SO Rhode Island March 2026

The Scoop

7 ARTS: Female comedians take center stage

10 RHODY PETS: Adoptable pets of the month

12 OCEAN STATE MEDIA: Rhode Island targets 2029 for a URI medical school

14 ON STAGE: Matunuck theater announcement is the first sign of summer

16 MUSIC: Classical language studies inform a URI alum’s goth-folk songwriting

18 RHODY GEM: Pizza and baklava on NK’s Post Road

20 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Feature

23 College radio is live and well in Rhode Island

Home & Style

A13 HOME: Color, pattern, and panache make a large 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

55 Inspiring stories of women making a difference around Rhode Island

Food & Drink

71 EXPERIENCE: A menu of comfort foods served with warmth in Westerly

74 RECIPE: Uncomplicated and flavorful Greek-inspired chicken

76 ROUND-UP: Picks for sampling March holiday treats

78 COCKTAILS: A mixologist shares what’s old is new again

80 SOUTH COUNTY SCENES

A World of Travel is Right Here:

Rhode Island and neighboring states offer hassle-free experiences

In our January issue, we inadvertently referred to Sadeqa Johnson’s newest work as The House of Eve, her previous book, published in 2023. Her new book, released February 12, 2026, is Keeper of Lost Children

Photo courtesy of Weekapaug Inn

Photo by Ken Abrams

Photos courtesy of Dan and Charle Hornby

Photo by Liz Murray

at Margin Street Inn, Westerly. Photo courtesy of Margin Street Inn.

PUBLISHERS

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Elyse Major Elyse@HeyRhody.com

ADVERTISING DESIGN DIRECTOR

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MANAGING

GENERAL MANAGER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nick DelGiudice

Nick@HeyRhody.com

EDITOR

Ken Abrams Ken@HeyRhody.com

SENIOR DESIGNER

Taylor Buttie

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jenna Kaplan Jenna@HeyRhody.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

EDITOR

Ann Martini Martini@HeyRhody.com

SENIOR EDITORIAL DESIGNER

Abigail Brown

Theresa Carrington Theresa@HeyRhody.com

Shelley Cavoli Central RI & New Business Shelley@HeyRhody.com

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich East Bay, Providence & MA Louann@HeyRhody.com

Ann Gallagher South County Ann@HeyRhody.com

Chris Revill Providence Chris@HeyRhody.com

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Carnevale

Justin Case

Kris Craig

Kincaid Elaine Gianguzzi Photography

Billie Jo Gray

Caterina Maina

Erin McGinn

Liz Murray

Donna Normand

Dominique Sindayiganza

Maxwell Snyder

Dee Speaks

Evan Tetreault

Mark Turek

Rhonda Woloohojian

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emma Bartlett

Luis Hernandez

Patty Jeffrey

Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor

Anna Lofgren

Britt Machado

Interested in writing?

Email Editorial@HeyRhody.com

INTERNS

Janibell Martinez Paige Martins

Interested in an internship? Email Elyse@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 76.

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 23) 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 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.

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.

Stephen Gaskin

Sales Associate

508.991.0151

SGaskin@ResidentialProperties.com StephenJGaskin.com @therealtorstephen 84

TRANSIT STREET

Providence - 8-Unit Multi in Fox Point

Listed by Stephen: $2,095,000

427 WICKENDEN STREET

Providence - 4-Unit Multi in Fox Point

Listed by Stephen: $975,000 273 275 WICKENDEN STREET Providence - Two 3-Unit Multi Families Sold by Stephen: $1,450,000

by

$800,000 109 BOWEN STREET

Providence - 4-Unit Multi in College Hill Listed by Stephen: $1,395,000 11 ELMCROFT AVENUE

Providence - Elmhurst Colonial Represented by Stephen: $3,250/month

THE SCOOP

On Stage | Rhody Pets | Ocean State Media | Arts | Theater | Rhody Gem | Calendar

Let’s Talk

A sit-down with female stand-ups on the state of the comedy biz in Rhode Island

By Emma Bartlett

As Providence stand-up comedian Leslie Zwicker sees it, Rhode Island’s comedy scene is a lot like the rest of the state: small but mighty. There’s a strong pool of talent, and fellow comedians consistently show up to cheer one another on. “We write together, give each other feedback. We eat chicken tenders together, and what’s more powerful than that?” jokes Zwicker, whose stand-up journey began in 2022.

From the Comedy Connection in East Providence to John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory, the laugh industry is booming across the Ocean State. And according to one celebrated performer, the landscape looks very different than it did 40 years ago. “There are more women comedians now,” says Poppy Champlin, who has appeared on Oprah , opened for Rosie O’Donnell, and won America’s Funniest Real Woman on The Joan Rivers Show . “I feel like it’s an evening out and, not only an evening out, but it may be switching more toward women.”

Photo

Doreen Collins at The Comedy Park

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.

WHERE THE LAUGHS ARE

Places to catch rising stars around the state

Comedy Connection East Providence, RIComedyConnection.com

John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory Various locations, ComedyFactoryri.com

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot various locations, LilRhodyLaughRiot.com

Poppy Champlin’s Hot Mic Comedy Peacedale, PumphouseMusicworks.com

Rogue Island Comedy Festival Aquidneck Island, various locations, RogueIslandComedyFest.com

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, (center and right) by Gianguzzi Photography, courtesy of Kim Arundel and Poppy Champlin

Kim Arundel

Poppy Champlin

Leslie Zwicker

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Rhody Pets of the Month

By Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

HARRIET

BREED: Domestic shorthair

AGE: 2 years

GENDER: Female

This gorgeous silver gray and white girl longs to be loved. Harriet is shy at first, but with lots of love, time, patience, and treats, she’ll become the love of your life. If you have another friendly kitty who is looking for a playmate, Harriet may be the one for you both. She would be happiest in a quiet adult home with another feline friend. If you’ve been searching for a loyal and loving companion, please consider Harriet.

RHODE ISLAND FELINE info@rifelinerescue.org

LUNA

BREED: Cocker spaniel-mix

AGE: 8 years

GENDER: Female

Meet Luna, a playful and lovable cocker spaniel-mix with a fluffy chocolate brown coat, white-tipped paws, and a face that will surely make you smile every day. She is best suited for an adult-only home with no other pets. Luna loves to play outside, so a fenced-in yard would be ideal. She has chronic ear issues, so please keep that in mind. The shelter can discuss more about her ear care when you visit. Otherwise, all Luna needs is a comfy spot in your orbit.

EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER

401-294-2754

Harriet Luna

Photo (L) courtesy of Rhode Island Feline Rescue

MUFASA

BREED: Mixed breed medium

AGE: 1 year

GENDER: Male

This adorable young man loves the ladies. He is a shy boy who would do best in a quiet environment where he can blossom at his own pace. Mufasa loves to play fetch, go for walks, and enjoys car rides, too! Once he feels comfortable and safe, Mufasa shows you his heart. If you have been looking for a special boy who wants to be loved, contact the rescue and go meet him in person. He’s waiting for someone like you to give him the home he so deserves.

RHODE HOME RESCUE

hillary@rhodehomerescue.org

Mufasa

A Long Game for Health Care: Rhode Island Targets 2029 for a URI Medical School

A Senate study commission backs a new public medical school as part of a long-term plan to expand primary care

In Partnership with Ocean State Media

Creating a state medical school at URI is one of the keys for overcoming a worsening shortage of primary care doctors in Rhode Island, according to a legislative panel.

