This month’s cover story photos were taken in-house by our own general manager and creative director, Nick DelGiudice. The New England Tech grad deftly straddles both leading the company and tapping into his artistic side by providing photography and design as needed. Additionally, he’s part of the trio on our weekly YouTube and Facebook show, Hey Rhody Weekly.
ABBIE LAHMERS
January’s statewide cover story “Who to Watch 2025” (page A3) was compiled by our managing editor, Abbie Lahmers, who thoughtfully framed each candidate’s narrative with questions about reasons for hope and resilience in the year ahead. In this busy writer’s downtime, find Lahmers unplugged via activities like hiking, camping, and penning fiction.
EMILY OLSON
Originally from Texas, Emily Olson loves to interview and write about the interesting people who populate her adopted home. In “Healing Journey” (page 53), she does just that by taking a deep-dive into holistic wellness methods offered nearby. An activist and educator, Olson likes to spend weekends exploring New England with her three children, or with her nose in a good book.
JENNY CURRIER SHAND
We sent longtime food writer Jenny Currier Shand to Johnston to get the skinny on a buzzy restaurant specializing in Italian food and pizza. Read “Pizza Perfect” (page 59) for her experience. Follow Shand’s @travelingfoodwriter adventures, which now includes husband Rob, baby Charles, and a high chair.
Hypnotherapy ofers a powerful and efective way to tap into your subconscious mind and make lasting positive changes. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or unhealthy habits, hypnotherapy can help you overcome these challenges and achieve your goals. As a certified hypnotherapist, I can guide you through the process, helping you to reduce stress, increase confidence, and improve your overall well-being.
Photo by Paul T. Warner
NEWS & CULTURE
Arts | Profile | Rhody Gem | Rhody Pets | The Public’s Radio | Calendar
Small World
Warren exhibit of petite works offers opportunities for both artists and buyers
By Hugh Minor
Who says bigger is better? Certainly not the artists participating in this year’s Small Works! A Community Group Exhibit at The Collaborative in Warren. On display through January 18, the show boasts 160 works by 56 different local artists. What’s unique about them? For starters, all pieces are under eight inches.
“It’s sometimes intimidating for artists to create and display one or two large pieces,” explains Sandy MacDonald, a Providence-based artist, decorative painter, and muralist who serves as the gallery coordinator, and has been with the nonprofit since its founding in 2016. “This show gives the opportunity to show off up to four smaller works.”
Small Works at The Collaborative Gallery
The non-juried show accepts two-dimensional artworks of all mediums and non-functional three-dimensional artwork in sculpture, ceramics, and metal. All work must be original, submission fees start at $10, and 100 percent of the sales goes to the artist, plus, in Rhode Island, there is no sales tax on original art.
The exhibit often serves as a stepping stone for artists, many having their work on gallery walls for the first time ever. “It’s exciting but
a bit intimidating for some who have finally reached a point where they’re ready to have their art featured,” MacDonald explains of first-time exhibitors. She shares that many of the show’s contributors work full-time in other fields but have a strong desire to create; they love the process itself and don’t necessarily expect to become household names. Additionally, the exhibit provides a venue for artists with growing fanbases returning for the show’s third year.
“The Collaborative gives artists a chance to be in a community where we can encourage each other without being competitive,” says participating artist Adèle Saint-Pierre. A Franco-American artist who works in watercolors and colored pencils, Saint-Pierre loves to watch people respond to her work, which often has a humorous tone. “People always tell me that my pieces made them laugh, which is so important as so many of us are looking for something to lift our spirits.”
Photo courtesy of The Collaborative
View work by Adèle Saint-Pierre, which includes this shifty pair: “Noël Babinot” and “Noël Bouchard”
WHO Celebrating Our at TO WATCH
Thursday, April 24th
Join us at Track 15 for an exciting event celebrating Rhode Island’s rising stars! Get ready to be inspired by talented individuals making waves in their industries. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
MEET the 2025 honorees
EXPLORE Providence’s newest food hall
LIVE MUSIC to entertain through the night
TRY a selection of food from the Track 15 restaurants
40 EXCHANGE TERRACE, PROVIDENCE PURCHASE TICKETS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A range fo styles and mediums, all eight inches and under
From Saint-Pierre’s “Attrape-neige” series
Analogous to Small Works , MacDonald is especially excited about the Youth Artist of the Month, which gives one young person the chance to display their work in a real gallery setting. “It’s so wonderful to give someone discovering their own talents the opportunity to present their pieces and be seen by others.” The Collaborative also hosts workshops and single-day make-andtake classes, offered at sliding scale fees, and they welcome new instructors. There is also The Collaborative Lab for Creative Experimentation (AKA The Lab) nearby at 508 Main Street.
