Proud to Be - September 2020

A SUPPLEMENT TO EAST BAY MEDIA GROUP

PROUD TO BE A Celebration of East Bay Business

A luxury brand with a community commitment L

FROM THE COAST TO THE CAPITAL...

BRISTOL, RI

BARRINGTON, RI

‘Shangri-La’, 79-85-91 SHORE ROAD

$5,750,000

85 NAYATT ROAD

$4,975,000

Private & Luxurious Estate on 3.92 Waterfront Acres

401.266.9900

SOLD

Waterfront Compound: 2 Homes, Tea House, & Greenhouse 401.450.9026

Tom Wegner is Lila Delman’s Providence sales manager and associate. supporter of Providence WaterFire.

Despite this year’s pandemic, buyer confidence is still very strong in the Ocean State, according to Lila Delman. The company finds that Rhode Island real estate is holding value compared to coastal towns on the Cape and the Hamptons. Although the market dipped in March and April, the summer has been as busy as ever.

“You’re going to get a better deal in Rhode Island,” one Lila Delman manager said.

BRISTOL, RI

TIVERTON, RI

415 POPPASQUASH RD Newly-Built, Water Views

$2,995,000 401.952.3461

112 RIVERSCAPE LANE Waterfront 4-Bed w. Mooring

LITTLE COMPTON, RI $2,695,000 401.339.6233

116 SAKONNET POINT RD. SOLD: $1,955,000 Sold by Ted Marvell

401.255.6420

SOLD

ila Delman Real Estate, a Rhode Island institution that’s been owned by the same family since its founding 56 years ago, is just getting warmed up.

The company celebrated a recordbreaking year in 2019, closing on more than $560 million in sales volume, and recently surpassed $5.5 billion in overall sales as the No. 1-ranked luxury firm in the state.

In June, Lila Delman welcomed East Bay resident Tom Wegner as sales manager of the firm’s Providence office, at 369 South Main St. A multimillion-dollar-producing Realtor licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Tom was ranked as one of the Top Ten Associates companywide in 2018.

Lila Delman represented two of the top home sales on the East Side this year: the Williams Douglas House for $1.71 million, and another on Stimson Avenue for about $1.34 million.

“From the Coast to the Capital” — with offices in Block Island, Watch Hill, Newport, Narragansett, Jamestown and Providence — Lila Delman is primary known for their focus on coastal luxury properties. 2019 proudly marked Lila Delman’s 11th consecutive year as statewide leader of sales of over $1 million. Still, as a representative pointed out, more than 50 percent of their sales actually involve properties under $1 million.

The company is also known for its strong community involvement. Lila Delman is the prime sponsor of the ubiquitous newportFILM series and has also been a major

EAST SIDE OF PROVIDENCE, RI Sold by Stephanie Basile

NEWPORT JAMESTOWN

BRISTOL, RI

SOLD: $1,710,000

6 OLIVE STREET

401.465.3975

WATCH HILL NARRAGANSETT

343 THAMES STREET #303-M Luxury 2-Bedroom Condo

PROVIDENCE BLOCK ISLAND

EAST SIDE OF PROVIDENCE, RI $849,000 401.662.7993

229 MEDWAY STREET #109 Luxury Retirement Community

$415,000 401.465.3975

Page 2 Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020

They Aspire to be the best

A

spire Dermatology is a medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology practice founded by Dr. Jason Michaels. Since 2011, Aspire has provided expert care and attentiveness to its Rhode Island residents and summer tourists, with offices in Middletown, Tiverton, Riverside, Johnston, Warwick, Warren and Cumberland.

The practice focuses on all skin conditions and provides in-office Mohs surgery to remove certain skin cancers.

Dr. Michaels has more than two decades of experience as a board-certified derma-

tologist, including eight years here in the Ocean State.

Dr. Michaels received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and his medical degree from the Nevada School of Medicine. After completing his internal medicine internship at Brown University and a Dermatology residency at Texas Tech University, he later obtained his Master’s of Business Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Though he no longer performs cosmetic procedures himself, he has completed

preceptorships with six of the top cosmetic dermatologists and laser surgeons in the country. Dr. Michaels is a firm believer in the value of continuing education and mastering the best practices and procedures. He, along with his team of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Aestheticians, are ready to serve all your skin care needs professionally, respectfully and on a timely basis.

Aspire Dermatology is always accepting new patients at each of their locations. To learn more about Aspire Dermatology or to schedule an appointment, please call

401-239-1800 or visit www.AspireDermatology.com.

Aspire Dermatology Locations; Riverside, Johnston, Tiverton, Warwick, Warren, Middletown, Cumberland coming soon.