The state Senate study commission, cochaired by URI President Marc Parlange and state Sen. Pamela Lauria (D-Barrington), has been reviewing the issue for more than a year. It unanimously approved its findings [on Tuesday]. During a State House media availability,

• By Ian Donnis

Lauria cited data showing that from among 135 recent graduates from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, only one stayed to practice medicine here.

“Rhode Island is an outlier,” said Lauria, who works as a nurse practitioner for Brown University Health, one of the state’s two largest hospital groups. “We’re one of the last states without a public medical school. We know that impedes Rhode Island’s access to medical school and ultimately is detrimental to Rhode Islanders access to care.”

According to the commission, other keys to overcoming the shortage of primary care doctors include providing in-state residencies, loan forgiveness and scholarship programs for graduates who commit to providing care in Rhode Island, and ongoing efforts to raise the state’s low reimbursement rate compared with Massachusetts and Connecticut for public and private insurance.

The idea of creating a medical school at Rhode Island’s flagship public university was first suggested by former Senate President

Photo by Michael Carnevale, courtesy of Ocean State Media

Senators are targeting 2029 for an initial class of students at the new URI medical school

Dominick Ruggerio, who died last year. In May 2025, a draft version of a report by Tripp Umbach, a Pittsburgh-based consultant, found that between 200,000 and 400,000 Rhode Islanders lacked access to primary care services, and that 44 percent of physicians in the state were 55 or older.

Senators are targeting 2029 for an initial class of students at the new medical school. Getting the program off the ground would require an initial $20 million commitment from the state and $150 million in fundraising by URI, according to the panel. It’s unclear for now if the state money would come through a direct allocation, a ballot question in November, or potential federal funding through the Rural Health Administration.

The study commission’s consultant found that a URI medical school would produce almost $200 million in annual economic activity, supporting about 1,300 jobs and contributing about $4.5 million in annual local and state tax revenue once fully operational.

Senate President Val Lawson of East Providence, joined by Majority Leader Frank Ciccone (D-Providence) and Whip David Tikoian (D-Smithfield), described the thinking around a URI medical school as part of a short, medium, and long-term strategy by lawmakers to address Rhode Island’s pressing healthcare needs. Lawson was asked about critics who say a med school would do little in the short term to address the state’s primary care needs. She said that misses the point, adding, “If we don’t do anything, we don’t want to have the same conversation under the same circumstances 10 years from now.”

Lawson said her own primary care doctor is retiring, although she thinks a successor is lined up.

Lauria said the state Office of Health Insurance Commission will this year review reimbursement rates for Medicaid, the healthcare program mostly for low-income individuals. “That is the main place where Rhode Island can have an effect on our rates,” she said, adding that if she did her work as a nurse practitioner in Massachusetts, she would earn 20 to 30 percent more income.

This article was originally posted on January 27, 2026. Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@oceanstatemedia.org.

COURTHOUSE

March 26

Saturday, March 21 7:30pm SECONDS

Feels Like Summer

Wakefield’s theater announces its lineup and you can almost smell the suntan lotion

By Jenna Kaplan

March in Rhode Island doesn’t exactly scream show tunes and summer nights. The beaches are quiet, the wind has a bite, and flip-flops feel very far away. But while winter lingers on, Theatre By The Sea is already looking ahead. The historic barn theater in Wakefield has announced its 2026 summer schedule, giving theatergoers something bright to anticipate long before the snow melts.

Owner and producer Bill Hanney has lined up four crowd-pleasing musicals for the 2026 season, continuing the theater’s tradition of pairing Broadway favorites with its unmistakable coastal charm. Subscriptions are now on sale, giving audiences a chance to lock in summer plans early and start counting down to warmer nights by the water.

The season opens May 28 with Little Shop of Horrors , the cult-classic musical comedy that blends camp, romance, and a very hungry plant. Running through June 20, the show follows down-on-his-luck florist Seymour Krelborn as he chases love and success, only to discover his unusual new plant comes with a dangerous appetite. With a score by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, it’s a darkly funny way to kick off the season. Next comes a full dose of nostalgia when Grease hits the stage June 25 through July 18. Leather jackets, poodle skirts, and iconic songs like “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You” bring Rydell High to life in this high-energy production. As the theater promises, “Grease is the word this summer in Matunuck!”

The emotional centerpiece of the season arrives July 23 with Titanic The Broadway Musical , running through August 15. Winner of five Tony Awards, the sweeping production tells the true stories of passengers aboard the legendary ship, from hopeful third-class immigrants to privileged first-class travelers, all bound together on history’s most famous voyage.

Closing out the summer is On Your Feet!, running August 20 through September 13. The vibrant musical charts the rise of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, celebrating perseverance, love, and Latin rhythms with hits like “Conga” and “Get On Your Feet.”

Subscriptions for the 2026 summer season are available now. Learn more at TheatreByTheSea.com

Photo by Mark Turek, courtesy of Theatre By The Sea

Theatre By The Sea summer

New Romantics

Providence goth-folk trio led by URI alum returns with most personal album to date

By Ken Abrams

F

or the past decade and a half, Vudu Sister has quietly haunted the fringes of the Providence music scene. Their sound is distinct – for the uninitiated, think chamber music meets late1980s grunge, with shades of shadowy gloom, often described as “songs to sing in the dark.”

The now-trio, founded in 2011 by Keith J.G. McCurdy and Diane O’Connor, defies simple categorization, weaving a seemingly disparate mix of folk traditions, gothic mystery, and classical depth into a unique, evocative sound. Their lyrics explore themes of the macabre and draw on literary influences from J.R.R. Tolkien and H.P. Lovecraft. Burnt Offerings , the band’s 2021 album, featured songs sung in Latin and Greek, written from the perspectives of mythological figures. (Songwriter McCurdy brings legit credentials – a degree from the University of Rhode Island, where he studied classical languages.)

In addition to singer/guitarist McCurdy and violinist O’Connor, cellist Isabel Castellvi joins on their new album, Adynata , expected to be released on March 20. This latest effort is a well-produced, mature release from an enigmatic band, with songs that incorporate lush string arrangements and a romantic-classical feel, giving the music a chamber-meets-folk quality. It’s a work that gathers every thread of the band’s identity and weaves it into something heavier, stranger, and more intimate than anything they’ve released before. The songs are compelling – like the ones you Shazam while watching a movie - although certainly a far cry from today’s pop hits.

Recorded and superbly mastered by Bradford Krieger at Big Nice Studio in Lincoln, the album was engineered and produced by Emma Newton, who also contributed vocals, piano, and harp. “Recording at Big Nice was the best experience I’ve ever had recording,” says McCurdy. “It felt highly collaborative, just as the writing of the album did with Diane and Isabel; it was a joy working with Emma, who was insightful, precise, quick, and contributive.”

Originally conceived as a literary concept album, Adynata gradually became something

more intimate. “When I was starting to write this album, I set out with a more intentional concept that was rooted in different literary sources, but as I was writing it, it sort of became a little more personal, something I haven’t done in a long time,” explains McCurdy. “It gets taxing emotionally, and I didn’t want to cheapen those feelings, so I started to explore different perspectives because I’m older now. I definitely wanted to give this album a sense of weight and heaviness, almost like a burden.”

“Lyrically, the themes and motifs that became very prominent during the writing of Adynata include home, or lack of finding one,” says McCurdy. “‘Having Trouble Sleeping,’ which I wrote while in Sicily for a month, not feeling homesick at all, the deterioration of home on ‘The Valley,’ alienation/othering on ‘Non-Euclidean Geometry,’ and death/loss, in the sense of reflection and mourning on ‘Passage of Ships,’ which I originally wrote for my late father.

