Celebrations
in Business
Celebrating Business Success in the East Bay
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO Photo: 02809 Photography by Ed King
EAST BAY NEWSPAPERS
Page 2 Celebrations December 27-28, 2017
F
BadDog Painting celebrates 18 years of providing quality and professionalism
or more than 18 years, Bill Souza’s company Bad Dog Painting has been providing affordable quality painting for homes and businesses throughout Southern New England and beyond. His team of licensed and insured professionals go the extra mile for their clients. As owner and operator, Bill will supervise each painting project. His years of experience and stability reassure you, the customer, that you are receiving professional, outstanding customer service and high-quality workmanship. BadDog is much more than a painting crew. They are lead paint certified and offer free professional consultations and accurate estimates. As a professional painting consultant and U.S. veteran, Bill always gives the customer a clear idea of each project, provides a written estimate, and makes professional recommendations. Services include interior and exterior painting, power washing and wood restoration, brush and spray applications and epoxy repairs. All their work is completely guaranteed for one year. That’s worth something to celebrate! His professional services are a step above the rest by always being on time and efficient. “When we say we are going to be there,
BadDog Painting, LLC 401-623-9045 www.baddogpainting.net Also find them on Facebook
we’re there. Its on-time delivery. We are also known for being the cleanest and quickest painters you have ever seen; we get in and get out,” he said. In addition to residential jobs, BadDog is known for exceptional work on commercial buildings, up-scale boutique hotels in particular.
Bill Souza and grandson Caydon Boyd In the past few years, they completed renovation work at the Gilded Hotel in Newport and the Attwater, also in Newport. The Gilded Hotel is known for their bold color schemes. “Everything at the Gilded is over the top. Even the outside of the building is purple. We did the inside and outside,” he said. Another successful job celebrate - one of their biggest commercial projects to date- was the renovation of the former Wesley Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. The distinctive Oak Bluffs hotel has been in continuous operation as a destination for travelers since 1879. The property was in serious need of a renovation, and in wanting to embrace this new lease on life, the owners felt that it was time for a change... but a change that truly honors the history of the building. They made the right choice when hiring BadDog to do the work. “We painted all 96 rooms plus common areas throughout the complete old
In 2016, Bad Dog took part in several major and noteworthy renovations, including the Gilded Hotel and the Attwater, both in Newport, as well as the Wesley Hotel in Oak Bluff on Martha’s Vineyard.
Wesley Hotel on Martha's Vineyard now called Summer Camp. This is where the secret service stay when President Obama was vacationing there,” Mr. Souza said. Bright and sunny, Summer Camp was brought into the 21st century with the much-needed facelift provided by Mr. Souza and his talented team of professionals. This spring, they will be in Falmouth working on the Coonamessett Inn,
another feather in their cap. No job is too big for BadDog. They love taking on a challenge and won’t disappoint in the end. Give them a call for a free estimate and you will see that they are a cut above the rest in professional painting services. Visit them on Facebook to see some of the expert work BadDog has completed and see why BadDog Painting is the best solution for all your renovation needs.
Celebrations December 27-28, 2017 Page 3
Columbus Fan & Machine Corp. celebrates 20 years on Baker St. in Warren, RI T
ucked away at 59 Baker Street in Warren, Columbus Fan & Machine has become the go-to place for Portable and Automatic Home Standby Generators. Owner David Cioe cannot emphasize enough to not be complacent when it comes to protecting your home or business from power outages due to storms, hurricanes, or even electrical company power interruptions.
components needed by homeowners. For industrial businesses, Cioe’s other company at the same location DC Industrial Sales offers products such as AC and DC Motor sales and repairs, Line Reactors, Transformers, Tachometers, Encoders just to name a few. And their Machine Shop offers services such as welding, brazing, fabrication, shaft repairs, etc.
Waiting until a storm is about to hit is a gamble. It takes time to select the proper system for your home/business and to line up the electrician and plumber, if needed. Being proactive is just common sense. And if you already have a generator in place, remember it needs to be maintained every year, just like you would your vehicle. Oil changes, fuel treatments, battery tests are all part of the maintenance that Columbus Fan offers.