Aspire Dermatology

Riverside, Johnston, Tiverton, Warwick, Warren, Middletown, Cumberland coming soon. www.aspiredermatology.com

Surgical • Medical • Cosmetic

Matthew Willet, MD

Dr. Victoria Comeau, DO

Jason Michaels MD

Accepting New Patients

Pamela Gadbaw, FNP-C

Expert Care For Your Skin

AspireDermatology.com

WARREN OFFICE 851 Main Street Warren, RI 02885

RIVERSIDE OFFICE 1525 Wampanoag Trl., Ste. 203 Riverside, RI 02915

WARWICK OFFICE 618 Toll Gate Road Warwick, RI 02886

Call 401.239.1800 for

TIVERTON OFFICE 67 William S. Canning Blvd.

Tiverton, RI 02878

JOHNSTON OFFICE 1524 Atwood Ave., Ste. 321 Johnston, RI 02919

MIDDLETOWN OFFICE 102 Valley Road Middletown, RI 02842

Same Day Appointments

Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020 Page 3

This city on the rise has so much to be proud of “Townie Pride” isn’t just a catchall phrase for those who live and work in East Providence. It’s actually at the core of how administrative and elected officials in the city approach many of their daily duties.

As East Providence currently wades through and eventually emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, its leaders are giving residents reason to feel “proud to be” part of the city, now and into the future.

“We just want the community to know prior to COVID the city was doing reasonably well economically. We had some real momentum going, especially in some key anchor industries, including advanced manufacturing, medical office/healthcare and financial services/data operations,” City Planning and Economic Development Director William Fazioli said recently.

“We’re spending most of our time during the pandemic mapping out our game plan for once it subsides. We’re hoping to do well as we come out of this,” he continued. “We want people to know that we continue to make strides during the pandemic. We’re working very diligently.

“We’re using this time to assess the new circumstances, identify our strengths and weaknesses, to proactively respond with a plan to situate the city in a strong position to participate in the economic

City Planning and Economic Development Director William Fazioli recovery. The current crisis provides an excellent opportunity to sharpen our focus and mobilize resources to implement a new

strategy.”

Among the areas of focus is the redevelopment of mature commercial corridors, such as New-

n Desirable Waterfront Land in the Heart of a Major Metropolitan Area with proximity to Interstate 195, the City of Providence and Southeast Massachusetts n City and Federal Tax Incentive Programs That Promote Investment n Economic Strength in Medical, Finance, Construction, and Light Manufacturing Industries n Mixed Use Development Opportunities Throughout the City n Commitment to Revitalizing Business Corridors and Districts n Leader in Renewable Energy / Solar Facility at Former Forbes Street Landfill n Modern Municipal Infrastructure and an Efficient Permit Review Process

port and Taunton avenues, where new restaurants, cafés and apartments began to infill vacant buildings in older central business dis-

tricts. Mr. Fazioli said the city was fortunate that many of the developments and initiatives started pre-COVID and continue to press on during the pandemic.

East Providence, its credit rating upgraded by Moody’s in May 2020, largely based on strong cash and fund balance levels, low debt burden and new management structure, was also experiencing very strong interest in residential development for both single-family and multi-family dwellings.

In addition, the city is poised to become a major hub of the emerging offshore wind industry, as the South Quay is being primed for a port facility to service this industry.

Of note as well, major infrastructure plans are underway for the reconstruction of Henderson Bridge and the Interstate 195-West off ramp onto Waterfront Drive.

Lastly, the city will be commencing on the Comprehensive Plan process at a very opportune time. This will enable the city to develop a strategic, long-term community development plan.

Mr. Fazioli said public engagement will be heavily emphasized during this process.

“East Providence is truly a high opportunity community,” Mr. Fazioli added. “It provides an affordable and safe environment for individuals and families to realize greater social mobility for future generations.”

Investment in East Providence Fuels Economic Success!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ECONOMIC INCENTIVES CONTACT US AT (401) 435-7531 OR VISIT US AT: eastprovidencebusiness.com eastprovidencewaterfront.com www.eastprovidence.com

Page 4 Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020

Family-owned business offers full spectrum of elderly services In 1966, Linda Machado opened Grace Barker Nursing Home. A registered nurse, she named the facility for her mentor and nursing school benefactor, a woman known for her unselfish and compassionate caregiving. “I could think of no better tribute,” said Linda, “than to name it after Grace.”

Today, Linda’s daughter, Mary Beth, runs the facility along with her husband, Mark Lescault, and their son, Benjamin.