Sizing up the five walls filled with colorful small squares of art, MacDonald says, “Not everyone has room on their walls to hang a large piece of art, so these smaller works are the perfect solution.” Learn more at TheCollaborative02885.org.
Discover a new and modern apartment community like no other in South County. Meet The One Ten. Only 20 minutes to both Downtown Providence and Newport.
• • Swimming pool and sunning area
• grilling station
•
• Roof deck
• Putting green
• Pet-friendly dog area and wash station
• EV parking
The Basketball Diaries
Longtime Providence College statistician chronicles his beloved team in new
book
By Ken Abrams
AProvidence College (PC) basketball fan for over 50 years has released a new book that is a must-read for Friar fans. Richard Coren’s Road to Glory: The Pro v idence College Basketball Story is a fascinating journey through the history of the Big East team that played its first season in 1926. “Friar fans are definitely enjoying it,” says Coren, noting solid sales since the book’s May 2024 release.
Basketball has been Coren’s passion since his family moved to Rhode Island in 1972, “just in time for the opening of the Providence Civic Center,” says the writer, referencing what is now known as the Amica Mutual Pavilion or AMP. This also marked the beginning of the Ernie DiGregorio and Marvin Barnes Final Four era, local kids who were NCAA All-American players at PC and went on to play professionally. “My dad took me to a lot of games, and I became hooked as a fan,” Coren recalls.
Fast forward to 1989, when Coren approached the school about compiling statistics from across Friar history. “I told them I’ll do the research, and I’ll do it for free,” he says. “So every weekend, I’d go to the library, study the microfilm, and look up box scores from the Pro v idence Journal . I put together season stats from the beginning, going all the way back to 1926.” Coren’s book includes an all-time player register and an alphabetical listing of every player who ever played for PC, along with their career statistics.
His knowledge and experience led to college officials offering Coren a gameday role with the team. “In 1991, I started on the scorer’s table, and for the last 13 years, I’ve been the team’s official scorekeeper,” he explains. “I’ve been sitting at half-court for the last 35 years; it’s the best seat in the house! It’s a labor of love, something you would do even if there were no money involved.”
Over the years, Coren has become the go-to guy for questions about anything PC men’s basketball-related. “I became the unofficial PC basketball historian,” he says. “When someone at the school had a question, they would call me, and I would have the answer. I had all this knowledge
Photos courtesy of Richard Coren
PC Friars superfan and first-time author Richard Coren
at my fingertips and in my head. I thought, let’s get this down on paper so it’s there for future generations. It’s kind of a reference piece for anyone that comes after me.”
Since their first televised game in 1961, the Friars have served as the state’s leading winter sports program. The men’s squad competes on a national level and fills the AMP for games all season long, supporting downtown businesses during the chilly winter months. With the 100th anniversary season on the horizon, support for the team is as strong as ever.
“It really began when Providence first won the NIT (National Invitational Tournament) in 1961; the team came back by bus, with fans lining the road from the Connecticut border to Providence,” says Coren. “It’s only grown since then. Providence College basketball really is the state’s pro team. The support is there, the history, the tradition; it’s unlike any other athletic team in the state.”
In addition to his role at the scorer’s table, Coren oversees the Providence College website for the 24/7 CBS Sports Network. “I do a lot of articles and interviews for that,” he says. “I did a series of interviews in the 1990s for a cable documentary that never got produced, that included many players and coaches who are no longer with us. That gave me a lot of material for the book.” Road to Glory is available online only at BookBaby.com.