It is not too early to be investing in a Snow Blower for the upcoming winter season. Columbus Fan stocks Troy Bilt Snow Throwers. If you already have a Snow Thrower, now is the time to have it tuned-up for the winter. Many companies sell equipment but they cannot repair it. If a problem occurs you would need to be authorized by the factory to touch any warranty piece of equipment. Columbus Fan is authorized to service what they sell. “We service what we sell” is the company mantra. Providing sales and service in the local community is a convenience you don’t have with the big box stores. Sourcing parts can be frustrating to homeowners, and Columbus Fan focuses on locating the parts needed quickly so the homeowner can get their equipment up and
Not only are they a local source for Generators, but Columbus Fan also stocks and sells Manual Transfer Switches, Residential and Commercial Pressure Washers, Sump and Submersible Pumps, Fuel Stabilizers, and many common
David Cioe running, or complete the necessary repairs. Cioe says this is another “plus” about the convenience of “shopping local”. “I am very grateful for the business of our valued customers in a very competitive marketplace. We wouldn’t be here without their support.”
with Manual Transfer Switches. Automatic Generator Systems are available from 8KW to 30KW, both propane and natural gas fueled. Larger units up to 500 KW are also available. Remember: anyone can sell you equipment. But will they stand behind it? Ask if they are authorized to repair it if something goes wrong, or will they end up sending you somewhere else? Columbus Fan & Machine and DC Industrial Sales are located at 59 Baker Street in Warren, RI. You can reach them at 401-247-0079. Are YOU ready???
Columbus Fan & Machine Corp. Many units are in stock right at the company’s location. Portable Generators, many DUAL FUEL, are available from 3000 Watts to 12,500 Watts along
59 Baker St., Warren 401-247-0079 www.columbusfan.com
Page 4 Celebrations December 27-28, 2017
East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates 120 years
T
he East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization, originally known as the East Providence Business Men’s Association. It was founded on June 15, 1897, for the purpose of social, literary and educational relations among its members. Today, their mission statement reads: East Providence Area Chamber is the voice of business for our community. We support economic growth, development and prosperity through our advocacy, public relations and member services. The founding members of the organization were notable businessmen in East Providence, which was then a town in Rhode Island. As time went on, the associ-
East Providence Chamber Executive Director Laura McNamara (center) and pastChamber Chairman Phil Tirrell (left) helped Susan Pascale (right) celebrate the opening of her new Pods Swimming facility in East Providence earlier this year.
East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce 1011 Waterman Ave., East Providence 401-438-1212 eastprovidenceareachamber.com ation and the town grew, and in 1956 the name was changed to East Providence Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, the Chamber was renamed once again to East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the communities it currently serves. Membership is comprised of businesses based and/or doing business in East Providence and Barrington, R.I., and Seekonk and Rehoboth, Mass. For the past 20 years, the Chamber’s executive director, Laura McNamara, has been involved in keeping the Chamber relevant and current; while also moving it forward with the ever-changing tide in technology, social networking and business climate. “Our founding fathers would be amazed at the success and fortitude of our organization,” said Ms. McNamara. “While much has changed in the last 120 years, we are still here serving our members and community.” She noted, “Currently, we are involved
with the economic development efforts of the City of East Providence and the Town of Seekonk. The branding of East Providence as a ‘medical wing’ in Rhode Island is one of our projects, and is based on the City’s recent growth in healthcare facilities and employment.” The Chamber celebrated its “birth date” in June with their members and a birthday cake at their Business During Hours luncheon. The milestone year was recognized and celebrated again at their Annual Meeting and Dinner in November with more than 160 guests in attendance. As the Chamber moves into its 121st year, it has its devoted members and business community to thank for its longevity and success. Originally founded as the East Providence Business Men’s Association, the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce this year celebrated its 120th birthday.