It remains family-owned at a time when corporate ownership is increasingly becoming the norm. Their son, Benjamin, is assistant administrator, continuing the family tradition of caring for and providing elder services in the community. Benjamin earned his degree in healthcare administration and management from Salve Regina University.

Residents enjoy a familiar environment of friendly staff and surroundings, enabling a smooth transition from one service area to another when needed. “When a person

Grace Barker Health

54 Barker Ave. Warren, RI 401-245-5100 www.gracebarkerhealth.com can no longer take care of their own activities of daily living at The Willows, they can stay with us by moving into The Cove to receive the skilled care they need. They are served by many of the same staff that provide delicious home-cooked meals, nursing and rehabilitation therapy. We’re like an extension of their family,” notes Mary Beth.

“It’s a level of caring and continuity that truly sets us apart.”

“Linda would be pleased to see that we are still here on Barker Avenue treating residents with dignity and respect, and keeping her dream alive for generations past and present,” states Mark.

An iconic restaurant weathers the storm

The Lobster Pot needs no introduction.

This timeless restaurant has been a fixture on the Bristol waterfront for nearly a century, serving traditional New England and contemporary classic dishes, with a focus on the best of our local seafood bounty.

Longtime owner Jeff Hirsh has steered this iconic landmark through everything from recessions to hurricanes, but he has never seen anything quite like the past few months and the impact the global pandemic has hand on the food service industry. He’s grateful to say that the Lobster Pot has weathered the storm.

“I’m very proud to be part of this community,” Mr. Hirsh said. “How lucky we are to be here, in such a beautiful and safe area.”

Quickly adapting to government mandates, Mr. Hirsh and his staff managed to shift a fine dining experience to a takeout service, then gradually reopened outdoor and indoor table service. These days, they continue to offer all three. “We are trying to accommodate all our customers,” said Mr. Hirsh. The Lobster Pot clientele continue to reward his efforts. “People have been so supportive,” he said. “I am so fortunate to have such loyal, wonderful customers.”

The Lobster Pot

119-121 Hope St., Bristol Lobsterpotri.com 401-253-9100

Offering a true farm and sea to table experience, The Lobster Pot sources produce, meat and seafood from local farmers and fishermen, as well as Hope & Main, Warren’s food business incubator. Can’t-miss menu items include seafood chowder, bisque, and a classic bouillabaisse; fish of all kinds broiled, grilled, blackened or fried; and of course lobster, offered boiled, broiled, grilled, sautéed, or baked stuffed. Not in the mood for seafood? The Lobster Pot also offers steak, chicken, and veal dishes, as well and surf & turf.

The Lobster Pot is open year-round, and offers lunch and dinner; fabulous craft cocktails and a well-curated wine list; entertainment at their bar; and an expansive waterfront patio dining area, overlooking Narragansett Bay, in summer.

Experience the Grace Barker Difference.

RESTAURANT

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Also Available for Takeout Dining

54 BARKER AVENUE • WARREN, RI

401-245-9100

GraceBarkerHealth.com Family owned and operated since 1966 SHORT-TERM REHAB ASSISTED LIVING RESPITE CARE

•

•

A D U LT D AY H E A LT H S E R V I C E S

LONG-TERM CARE •

HOSPICE CARE

•

•

R E S TO R AT I V E C A R E

FA M I LY S U P P O RT

and… gallery

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS LobsterPotRI

@LobsterPotRI

119-121 Hope Street, Bristol, RI • 401-253-9100 lobsterpotri.com

Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020 Page 5

A whole-dog approach to training and daycare As the owner of Pooch Pawsitive, a dog daycare and training center in East Providence, Heidi McNeil, CPDT-KA, will commonly get asked how she breaks up any fights between the dogs. Her answer is always simple: we focus on teaching good behavior, so it doesn’t happen.

That's because Pooch Pawsitive follows a philosophy, built on what Ms. McNeil describes as a “holistic approach.” Pooch Pawsitive looks at the whole dog making sure that the dog is healthy physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Whereas the majority of daycare centers allow their pups to run all day — which, Ms. McNeil said, can leave them feeling overtired and stressed — Pooch Pawsitive runs a more structured program for their dogs, one that schedules in nap times, potty breaks, play, training and socialization to noises such as vacuum cleaners and fireworks into the day.

“We do everything through the lens of a dog trainer, and that means we work on good manners and good behavior all day long,” Ms. McNeil said.

Formally educated through the Academy for Dog Trainers and nationally certified, Ms. McNeil is focused on preventing bad dog behavior before it starts, while also helping pet owners and pups get on the

Pooch Pawsitive

10 Fairmount Ave., East Providence 401-714-5652 poochpawsitive.com

Founder Heidi McNeil wants to help you and your dog build a long-lasting, healthy relationship. same page. Pooch Pawsitive offers everything from puppy socials, training classes and workshops to daycare programs for puppies and dogs of all ages.