Charming Treasures
What it is: Gift boutique
Where to find it:
Along Danielson Pike in North Scituate, look for a big white house with a farmer’s porch. A hanging sign confirms you found it; head up the wide steps and walk in!
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Just beyond the Village Green, which is filled with vendors each October for the Scituate Art Festival, is Danielson Pike, where you’ll find Charming Treasures, a one-stop gift shop Since 2007, Christine Hall has filled her two-level store with alluring items for gifting or treating yourself. Upon entering, be greeted by friendly staff and displays of accessories like handbags, gloves, soft socks, and apparel. There is something for everyone, even newborns, and at all price points. It’s where you’ll find uniquely Rhody merch like “Entering Scituate” scented candles, mugs, and locally based brands like JoJo Loves You, Luca and Danni jewelry, and Ocean State Pepper Co. Pre-game shopping with a latte from nearby former Rhody Gem Cold Brook Cafe, and don’t miss sister shop Charmed & Dangerous across the street for two more floors of clothing and accessories (pro-tip: watch for the coat sale), or Bittersweet & Ivy, another Rhody Gem, for gifts with a vintage aesthetic.
Charming Treasures
178 Danielson Pike North Scituate Village
CharmingTreasuresGiftShop.com; @CharmingTreasuresGiftShop and @CharmedAndDangerousBoutique Gift boutique
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photo by
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
LLooking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters across the Ocean State have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are some sweet faces 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.
BREED: Mixed breed, large
AGE: 4
GENDER: Male
Big dog lovers, Hugo is the boy for you! He is as handsome as they come with his beautiful black-and-white coat and soulful dark chocolate-brown eyes. When you meet Hugo, he will instantly steal your heart. He’s playful, sits up for treats, and loves to snuggle. Did we mention that he is extremely smart, active, and lovable?
EGAPL HEART OF RI ANIMAL
RESCUE LEAGUE
401-467-3670
44 Worthington Road, Cranston
BREED: Mixed breed, medium
AGE: 5-6
GENDER: Female
This beautiful girl was found as a stray. It’s not known if she was left behind but her heart is wide open to being loved. Her brindle coat shines in the sunlight just like her sparkling golden-brown eyes. Mochi doesn’t ask for much: just a comfy bed, a warm loving home, and to be by your side. She has a gentle soul and wants to share it with you.
PAWTUCKET ANIMAL SHELTER
401-722-4243
Mochi
Hugo
Hugo Mochi
Photos by Karen Kalunian
BREED: Tabby
AGE: 2
GENDER: Female
Tabby lovers, meet Mirabella! You can’t find a prettier cat anywhere. She dreams of finding a loving forever home where she can lounge all day in a sunny spot by the window. She also enjoys yummy treats, playtime, and gentle pets. Her luxurious tabby coat is accented by big green eyes. Mirabella will bring so much joy to your home.
PAWSWATCH COMMUNITY CAT CARE CENTER
401-285-9800
CommunityCatCareCenter@gmail.com
Mirabella
Mirabella
More Than a Third of Rhode Islanders Are Facing Food Insecurity, According to a New Survey
The report also shows that food insecurity in the state is at a five-year high. People of color are among the most affected demographics.
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Olivia
Ebertz
Areport from the Brown University School of Public Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island shows that 38 percent of Rhode Island households – a five year high – are experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity is more prevalent for families of color than white families, with 55 percent of Rhode Island Latino households and 47 percent of Black households experiencing food insecurity, compared with 33 percent of white households, according to the new report.
It’s an 111 percent increase from the year 2021, when 18 percent of households in Rhode Island were experiencing food insecurity. The authors of the report consider people to be food insecure if at least some of the time they say they worry about or lack funds to buy food.
According to Kate MacDonald, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which released the data [on Monday], food insecurity is being exacerbated by rising costs in the state.
“The cost of everything is so high right now, it’s all adding up for people: basic necessities, the cost of rent, the cost of utilities, of food in the store, child care,” she said.
According to national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food costs 2.1 percent more than it did 12 months ago, and on average, the costs of all goods are up 2.6 percent compared to last year.