Celebrations December 27-28, 2017 Page 5
Barrington Appliance and TV celebrates 70 years
A
t 70 years young, Barrington Radio and Electric is one of the oldest businesses in the town of Barrington. Exemplary customer service and deep roots in the community make it a much loved and respected place to go for new appliances, repairs and a friendly face. Cousins Mike and John Calitri have been working at the shop their fathers started ever since they were youngsters. From the time they could walk, they were fixtures in the shop, located on County Road on the north side of Barrington Shopping Center. During summer vacations they worked with their dads and learned the business from the ground up. Both John and Mike do sales and repairs and are well versed on all brands of appliances. They specialize in GE appliances but can get any brand a customer requests. Both Calitris graduated from Barrington High School and Roger Williams University (Roger Williams College at the time) and came back to their hometown to be the second generation to carry on their fathers’ legacy.
Brothers Louis and Michele Calitri opened Barrington Radio & Electric in 1947 after both serving in World War II. Michele came back to town and began tinkering with radio repair, a skill he learned in the service, in the basement of the family homestead. When Louis
Barrington Appliance and TV 188 County Road • 401-245-5800 returned, they opened their first shop together. They began by selling and repairing radios and evolved into television and appliance sales and repairs as technology advanced after the war. For decades, the brothers and later with their sons, have provided families in the East Bay and beyond with their all service approach to business. “People come in and buy a product, we install it and make sure it’s running before
we leave. We take away old appliances. If there are any problems, we are there to repair. Our customers know that we will go the extra mile to ensure they are satisfied,” John said. Both Louis and Michele have passed on but what they taught their sons remains: service and quality at all costs. “My dad always said customer service is the key ingredient in this business. We are fortunate to have customers who have been loyal to us for decades. The newer
people in town may not be as familiar with what we offer or the history of the store, so in 2005 we decided to change the name to Barrington Appliance and TV. The customers that go way back still call us Barrington Radio & Electric,” Mike said. Both Mike and John have two children each and it is uncertain if they will pass on the store to their kids. But if genetics play into things, Mike and John will be working well into their 80’s- just like their fathers before them.
“The kitchen is the life of the party, for sure.” –Melissa Lowe, 2nd Generation GE® Owner
With Mail-in* Rebate
BUY 3
FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD.
Get a Café dishwasher
FREE
*Check geappliances.com/cafebuy3 for details. Maximum redemption value $1,000. Via online or mail-in rebate.
Barrington Appliance & TV 188 County Rd 401-245-5800
The GE Café Series is made for those who love life in the kitchen. Café brings professionally inspired appliances to your home, so no cooking task is off the table. And now, clean up like a chef too—with mail-in rebate, buy three select GE Café appliances, and get a matching GE Café dishwasher FREE.* TM
188 County Rd, Barrington, RI 401-245-5800
TM
*Check geappliances.com/cafebuy3 for details. Maximum redemption value $1,000. Via online or mail-in rebate.
TM
6915421
TM
Monday - Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-4 Sunday - Closed
Monday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-4
Page 6 Celebrations December 27-28, 2017
For 30 years, Ear, Nose and Throat keeping patients healthy E
ar, Nose and Throat Medicine and Surgery Group, LLC and Aquidneck Hearing Center are celebrating a 30-year anniversary and the professionals there couldn’t be prouder of their years serving the community. From medical appointments to hearing loss, the practice is a one-stop shop to suit the needs of new and existing patients. Conveniently located in Bristol and Middletown, RI they specialize in issues related to the nose, throat and ears as well as hearing loss. Their philosophy is that their patients are the most important Bridget Block, Au. D. people in the office and their health a primary concern. Over time, they have grown the practice and have taken a leading role in hearing issues and opened the Aquidneck Hearing Center in Middletown and Bristol as part of the practice. Under the direction of Dr. Steven Freedman and Dr. Dobbin, who will be retiring in Joseph Weisberger 2018, the center Au. D. employs only board-certified audiologists. Dr. Joseph R. Weisberger, AuD; Gina Wallace, AuD; and Bridget Block, AuD administer comprehensive hearing evaluations for both pediatric and adult patients. They work closely with Dr. Dobbin and Dr. Freedman to determine the best possible course of action to ensure their patients are getting the proper care to their complete satisfaction. They also specialize in