Since opening in 2003, the business has grown steadily and is currently holding limited classes and outside private lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dog Daycare Center is also open.

What keeps Ms. McNeil going is knowing that, through Pooch Pawsitive, she is helping to foster loving, lasting relationships between pups and their parents. We love hearing about how families are enjoying their well-behaved and social dogs and all the things they do together!

“That, to me, is really fulfilling.”

Coalition’s work is more crucial than ever Ann Marie Roy and Maria Ursini, who work to reduce substance abuse in Warren, have never been prouder to be a part of the East Bay. As the program director and project coordinator of the Warren Prevention Coalition, they spend their time talking to youth and working to engage and inform Warren. Though Covid-19 has had a dramatic impact on their work, there has seldom been as great a need, they said.

“We are proud to be who we are, especially with the spike in issues that we’re having in the state,” Ms. Ursini said.

Since the crisis began, alcohol consumption has risen dramatically. While they usually speak to youth face to face and in classroom and event settings, reaching that audience has become more difficult.

Still, they are proud of the outreach they have been able to accomplish as the pandemic has unfolded: The coalition helped fund a twice-weekly basketball league for Warren children this summer, providing anti-drug and alcohol literature to league members; They teamed up with the East Bay Regional Coalition to “tag” containers of alcohol in liquor stores, warning purchasers that alcohol use by minors is a serious issue.

They paid for the development of a War-

Warren Prevention Coalition

www.facebook.com/ warrenpreventioncoalition

The Warren Prevention Coalition’s Maria Ursini (left) and Ann Marie Roy. ren Police Department tip line and app, which in its first several weeks led to the arrest of a resident suspected of dealing narcotics.

They funded an anti-BUI (Boating Under the Influence) initiative that put police officers on the water with the Warren harbormaster.

And on Monday, Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, they partnered with the East Bay Recovery Center to distribute Narcan, an anti-opioid.

Though the crisis has been difficult, both women said they welcome the challenge, spreading the word to those in need here.

“There is a really great need for this,” Ms. Roy said.

For more information, see www.warrenprevention.com.

AT Prevention WORK in Warren Puppies don’t understand social distancing but still need safe socialization and training!

Join us for small classes and Puppy Socials… Private training is available.

Our Puppy Day School and Dog Daycare programs are Open in a safe and sanitized environment!

The Warren Prevention Coalition is proud to work with our community partners; the Warren Police Department, Warren Harbormaster and Warren Parks & Recreation to provide these resources and programs for a safe and healthy Warren.

Education on Social Host Law in English & Portuguese n Education & Tips for Safe & Sober Boating n Prevention Awareness at Summer Basketball Program n Speaker Jesse Liam on Bullying Prevention

n

Learn more by requesting our quarterly “CommunityNews” at mursini@townofwarren-ri.gov and please like us on Facebook.

How can we help?

poochpawsitive.com • 401-714-5652 Heidi Palmer McNeil, CTC, CPDT-KA

514 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885

warrenprevention.com

Page 6 Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020

A proud history of loyal customers and longtime employees S

mall businesses come and go all the time. A few can last a generation.

Very few can make it to a second generation. And then there’s John Andrade Insurance Agency Inc. The small agency with offices in downtown Bristol and downtown Warren is thriving in its third generation, and now celebrating 85 proud years in business.

Andrade is familiar to East Bay residents for a multitude reasons. Some know the agents and professionals on the Andrade team, as so many of the employees have been there for years, if not decades. They include recently retired folks like David Dugan, Mario Silva, David Riley, Terry Charest, Judy Dugan, Mary Squatrito and many more — all of them distinguished representatives of the agency and active members of their communities.

They also include the current veterans, like President Mark Matrone, the “new generation” who actually took over the agency more than 20 years ago, and Paul LaFleur, currently president of the Bristol Rotary Club. And then there’s Patricia Malafronte, who started working at the agency in 1963 and can still be found welcoming everyone who walks into the Bristol office.

Many will also know the Andrade name for the agency’s longtime involvement in the community and its charitable causes.

John Andrade Insurance has supported countless causes over the years, with some longtime relationships. The agency has been a proud supporter of the Victoria Sousa Foundation, Mt. Hope Farm, Buttonhole Golf, the Rotary Club, the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and more.

Of course, so many others recognize the Andrade name because they are longtime customers and partners. Andrade insures many of the small businesses and households throughout the region, and they’ve been so successful because of a few critical philosophies.

