Business in 1995 as an MBA academic advisor, later becoming Coordinator of MBA Programs before stepping into her current leadership role within the past year. Today, she provides administrative and operational oversight across a wide portfolio of graduate and professional programs, including the Flexible and One Year MBA and multiple specialized master’s degrees (Accounting, Management and more!). Her work spans recruitment, advising, strategic planning, industry partnerships, and student experience.
A Babson College graduate with a BS in Business and an MBA in Marketing, Lancellotta has earned multiple honors from URI. She is especially proud of helping create customized MBA programs with corporate partners like Pfizer, now in its 17th year.
BRIDGET MONTANA Director of Sales and Real Estate Sales Associate
For realtor Bridget Montana, Sales Director at Acosta Group and Real Estate Associate at SPITZ-WEISS REALTORS, building a loyal client base starts with making deep community connections. With close ties to the neighborhoods she serves, Bridget’s love for Rhode Island and its rich heritage drives her commitment to helping others find their place in the Ocean State. “I’ve proudly called Rhode Island home for the past two decades,” she says. “My wife, Lauren, and I live in Providence, where we’re actively involved in community events, organizations, and supporting our local neighborhood.”
Bridget first moved here to attend Johnson & Wales University. “I fell in love with New England and Rhode Island’s magical big-little charm,” she says. She spent much of her career in the consumer packaged goods industry, specializing in food and grocery sales, before entering the investment side of real estate in 2020, joining Spitz-Weiss Realtors in late 2025.
She brings more than a decade of high-level sales experience to her real estate career. With hands-on expertise in investment properties, multi-family homes, and historic residences, she serves as a trusted guide for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. With Bridget, you’re not just working with a real estate agent - you’re gaining a trusted partner who’s as invested in your journey as you are.
As a first-generation American, therapist, and coach, Nikolai Blinow leads OMPOWERMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY, a thriving solopreneur practice informed by both clinical training and lived experience. Diagnosed later in life with high-performing ADHD, she understands the hidden costs of success driven by constant pressure. Her integrative approach blends evidencebased psychology, behavioral science, and nervous-system regulation to help women break burnout cycles. She also offers free monthly self-care challenges, redefining success as sustainable, aligned, and wellbeing-centered rather than stress-driven.
Associate Head of School for Student Experience & Associate Head of School for Academics
Karen Barbosa, M.Ed., and Jillian Giese, Ed.D., bring complementary leadership, vision, and heart to ST. MARY ACADEMY – BAY VIEW, shaping the academic experience and culture that surrounds this 151-year-old, Mercy Catholic, all-girls, Pre-K through Grade 12 school.
As Associate Head of School for Student Experience, Karen anchors her work in 20+ years of educational leadership across public and nonprofit settings. She has overseen initiatives spanning social-emotional learning, work-based partnerships, and the creation of a personalized secondary learning model that later served as a statewide example. At Bay View, she focuses on student well-being and belonging, ensuring the school’s values show up in daily practice. “I help shape how our mission is actually lived each day,” Karen says.
“A girl’s daily experience of school shapes her confidence, character, and sense of purpose.”
A strategic relationship-builder, she believes schools work best when adults model curiosity, responsibility, and compassion in action.
al experience in independent schools. She brings a lifelong connection to teaching that began at home. Raised in a family of educators, she came to value learning that is engaging, adaptive, and hands-on. “Schools should be places where students at every grade level engage in their learning with curiosity and wonder, are thoughtfully challenged to think deeply, and supported in their growth,” she says. Now leading curriculum, instruction, and professional growth across divisions, Jillian blends rigor with warmth.
Together, Karen and Jillian advance initiatives that broaden opportunities at Bay View to expand global learning experiences, student leadership development, and pathways that support belonging, well-being, and a voice across all divisions. Their work also includes strengthening partnerships and supporting faculty innovation efforts that sustain Bay View’s future, while honoring its mission. Grounded in the Mercy tradition, their leadership reflects a legacy of courage, compassion, and service. As Karen puts it, “When you lead with intention, the work feeds more.” 3070
Jillian, Associate Head of School for Academics, has nearly a decade of education-
THE LEADING LADIES OF HEY RHODY MEDIA CO.
HEY RHODY MEDIA CO. is the locally owned publishing company of four awardwinning monthly magazines: Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody. The free publications reach over 100,000 readers every month, bringing the best of food, arts, culture, fashion, and much more, in a uniquely Ocean State voice. Additionally, there are websites, social media pages, Hey Rhody Weekly on YouTube, and a podcast, all produced by a small but mighty team of editors, graphic designers, and a seasoned sales force to make it happen.
