14 OP-ED: Fain and Triedman share their views on city issues
16 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyperlocal news and contact listings
18 OCEAN STATE MEDIA: School regionalization back on the table
20 RHODY GEM: The tiniest eyewear shop and studio you’ve ever seen
22 Arts: Bestseller penned by native East Sider is a master class in business
26 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Feature
27 College radio is live and well in Rhode Island
Home & Style
A13 HOME: Color, pattern, and panache make a large West End house cozy
A16 WELLNESS: Winter skincare advice from a luxury brand’s formulator
A20 MAKERS: Photographers share what motivates their vision
A22 SHOP: Items and accessories found locally designed to inspire movement
Leading Ladies
57 Inspiring stories of women making a difference around Rhode Island
Food & Drink
73 FIELD TRIP: Frosty air dining with a side of curling for anyone missing the Olympics
78 EXPERIENCE: An Italian restaurant launches brunch
82 COCKTAILS: A mixologist shares what’s shaking on Dorrance Street
86 ROUND-UP: Picks for sampling March holiday treats
A World of Travel is Right Here:
Rhode Island and neighboring states offer hassle-free experiences
88 PIC OF PVD
January
Photo courtesy of Newport Harbor Island Resort
Photo by Ken Abrams
Photo courtesy of Tratoria Romana
Photo by Elyse Major
THE COVER: La Gondola Providence gondolier Rosario impresses passengers with songs and history. Photo by Elyse Major.
As the spring market begins, motivated buyers are returning and the right strategy matters more than ever.
The Sweeney Advisory pairs trusted local expertise with Sotheby’s International Realty’s global reach to position homes with precision and deliver exceptional results. Connect with Providence’s leading advisory to discuss a tailored spring buying or selling strategy.
PUBLISHERS
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Justin Case
Kris Craig Kincaid Elaine Gianguzzi Photography
Billie Jo Gray
David Lawlor
Caterina Maina
Erin McGinn
Dominique Sindayiganza
Maxwell Snyder
Dee Speaks
Joe Tasca Evan Tetreault
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emma Bartlett
Luis Hernandez
Patty Jeffrey Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor
Anna Lofgren
Britt Machado
Steve Triedman
Interested in writing? Email Editorial@HeyRhody.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
PATTY JEFFREY
Whether or not you celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Purim, Holi, or Mardi Gras, Patty Jeffrey AKA Patty J, offers personal picks on where to get March holiday treats around the state. Make a trek sampling everything from king cakes to Hamantaschen, zeppole to Irish soda bread, and so much more. Find “Savoring Rhody” on page 86.
AIYAH JOSIAH-FAEDUWOR
Part of our Who to Watch Class of 2022, Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor returns to our magazines as a contributor. In “Artistic Vision” on page A20, he presents a showcase of six inspiring photographers for your radar. A Boston native, Josiah-Faeduwor has lived and worked in Rhode Island for 17 years and is a fulltime freelance photographer through AreWeFree LLC.
ANNA LOFGREN
A Jamestown resident, Anna Lofgren has been a DJ for the University of Rhode Island’s radio station WRIU since 2021. In “Radio is the Sound Salvation,” (page 27) she puts her keenness for the FM radio medium to good use, tuning into the origins of college radio in the state, and how it continues to amp up, especially with listeners returning to analog after algorithm fatigue.
BRITT MACHADO
Taking a cue from our cover story, the West End-based creative behind JohnnyCakes Design and Vintage, has assembled items ready to lure folks out of hibernation. Whether it’s a limited edition surfboard in Westerly or a sweatsuit made from an Oprah fave brand based in Providence, Britt Machado’s got you covered with Rhody style. Find it all on page A22.
As spring begins to bloom in Providence, many homeowners start considering what the months ahead might hold. If you’re thinking of a move, a measured and wellinformed approach at the start of the season often makes all the difference as the market gains momentum.
NEWS & CULTURE
On Stage | Op-Ed | Neighbothood News | Ocean State Media | Rhody Gem | Book Review | Calendar
Let’s Talk
A sit-down with female stand-ups on the state of the comedy biz in Rhode Island
By Emma Bartlett
s 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.
Doreen Collins at The Comedy Park
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 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.
Photo (L) by Maxwell Snyder, courtesy of Leslie Zwicker
Kim Arundel
Leslie Zwicker
Op Ed: Providence Could Learn a Lot from the Mississippi Education Miracle
Statewide cooperation under strong leadership contributes to an increase in test scores
By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
Rhode Island can learn something from Mississippi. Historically, Mississippi education has been poor, so poor in fact, that many failing states “felt good” because they knew they were at least one state that was worse! Then came the “Mississippi Miracle.”
When we saw that Mississippi achieved this incredible turnaround in fourth grade reading in the national rankings, rising from 49th in 2013 to 9th in 2024, we decided to see what Rhode Island, which is consistently in the middle of the pack, could use to improve. (Neighboring Massachusetts is consistently in the highest group.) And in the Providence Public Schools, which are being overseen by the state, the trend has been “flat or lower” with no marketable improvement. This is critically important because these are the formative years, and they are indicative of future outcomes.