“I often write about the feminine perspective,

from the viewpoint of a character who is femme,” he continues. “This is especially the case with ‘Under the Light of the Moon,’ which is a spiritual sequel to my song ‘White Satin Evening Gown’ from Mortis Nervosa . It tells the story of a girl who returns from the grave to exact revenge on the men who hurt her. ‘Lilith’ and ‘Magic Powers’ explore both vulnerability and power in femme personae, neither pitying nor placing on a pedestal, but desperately calling for recognition of their humanity.”

For McCurdy, the tension between art and survival remains ever-present. “When you make art, you make it for yourself – something you’re proud of,” he says. “But once it’s done, everything after that is an advertisement. You’re trying to convince other people to care.” With Adynata , that task may be easier than ever. This is Vudu Sister at their most focused and fully realized – a record that doesn’t ask for attention so much as quietly demands it. Learn more at VuduSister.Bandcamp.com

P hoto

courtesy of Vudu Sister

Vudu Sister at at a recent show at Myrtle in East Providence

Rhody Slice

Restaurant

What it is:

A Kurdish-inspired pizza place with salads and desserts.

Where to find it:

Look for Rhody Slice in a plaza on Post Road; the long red sign over the windows makes it easy to spot.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Owner Izzy Oner says that with pizza, it’s all about the base. “Our goal is simple: we want to be known for our crust, because to us, great pizza starts there,” he explains. “My family has been making and selling pizza in New England since the 1980s, and that legacy shows up in every pie we make today.” The menu of pizzas features crave-worthy pies like the pepperoni and hot honey, house meatball, and the Funguy – a savory blend of fresh garlic, mozzarella, and whipped ricotta, topped with portobello mushrooms and a truffle oil drizzle. “We’re not trying to copy anyone, we’re making the kind of pizza we love, shaped by our roots and our standards,” says Oner, who credits his Air Force background with instilling values to always improve, always refine, and never settle. “That mindset lives in our dough and our process every single day.” There are also salads and grape leaves, but don’t miss dessert. Along with chocolate chip cookies and cakes, there’s baklava. “We love infusing flavor into food, layering ingredients with intention, and making every bite feel like something you’ll remember.”

Rhody Slice

7415 Post Road, North Kingstown New location coming soon to Wakefield 420-7405; RhodySlice.com

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool, unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours, and we just might feature it!

Photo courtesy of Rhody Slice

The Must List

10 essential events this month

For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com

Saturdays through March 27: The Contemporary Theater Company presents its ninth season of Whodunit? An Improvised Murder Mystery, centered around a high-stakes setting inspired by a shipwreck in the North Atlantic. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheatercCompany.com

March 7: Spend the night “Dancin’ in the Dark” with leading Bruce Springsteen tribute act Rob Davis and his band, playing the celebrated album Born to Run in its entirety, along with additional hits from The Boss. Wakefield, OceanMist.net

March 8: Spend a fun evening with friends at the Bonsai Bar at Crafted Hope Brewing , your opportunity to enjoy a beer or two while learning the fundamental techniques behind this intricate artform. East Greenwich, CraftedHopeBrewing.com

March 11: The South Kingstown 250 Speaker Series continues its yearlong commemoration with “The Life of Nathaniel Greene: South Kingstown Native and Revolutionary War General,” with Eileen Harrington and Jessica Wilson. South Kingstown, SouthKingstownRI.gov

March 11: Writers and performers are sure to enjoy being part of the creative process by attending a Script Reading by local actors of a work being developed by Dave Solomon during his winter artist-in-residency with the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park. Westerly, WesterlyLibrary.org

March 21: Watch as courageous riders race across the ice at top speed when Xtreme International Ice Racing , a family-friendly afternoon of exciting headto-head competition, comes to URI’s Boss Ice Arena. Kingston, XtremeIceRacing.com

March 21: Botanicals and Brew s is a family and dog-friendly market with a variety of rare plant vendors, as well as botanically themed artisans and crafters at Sons of Liberty. Food and drinks available for purchase. Peacedale, AllEvents.in

March 26: Join Hey Rhody Media at the Courthouse Center for the Arts to celebrate the Leading Ladies featured in this issue, an in-person event honoring the remarkable achievements of women in business in Rhode Island. West Kingston, Eventbrite.com

March 26: Pregame Leading Ladies by attending the Spring Restaurant Week (held through April 3) kick-off at the Towers. This ticketed event has it all: samples from local eateries, a cash bar, music, and raffles. SO Rhode Island is a proud sponsor. Narragansett, NarragansettCOC.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 Providence area. LilRhodyLaughRiot.com

Photos courtesy of Contemporary Theater Company

The cast of Whodunit?

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.

by

Photo

Ken Abrams

WRIU live in-studio performance with duo John Fuzek and Maryann Rossoni

Bekah Berger, who co-hosts a morning program on 92 PRO-FM, got her start at WRIU when she was a student at the university. “I studied journalism and communications and participated in two radio internships, one of which was with the WPRO newsroom,” says Berger. “I was more news-focused on WRIU, and I remember reading about people I looked up to, and a lot of them got their start on TV or radio on campuses,” Berger shares. “It’s one

thing to want to be a broadcaster, but another thing to be able to actually use hands-on equipment,” she says. While her firsthand experience proved valuable, the most memorable aspect of her time at the station was the excitement she observed among the staff. “I loved how passionate they were, and how important WRIU was to all of them.”

With its roster of about 80 students each academic year, Providence College’s student-run

radio station WDOM 91.3 FM, hosts a diverse mixture of music, sports, and talk shows “that reflect the vibrant spirit of our campus community,” says John H. Smith, station manager and director of corporate engagement at PC’s School of Business. “The medium allows students to gain the ability to communicate effectively and think critically, which are critical soft skills that can be applied to any industry. Their programming impacts the over-the-air

Photo (L) courtesy of WDOM, (R) by Billie Jo Gray, courtesy of The PVD Spinsters

1956 WDOM Station Manager Gerald Terpening was in the vanguard of college radio

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.

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

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

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inspiring, passionate, determined leaders who are making a difference in our communities 30 +

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Photo by Kit Kittle

Joanne M. Daly, CDFA®

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, 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 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

Photo by Nick DelGiudice

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.

I am passionate about helping others become financially empowered.

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, and divorce. She has presented at Bryant’s Women Summit, South County Hospital, URI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), URI Alumni Foundation, and The Rhode Island Society of CPAs, to name a few. 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 MS 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.

1 Financial Plaza 19th floor Providence • 863-8467

joanne.daly@morganstanley.com, Advisor.MorganStanley.com/Joanne.Daly

*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

Deborah Goodrich Royce Author and Host

While the genre of identity thriller is not really a “thing,” author DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE likes to think of her novels as such. Deborah was heavily influenced by her first career in film. She played Ted Bundy’s wife in a 1986 miniseries while the infamous killer was awaiting execution and starred in April Fool’s Day, a clever wink at Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. An avid Hitchcock fan, Deborah loves to leave a breadcrumb trail for her readers that culminates in a surprise twist.

For Deborah, an esteemed author whose career in the arts has seen many chapters over the years, a fascination with mystery and secrets has compelled her since childhood, and resonates in her thrillers. Deborah has garnered recognition for her novels, which examine her beloved “puzzles of identity.” Reef Road —a Publishers Weekly bestseller—was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association. Finding Mrs. Ford and Ruby Falls have been featured in “Best Of” lists from Forbes, Book Riot, and Good Morning America.