musician ear plugs to minimize damage due to amplified music. The doctors at Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine treat a full range of illnesses. From swimmer’s ear to sore throats and hearing loss, the physicians will work with patients to achieve maximum health. Some other conditions they treat include: Tinnitus, dizziness, ear infections, sinus/ nasal issues, snoring and sleep apnea, nosebleeds, swallowing disorders and more. The friendly Gina Wallace Au. D. staff that greets patients in the office include Pam Purvis who works in both the Bristol and Middletown offices, Jennifer Lopes in the Middletown office and Debby Murphy, the practice manager who has been with the business since its inception in 1987. “Our patients are like family to us. We are here with a smile and Pam and
576 Metacom Ave., Unit 6 • Bristol, RI • 401-254-4327 850 Aquidneck Ave., Unit B-9 • Middletown, RI • 401-849-4448
www.earnosethroatmed.com Jennifer have both been working here since the early 1990’s. That gives familiarity to our patients and we know them all by name,” Debby said. Although Dr. Dobbin will be retiring, the practice will continue to provide excellent service to the community under the direction of Dr. Freed-
man and the professional staff, perhaps for 30 more years. Call Ear, Nose and Throat and Aquidneck Hearing Center to schedule a free hearing screening or personalized hearing demonstrations with the newest technology or to make an appointment.
Your Bridge to Hearing Health ~ Hearing Aids Sales & Services
Celebrations December 27-28, 2017 Page 7
M
A celebration of 50 years for a family-owned business
any small businesses fail in the first year. Many more never survive past their founding owner. Few thrive under a second owner, and fewer still pass on to a second generation. M & G Correia’s can boast of all these things — and celebrate an anniversary milestone. The local plumbing and heating supply turned 50 this year, with two strong locations serving as the destination for many of the contractors, and homeowners, in this region. M & G Supply Co. first opened on Aug. 1, 1967, when John Moniz set up shop at 211 1/2 Warren Ave. in East Providence. He built the business and ran until his retirement in 1981. John F. Correia came to this country in 1963 from the Azores when he was 23 years old. He started his own business in 1969 and quickly became one of Mr. Moniz’s best customers. When Mr. Moniz decided to retire, he sold the company to John F. Correia on April 1, 1981. Two years later, the company moved to its current location at 750 Warren Ave. in East Providence and formally changed the name over to M & G Correia’s. With business strong, Mr. Correia opened a second location later that year, at 390 Metacom Ave. in Bristol, right across from the Bristol police station. As the business continued to grow, they soon outgrew that location and opened a new, bigger store at 592 Metacam Ave. in Warren in 1986. John F. Correia ran the store until his retirement in 2003, when his son, Richard A. Correia, took over as president of the company. Earlier this year, they marked 50 years in business. As a family-owned company, M & G tries (and succeeds) to have longlasting relationships with local plumbing and heating contractors, as well as homeowners in the community. They have a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is willing to go the extra mile for any customers. They offer a wide range of plumb-
The M & G crew today takes pride in providing excellent service to both contractors and homeowners.
M & G Correia’s Plumbing and Heating Supply 715 Warren Ave., East Providence 401-434-2550 592 Metacom Ave., Warren 401-247-2828 mgsupplyinc.com ing and heating supplies and can handle anything from repairs to big jobs. They also sell swimming pool supplies in the summer.
John Correia took over the M & G business in 1981 (shown here) in East Providence, built it to a second location, and handed it over to his son, Richard Corriea, 22 years later.
Page 8 Celebrations December 27-28, 2017
S
Pods celebrates remarkable growth, and a new home
usan Pascale was in her final year at the University of Rhode Island pursing her degree in dental hygiene and was given the opportunity to become an entry level swim coach. Susan worked in her field, dental hygiene, for nearly 20 years, while she continued coaching. From 1996 to 2007, she helped run the Ocean State Squids Learn to Swim program at Brown University. Joined by Jamie Pascale in 1999, together they focused on teaching children to swim at the youngest of ages. They get kids in the pool as toddlers, teaching them proper stroke techniques, as well as confidence and safety around the water. When Brown closed its pool in 2007, Susan couldn’t let what was now the Pods Swimming program close with it. So she became resourceful.