Mississippi’s education performance was abysmal until 2013, when a new school superintendent persuaded politicians and unions to support and pass the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. This Act strategically refocused education policy by returning to the basics: quantitative measurement, strict accountability, research-backed teaching techniques, and support for both students and teachers. Teachers were trained in phonics –the science of reading – literacy coaches were deployed to further assist the teachers, and a retention policy for third-graders performing below their expected level for a rising fourth-grader was implemented.
If you look at the results … they did it right! School principals were empowered to actually lead with a stronger approach that doesn’t accept failure and is focused on delivering
winning metrics. Investments in teacher training and coaching programs focused on evidence-based instruction. Comprehensive reading and math policies included early screeners, targeted interventions, and high-quality instructional materials.
School accountability was prioritized, and student growth was tracked – especially for the lowest performing students. The most controversial measure was maintaining the third grade promotion gate for students who weren’t reading on grade level, a policy proven to help students long term. The argument being that when students enter fourth grade, they should no longer be ‘learning to read’ but ‘reading to learn’ across all subjects.
This retention policy was the most contested part. In other states that followed Mississippi’s plan (and several ended up dropping it), it is reflected in their academic performance, which has trailed the states that kept it. They focused on what happens in the classroom. On the fundamentals. They trained teachers to be effective at teaching students to read. And they introduced systems of accountability to ensure that everybody - administrators, teachers, and students met their marks.
Mississippi has 458,000 students and spends approximately $13,400 per student. Rhode Island has 138,000 students and spends approximately $22,400 per student. Providence has 26,000 students and spends an additional $5,600, bringing the total cost to approximately $28,000 per student. Probably the most important factor in the success was strong legislative support, and the changes were implemented with the support of teachers and thei unions. Students were the
focus of all the changes because their performance was being measured, but teachers were also included in the legislative act because it empowered them. Better-performing teachers deliver better results.
The playbook is there for Rhode Island to truly change education for our students and start them on a path to success, which helps the state and city in so many ways. What is needed is a new education commissioner and all of the teachers and former teachers in the State House to act for their ‘real’ constituents, not the teachers’ union, and support a new curriculum designed by a new commissioner with the teachers and the unions that puts our children first.
Providence students speak 55 languages and come from 91 countries. More than half of the students come from homes where English is not the primary language, which presents a challenge for educators, but this is still the United States where every child should have the opportunity to succeed. Rhode Island has the capacity to do this. What is needed is leadership across the board, one voice committed to showing that “Failure Is Not An Option!” If Mississippi can do it … Rhode Island has no excuses.
Op-eds express the authors’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hey Rhody Media Co. Readers are welcome to send responses or letters to the editor to be considered for print publication in a future issue or posted online. Letters can be emailed to Ken@HeyRhody.com
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.
25 Santiago St., Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662
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SMITH HILL PARTNERS’ INITIATIVE
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400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1
AAkinbi@half-full.com
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SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 5653
Providence, RI 02903 • 401-369-1334
SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com
Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association
SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940
SNAProv@gmail.com
SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BettyLinda@aol.com
Facebook: Washington Park Association
WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Katherine Touafek
Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association
WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com
WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
1560 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909
401-831-9344
WBNA@wbna.org • WBNA.org
Photo courtesy of GoProvidence
Springtime on Benefit Street
East Side Launches Fundraising Campaign to Honor “Reddit John”
As Brown students returned to campus amid signs of welcome, solidarity, and shared grief, East Side City Councilors Jill Davidson and Sue AnderBois launched a community fundraising effort to honor “Reddit John” – the anonymous Brown alum whose courage helped investigators track the perpetrator in the wake of the tragedy. John has chosen to remain anonymous, so to recognize his actions on behalf of the community, the councilors are raising $25,000 to be donated in John’s name to support unhoused neighbors facing brutal winter conditions.
“Providence is an incredibly caring, connected community,” says Ward 2 Councilor Davidson. “John exemplified that care in his brave actions last month, and it’s so important for us to recognize his example.” The gift will go to OpenDoors, a Rhode Island non-profit doing critical frontline work to house and support people in Providence and beyond. Through their Necessities Fund, 100 percent of tax-deductible donations fund the essential daily needs of clients and shelter residents. “Providence residents have been wanting to thank John for his courage in a meaningful way,” added Ward 3’s AnderBois. “Especially during this frigid cold snap, this is a way to honor John and also directly help our unhoused neighbors.”
“So often we turn people away from our shelters because all the beds are filled. Our Necessities Fund supplies sleeping bags, tents, bus tickets, and other emergency supports. We are so grateful for any help people can provide to help our neighbors with these critical needs,” stated Co-Executive Director of OpenDoors Nick Horton. Once donations are gathered, organizers will notify Reddit John about the gift made in his name.
How to donate:
Online: at https://bit.ly/ThankRedditJohn
By check: Payable to OpenDoors, mail to 485 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909. Include a note that the donation honors Reddit John. Contact Patrick at 401-214-1818 or pwestfall@opendoorsri.org with any questions.
Mile of History Showcases Barker Playhouse, Preps for Spring
The Barker Playhouse is one of the treasures located on Benefit Street. Last December, the Mile of History Association (MoHA) sponsored a rendition of three one-act plays by Moliere at the theater. Each play was about half an hour. The costumes and players were excellent and easily heard throughout. It was a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable evening. The Players at the Barker Playhouse host five mainstage productions each year from September to May. The Players will present T he 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from March 13-29.