Her newest, Best Boy, was released on February 24. Hailed by Kirkus Reviews as “absolutely compelling” and ideal “for fans of Liane Moriarty and Ruth Ware” Best Boy teeters on the knifeedge of memory and identity when the arrival of a shocking letter threatens the carefully constructed life of a woman desperate to outrun her past.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in modern foreign languages and a minor in dance at Lake Erie College in Ohio, she headed to New York, where she landed a role on popular soap opera All My Children in the ’80s, and then to L.A., where she appeared in

multiple films. While raising her two children, she began working as a story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time. Deborah’s life story eventually led to her writing career. Encouraged by actor Gene Wilder, who frequented a Connecticut movie theater she and her husband Chuck restored, the multifaceted creative turned the page on a successful acting career.

Well-known in Westerly for her loving restoration of the Ocean House Hotel, Deborah and Chuck have also restored the United Theatre, Martin House Books, and other projects in Rhode Island and beyond. Royce’s Ocean House Author Series turns the seaside destination of Watch Hill into a literary hub, attracting world-class authors and fans to salon-style conversations. Past authors have included Chris Bohjalian, Katie Couric, Sarah Ferguson, Emma Straub, and many more. The 2026 season promises even more heavy-hitters, including the one-and-only Jenna Bush Hager who has started her own publishing imprint! Stay up to date with all events at OceanHouseEvents.com.

Deborah writes a quarterly “Rhody Reads” column for Hey Rhody, Providence Monthly, and other magazines, sharing essential titles to add to your TBR list across multiple genres. She often highlights local writers, giving emerging authors a platform while also showcasing authors at the luxurious Ocean House. With Best Boy, Deborah’s next chapter is sure to be as absorbing as all the others.

Photo by Kit Kittle

MEAGAN PETERSON Founder

Meagan Peterson, founder of BLOOM COUNSELING, didn’t set out to become a business owner. Instead, her work is rooted in a desire to improve how mental health care is experienced. A born-and-raised Rhode Islander and University of Rhode Island alum, Peterson founded Bloom Counseling in 2022 to fill a void in the local landscape: a practice where both clients and clinicians are genuinely supported. “Client care becomes stronger when therapists are given room to collaborate, learn, and feel resourced,” she says.

After earning her master’s degree, Meagan worked across home-based services, schools, legal settings, and private practice, which sharpened her understanding of both the strengths and gaps in the system. “I had no formal business background,” she says. “What I did have was a strong vision, a deep respect for this work, and a commitment to creating a practice where people can truly thrive.”

Today, Meagan balances clinical leader-

MARY LIPPE Agency Owner

Mary Lippe has built her career close to home, leading THE LIPPE AGENCY - ALLSTATE in North Kingstown with a people-first approach. “As a North Kingstown resident and local Allstate agent, I am proud to serve the same community I call home,” she says.

Since becoming an agency owner in 2020, Mary has focused on what sets her work apart: personal attention. From regular policy check-ins to guiding clients through the claims process, she and her team make sure no one feels overlooked. The agency specializes in home, auto, life, motorcycle, boat, and renters insurance, always aiming to balance practical coverage with real value.

Mary’s community roots run deep. She’s active with the Post Road Business Alliance and the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, sponsors an annual Toys for Tots drive, and supports local events. Her work has earned a Providence Journal

ship, supervision, and an active caseload, with a particular passion for couples’ work.

She’s most proud of building Bloom early in her career – and doing it with intention. “Every decision,” she says, “is guided by care, connection, and integrity.”

45 Water Street, East Greenwich, 401-360-6434, BloomCounselingRI.com

Readers’ Choice Award and recognition from the Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction.

Outside the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, four children, and two granddaughters.

JENNIFER TORBETT, DMD Dentist & Practice Owner

“We aim to offer a calming environment that is accommodating for everybody,” says Jennifer Torbett, dentist-owner of CRESTVIEW DENTAL ASSOCIATES. She created her practice with accessibility in mind. “We treat our patients like family.”

Jennifer graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2004 before buying an existing practice in Westerly. With a focus on personalized family dentistry, the office earned a gleaming reputation and large client following. In 2017, Jennifer moved into a larger, more modern space. “It’s been a dream come true.”

Services include preventive treatments, comprehensive exams, cosmetic and restorative treatments, and implant dentistry. With a warm approach and relaxing atmosphere, her professional team puts patients at ease. “We have been fortunate to continue to grow in these challenging times. Our doctors, hygienists, assistants, and front office staff have worked diligently to ensure the health and safety of our patients.”

Jennifer, who served as president of the RI Dental Association from 20182019, is also secretary of the ADA First District and has worked on committees to make dentistry safe for everyone. She is currently serving on a national committee of the American Dental Association of Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

6828 Post Road North Kingstown, 401-885-6110

41 East Avenue, Westerly, 401-596-0319

THE DESIGN TEAM AT RIKB DESIGN BUILD

For nearly 40 years, RIKB DESIGN BUILD has set the standard for innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship across Southern New England. Renowned for their awardwinning expertise and creative approach, RIKB transforms homes into spaces as functional as they are beautiful, delivering inspired solutions for every remodeling project.

“We believe a home should reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and be designed to function for the way they live,” says Tanya Donahue, owner and president. “I’m honored whenever a client chooses us to bring their vision to life.”

At the heart of RIKB’s success is collaboration. Every project begins with a commitment to meeting clients exactly where they are in life. Whether it’s a young family creating a gathering space, homeowners who love entertaining, those caring for aging loved ones, or individuals planning for their future, RIKB designs with intention. Their team crafts spaces that adapt to unique needs while blending creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail.

RIKB’s talented designers—Tanya Donahue, Emily High, Stephanie Castellucci, Kelly May Enos, Ellen Ovalles, Kingsley Catalucci, Sandra Michaels, Erika Pearson, and Kim Gammell—serve as the bridge between a client’s vision and the finished space. They

are exceptional listeners and problem solvers who work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. Partnering with the technical design and production teams, the designers ensure every element of the project reflects the client’s lifestyle and aesthetic.

We believe a home should reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and be designed to function for the way they live.

“Our designers are the cornerstone of our process,” says Donahue, “Their ability to combine vision, integrity, and precision allows us to build beautiful spaces and lasting relationships with our clients.”

From kitchen makeovers and spa-like bathrooms to whole-home renovations and multi-generational spaces, RIKB’s portfolio reflects the diversity of its clients’ needs. They also excel in smaller-scale projects, offering everything from cosmetic updates to small additions. The team’s Design-Build approach integrates every aspect of the process—

design, technical planning, and construction— under one roof, providing clients with one point of contact and a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.

Visit RIKB’s Design Center to spark ideas and explore the latest trends. This dynamic space features thoughtfully curated kitchen and bath displays that showcase innovative designs, materials, and layouts. For those seeking insights and inspiration, RIKB offers complimentary design seminars, where its experts share the latest trends and insider tips for remodeling projects.

RIKB has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island by Providence Business News for eight consecutive years (2018–2025) and is the only Rhode Island contractor featured on the prestigious Remodeling 550 list. It has built a reputation for quality, style, and exceptional customer service.

Whether you envision a simple update or a complete home transformation, RIKB Design Build is here to bring your vision to life.

To learn more, visit RIKB.com, register for an upcoming seminar, schedule a consultation, or call 401-463-1550.