“We treat people as we want to be treated

John Andrade Insurance 559 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 401-253-6542 www.johnandradeins.com

ourselves,” Mr. Matrone said. “We’re no brighter than any other agency, we’re just good people doing good work.”

That level of customer service creates loyalty in customers, as many have been with the agency for decades.

And the agency itself creates loyalty in its employees. Mr. Matrone is devoted to building a collaborative, family-like environment in the office. He’s known for stopping at every employee’s desk to say hello and check in, every day, asking about their families or their children or their weekend.

“I’m very big on building rapport in the office, and making sure everyone has a healthy balance between family and worklife,” Mr. Matrone said. “We understand if people have to take time for children or

sickness or family issues.”

The agency also has a long history of staff appreciation days, which have included everything from agency trips to the Red Sox, golf outings or spa days, to Foxwood trips and holiday dinners.

“I love what I do, and I really value the work environment with our employees,” Mr. Matrone said.

A quick history John Andrade was started by its namesake and founder in 1935, when he opened a small insurance business out of his home on High Street in Bristol. He passed the business to his son, John P. Andrade, who oversaw operations for decades, until he sold it to his son-in-law and daughter, Mr.

Matrone and Jane Andrade Matrone, back in 1999.

Though still “small” with 26 insurance professionals, the agency has grown to service more than 3,900 individuals and more than 1,200 businesses in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and beyond.

And while so much of the technology, products and communication systems have changed over the years, one thing endures — a commitment to customer service.

“We remain committed to providing value added knowledge and service in a timely and courteous manner. Through our hightech, high-touch approach, we strive to simplify and strengthen customer relationships as a Trusted Choice Agency.”

Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020 Page 7

Celebrating 85 Years in Business

Helping you with all your insurance needs since 1935

I N S U R A N C E A G E N C Y, I N C .

Since 1935

559 Hope Street, Bristol, RI | 401-253-6542 www.johnandradeinsurance.com Stay Connected

Proud Member Of

Page 8 Proud to Be September 2-3, 2020

Building and Remodeling

New Contruction, Siding, Windows, Decks, Patios, Fences, and Roofing.

Eiliana Prates helps run Next Level Construction with her husband, Leo.

Proud to be apart of our community and helping to keep our customers’ homes safe during these uncertain times.

Free Estimates

401-396-7940 Barrington, RI

leandrocarpentry@gmail.com RI reg # 37879 MA reg #178774

Next Level Construction: Fast and dependable B

ig jobs, small jobs and everything in between.

Next Level Construction is capable of handling all types of work, said the company’s owner, Leo Oliveira. Wood framing, siding, decking, roofing, trim work, windows and doors, and patios are just some of the areas in which Next Level Construction specializes.

Mr. Oliveira said some of the company’s projects are larger — in fact, the business is currently working on a big job in Sandwich, Mass. But Next Level Construction also focuses a lot of its work on residential, single-family homes.

"We’re very dependable, and we get the job done as fast as possible," Mr. Oliveira said, adding that Next Level Construction does not get one job and then hold it while looking for more work.

“We start the job, and we finish the job,” he said.

Mr. Oliveira has an extensive background in carpentry and construction, working previously with a large framing company based in the Boston area, and then working for nearly three years as a union foreman. He eventually decided to set out and open his own business, and he has been very happy with that decision ever since.

Next Level Construction is now looking to expand its work in the East Bay, and he believes residents and business owners would be happy with the outcome of any home improvement or larger construction project.

Next Level Construction is a familyowned, and family-run, business, with Mr. Oliveira’s wife handling the business side

of the business. He said his wife is very good at what she does, and has been working for many years. (She actually had her own sewing business back in Brazil when she was just 11 years old, Mr. Oliveira said.) And now, Mr. Oliveira brings his son with him into the field.

The company is accustomed to working all year long, even through the coldweather winter months when some other contractors may shut down. He said if it snows one day, his workers will be out at the project the next day, shoveling off the snow so they can continue to work.

Through his company, Mr. Oliveira has been able to help his family and also offer a helping hand to people just arriving in the country. He said he has hired people of all backgrounds to work for his company, knowing that a job can be the first step toward succeeding in the United States.

“Basically, any nationality,” he said of people he has hired to work for his company. “You just need to be a hard worker.”

In addition to residential, apartment and other larger construction projects, Next Level Construction is also skilled at solar farm assemblies. Recently the company completed a 7.5-megawatt project in New Bedford, Mass.

Next Level Construction 401-442-9734 508-212-8842 leandrocarpentry@gmail.com