Recently, the City Council approved a multimillion-dollar loan from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. The City will use the funds to make the sidewalks in the MoHA compliant with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is a major milestone in MoHA’s long-term program to improve accessibility to the Benefit Street area for the thousands of people who walk along these streets every year. We look forward to seeing this program fully implemented in the months ahead. May this program be a model for the city to extend throughout Providence!
The many public “hidden” gardens and other green spaces in the Mile of History district will soon be blooming. Provided is a list of places to explore this spring:
Cemetery at Cathedral of St.John: Behind 66 Benefit Street
Front Lawn of the Old State House: Behind 150 Benefit Street
John Brown House Museum Grounds: 52 Power Street
Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Park: 141 Benefit Street
Radeke Garden at the RISD Museum
RISD “Beach”: Green space on Benefit Street between Waterman and Angell
Shakespeare’s Head Garden: 21 Meeting Street
Stephen Hopkins House Garden: Hopkins and Benefit streets
– Submitted by Charles W. Hewitt
Fewer Students, Higher Costs: Why School Regionalization is Back on the Table in Rhode Island
State Rep. Megan Cotter has introduced legislation to incentivize school districts to build regional partnerships
In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org • By Luis Hernandez
As student enrollment in Rhode Island’s public schools continues to decline, schools across the state are facing the prospect of closure in the coming years. Exeter State Representative Megan Cotter says that should prompt towns across the state to cut costs by creating regional school districts. In an effort to incentivize that transition, Cotter recently introduced legislation that would triple the amount of state education funding for districts that decide to regionalize.
“When we look at how many districts we have in the state, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, because we’re not large and we do have declining enrollment,” Cotter said. “So if we have towns and cities build forces together to benefit our children, the state needs to be reliable. We can’t keep asking towns to raise their property
taxes to fund education. It’s not sustainable.”
State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green recently told Ocean State Media that she expects school regionalization to be near the forefront of education issues in Rhode Island in the near future. “It’s complicated, especially in Rhode Island,” Infante-Green said. “Everybody really loves where they go to school. But it just doesn’t make sense sometimes to have two elementary schools and two districts side-by-side that are half empty. So I think that that’s something that we’re going to be looking at. It will not be easy, but we’re going to have to involve the communities in having those conversations.”
Cotter, who represents two regional school districts – Exeter-West Greenwich and Chariho, spoke with Ocean State Media’s Luis Hernandez about why she’s pushing for more resources for school districts that want to regionalize.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Rep. Cotter: Schools are not impervious to electric costs (among other costs). They’re seeing the same costs that you and I are seeing in our households. So I think that they’re asking the taxpayers to pay more money, and their towns – it’s going to get harder and harder to have people swallow that pill of the bill. I think they’re going to have to start being creative and looking at alternative ways to make sure our kids get the education that they deserve.
On how the Exeter-West Greenwich and Chariho School Districts can serve as a model: It’s not just a smart move to consolidate costs, it’s a way to bring the communities together to really focus on what is best for the children. For Exeter-West Greenwich, you obviously have members from Exeter on the school committee and members from West Greenwich. We have something called a five-year rolling average which I think is a fabulous model. It’s a five-year rolling average of student enrollment. So you pay for the amount of kids that you have, and the five-year rolling average allows for an increase to be small so that you’re not ponying up a ton of money if there’s a big shift in enrollment from one town to the other.
Chariho obviously has Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton. And Charlestown pays a little less than the other two towns because Charlestown has fewer children. I think regionalization will look different for every community, and it’s just what is best for your community.
The Chariho regional school district is shared by three Rhode Island towns: Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton
On whether there’s support on Smith Hill for more school regionalization
Cotter: I think right now people are more open now more than ever, because their pupil costs are going up. Declining enrollment is a real issue that we need to face as a state. People are having less children, but I think we’re going to have extra support.
Then it comes from the superintendents of southern Rhode Island. So they’re reaching out to their legislators and they’re saying, “Hey, let’s take a close look at this bill. Let’s get it done.” Because they’re going to have to make some really tough decisions. And I think the writing is on the wall that this is the direction we need to go in.
This article was originally posted on January 28, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@OceanStateMedia.org.
Photo by Joe Tasca, courtesy of Ocean State Media
Olefson Art Optical
Eyeglass Frames
What it is:
The mobile tiny house studio/store of Laurie Olefson, creator of one-of-a-kind handmade eyeglass frames (some with matching earrings), all suitable for prescription.
Where to find it:
Once on Acorn Street, go through the archway at number 23 to find a white-and-blue tiny house in the parking lot. While there’s no mistaking the building, a sign just below the roof peak confirms you found it.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
If you are seeking spectacles that make a statement, this is the place for you. Former magazine art director ( TIME , New York Times special publications) Laurie Olefson makes eyeglass frames that she describes as “quirky” and “deliberately imperfect.” Each finished product has been cut, printed, hammered, grooved, sanded, and polished by hand from cellulose acetate inside the studio built to spec down to the circular windows sketched from John Lennon’s signature glasses. Many frames are embellisehd with metal flowers and intricate wooden veneers. The Olefsons are regulars on the craft and fine arts festival circuit, but no need to travel when crates are filled with colorful frames right here. “We have the largest selection of optical-quality readers around, and just introduced flocked frames!” says Olefson. Business partner and husband Victor Olefson offers, “It’s niche jewelry for the face!”