Abigail Burnham, Senior Editorial Designer: Abby joined Hey Rhody Media Co. in 2019. Her talent for design quickly led to taking the lead in laying out every article, cover story, and cover for all four magazines each month. You may also see her name attached to original illustrations.
Taylor Buttie, Senior Graphic Designer: Since joining Hey Rhody Media Co. in 2018, Taylor has used her talents to create ads, rate cards and sell sheets, plus
marketing materials for special events and more; additionally, she assists with editorial design. “We all work together as one big family, constantly supporting and motivating us all to be a better company.” Taylor is also excited to be welcoming the youngest member of the Hey Rhody Media Co. team, a baby girl, in June!
Theresa S. Carrington: The newest member of the sales team, Theresa actually pioneered Providence Monthly in its infancy, taking the magazine from vision to reality. She returns bringing bright enthusiasm to her role. “I’m passionate about helping businesses thrive!”
Shelley Cavoli, Account Manager for Central RI and Providence/New Business: Along with being devoted to her sales territory, Shelley has been dedicated to new business development since 2015, where she works to create advanced opportunities to engage with businesses across the state. “Every day I see clients discover ways to be successful, I’m proud to be part of their success.”
Louann DiMuccio-Darwich, Account Manager for East Bay & Providence: Louann has been with Hey Rhody Media Co. for 18 years. Known for her warm demeanor, she has a long history of developing strong relationships with clients. “I am blessed to work with an amazing team and local business community.”
Ann Gallagher, Account Manager for South County: Ann has been with Hey Rhody Media Co. for 18 years serving her seaside beat of South County. “I love that I can shop and support local businesses while also helping them get their message out through our magazines. It’s so gratifying to see small businesses prosper with our help.”
Jenna Kaplan, Digital Media Specialist: Since joining the team in 2023, Jenna has taken our socials in new directions, boosting engagement and reviving the blog. Additionally she is the creative force behind our e-newsletter, co-hosts both the Hey Rhody Podcast and Hey Rhody
Abigail Burnham
Taylor Buttie
Theresa Carrington
Shelley Cavoli
Elyse Major
Jenna Kaplan
Ann Gallagher
Weekly YouTube show, and contributes writing and photography.
Elyse Major, Editor-in-Chief: Since landing her dream job in 2018, Elyse has focused content on highlighting small businesses and makers. She develops and contributes writing for cover stories, articles for the Home & Style and Food & Drink sections, and Rhody Gem columns.
Ann Martini, Editor: All Ann has wanted is to write for magazines since seventh grade, and she’s done that with enthusiasm since the mid-1990s. From restaurant reviews to awardwinning in-depth pieces, she revels in the story-telling process. When not on the beat for Hey Rhody, she teaches writing at URI.
CHIRIN ASHKAR Executive Producer & Host
When it comes to the media industry, Chirin Ashkar is a dynamic force with an impressive and multifaceted career. As the producer and host of THE NEW YOU SHOW, she has built a platform that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and personal transformation.
An award-winning film associate producer and accomplished TV executive, Ashkar’s expertise spans production, set and stage design, styling, fashion show and event production, brand ambassadorship, public relations, and hosting. She has also served as a beauty pageant judge, runway and print model, and philanthropist — consistently blending artistry with leadership. Her passion for media is rooted in connection and creativity.
“I love what I do because it allows me to combine my creativity with my love for storytelling and connecting with people,” she says. “I thrive on the variety and the opportunity to wear many hats while creating something meaningful and memorable.”
The New You Show airs on cable throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, and streams online. Through her work, Ashkar continues to grow, innovate, and celebrate the transformative power of media.
Instagram: @TheNewYouShow, Facebook: The New You Show, TikTok: @TheNewYouShow, Snapchat: @TheNewYouShow AshkartMail@iCloud.com,
1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, HeyRhody.com
LISA CARLISLE, AIA Owner
“I had always wanted to be an architect, even from an early age,” recalls Lisa Carlisle, who is now living her dream of designing homes, renovations, and additions through her own firm, LISA CARLISLE ARCHITECT. Collaborating with clients to bring their visions to reality, she acts as their advocate through every step of the process, from initial meeting to construction. The awardwinning residential architect’s specialty is in classic shingle style and New England seaside aesthetics with a modern touch.