DONNA EVANS

Multi-Million Dollar Producer/Realtor

Donna Evans, a 20-year veteran in sales and Realtor with COLDWELL BANKER REALTY, is a seasoned professional in the real estate industry. As a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and recipient of awards such as the International Diamond Society and Five-Star Professional, she is dedicated to providing her clients with a smooth and stress-free buying and selling experience.

Donna’s knowledge of Rhode Island, having grown up in the Ocean State and lived around the East Coast, allows her to offer valuable insights to her clients. Her clients consistently praise her professional acumen and personable approach, with one saying “Donna’s skill and overall pleasantness to work with are unmatched. She truly is a master of her craft.”

Donna’s reputation and network within the industry are both substantial, making her the ultimate professional to guide clients through the intricacies

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

HEATHER PALIOTTA

Executive Director

“I love people and I love to talk with people,” says Heather Paliotta.

Born and raised in South County, Heather began her journey at the CHARLESTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in 2002. Serving as Executive Director for the past 18 years and Director of the Charlestown Seafood Festival for 24 years, Heather’s accomplishments include growing the membership, recruiting volunteers, quadrupling the size of the Chamber’s largest fundraiser - the Charlestown Seafood Festival - earning recognition as a “Top 10 New England” and “Top 100 North American” event, celebrating its 41st anniversary this year.

Heather has received numerous accolades including recognition of her time, effort, and dedication to help plan the highly successful Charlestown Memorial Parade (since 2014), her outstanding work running and promoting the Charlestown Holiday Ramble (since 2018), and numerous cita-

tions and awards in the community in which she serves. In 2022, Heather joined the SRIV to run the Applumpkin Festival, and continues to help to grow this family-friendly community event in Charlestown.

Married with four daughters, four grandkids, and “mom” to dog Cooper, Heather is committed to connecting her community. “We are strong advocates for our members, and strong ambassadors for preserving our coastal heritage,” says Heather, who adds proudly, “Charlestown is a ‘Hidden Gem.’”

4945 Old Post Road, Charlestown, 401-364-3878, charlestownrichamber.com

MADELINE KMENT

Executive Director

As Executive Director of the NORTH KINGSTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Madeline Kment is on a mission to strengthen the local economy through the power of connection. A Rhode Island native and lifelong advocate for collaboration, she brings energy, structure, and creativity to every initiative she leads.

With a background in ballet and a Magna Cum Laude degree in Public Relations and Communication, along with a minor in Spanish, Kment learned early the value of discipline, perseverance, and relationship building. She is also a published artist, a creative influence that shapes her people centered leadership style. Today, she applies those lessons by organizing events, building workforce programs, and advocating for local employers through chamber coalitions.

“My favorite part of this role is seeing connections grow,” Kment says. “Whether it’s helping students explore careers or supporting business owners, every relationship makes a difference.”

Colleagues describe her as hardworking, approachable, and enthusiastic. Kment is proud of stepping fully into this leadership role and embracing the opportunity to make an impact. In 2026, she plans to expand the Chamber’s reach through increased membership, innovative programming, and deeper partnerships across sectors and industries.

“Anyone, no matter their background, can help their community thrive,” she says.

8045 Post Road, North Kingstown, 401-295-5566, NorthKingstown.com

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

DEBRA L. CHERNICK, ESQ.

Lead Counsel

As lead counsel in the Wakefield office of SAYER REGAN & THAYER, LLP, Debra L. Chernick has been on Main Street providing more than four decades of trusted legal guidance to individuals and families throughout South County, Kent and Newport. Since opening her practice in 1982, she has built a reputation grounded in integrity, responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to her clients, often supporting them through life’s most significant moments, from birth and first homes to estate planning and end-of-life matters. “If I don’t have the answer to an issue, I’ll find the correct path for my clients. It’s about their experience, as well as my name and reputation.”

A seasoned general practitioner, Debra’s work is distinctly multi-generational, reflecting her deep understanding of how legal needs evolve over time. She is known for pairing sharp legal insight with empathy, practicality, and a sense of humor that puts

clients at ease. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she remains deeply engaged in the legal and business community as a past President of the Washington County Bar Association, a delegate to the Rhode Island Bar Association, an active member of the South County Business Alliance and can be seen regularly walking in the heart of Wakefield.

343c Main St., Wakefield. 401-789-1616, SRTFLaw.com

DEB MCELKENNY Founder & Owner

With 20 years of experience teaching in the South County area, Deb McElkenny shares her passion for Pilates as founder and owner of CBX PILATES STUDIO. After Pilates helped her to get back into shape after having children, she knew she had to share the amazing benefits of this discipline with as many people as possible. “I found Pilates and fell in love with it,” says Deb. “After starting my own journey, I stood taller, felt stronger, and my mood was elevated after each session.”

Deb is a NETA & STOTT Pilates-trained instructor in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Total Barre, and Pre & Postpartum and also incorporates Fascia work with her clients. She is committed to helping her clients feel strong, capable, and connected through movement. “I’ve built a space where the community receives amazing Pilates classes with experienced, certified instructors,” adds Deb. “I am proud of the welcoming

community that we have created. It is so rewarding to watch people improve their daily lives and reach goals we have set together.” Deb expects to open a second location soon…stay tuned!

LYNN GIBBONS Owner/Designer

Lynn Gibbons, owner of South County Cabinets, understands that you desire a design firm that is sensitive to your new construction and remodeling needs. The Design professionals at SOUTH COUNTY CABINETS, KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN have been transforming dreams into reality for more than 30 years. They represent the finest American custom cabinetmaker, WoodMode/ Brookhaven, and several other cabinet manufacturers. Additionally they offer a 1 week quick ship program for that beach cottage or rental property. Countertop replacement services are also available for all types of countertops, and plumbing too. South County Cabinets offers complete remodeling services as a licensed general contractor ranging from minor to major remodeling. This includes custom tile, showers, kitchen, backsplashes, walls, windows, wood/tile floors, painting, electrical, plumbing and more. They listen to your ideas and pay attention to every detail of the home improvement project, from design conception to complete installation. Visit their showroom in Westerly or call today for a complimentary inhouse consultation. Let them bring your vision to life and create a space that always welcomes you home.

3810 Old Post Road, Charlestown, 973-459-8535, Cbx-Pilates-Studio.com

137 Franklin St., Westerly, 401-596-7070, SouthCountyCabinets.com SouthCountyCabs@aol.com

DENA DISANO Professional Real Estate Agent

As a trusted agent with EDGE REALTY, Dena DiSano is committed to empowering her clients with the knowledge they need to make confident financial decisions. With 20+ years of experience teaching personal finance to Rhode Island high school students, she brings a deep understanding of financial literacy to help clients navigate the real estate market with clarity and ease. Holding degrees in both mathematics and psychology, Dena’s expertise goes beyond property aesthetics—she understands the power of numbers and the financial nuances that shape real estate transactions. Her analytical skills and keen insight ensure a seamless experience for her clients. “The most important thing to me is that my clients know I am their trusted advisor and advocate, dedicated to helping them make informed, confident decisions.”

A proud recipient of the Five Star Professional Award for Real Estate (nominated her peers) in 2023, 2024, and 2025, Dena’s

relentless dedication and tenacity leave a lasting impression. She goes above and beyond to do what’s best for her clients, building relationships that extend far beyond the closing table.