Olefson Art Opticals
3 Acorn Street • OlefsonArtOpticals.com 732-687-0193; Instagram: @lolefson Open by appointment only
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email marketing@heyrhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photo by Elyse Major
The East Side played a formative role in businessman’s bestseller
By Barry Fain
F Master Class
or anyone with an interest in books about how to build a business and, more importantly, how to run it, we have a beauty for you. Delivering the Wow , Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success , is written by Providence-born Richard Fain, the chairman and former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. Named by Barron’s as one of the “World’s Best CEO’s” for three years running, he took the company from a niche cruise line with a handful of small ships in 1988 to a fleet of megaships, including the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built, and from 2700 employees to almost 100,000 today.
While the book focuses on the cruise industry, it reads like an engaging case study for any business school class. In the enjoyable, fast-paced narrative, Fain shares the inside stories of the company’s amazing growth with wit, modesty, and frequently, disarming humor. His most significant breakthrough was to go all-in on the concept of “megaships.” The company then had to redefine its marketing objectives. Their competition was now not just other cruise ship lines but also giants like Walt Disney World and Marriott Hotels, all competing to deliver the best customer experience for those vacation dollars.
For Royal Caribbean, this meant enhancing the shipboard experience for its cruise guests by completely redesigning everything. They created eye-popping four-story atriums in the center of the ship, unheard-of on-board entertainment options like bumper cars, climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and champagne bars. No wonder “WOW” became the first word out of everyone’s mouth when boarding their first megaship. To run the company, Fain prescribed a unique corporate culture that links every employee, from top to bottom, to the same company vision, or “alignment,” as he calls it. This is coupled with establishing the company’s “North Star,” a goal towards which everyone strives, which became the secretsauce for success.
Fain, who grew up in Providence, says the city played an important role in his life. “The East Side was my home during my formative years. My 12 years at Moses Brown, Temple Beth El, and tinkering with gadgets and designs in my cousin Lyle’s basement were all key to how I grew up, to the extent I ever did. Being part of a community and having a purpose all came from that strong foundation. I wasn’t ‘taught’ how to give back. I experienced it as part of life.” Learn more at DeliveringTheWow.com
Photos courtesy of Richard Fain
Providence native Richard Fain
Focusing on Whole Body Health
At Northeast Chiropractic , Dr. Tom Morison specializes in Chiropractic Bio-Physics, the most researched chiropractic technique. He uses his extensive knowledge of the spine and nervous system to alleviate – and often eliminate – back and neck pain and migraines. Dr. Tom can also make longer term postural corrections, impacting everything from digestion to energy level and resulting in significantly boosted overall wellness, and can even potentially improve asthma, colic, ear infections, tingling, hypertension, allergies, and more.
Northeast Chiropractic also offers the cutting-edge ScoliBrace, a highly effective and customizable scoliosis bracing method using the best corrective principles. Used in conjunction with 3D imaging software, BraceScan, the brace is customized to fit the patient’s unique measurements and needs. In conjunction with regular corrective chiropractic care, ScoliBrace has been shown to significantly improve spinal deformities.
Any doctor can say he’s committed to his patients, but for Dr. Tom, it goes far beyond that. He does extensive additional training well beyond what’s required because he wants to provide the best possible care and put his patients on a path to healthier, better lives.
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The Must List
10 essential events this month
March 4-22: Re-energized on the heels of a pair of award-winning films, the blockbuster musical Wicked , one of the greatest spectacles ever to run on Broadway, returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for an extensive run. PPACRI.org
March 7: The Providence Porchfest Fundraiser at Myrtle includes sets from The Moonlight Ramblers, Beth Barron, and The Lost & Found. Donations are encouraged to raise money for May’s big event. East Providence, GiveMyrtle.com
March 12-22: “It’s a hard-knock life,” is among the many tunes from the musical Annie , brought to the stage by hidden-gem company, the Academy Players held at the James and Gloria Maron Cultural Arts Center. AcademyPlayersRI.org
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March 26-29: The Providence Culinary Collective , which includes the Rhode Island Wine Experience , is a city-wide festival featuring celebrity chefs teaming up with local talent for tastings, demonstrations, pairings, and one-of-a-kind dinners. GoProvidence.com
March 21: Longtime La Salle Academy administrator Donald J. Kavanagh is this year’s Grand Marshall at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that winds its way east along Smith Street all the way to the State House. ProvidenceStPatricksParade.org
March 21-22: The G Free Fest returns to the WaterFire Arts Center for a tasty, weekend-long culinary celebration showcasing the best glutenfree products and restaurants with over 85 vendors from around the region. GFreeFest.com
March 22: The Surfrajettes have charmed audiences with their mix of psychedelic rock and reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings. Bethlehem Shalom opens. AlchemyRI.net
March 14-15: The Providence Bruins honor first responders in a weekend series against rivals Hartford (Saturday) and Springfield (Sunday), featuring players in first-responder-themed jerseys and a salute cam to recognize local heroes. AmicaMutualPavilion.com
March 26: Join Hey Rhody Media Company 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 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 city. LilRhodyLaughRiot.com
Photo courtesy of GoProvidence
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 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.