34 Narragansett Ave., Suite 1, Jamestown, 401-560-0850, LisaCarlisleArchitect.com
REED MCLAREN
Textile Sustainability Pioneer
Through THE SUSTAINABLE GARMENT and TAPESTRY HOME INTERIORS, Reed McLaren researches, teaches, and consults on how to preserve, maintain, and thoughtfully select clothing and home textiles. “I am passionate and able to pull people in with my enthusiasm. I prioritize collaborative, in-person interactions,” she says. Drawing on fine art practice, vintage sourcing, and historical care techniques, Reed leads workshops, public talks, and hands-on programming that reclaim lost skills, challenge throwaway culture, and help people become better stewards of their belongings.
Experience | Round Up | Cocktails | In the Kitchen
Winter Glow-Up
Providence’s food hall creates frosty air fun with igloo dining and street curling
By Elyse Major
Ihave always wanted to dine inside an illuminated igloo. Decorated domes that started as pandemic options for restaurants continue to pop-up, offering distinctive experiences for small groups. Track 15, Providence’s very own food hall housed in historic Union Station, recently installed two – just in time for snow-lovers to luxuriate over fare from individual merchants and watch or partake in street curling on a synthetic rink on the property’s plaza. In early January, my party of a few dear co-workers and I were among the first to get the inside track on the food hall’s latest venture.
Photo by Taylor Buttie
New igloos at Track 15
FOOD & DRINK
“Igloos came first as we were trying to figure out how to enliven the plaza after the excitement of Christmas decorations came down,” begins Alison Mountford, director of marketing, retelling conversations with Track 15 founder Chris Marsella. “The idea is to create an outdoor, icy, winter wonderland of sorts.” Next came research, a HomeGoods shopping spree, and decorating. “The igloo kits were only frames and the covering, so we wrapped every single pole with white LED lights for maximum glow – each igloo has
240 feet of lights!” says Mountford of tagteam efforts with Kaitlyn Frolich, director of private events and sales.
It was nearly dusk when the four of us arrived at the Track 15 plaza, the impressive brick complex softened by amber lighting. There are two glimmering igloos and the vibe is Winter Olympics Village. Being the test audience, Frolich is there to greet us. She unzips the transparent door and ushers us inside. She explains that it costs $50 to reserve an
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
RESERVATIONS: Igloos are available for booking during regular opening hours in two-hour increments. A $50 reservation fee is required and there is a $150 food and beverage minimum. Reservations are open through Sunday April 12, but will be adjusted based on demand and weather.
PARKING: Discounted parking is available at two facilities adjacent to Track 15: a surface lot on 11 Memorial Boulevard, and a 250-space parking garage, located under the Courtyard Marriott, at 5 Memorial Boulevard. Both facilities offer discounted parking when you buy food or drinks. Ask for the QR code from the restaurant or bar where you made your purchase.
by
Photo
Elyse Major
Classic New England style clam chowder from Dune Bros.
igloo for two hours, each seats up to eight people, and they ask for a $150 food and beverage minimum during igloo time. A dedicated cocktail server will attend your table and take drink orders, make sure you’re comfy, and bus the tables. However, you must go to the food hall to place and pick up your order, and bring it all back to your igloo.
Inside our glowing geodesic, it’s snug and dreamy. A patio set of a long table and chairs is furnished with lap blankets and nubby textiles, and there are electric candles and a miniature fireplace lending to the ambience set by the strands of lights. While we’re perusing the binder of seven menus, our server enters the snow globe and takes our drink orders. One member of our group decides we must have an app with our drinks, heads to the food hall and returns with a scrumptious mezze platter from Tolia, a Turkish eatery. We make short work of the hummus, whipped feta, and muhammara – a dip made from pomegranate molasses, red pepper, and walnuts. Two of us decide on one of the zero-proof seasonal cocktails, the Blood Orange “Rita” – a yummy punch of non-alcoholic tequila, blood orange, and lime, while the others order from the selections of wine and 15 regional beers.
After round one, we don our coats and head to the nearby food hall. For the uninitiated, “food hall” is akin to “upscale food court” – where you place your order, receive a text when it’s ready, and it’s placed on a tray – cafeteria style. I’m indecisive with the myriad options, each stall a mini-version of acclaimed local restaurants, but I land on personal favorites: a bowl of white chowder from Dune Bros, and two shrimp tacos from Dolores. Between our quartet, we covered most of the bases: rigatoni from Giusto PVD, coconut mango rice pudding from Chaska Indian Cuisine, a chopped wedge salad and steak fries dusted with Old Bay Seasoning from There, There, among other tasty bites. Once our group has its orders filled, we make a tray-holding parade into the night. Back inside our bubble everything is delicious, and the whole thing feels a bit like glamping. A worthwhile plan for winter-lovers. Track 15 1 Union Station Track15RI.com
BIG BURGER BLOWOUT
The event of record to determine who has the BEST BURGERS in Rhode Island!