1007 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, 401-787-2948, DenaSellsRI.com

SANDRA CUTTING Tax Expert

Sandra Cutting, the owner of the Wakefield office of H&R BLOCK for over 37 years, enjoys guiding clients through the complex maze of income taxes. Whether you’re seeking answers about your investment income or filing taxes and have income in multiple states – and any number of other special circumstances –Sandra can help you navigate the complex and ever-changing financial landscape with expertise and grace: “In the previous year, we completed returns for clients whether living in state or in Florida or across the nation.”

Sandra has a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and is an enrolled agent (EA). As an EA, she completes 33 hours of continuing professional education every year to stay current on the new tax laws and the impact for her clients. A friendly woman with an easy laugh, Sandra is committed to her community and profession. A proud Rotarian for the past 35 years, she served as the first woman president of the

KATIE KING

After five years studying architecture, Katie King realized her true blueprint was in the kitchen. Inspired by grocery store date nights and encouraged by her husband, she pivoted into food, training at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Community Kitchen. Cooking hundreds of meals daily reshaped her purpose. Now, as owner of KRUNCHY KATE LLC, King exclusively prepares customized, health-driven meals in her clients’ homes, helping them feel nourished and energized through food rooted in nutrition, personal connection, and care.

401-474-4647, krunchykate.com

Wakefield Rotary Club and has been the chairperson of the Rotary’s Narragansett Art Festival for the past seven years. She also taught accounting at RWU as an adjunct professor.

In addition to Sandra, there are eight experienced tax professionals in the Wakefield H&R Block office, which recently earned recognition as one of the Top 100 franchises in the United States – a huge honor given annually to franchises that deliver strong business performance and drive meaningful growth for the company.

“Our top franchises show an unwavering dedication to living out our purpose, which is to provide help to our clients,” shared Roxanne Harris, vice president of franchise operations at H&R Block, in a press release. “We are grateful for the human care and expertise they demonstrate day in and out and couldn’t be more honored to recognize their hard work.”

Says Sandra, “We’re a great team, and looking forward to helping our clients this year.”

24 Salt Pond Rd., Unit D5, Wakefield.

Personal Wellness Chef & Owner

DIMITRIA KOUMARNETOS Founder

When the founder of PETRA STAR, Dimitria Koumarnetos, first stepped into the world of jewelry in 1992, she was captivated by the stories the pieces carried – memories, milestones, and love. Trained by nationally recognized experts and educated at GIA, she spent over three decades in fine jewelry, traveling globally to source gems and pieces that reflected both beauty and meaning.

That lifelong journey led her to Mystic, Connecticut, where she opened Petra Star – a gallery that feels warm and inviting. Each piece of jewelry, whether antique or handcrafted and artisan-made, invites clients to discover something far deeper than ornament. Dimitria often helps customers transform sentimental heirlooms into designs that feel personal and current.

Her vision and leadership have earned recognition through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and a SeCTerise grant. In 2026, she plans to deepen community ties across southeastern

Connecticut and Rhode Island, expanding Petra Star’s role as a place where people can learn and experience wearable art.

“In the end, it’s about hearing my customer’s story through jewelry,” she says.

ROSE MALONEY

Holistic Spa Owner

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

3 Water St. #102, Mystic, CT, 860-415-3323, PetraStar.com

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

For over 27 years, Rose Maloney has been redefining holistic wellness through preventative care, thoughtful innovation, and intentional aging. After transitioning from a successful career in banking to esthetics, she was drawn to holistic healing through her own personal journey - one that continues to shape her evolving philosophy today as owner of PURE ECO SPA & BOUTIQUE. The Spa offers non-invasive, results-driven treatments including infrared sauna therapy, red light therapy, lymphatic drainage, and microcurrent face and body sculptingdesigned to support vitality, circulation, and aging well. These services, inspired by Ayurvedic principles, are integrated with organic facials, massage therapy, and more.

With a strong emphasis on personalized, preventative care, Rose and her team guide clients through tailored wellness plans that support long-term skin health, physical balance, and sustainable lifestyle changes. She designs curated retreats and wellness-focused events that encourage education, connection, and restoration. The Outdoor Thermal Spa and private Wellness Cottage further extend this philosophy, offering intentional spaces for individuals and small groups to reset, reflect, and reconnect, available for private gatherings, retreats, and celebrations. More than a spa, Pure Eco Spa is a sanctuary—one built on leadership, intention, and the belief that aging well is an empowered, proactive choice.

18 Franklin Street, Westerly, (401) 326-9459, PureEcoSpa.com

Kim Elliott-Peterson Owner & Designer

Considering Kim Elliott-Peterson has been rearranging furniture since working babysitting gigs as a kid – the families coming home to happy children and sleeker floorplans – it’s fair to say she’s been “designing” since an early age. Today the owner of KEP INTERIOR DESIGNS, INC consults with her clients before jumping into a project – and savors every step of the process.

“I love to work on comprehension projects where I am involved from the onset and right up until the last piece of artwork is hung,” says Kim. “I like digging deep into how clients live, what colors appeal to them, how they want their home to function and flow to create an end result they’ll love and wouldn’t have thought of

on their own.” From entire home additions to kitchens to bathrooms (her favorite), Kim is eager to tackle any size of project. Kim graduated from URI with a degree in textiles and design, and has won several design awards for her work. “Feeling comfortable with your designer is key,” she says, noting that she’s stepping into some truly intimate spaces when renovating something like a master bedroom or bath.

“Conversations can get pretty detailed, down to ‘do you shave in the shower?’ If so, ‘do we need to install a mirror for the face, or a toe-hold for the legs?’”

After the initial meeting, she tours the entire home to ensure the new design is cohesive with the design elements that already exist throughout, and addresses

every item on the client’s wishlist – determining what’s doable, and what’s a little more difficult to work in the space – and finds a satisfying solution. Once a plan is decided, the fun really begins: choosing a color palette, with fixtures, paint, fabric, and other details to follow.

Perhaps most impressive is the number of bathrooms Kim has designed over the years – “hundreds,” she says, laughing. “I love my work in general and love creating all sorts of interiors. But designing bathrooms is always particularly rewarding. They’re a high ticket room to renovate, and people don’t go into it willy-nilly. Most often, the bathrooms are pretty outdated by the time the clients are ready to remake them.” That makes the before/after transformation fun, not to mention dramatic.

The most gratifying part of my job is helping people to create the home they have longed for.

While Kim may have been dubbed “Queen of the Potty” by a client, she also sees her work as an opportunity to change people’s perceptions of interior designers. “Over the years, designers got a bad rap and are often seen as pushy. That’s not how I work,” she says. “Working with a designer can be lots of fun and can save you time and stress that comes with a renovation. I might not always personally love what the clients pick, but I love it for them.”

Whether you are updating an aging bathroom into a sanctuary or planning a full-scale home renovation, Kim can help you realize your dream project. “The most gratifying part of my job is helping people to create the home they have longed for,” she says. “The thing that makes me the happiest at the end of a project is when I leave the client with a hug. I know they’re thrilled with the space I’ve created for them, and that I’ve made a friend!”

KEP Interior Designs, Inc, East Greenwich, 401-451-8922, KEPInteriorDesigns.com

JULIE C. HONE Founder

At just 24 years old, self-made entrepreneur Julie C. Hone founded SUPERIOR TANNING , a luxury tanning salon where every client feels like family. Julie holds a degree in business as well as several certificates in the beauty industry, including eyelash extensions, lash lift and tint, brow lamination, red light therapy, and handheld spray tanning – all of which she offers at her salon with personalized guidance on what is right for you. Says Julie, “We’re now offering permanent jewelry services, too!”