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.”
by Ken Abrams
Photo
WRIU live in-studio performance with duo John Fuzek and Maryann Rossoni
1956 WDOM Station Manager
Gerald Terpening
the vanguard of college radio
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
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.
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.
Photo (top) courtesy of WDOM, (bottom) by Billie Jo Gray, courtesy of The PVD Spinsters
was in
PVD Spinsters
Julia Brough and Rose Kenyon
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
BIKE RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS, PERFECT FOR THE NEARBY 26-MILE TRAIL
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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HOME & STYLE
Home | Wellness | Makers | Shop
Custom built-in shelving transforms a wall into design-forward storage and display space
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
As a wealth advisor with a foundation in psychology, AAF WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Co-Managing Partner Carmen Grinkis, PhD, CLTC, CLU®, CFP®, has spent her career walking alongside women who excel in their intellectual and professional lives, yet often hesitate to bring that same confidence to their financial decisionmaking. “Many of the women I work with are intellectuals - academics, clinicians, leaders in their fields - who have mastered complexity in their functional expertise but simply haven’t needed to direct that same intellectual energy yet toward their financial wellbeing until a pivotal moment brings it into focus,” explains Carmen.
“What I see time and again is an inflection point,” she says. “A moment in a woman’s life when she recognizes it’s time to step forward and take ownership.”
Sometimes it’s an age milestone, retirement on the horizon, a medical crisis, or simply a shift in priorities. Other times it may be the passing of a parent, spouse, or close friend. “These events wake us up. They pull financial concerns
Women today are powerful, capable, intellectually formidable - and they deserve financial lives that reflect that.
from the background into the foreground, and suddenly the questions rush in: Am I okay? Will I be okay? Who can I trust to help me figure this out?”
Despite external confidence, many women still carry a quiet fear around money. They wonder whether they’ll have enough, whether they’re making the right financial decisions now, and whether they’ll be able to care for themselves as they move through retirement and in the years ahead. “Where should they live? How will they pay for healthcare? Are they interpreting the numbers correctly? These are the deeper questions they
bring—not just market performance, but the emotional and practical realities of life planning,” says Carmen.
“This is where my background in psychology adds real dimension to the work,” continues Carmen. “Women want an advisor who understands the numbers and understands them - someone who appreciates the emotional landscape behind financial decisions. Increasingly, I’m also seeing more women who are choosing to live independently and prioritize their professional and personal autonomy. Some are young professionals beginning to build their foundation; others are single, highly educated women who want to ensure they are secure, resilient, and self-directed.”
Carmen explains how women influence each other. “When one woman in a circle decides to take ownership of her financial well-being, others follow. Conversations shift. Confidence grows. The impact multiplies. This is why the theme of Leading Ladies resonates with me so deeply - not as a noun, but as a verb. Leading is what women are doing every day: leading their families, their organizations, their fields, and increasingly, leading their own financial futures. My role is not to take the reins for them, but to walk beside them, offering clarity, perspective, and support as they navigate these decisions.”
“Women today are powerful, capable, intellectually formidable - and they deserve financial lives that reflect that,” notes Carmen. “My work is simply to help them see what has been true all along: they are more than prepared to lead themselves forward.”
If you’re navigating a financial inflection point and want to explore your options, Carmen Grinkis is here to help.
Investment advisory services offered through AAF Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation for any specific strategy. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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
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
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
Courtney Lavigne, DMD, AAACD, FAGD, ABO
Lauren Cardarelli, DMD, MS, ABO
Board-Certified Orthodontists
Drs. Courtney Lavigne and Lauren Cardarelli, of ANCHOR ORTHODONTICS did not set out to create just another orthodontic office. Their vision was more personal – an intentional, communitycentered practice built on trust, expertise, and genuine relationships.
Both proud Rhode Island natives, the doctors first crossed paths more than a decade ago through shared high school connections, long before their professional lives would intersect. Those early overlaps eventually led them to work side by side, united by a belief that orthodontic care should be tailored to the individual and guided by thoughtful communication rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Today that philosophy shapes every aspect of Anchor Orthodontics. From the moment patients arrive, the atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, designed to put children, teens, and adults at ease. The practice blends advanced technology with a deeply human approach, reflecting the doctors’ conviction that comfort and confidence are as important as clinical excellence.
Each doctor contributes to a unique expertise. Dr. Courtney Lavigne holds a unique distinction: she is the only dentist in the world who is both a board-certified orthodontist through the American Association of Orthodontists and an accredited cosmetic dentist through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Although her focus is now exclusively orthodontics – using braces, aligners, and expanders – her cosmetic background gives her an exceptional eye for facial harmony and long-term aesthetics, particularly in complex cases.
Dr. Lauren Cardarelli complements that perspective with a passion for research and innovation. Her award-winning academic work centers on 3D imaging, CBCT-based bone analysis, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in orthodontics. This data-driven approach allows for more precise diagnosis, efficient treatment planning, and highly predictable results.
Together they keep the practice at the forefront of the specialty. Anchor Orthodontics operates on a fully digital workflow, offering customized tooth-colored braces created through 3D printing and remote monitoring that lets patients share weekly progress scans from home. For busy families, these tools mean fewer appointments without sacrificing quality.