Pods Swimming 111 Commercial Way, East Providence 401-337-5678 podsswimming.com For the next 10 years, Pods had a home wherever the Pascales could rent pool time. In the beginning, they had 120 swimmers. In the blink of an eye, they grew to 500 swimmers. In another blink, it was 1,000 swimmers. In another blink, 1,300. “The program just kept growing and growing,” Susan said. “When we had the opportunity to rent at Healthtrax, the program just exploded.” At the height of their growth, they were renting space at 14 different pools throughout the year, which included warm water teaching pools and competition pools. They were also members of Seacoast Swimming Association. About halfway into the venture, Susan realized they needed a home base. “I could have built something quickly and easily, but that wouldn’t
The six-lane pool is used for recreation, as well as high school and club-level swim meets. have really suited our needs,” she said. The process of finding a new, permanent home for Pods began about four years ago. For three-and-a-half years, while running the program and growing tenfold, the Pascales worked on finding a location, designing the facility, getting the permits and finally constructing a state-of-the-art facility. Pods moved into its new home in March of this year. The 11,900-squarefoot facility at 111 Commercial Way in East Providence has a 20’ x 40’ teaching pool, a six-lane 25-yard pool for lap swimming competitions, state-ofthe-art filtration and treatment systems, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a snack area, and an air-conditioned reception area. “Honestly, this has been life-changing,” Susan said. “It is great that the Pods families are able to be a part of a complete program under one roof. They can begin their swimming careers as infants and continue swimming at the Pods facility through their years as a competitive swimmer on a swim team. It’s clean and inviting, I
The 20’ x 40’ teaching pool is where infants and toddlers learn both swimming techniques and love for the water. love it.” The facility hosts not only the Seacoast Swimming Association, but the Mt. Hope High School and The Wheeler School swim teams as well. The facility is a bustling hive of activity for all ages, with seniors swimming for exercise, athletes swimming for training, and high school students swimming for pride. But the core mission
of Pods remains the same — teaching young children to swim, and to love the sport of swimming. “Most of our staff are swimmers who learned to swim from me, they understand our program and our philosophy. I wanted children to learn the proper way to swim,” Susan said. “I’ve always believed that infants need to learn for water safety, I love teaching them, and I want to do it right.” In this case “ learning the proper way to swim” means following the United States Swim School Association and their curriculum, which teaches children without the use of flotation devices. Programs are designed to teach safety, and a love for swimming. Susan and her team are passionate about it, and they have the membership, following — and facility — to prove it’s working. In addition to swim lessons and swim team, Pods Swimming is the home to lap swimming, water aerobics and birthday parties. If you’d like more information, please view the Pods website at www.podsswimming.com or stop by the facility.
Weichert/Tirrell Realty celebrates an another banner year P
hil Tirrell has much to celebrate. As owner/broker of Weichert Realtors/Tirrell Realty his business has grown exponentially in the past few years. From his humble days starting in the Real Estate business in 1979 to a franchise owner with 29 agents under his direction, Phil now can boast that his business has doubled and in the past few years and has seen increases that continue to grow. “This was one of our best years ever. I am confident the market will continue to be strong, especially with the newly passed federal tax changes” he said. The history of the East Providence Real Estate company started with Phil getting his Real Estate license at the age of 21. He worked for various agencies before opening up his own brokerage Tirrell Realty in 2005. In 2009, he decided to partner with Weichert Realtors, a decision he says was one of the best moves in his career. “As the owner of Tirrell Realty, an independent company, I thought it was important to get back into a franchise relationship. Weichert has helped us tremendously with great tools to increase business,” he said. Weichert is the largest independent Real estate company in the country, he said, and they are the only company with Smart Phone technology that pairs up clients with agents through online programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The company gets 4 million hits a month that lead customers to agents. Weichert Realty has been in the business since 1969 and is active in 39 states. “They are most active on the internet in the Northeast. That is why I bought into the company. They offer great marketing tools, management training and top-notch technology,” he said. The partnership has paid off. With the increase in business, Phil was able to buy the building where they are currently located – the former Bank of America bank branch on Willett Avenue, across from CVS Pharmacy. They moved into the new location in 2012. The space is inviting and has plenty of parking. With cheery yellow walls, two conference rooms, agent stations, they have cozy “café” for client meetings and hold presentations there. They kept the original bank vault for a touch of nostalgia. Their area of expertise is East Providence, Seekonk, and the entire East Bay area. “Our 29 agents and administrators are
— AWARD AGENTS — ®
431 Willett Avenue, East Providence, RI
401-437-2030
Luci Stoddard
friendly and professional. We are welcoming and helpful to our clients,” he said. As Weichert Realtors/Tirrell realty moves into 2018, Phil feels confident that the housing market will continue to be strong and may in fact get even better. “The new tax changes will be a boon to those buying in the 200’s, 300’s, 400’s and 500’s in the east bay area. There could be many homes on the market in that range and millennials will be a good position to buy in 2018,” he said.