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS OFFER ONE FREE BURGER TO FOLKS WITH COUPONS
WE’LL HAVE AT LEAST 25 RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING LAST YEAR WE HAD 34 SO IT’LL PROBABLY BE CLOSER TO THAT NUMBER
WE COMBINE THE COUPONS INTO WHAT WE CALL A PASSPORT PASSPORTS ARE ONLY $30
THAT’S AT LEAST 25 BEST BURGERS FOR ONLY $30
ALL MAY TO USE YOUR COUPONS
Savoring Rhody
Explore different March holidays through desserts
By Patty J
Just when winter could use a burst of vibrancy, a bunch of holidays enter the chat. From colorful cakes with surprises and fruit-filled pastries, to hearty breads and spicy specials, restaurants and bakeries across Rhode Island are ready to dish out delicacies worth waiting all year for.
India Restaurant
This popular restaurant rolls out a week-long celebration (March 2-8) in honor of Holi, the Hindu festival of color. Don’t miss out on traditional dishes and delish dinner specials, along with a curated cocktail list, henna tattoos, festive leis, and more, while bidding adieu to winter. Providence
LaSalle Bakery
A king cake or baby cake is the sweetest way to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Little Rhody for Mardi Gras, and LaSalle has them at both locations. These wildly colorful and spongy cakes are topped with mini coins and beads, and one lucky eater will find the tiny plastic baby in their slice. Providence
Oak Bakeshop
On a sunny corner on the East Side, you’ll find the baker who founded PVDonuts, creating “Jew-ish” pastries. Among them are Hamantaschen, little triangle-shaped cookies with either raspberry or apricot filling that are central to the holiday of Purim. Providence
Photo (top left) courtesy of Patty J, (top right) by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Oak Bakeshop, (bottom left to right) courtesy of South County Bread Company and Pastryland Bakery
Patty J
Oak Bakeshop
South County Bread Company
Pastryland Bakery
The Original Italian Bakery
This Atwood Avenue bakery puts a new spin on zeppole season. They still have the traditional cream-filled versions, along with fun varieties including whipped cream and raspberry, chocolate cream, pistachio, ricotta cheese, and even a St. Paddy’s Day crossover – Irish cream. You gotta try ‘em all. Johnston
Pastryland Bakery
Locals wait all year for this bakery’s luscious, cream puff-style zeppole, prepared in the traditional style with house-made pastry shells. Want something a little different? They also have other flavors, including a decadent version filled with chocolate mousse. Smithfield
Provencal Bakery
Irish eyes are smiling when the soda bread returns to this family-owned bakery. This dense scone-like bread is good enough to eat on its
own, or add some sweet butter and a bowl of their hot soup. Dine in at either cafe, and grab a few to bring home. Middletown and Newport
South County Bread Company
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find great soda bread. Just motor over to SoCo Bread on Main Street and enjoy one or two with a hot cuppa coffee. The resourceful bakers serve up two versions: the OG and one with caraway seeds and unexpected notes of citrus and licorice. Wakefield
Vienna Bakery
Vienna plans to offer their much-anticipated king cakes for Fat Tuesday once again this year, and fans can’t wait to get their hands on these scrumptious colorfully iced cinnamon desserts. It all pairs well with coffee or a French 75 back at home (because this is Mardi Gras, after all). Barrington
A History of Hope
India Restaurant
Vienna Bakery
Taking a Dive
Science, tradition, and a movie star are essential ingredients in this bartender’s mix
By Ann Martini
Before he landed at the new Esther’s High Dive in Providence, mixologist Max Karlin logged lots of years working in establishments from Palm Beach to Nashville to Martha’s Vineyard. But Providence, he says, “really aligns with my background and interests.” The cocktail menu at Esther’s is very culinary-driven, while still leaning into nostalgia. “Alongside the more technique-forward cocktails, we also incorporate playful elements like boilermakers, shooters, and mind erasers, which keep the menu fun and approachable,” Karlin says.
What are you drinking this month?
Our OF Highball is a force-carbonated, on-tap cocktail that’s a riff on a Pornstar Martini. We force carbon dioxide directly into the keg and use a separate regulator on the draft system to maintain that high pressure. The goal is an extremely lively, highly carbonated drink. The build includes vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur, champagne acid, and a small amount of vanilla syrup, finished with a passionfruit foam. The champagne acid acts as both the acidity and the “champagne” component.