Yet the doctors are quick to emphasize that orthodontics is ultimately about people. “We do more than straighten teeth, we help change lives,” they often say. Their focus on early intervention and collaboration with medical and dental colleagues supports overall growth and airway health, not just alignment. Visits are designed to feel positive and engaging, helping young patients build confidence from the start.
For adults, the transformation can be just as meaningful. Many arrive after years of hiding their smiles, and watching that shift from self-consciousness to pride, is among the most rewarding parts of the work. Whether treatment lasts months or years, the goal is an experience that feels empowering and even enjoyable.
As locals, Lavigne and Cardarelli are especially proud to offer expertise typically associated with major cities while keeping care close to home. Patients often remark that Anchor Orthodontics feels different – meticulous and high-tech, yet warm and familiar. The practice is woman-led and locally owned, values that reflect their commitment to community and to raising the standard of care in Rhode Island.
Looking ahead, Anchor Orthodontics continues to expand options that make treatment more comfortable, precise, and efficient. But the heart of the practice remains unchanged: success is measured not only in beautifully aligned smiles, but in the trust earned along the way. World-class orthodontic care, they believe, should feel personal – and firmly anchored in Rhode Island.
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.
KIM FULLER Founder
With a camera in one hand and compassion in the other, Kim Fuller has built a life and career around one powerful belief: your story matters. A mindful photographer, two-time award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and spiritual story coach, Fuller is the founder of BORN TO RISE™, a RIbased community empowering women to share their transformational stories.
“I help women shine in their power, their story, and their beauty,” she says. “When we shift harmful stories to stories of growth and courage, we begin to heal.”
A Rhode Island School of Design graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Fuller spent years capturing people’s essence behind the lens. Today, she invites women to the stage – literally. Through Born to Rise™ storytelling nights, her Empowered Voices Collective, and The Art of the P.A.U.S.E. workshops, Fuller has created space for 250+ women to bravely share their truth.
From hiking the Camino de Santiago to shaking hands with the Dalai Lama, Fuller’s journey is global – but her heart is deeply rooted in community.
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.
AURA FAJARDO Owner/Chocolatier
Once a graphic designer in Caracas, Venezuela, AURA’S CHOCOLATE BAR founder Aura Fajardo never imagined chocolate would choose her – but it did. Today, Aura’s is a woman-owned, familyrun boutique chocolate shop where craft and artistry meet. The chocolatier does it all – with help from her parents – from menu creation to packaging design, guided by what the chocolate inspires. Educated at Johnson & Wales, Aura was named RI’s best chocolate shop by Chowhound in 2025 –sweet proof that passion tastes good!
250 East Street, Cranston, AurasChocolateBar.com
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
BLYTHE PENNA Owner
To learn more, pup parents can visit the website and click “Contact Us” under “Getting Started.” at RuffinWranglers.com
RUFFIN’ WRANGLERS® gives your pup more than just a leash walk – they give them an adventure! It starts when your dog is picked up and whisked away to a doggie oasis, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® Ranch in Rehoboth, MA. The fencedin ranch boasts seven acres of grassy fields and trees, plenty of space for your dog to run, play, and make furry friends. “Socialization, exercise, and freedom are crucial to your pet’s health, happiness, and your sanity!” says owner Blythe Penna.
Since 2007, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® team has provided over 322,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up, drop-off, and supervise all the fun in between. “They have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!”
“We know our clients’ dogs are their children,” says Blythe. “Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them.” They get to know each dog, their preferences,
what causes them anxiety and what they love, along with ensuring each dog has the experience they crave, whether extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails, or just snoofing!
“We have dogs that have been with Ruffin’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still at the ranch weekly. We are going to have to outfit a geriatrics Sniff Mobile for those dogs and me soon!” jokes Blythe, adding, “I had a vision for the company when I started it 17 years ago, but I really did not conceptualize where we are today.”
“I am so proud of our team of Wranglers and the leader of our pack, Austin Wright. There is absolutely no way we would be where we are today without his dedication to Ruffin’ Wranglers®,” she continues.
“There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a dog, and that is what we provide, joy – not bad for your daily gig!”
Michelle Lee Parenteau approaches interior design with a clear point of view shaped by experience: spaces should be joyful, personal, and grounded in color. As the owner and creative force behind MICHELLE LEE DESIGNS, she has built an award-winning interior design firm known throughout Rhode Island for interiors that balance bold visual impact with thoughtful functionality. Her path to that reputation was anything but flashy. Nearly twenty-two years ago, Parenteau began building her business from the ground up, knocking on doors to introduce herself to real estate agents, forming relationships with trusted vendors, and managing client work while juggling life with three young children in tow. That grassroots beginning grew steadily into a thriving, full-service design studio now serving clients across Rhode Island and beyond.
Today, Michelle Lee Designs offers comprehensive interior design and project management services for residential and commercial spaces. Parenteau works closely with clients on everything from layouts and construction oversight to countertops, flooring, window treatments, furniture selection,
lighting, and carefully considered finishing details. Her process is collaborative and highly organized, blending creative intuition with clear communication and hands-on expertise from concept through completion.