Bill Tirrell
Larry McNulty
Celebrations December 27-28, 2017 Page 9
Page 10 Celebrations December 27-28, 2017
Swansea Pediatrics caring for children for 35 years and counting
C
aring for the youngest members of the society in South Eastern Massachusetts for 35 years, Swansea Pediatrics has a lot to celebrate. From what started as a small practice in 1982 to a thriving health care facility with seven female doctors, and more than 15 team members’, the practice is looking forward to another 35 years of providing quality and caring medical treatment. They are honored to care for children from local areas like Swansea and Seekonk to further locations like Burrillville, Fairhaven and Newport. What makes Swansea Pediatrics special is the exemplary care they show to their patients and the thousands of families that have come to depend on them throughout the years. There is a family atmosphere in the building located on Route 6 across from Tickle’s gift shop and often friends will see friends in the spacious waiting area or cousins will run into one another. Dr. Joyce Monac, one of the founding partners, said she has patients who still keep in touch, and some bring in their own children for pediatric care. “Many former patients keep in touch and send Christmas cards every year. I have kept everyone we ever received. I love to see how they grow year to year. I especially like to hear where they are going after high school. Traditionally that is the last time I see them before they no longer see a pediatrician,” she said. Most patients are under the care of Swansea Pediatrics until the age of 19 or 20. They take on soon-to-be new mothers and see the infants for the first time shortly after birth or in the hospital if there are special circumstances. Dr. Monac, who is thinking about retirement, said the staff at the practice are welcoming and take the time to get to know their patients.
Joyce Monac Swansea Pediatrics is affiliated with Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Charlton Memorial Hospital, Women and Infants and Children’s Hospital in Boston. The seven board certified pediatricians consider it an honor and a privilege to care for a family’s most valuable possession – their children. Doctors Nina Cummings, Barbara DenUyl, Gina Costello, Kelly Reynolds, Kristen Markie, Joyce Monac and Jessica Farrar form personal relationships with patients and their families. Most of the physicians work full-time and a patient will see their preferred doctor every time they come in for a well-check. In the event of an illness, any one of the physicians will be more than happy to get your child on the road to recovery. A doctor from the practice is always on-call and a call will always be answered. They are conveniently located right off Rt. 195 and there is plenty of parking.
“We strive to provide your children and adolescents with premium quality medical care, guided by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ standards.”
2200 GAR Highway Swansea, MA 02777
508-379-9605 swanseapediatrics.com
Celebrations December 27-28, 2017 Page 11
East Bay Newspapers celebrates milestone anniversaries
The Bristol Phoenix turned 180 this year. The Warren Times-Gazette turned 150. The Sakonnet Times turned 50. Those three milestone anniversaries highlight a year of celebrations at East Bay Newspapers. In addition to publishing continuously our seven hometown newspapers (see box), we posted daily on EastBayRI.com and staged numerous public events throughout the year. In March, we organized and promoted East Bay Restaurant Week, bringing attention to dozens of this region’s best restaurants. In April, we won five awards at the Rhode Island Press Association’s annual news and photography contest. In June, our She She wine and shopping night drew a huge crowd to the lawn at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum. In September, working together with dozens of private schools, we welcomed families to the second annual Rhode Island Private School Fair, held at the Roger Williams Casino. In October, we partnered with the
Bristol Phoenix - founded 1837 Warren Times-Gazette - founded 1867 Barrington Times - founded 1958 Sakonnet Times - founded 1967 East Providence Post - founded 1955 Westport Shorelines - founded 1969 Portsmouth Times - founded 2014 Town of Barrington and its Barrington 300 committee to celebrate the town’s tricentennial at Rhode Island Country Club. Earlier this month, we welcomed a few hundred families to the Audubon Environmental Education Center for our 19th annual Photos With Santa event. We look forward to a new year of celebrations in 2018, together with you the reader, and you the advertiser. Thank you all for reading and supporting your hometown newspapers. Happy holidays!