Melissa Clark, the director of
Brown University’s School of Public Health Survey Research Center, said the survey was done through calling about 2,000 randomly selected Rhode Islanders and asking them two questions: whether they worried their household’s food would run out before they got money to purchase more, and if the food they bought didn’t last and they didn’t have money to buy more.
Clark also tied her team’s findings about increasing food insecurity to higher costs of living. She said people are having to make hard decisions.
“People having to decide how and where to spend their money is just incredibly sad,” she said.
The food insecurity survey is part of a larger report that Clark’s team releases each year, called the RI Life Index. In addition to food insecurity, the report also addresses other perceived quality of life issues around the state. The group plans to release the full results of their study on Dec. 11 in an event that’s open to the public.
Clark and MacDonald also said food insecurity is no longer just connected just with the lowest income groups.
“Our pantries are seeing more and more folks who are needing assistance for the very first time,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald said for that reason, the Community Food Bank of Rhode Island is advocating for the passage of a federal Farm Bill that would include funding for the SNAP program.
This article was originally posted on No v ember 26, 2024. Olivia Ebertz can be reached at oebertz.org.
“The cost of everything is so high right now, it’s all adding up for people: basic necessities, the cost of rent, the cost of utilities, of food in the store, child care,” said Kate MacDonald, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the organization which released the data.
Photo by Alex Nunes
Portsmouth Abbey School is a co-educational, Benedictine boarding and day school for grades 9-12, offering a broad, liberal arts education that encourages academic excellence in the Catholic intellectual tradition. We nurture talent, cultivate curiosity and help students grow in knowledge and grace
Te Must List
10 essential events this month
By Ken Abrams
January 9, 12, 19: Laugh along to the romantic misadventures of a group of amateur actors in one of William Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream , at the Stadium Theatre. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
January 11: Start 2025 with Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee Shawnn Monteiro , who brings classic jazz covers, deep cuts, and originals, including songs from her recent album You Are There . Woonsocket, ChansEggRollsJazz.com
January 11: The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport presents To Rhode Island, with Love , an evening of music composed by Ambassador J. William Middendorf II, featuring the premiere of The Ocean State Symphony. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
January 25: Enjoy tasty IPAs and rich winter stouts when the Rhode Island Brew Fest returns to the WaterFire Arts Center for two ticketed sessions featuring over 50 of the region’s top brewers serving 200+ styles of beer. Pro v idence, RIBrewfest.com
January 18: Families are invited to meet a pair of live owls at Hoots and Hot Chocolate at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Smithfield, ASRI.org
January 18: Cheer on the Bryant Bulldogs men’s basketball team when they take on league rivals University of Massachusetts Lowell in an afternoon game at the Chace Athletic Center on the school’s campus. Smithfield, BryantBulldogs.com
January 21-26: MJ The Musical is a Tony Awardwinning show centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The story gives a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Pro v idence, PPACRI.org
January 23-February 16: Presented in partnership with the Women’s Work Theatre Collaborative, Hang , by British playwright debbie tucker green, is a politically engaging drama about a criminal whose fate is put in the hands of his victim. Pawtucket, BurbageTheatre.org
January 25: The Burns Supper and Dance celebrates Scotland’s most celebrated poet, Robert Burns, with an authentic Scottish dinner, Celtic music from Fellswater, spirited Ceilidh dancing, and more. Scottish dress is encouraged. Cranston, SASRI.co
January 26-February 8: Two weeks of world-class dining await when Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with deals and specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at many local eateries, including some offering prix fixe menus. GoPro v idence.com
Photo by Ken Abrams, courtesy of What’s Up Newp
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OUR ANNUAL SEARCH FOR UP-AND-COMING LOCAL CHANGEMAKERS GOES STATEWIDE
EDITED
BY
ABBIE LAHMERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
NICK DELGIUDICE
Save the Date: Our Who to Watch Party celebrating the honorees takes place April 24 at Track 15 in Providence. Watch for details and ticket sales to be posted online, and follow @heyrhody for updates.