Then, our Split Personality is an old fashioned-style cocktail built around brown butter- and peanut butter-washed bourbon, with fresh banana elements. The bourbon is fat-washed (a technique that infuses spirits with savory, rich flavors –like bacon fat – by mixing them, letting them sit, and freezing the mixture to remove the solidified fat) with brown butter and peanut butter, sous vided for several hours to maximize flavor extraction, then frozen overnight and strained through a coffee filter. The banana component comes from a house-made banana syrup that uses the entire fruit. We finish the drink with banana bread bitters, made in-house from equal parts Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate, Black Walnut, and Angostura bitters.
Max Karlin shown explaining a boilermaker
What do you like about these drinks?
What I love about these drinks is the level of care and precision behind them. At the end of the day, I’m making drinks I personally want to drink: fun, flavorful cocktails that either surprise you with a flavor you can’t quite place or deliver exactly what the description promises.
What on Esther’s menu would you pair with either cocktail?
I always recommend the smash burger and the Caesar salad.
When you go out for drinks in RI, what are your local haunts and why?
I’m still relatively new to the area, and since I don’t live in Providence (and have a baby arriving any day now), I don’t get out as much as I used to. That said, I’ve visited several local cocktail bars, including The Eddy, Club Frills, and East End. At the top of my list to visit next is Loma. 191 Dorrance Street; EsthersHighDive.com; Instagram: @EsthersHighDive @Max.Karlin
The Mango Sticky Rice cocktail
Positively Pasta
How a home cook with a sunny outlook started a food business
By Kennedy Ryan
For Samantha Kennedy, pasta-making has always been more than a skill to be honed; it’s a cherished family tradition. Growing up, her parents hosted elaborate Christmas Eve dinners featuring multi-course meals. “My dad was big on the Italian courses – fish, meat, and of course, homemade pasta,” she recalls. As the gatherings grew from intimate family dinners to celebrations with more than 20 relatives, Kennedy found herself increasingly drawn to the craft of pasta-making. “It was
something I grew up doing and enjoyed it.”
When the pandemic hit, Kennedy, like many, faced career uncertainty. Working as a paralegal at a law firm, she was laid off and later brought back, but the instability of the situation made her reevaluate her path. “I needed to do something else,” she explains. “I couldn’t rely on maybe being able to work or not.” With time on her hands, she rekindled a lifelong passion and decided to turn it into a business. After researching local resources, she connected
with Hope & Main, the food business incubator in Warren, and Sunnyside Pasta was born. Today, Kennedy produces handmade pasta at Hope & Main and sells it at the Tiverton Farmers Market, which, she explains, has been incredible for her business. “Meredith Brower, who runs it, is so nice, and the market draws a good crowd every Sunday,” says Kennedy. “I love that it’s not just food – there’s a mix of vendors, which creates a great atmosphere.” Though she’s not at the market every week, Sunnyside’s presence has become a highlight for food lovers.
A fresh batch of fettucine
PASTA 101
Enjoy a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make fettucini from scratch with Sunnyside Pasta. Light refreshments are served while you watch the demo, followed by making, and then sampling your work with a topping before it gets packaged to bring home. Learn more on Instagram: @sunnysidepasta
“Homemade pasta isn’t just food – it’s an experience,” insists Kennedy. In addition to selling pasta, she teaches pasta-making classes at Hope & Main. “Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Watching people go from having no idea what they’re doing to getting into the zone by the end of the class is amazing.”
Her classes emphasize the approachability and joy of making homemade pasta – anyone can do it. “Once you perfect homemade pasta, there’s no better feeling,” Kennedy says. “It’s the gift that
keeps on giving. People are always wowed by it.” She’s especially interested in finding ways to empower her students to continue pursuing the craft. “If I can teach someone to make dough perfectly, they can do anything they want with it.”
Kennedy’s pasta menu is a blend of traditional favorites and creative cuts. “Everyone loves fettuccine,” she notes, but she also offers pasta sheets for lasagna or ravioli, allowing her customers to get creative in their own kitchens. She experiments constantly, spending at least 10 hours a week
making pasta at Hope & Main or perfecting new pasta shapes at home. Her family – including her son – are enthusiastic taste testers. “Thankfully, they’re not sick of pasta yet!” she says with a laugh. Starting Sunnyside Pasta was a leap of faith, and Kennedy encourages others to follow their dreams without hesitation. “Just do it,” she advises. “Don’t let that voice in your head say you’re not ready. It’s never the right time to do something like this. For me, the worst thing would have been wondering 10 years from now, ‘What if?’”