Parenteau’s work is widely recognized for its fearless use of color and its ability to create environments that feel both functional and memorable. Recent accolades include being named a Sherwin-Williams STIR featured designer for her work on Ten Prime Steak and Sushi, as well as being featured by Hey Rhody as a Design Influencer. Her portfolio spans private homes and high-impact commercial spaces, including restaurants, offices, and community-focused businesses. With new projects and creative plans on the horizon, Parenteau shows no signs of slowing down. Her advice, shaped by years of perseverance and growth, remains simple and hard-earned: never let anyone bring you down and keep moving forward. Guided by that mindset, she continues shaping Rhode Island’s design landscape with confidence, warmth, and color-driven spaces that feel personal, enduring, and distinctly her own.
Ruffin’ Wranglers® Dog Excursions
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.
Now entering its 31st year on historic Federal Hill, KAELIN’S FLORALS, aka Floral Designs by LiRog has spent decades shaping life’s meaningful moments in Providence. Today, the long-standing flower shop is led by Kaelin Kirby, a former elementary school teacher who traded lesson plans for lilies and never looked back.
After 11 years in the classroom, Kirby followed a long-held passion, apprenticing with LiRog’s former owner before stepping into the role of owner herself. Now in her third year at the helm, she’s built a shop known for “out of the box” designs featuring pampas grass, pearls, birds, and bold pops of floral dye. Her work spans weddings, memorials, holidays, and everyday milestones, bringing heart, humor, and style to every arrangement that leaves the shop. “At 349 Broadway, we sell emotions,” Kirby says. “We sell ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘thinking of you,’ ‘just because.’ We
take part in each story shared with us.”
Staffed by teachers and students, LiRog reflects Kirby’s belief in growth, creativity, and community. “Change is good,” she says. “Use it as fuel to find your purpose.”
JANE DRIVER Broker Associate
Jane Driver, a broker associate with RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD, has called Providence home since 1986, when she moved to the city after graduating from Wheaton College. Her love for local architecture took root in 1989, when she purchased her first home in Historic Elmwood, a stick style Victorian that had been converted into a four family. “I loved that house!” she says.
That early experience led Jane to earn her real estate license in 2000, launching a career now spanning more than 26 years. Today, she is a consistent top producer known for her deep knowledge of Providence neighborhoods, particularly the West Side, the Armory District, and Historic Elmwood. “My mission is to save historic houses and build strong vibrant neighborhoods,” she says.
Jane has also been deeply involved in the community, serving as a past board member of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association. What she is most proud of, however, is the people she has helped along the way. “Buying and selling a home is probably one of the biggest and most stressful events in a person’s life,” she says. “I am so happy to help them navigate this process.” She balances career success with family life and perspective.
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.
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
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
1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, HeyRhody.com
Louann DiMuccio-Darwich
Ann Martini
DR. MEREDITH J. DECHABERT Head of School
Dr. Meredith J. deChabert’s love affair with education began in kindergarten. As head of GORDON SCHOOL since 2025, she leads with the belief that schools are not merely places of academic instruction, but communities where young people discover who they are, how they belong, and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world.
“When students feel known, valued, and challenged, they thrive,” she says.
Dr. deChabert’s career reflects that philosophy. Before Gordon, she spent two decades at Rye Country Day School in New York, excelling in roles that ranged from the school’s first director of diversity to middle and upper school principal as well as assistant head of school. Throughout it all, she continued teaching English language arts. Staying in the classroom, she says, keeps her leadership “grounded and authentic.”
Dr. deChabert finds inspiration in books, nature, and community – often hosting backyard gatherings for colleagues to cel-
ebrate connection and joy. What she’s most proud of is building school cultures where belonging and high expectations coexist. Her message is simple and powerful: education is ultimately about relationships, possibility, and helping children become confident, compassionate, capable people who know they matter.
45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence, 401-434-3833, GordonSchool.org
SARAH ISABELLA Realtor®
A Realtor® with MOTT AND CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, Sarah Isabella has 15 years of experience guiding people through buying and selling their homes, land, and investments, with personalized service and intimate knowledge of the Washington County and greater RI market. She earned the Professional Excellence Award from RI Monthly in 2019, 2021-2026, Five Star Professional Award 2021-2026, and has been a Leading Lady 8 years. “Strategic planning, diligent work, and strong negotiating are keys to success for my clients.”
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
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.
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
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
TIFFANY BARRERA Owner
The culinary arts have been a part of Tiffany Barrera’s life since high school, when she was a finalist for the JWU National Recipe Contest. After graduating from JWU with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s in Food & Beverage Service Management, she worked as a cook at a golf resort in Ireland, in several bistros in Boston, and even managed several restaurants in the Boston area. When she met her husband, who is also in the industry the pair decided to open their own restaurant, THE RHODY HEN CAFÉ.
In the beginning, Tiffany cooked, served, and tackled all of the office paperwork every day. Eventually, the restaurant grew not only in size and staff, but in reputation, even appearing on The Phantom Gourmet. Today, they have three locations, including one that recently opened in North Providence. Says Tiffany, “I love where I am at now
because I am still able to cook and create with my staff, while being able to have conversations with my guests and start amazing relationships with everyone that walks in.”
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.
NIKOLAI BLINOW, LMHC Therapist & Therapeutic Coach for Overachieving Women
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.
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.
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.