ABOVE: Fifty years ago, the first issue of the Sakonnet Times documented the new Route 24 Sakonnet River Bridge as it was under construction. This year, crews began dismantling that same span. LEFT: Judges decided this image by photographer Richard W. Dionne Jr. (showing a major heroin drug bust in East Providence) was the best spot news photo of the year in Rhode Island newspapers.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW: 2017
A
Grace Barker NursiNG ceNter aNd the WilloWs chaNGes Name to Grace Barker health
t a champagne and cake reception held this past summer at its Barker Avenue site to unveil the new name and logo, Owners/Administrators Mark and Mary Beth Lescault reflected on their past as a nursing home established in 1966 by Mary Beth’s mother, and embraced their evolution into a multi-service healthcare provider. “The new name better reflects the full spectrum of medical care that the company provides,” stated Mark Lescault. “We are not just a nursing home, just an assisted living, just an adult day, and just a short-term rehab provider. We are a provider of all of those services on one campus. As our patients’ needs change, we can change with them. The people we care for don’t have to leave the caregivers whom they have come to know. They don’t have to leave our campus where they call home for the day or longer. Grace Barker Health is who we’ve become and where we are going. It’s an exciting time in our history, and we are grateful to have our residents and their families, our staff, vendors and neighbors with us on our journey.”
Grace Barker Health’s new name announcement and logo unveiling ceremony was attended by Vice President of Warren Town Council Keri M. Cronin, Warren Deputy Police Chief Jim Loiselle, Warren Fire Chief Al Galinelli, Senior Center Director Elizabeth Hoague, and East Bay Chamber of Commerce Committee Chairs Danielle DeLuca Thompson and Mark DeVine.
The nursing home name also changed from Grace Barker Nursing Center to “The Cove at Grace Barker.” The Willows, the assisted living and adult day health facility, continues to be known as “The Willows at Grace Barker.”
SM
iN the commuNity New Look for Grace Barker Bus
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Walk
Helping Long-Term Care Residents Through Music
New Wellness and Holistic Health Program Introduced
Pictured here is the Grace Barker Health bus, after being “wrapped” in its new logo design. This past Fall, the newly designed vehicle hit the streets sporting its colorful branding graphics as it transported area seniors to and from The Willows activities during the day.
Grace Barker Health took first prize at the 2017 Lip Sync Battle of the Nursing Homes for its rendition of the 1978 Barry Manilow hit, “Copacabana.” The event is held annually at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet to raise money for the “TLC 4 LTC” fund for longterm care residents or staff throughout the state who have special wishes and needs.
SM
Employees and their friends and family members took part in the Gloria Gemma “Flames of Hope” walk during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Grace Barker Health sponsored the team, “On The Wings of Angels,” in support of breast cancer education, wellness and survivorship programs.
A new, comprehensive Wellness and Holistic Health Program was introduced by Grace Barker Health’s Rehabilitation Department staff. The program is designed to maintain optimal functioning for residents and incorporates fun activities. Pictured here are two residents practicing standing balance while painting, under our staff member’s watchful eye.
a d ult d ay • a ssi st ed l i vi N G • l oN G -t er m c ar e • s h o rt -t er m r eh a Bi li tat i oN 47 Barker Avenue • Warren, Rhode Island 02885 • (401) 245-9100
GraceBarkerHealth.com