99 Fortin Road, Kingston, 401-662-0429, SuperiorTanningKingston.com

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,

SARAH MCGINLEY Nurse Practitioner

Sarah McGinley founded WEATHERLY DIRECT PRIMARY CARE in 2024 to focus on prevention, education, and patient empowerment. “After a career in marketing and inspired by my ER-nurse mom, I became a Nurse Practitioner to help people prevent illness, understand their health, and make simple changes that improve quality of life,” she says. “I enjoy caring for women in midlife and welcome new patients aged 16+. I want to advocate by answering their questions and encouraging joyful ownership of their health journeys.”

24 Salt Pond Rd., Suite H4, Wakefield, 401-358-1567, WeatherlyDirectCare.com

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.

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

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.”

North Kingstown RI, Preston, CT, WickedTulips.com, KeriannKoeman.com

20 Narragansett Avenue #909, Narragansett, 401-996-5817

SARAH ISABELLA Realtor®

THE LEADING LADIES OF HEY RHODY MEDIA CO.

HEY RHODY MEDIA CO. is the locally owned publishing company of four awardwinning monthly magazines: Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody. The free publications reach over 100,000 readers every month, bringing the best of food, arts, culture, fashion, and much more, in a uniquely Ocean State voice. Additionally, there are websites, social media pages, Hey Rhody Weekly on YouTube, and a podcast, all produced by a small but mighty team of editors, graphic designers, and a seasoned sales force to make it happen.

Abigail Burnham, Senior Editorial Designer: Abby joined Hey Rhody Media Co. in 2019. Her talent for design quickly led to taking the lead in laying out every article, cover story, and cover for all four magazines each month. You may also see her name attached to original illustrations.

Taylor Buttie, Senior Graphic Designer: Since joining Hey Rhody Media Co. in 2018, Taylor has used her talents to create ads, rate cards and sell sheets, plus

marketing materials for special events and more; additionally, she assists with editorial design. “We all work together as one big family, constantly supporting and motivating us all to be a better company.” Taylor is also excited to be welcoming the youngest member of the Hey Rhody Media Co. team, a baby girl, in June!

Theresa S. Carrington: The newest member of the sales team, Theresa actually pioneered Providence Monthly in its infancy, taking the magazine from vision to reality. She returns bringing bright enthusiasm to her role. “I’m passionate about helping businesses thrive!”

Shelley Cavoli, Account Manager for Central RI and Providence/New Business: Along with being devoted to her sales territory, Shelley has been dedicated to new business development since 2015, where she works to create advanced opportunities to engage with businesses across the state. “Every day I see clients discover ways to be successful, I’m proud to be part of their success.”

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich, Account Manager for East Bay & Providence: Louann has been with Hey Rhody Media Co. for 18 years. Known for her warm demeanor, she has a long history of developing strong relationships with clients. “I am blessed to work with an amazing team and local business community.”

Ann Gallagher, Account Manager for South County: Ann has been with Hey Rhody Media Co. for 18 years serving her seaside beat of South County. “I love that I can shop and support local businesses while also helping them get their message out through our magazines. It’s so gratifying to see small businesses prosper with our help.”

Jenna Kaplan, Digital Media Specialist: Since joining the team in 2023, Jenna has taken our socials in new directions, boosting engagement and reviving the blog. Additionally she is the creative force behind our e-newsletter, co-hosts both the Hey Rhody Podcast and Hey Rhody

Abigail Burnham

Taylor Buttie

Theresa Carrington

Shelley Cavoli

Elyse Major

Jenna Kaplan

Ann Gallagher

Weekly YouTube show, and contributes writing and photography.

Elyse Major, Editor-in-Chief: Since landing her dream job in 2018, Elyse has focused content on highlighting small businesses and makers. She develops and contributes writing for cover stories, articles for the Home & Style and Food & Drink sections, and Rhody Gem columns.

Ann Martini, Editor: All Ann has wanted is to write for magazines since seventh grade, and she’s done that with enthusiasm since the mid-1990s. From restaurant reviews to awardwinning in-depth pieces, she revels in the story-telling process. When not on the beat for Hey Rhody, she teaches writing at URI.

Warwick Avenue, Warwick, HeyRhody.com

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Martini

FOOD & DRINK

Experience | Recipe | Round Up | Cocktails

The Nostalgic Tavern

New England comfort foods where everybody learns your name

By Elyse Major

My reservation for lunch at The Haversham Tavern falls on a bitterly cold afternoon. My plus-one had to cancel but I’m looking forward to dining solo without distraction; after all I’ve got my reviewer hat on and my notepad ready. As I approach the property set above Post Road on 14 acres, aside from cleared paths and driveways, it’s completely blanketed in snow. The cedar shake exteriors of both the tavern and house-turned-event space next door make it all feel like it’s Christmastime, even though we’re smack-dab into January.

Photo by Elyse Major

FOOD & DRINK

I’m seated at a table in the large dining room. The vibe is comfortable and familial; canning jar drinking glasses and sky blue walls paired with white wainscoting lend cottage style, while a Celtics sign on the wooden mantle of the stonewall fireplace, says family room. That welcoming atmosphere continues with the staff, especially server Annie Laudone, who is amiable and seems to know everyone in the room, as evidenced by her wishing a patron good luck at the dentist as they put on their coat. Laudone tells me about the history of the tavern, which was built in the 1800s and has had many lives. Recently acquired by the Bellone family, who specialize in hospitality, it’s received a nice refresh.

Must-Try Items

LOBSTER BISQUE ($9.99) The silky soup made with sherry, topped with chunks of Maine lobster meat

SOONER SLIDERS ($13.99 FOR THREE; $23.99 FOR SIX) Mini smash burgers with grilled onions, house sauce, and American cheese

CINNAMON DIPPERS ($13.99) Triangles of a cinnamon-sugar doughboy centered around a scoop of ice cream and topped with whipped cream and dessert sauces

Cuisine: New England comfort foods Atmosphere: Comforting and quaint

Baked stuffed shrimp with a side of mashed potatoes

Cinnamon dippers

I aim to order a range of dishes representative of what they serve. Just me at the round wooden table that seats six, the parade of plates delivered to me is a bit of a spectacle. My plan is to sample bites and take the rest home for the fam. Cocktails like the blueberry-pomegranate martini sound appealing, but I decide to pass, and go directly to starting with a bowl of lobster bisque. Served in a round glazed crock with a packet of Westminster Bakers oyster crackers (my own personal litmus test for restaurants), it’s luxurious. Topped with chunks of Maine lobster, the soup is perfectly seasoned and oh-so satisfying. I could have stopped there, but I was on the beat!

Laudone suggests the Sooner Sliders, a trio of petite Oklahoma-style smash burgers with

grilled onions, American cheese, and Haversham Tavern sauce. I request one sans cheese (an aversion) and it’s super tasty. For my invisible companion, I order the baked stuffed shrimp, a nostalgic favorite from childhood dinners out. For sides, mashed potatoes (a must), and a salad. The entree arrives piping hot in a dish straight from the oven on a large white plate alongside the creamiest mashed potatoes. Each bite of everything is buttery, rich, and flavorful.

Doing my due diligence, I ask if there are any desserts that should be represented in this article, to which Landen Gore, general manager, replies: cinnamon dippers. A short while later, he ceremoniously presents this elaborate treat to the oohs and ahhs of folks at nearby tables. Beneath a thick layer of whipped

cream, drizzled in a plaid of criss-crossing lines of raspberry, caramel, and chocolate syrups, is a large flat circle of fried dough that has been dusted in cinnamon and sugar, cut into triangles pizza-style, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center. It’s like a plate of nachos concocted by Buddy the Elf.