CROFT•THENTIC
(adjective) of an experience defined by rigor and spark, heart and joy, and belonging. Only at The Croft School.
Scan QR code or visit thecroftschool.org to learn more.
SCHOOL • LOCATED IN WAYLAND SQUARE
FOOD & DRINK
She explains that it costs $50 to reserve an 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 nonalcoholic 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
Photo (top) by Taylor Buttie, (bottom) by Elyse Major
Shrimp tacos from Dolores
Inside the Hearthside igloo
Roman Holiday
European vibes and delicious offerings make for a leisurely Sunday brunch
By Ann Martini
It is my experience that nothing bad ever happens when you start your Sunday with a basket of warm, freshly baked mini blueberry muffins. Add a flight of espresso martinis – original, peanut butter cup, and mocha raspberry, presented fancifully in a “tree” of mini martini glasses (mimosas, too, if that’s your vibe). And so it was on a recent visit to Trattoria Romana’s Johnston location to experience their new brunch menu.
The vibe here is more sophisticated than many other Sunday brunch settings – it’s not brightly lit or loud, as fun as those
experiences can be. Trattoria Romana’s décor strikes a balance between refined and relaxed: neutral tones, dark woods, white tablecloths, and muted lighting. The restaurant name itself translates to mean a traditional Italian eatery serving hearty, authentic food from the Rome region, in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere, less formal than a ristorante but more established than a simple osteria.
At its heart is the story of Chef Luciano Canova, a native Roman whose childhood on a small farm shaped his culinary ethos: impeccable ingredients treated with simple
Must-Try Items
CHICKEN AND WAFFLES ($22.95): Belgian-style waffle, fried buttermilk chicken, maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit.
BUCATINI ALLA CARBONARA ($22.95): Fresh pasta simply prepared with pancetta, extra-virgin olive oil, egg yolk, pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper.
TIRAMISU ($11.95):
Layers of espresso drenched in sponge cake and mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder.
Cuisine: Elevated Roman classics Atmosphere: Cozy European cafe
An array of must-try items
techniques and cooking methods. After refining his craft at the Culinary Institute of Italy and kitchens across Europe, Canova brought his vision to New England. Across locations in North Attleboro and Mansfield, MA, and here in Lincoln, South County, and Johnston, that narrative unfolds plate by plate.
Perusing the menu is no easy task as are there
many brunch options: pancakes, waffles, French toast, benedicts, hash, and omelets. Over those scrumptious muffins and martinis, we take 30 minutes to make our choices: A bagel and lox –a classic plain bagel topped with cream cheese, strips of salt-cured salmon filet, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, garnished with red onions, tomatoes, and capers, arrives with homefries, and
Bucatini alla carbonara is a comforting winter dish
FOOD & DRINK
PLACE FOR SUSHI
Beyond bruschetta, find bagels on the brunch menu
fruit – a telling barometer of a kitchen’s ability to elevate simple components. Plus, the chicken and waffles – a homemade Belgian-style waffle topped with fried buttermilk chicken, real maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit. The bagel and lox is fresh as could be, balanced in creaminess and acidity, and easily could feed two people. The chicken is equally large, with buttermilk chicken that was impossibly tender and juicy. These dishes show a kitchen that understands comforting brunch fundamentals but isn’t afraid to lend them some TLC.
The bonus to the brunch menu is that you can also order off their dinner menu, chockablock with dozens of classic dishes: apps, salads, pizzas,
and mains showcasing pastas, chicken, beef, veal, fish, and even a few vegetarian options. We order the bucatini alla carbonara, one of the four classic Roman pastas (the others being amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and gricia; these aren’t on the menu here, though), comprised of homemade bucatini pasta in a traditional carbonara sauce made with pancetta, extra virgin olive oil, and egg yolks, finished with pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper. It took me back to the first time I’d ever tried the real thing at a little trattoria, La Carbonara, in Rome. Silky and cheesy, punctuated by the salty depth of the pancetta, it was divine. We added a crispy chicken cutlet (because why ever pass up the opportunity to eat one?), classically
Photo courtesy of Trattoria Romana
fried with seasoned breadcrumbs. I noted that it was completely different from the chicken I had from the brunch selections, a detail I appreciated. A lesser restaurant might have used the same chicken for both dishes.
We lingered well into the afternoon, as did most of the diners around us, clinking glasses and contemplating dessert. It’s a perfect European café vibe: a little boozy, very convivial, and perfect for celebrations or slow Sundays alike.
Trattoria Romana 1571 Atwood Avenue, Johnston 519-9100
Trattoria-Johnston.com
ELISE PENN PANSEY
...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am...
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.
Photo by Elyse Major
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
Find OG cocktails like the Grasshopper on the Throwbacks menu
Photos by Elyse Major
The Mango Sticky Rice cocktail
WORK
SWIM
PLAY
TRY Zumba,
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
and Denis.” – Joe B , Mercedes-Benz 560SL
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
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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
Providence Monthly
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
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Vienna Bakery
Submitted: November 2025 February Issue 2026
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
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
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– Steven A., Johnston, Porsche
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Providence Monthly/Bay Mag
Ad size: 2.375" x 2.25"
Submitted: November 2025 March Issue 2026
November, 2023
India Restaurant
Vienna Bakery
ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.