I leave with a large handled brown bag, heavy with containers of my leftovers. The entire experience has been a delight, and everything reheats wonderfully later that evening for dinner. Except for the ice cream, which I had to enjoy on the spot, for transport purposes, of course.

The Haversham Tavern 336 Post Road, Westerly 322-1717 • TheHaversham.com

Sooner Sliders

Mediterranean-style Chicken

This

healthy and flavorful dish offers a taste of Greek cooking

By Liz Murray

Celebrate GreekAmerican Heritage Month by infusing Mediterranean flavors into your home cooking. This quick and uncomplicated chicken dish inspired by Greek recipes, features a medley of zucchini, potatoes, celery, and onion, marinated with olive oil, herbs, lemon, and garlic, tossed on a sheet pan, and roasted. Crumble feta cheese over the top and voila – dinner is served!

GREEK ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS AND VEGGIES

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil to coat the pan

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 large zucchini, stem removed and cubed

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• Handful of feta cheese, crumbled

• Thyme for garnish

• ¾ cup chicken broth

FOR THE MARINADE

• 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, rinds reserved

• 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

• 5 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, stems removed and minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt

• Fresh cracked pepper

Don’t use a non-stick pan to sear the chicken. You’ll want bits of the chicken to stick to the pan to season it before deglazing it with chicken broth for the most flavor possible. A stainless steel pan or a cast iron dutch oven is the best option for this step.

Photo by Liz Murray

STEPS

1. Prepare the marinade. Pour olive oil into a medium-sized bowl, add lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Save the lemon rinds from juicing for the baking sheet.

2. Place the chicken thighs into a resealable bag. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half. Close the bag and work the marinade into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Heat a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil (enough to coat the pan). Using tongs, place marinated chicken thighs into the hot pan. Allow them to cook on each side until beginning to turn golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

4. Transfer the chicken to a parchmentlined baking sheet. Immediately pour the chicken broth into the hot pan and turn the heat off. Using a wooden spoon, scrape off all of the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Set the pan sauce aside.

5. Toss the cubed potatoes, zucchini, onions, and celery with the remaining olive oil marinade. Pour them onto the baking sheet around the chicken thighs. Add the reserved lemon rinds to the baking sheet.

6. Cook until the chicken thighs reach 165ºF and the potatoes are cooked through, typically 35-40 minutes. Once ready, remove and sprinkle feta cheese over everything. Garnish with thyme.

7. Plate the chicken and veggies, then pour the reserved pan sauce over the top. Enjoy!

For more tips and recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com

Savoring Rhody

Explore different March holidays through desserts

By Patty J

Just when winter could use a burst of vibrancy, a bunch of holidays enter the chat. From colorful cakes with surprises and fruit-filled pastries, to hearty breads and spicy specials, restaurants and bakeries across Rhode Island are ready to dish out delicacies worth waiting all year for.

India Restaurant

This popular restaurant rolls out a week-long celebration (March 2-8) in honor of Holi, the Hindu festival of color. Don’t miss out on traditional dishes and delish dinner specials, along with a curated cocktail list, henna tattoos, festive leis, and more, while bidding adieu to winter. Providence

LaSalle Bakery

A king cake or baby cake is the sweetest way to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Little Rhody for Mardi Gras, and LaSalle has them at both locations. These wildly colorful and spongy cakes are topped with mini coins and beads, and one lucky eater will find the tiny plastic baby in their slice. Providence

Oak Bakeshop

On a sunny corner on the East Side, you’ll find the baker who founded PVDonuts, creating “Jew-ish” pastries. Among them are Hamantaschen, little triangle-shaped cookies with either raspberry or apricot filling that are central to the holiday of Purim. Providence

Photo (top left) courtesy of Patty J, (top right) by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Oak Bakeshop, (bottom left to right) courtesy of South County Bread Company and Pastryland Bakery

Patty J

Oak Bakeshop

South County Bread Company

Pastryland Bakery

The Original Italian Bakery

This Atwood Avenue bakery puts a new spin on zeppole season. They still have the traditional cream-filled versions, along with fun varieties including whipped cream and raspberry, chocolate cream, pistachio, ricotta cheese, and even a St. Paddy’s Day crossover – Irish cream. You gotta try ‘em all. Johnston

Pastryland Bakery

Locals wait all year for this bakery’s luscious, cream puff-style zeppole, prepared in the traditional style with house-made pastry shells. Want something a little different? They also have other flavors, including a decadent version filled with chocolate mousse. Smithfield

Provencal Bakery

Irish eyes are smiling when the soda bread returns to this family-owned bakery. This dense scone-like bread is good enough to eat on its own, or add some sweet butter and a bowl of their hot soup. Dine in at either cafe, and grab a few to bring home. Middletown and Newport

South County Bread Company

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find great soda bread. Just motor over to SoCo Bread on Main Street and enjoy one or two with a hot cuppa coffee. The resourceful bakers serve up two versions: the OG and one with caraway seeds and unexpected notes of citrus and licorice. Wakefield

Vienna Bakery

Vienna plans to offer their much-anticipated king cakes for Fat Tuesday once again this year, and fans can’t wait to get their hands on these scrumptious colorfully iced cinnamon desserts. It all pairs well with coffee or a French 75 back at home (because this is Mardi Gras, after all). Barrington

Vienna Bakery

Taking a Dive

Science, tradition, and a movie star are essential ingredients in this bartender’s mix

By Ann Martini

Before he landed at the new Esther’s High Dive in Providence, mixologist Max Karlin logged lots of years working in establishments from Palm Beach to Nashville to Martha’s Vineyard. But Providence, he says, “really aligns with my background and interests.” The cocktail menu at Esther’s is very culinary-driven, while still leaning into nostalgia. “Alongside the more technique-forward cocktails, we also incorporate playful elements like boilermakers, shooters, and mind erasers, which keep the menu fun and approachable,” Karlin says.

What are you drinking this month?

Our OF Highball is a force-carbonated, on-tap cocktail that’s a riff on a Pornstar Martini. We force carbon dioxide directly into the keg and use a separate regulator on the draft system to maintain that high pressure. The goal is an extremely lively, highly carbonated drink. The build includes vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur, champagne acid, and a small amount of vanilla syrup, finished with a passionfruit foam. The champagne acid acts as both the acidity and the “champagne” component.

Then, our Split Personality is an old fashioned-style cocktail built around brown butter- and peanut butter-washed bourbon, with fresh banana elements. The bourbon is fat-washed (a technique that infuses spirits with savory, rich flavors –like bacon fat – by mixing them, letting them sit, and freezing the mixture to remove the solidified fat) with brown butter and peanut butter, sous vided for several hours to maximize flavor extraction, then frozen overnight and strained through a coffee filter. The banana component comes from a house-made banana syrup that uses the entire fruit. We finish the drink with banana bread bitters, made in-house from equal parts Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate, Black Walnut, and Angostura bitters.

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

Photos by Elyse Major

Max Karlin shown explaining a boilermaker

The Mango Sticky Rice cocktail

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Scenic ocean views in beautiful Narragansett

ABOUT RHONDA

@classicallynewengland

A mom living life forever passionate about noticing all the little things, from the trees dancing in a breeze and sounds of birds singing in the rain to the beautiful colors of a summer sky. It’s these moments that bring her a sense of gratitude, peace, and joy.