It has long been a tradition for Pro v idence Monthly to shine the spotlight on a group of visionaries and changemakers with big plans for the capital city. This year marks a new tradition as our annual Who to Watch feature not only appears in each of our four magazines but also casts the net wide, identifying rising stars not only within Providence city limits but all of Rhode Island. Some of our small-but-mighty state’s most industrious and creative leaders may not be known to you yet, but it’s likely that if you’ve relished time spent on our sweeping shores, partaken in locally grown food, or spotted larger-than-life troll sculptures, you have a handful of these individuals to thank for those experiences. These honorees are rolling up their sleeves to forge new career pathways in the arts and business sectors, make groundbreaking medical advances, enhance workflow efficiency with innovative tech, develop a long-anticipated food hall, dismantle stigmas surrounding cannabis, cultivate connections with the land, and even help combat climate change with kelp. If you’re entering 2025 feeling uncertain about the future, look up from your doomscrolling and let these 10 visionaries quell your anxieties.
Who to Watch honorees each answered five questions about their work and plans for the city in 2025; answers were minimally edited or trimmed by our team to account for space. To learn more, follow each individual on social media or online.
Watch Ericka Joy Atwell-Cardona Put RI’s International Film Festival on the Map
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
December marked one year since my husband Joshua and I returned to West Warwick after working a decade in Hollywood. In January, I launched EJOYA Productions, driven by my passion for storytelling, creativity, and empowerment. My work is focused on connecting people and uplifting their potential. I’m committed to helping Rhode Island’s creative community flourish.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Through EJOYA, I inspire local talent by partnering with the Artists’ Exchange to offer acting classes, workshops, and on-camera intensives, leveraging my Hollywood experience and network. I also coach public speaking and confidence. Driven by the “Hollywood hustle,” I’m dedicated to creating opportunities for the local community and helping others realize their potential. At RIIFF, I work to elevate the festival’s local and global presence. I forge media partnerships, host impactful industry panels, build local alliances, recruit interns, and create memorable red carpet moments.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
One thing I learned in Hollywood is that a dream isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. In the years to come, I hope the seeds I’ve planted continue to grow, and I look forward to contributing to RI’s production scene. I’m committed to nurturing local talent and offering opportunities for others to climb, whether through mentoring interns at RIIFF or supporting creatives through EJOYA. There’s so much joy in this work!
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Honestly, I don’t focus on challenges – I tackle them head-on and move forward. My time in Hollywood has made me resilient and adaptable, and I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. I approach obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m confident that whatever challenges arise in 2025, I’ll overcome them.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I’m optimistic because I know I’m walking with purpose and light. All of my hard work, sacrifices, and experiences have come together in ways I couldn’t have imagined – and it’s still unfolding. With myself at the helm and my brother Bo watching over me, I’m confident I won’t be disappointed. I’ve learned to bet on myself, and what once felt like a curse – my ambition – has become my greatest strength. I hope to encourage others to have the same mindset. There’s room for everyone to shine!
Watch Joann (Jo) Ayuso Create Access to the Outdoors for City Youth
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I have been a resident of Rhode Island for 18 years, most of those years in Providence, and now I live by the water. I advocate for clean soil, water, and air for those who don’t have it. Growing up in cities, my relationship with the water was estranged. Because of that, I created MEO to provide urban and low-income youth with outdoor experiences. Our water programs let youth form connections to the worlds inside the ocean, especially through sharing knowledge about kelp and oysters.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I do this work because there are people in my community who have little to no access to the shoreline, green spaces, pollution-free air, fresh seafood, lead-free water, or lead-free soil or land to grow food in a garden. MEO works to create access to these essential resources, while sharing how vital it is to keep living waterways, used for food and recreation, healthy for generations to come.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Everything we do is for the next seven generations. MEO creates safe opportunities for our urban and low-income youth in the outdoors. MEO is planning an oyster restoration project in the Providence River, mirroring the practices of the Billion Oyster project in NYC. We believe all community members should be able to be involved in this process to ensure it is a cleaner space for people to visit and spend time on.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
As a new non-profit, the biggest challenge is funding. MEO relies on funding from grants and individual donors. There are two of us on staff and we look forward to growing our team to continue to work for our community. Another challenge is buy-in – stakeholders from the State House, universities, policy-makers, and residents who want the same thing but either refuse or do not know how to support governance models led by those most impacted to be part of the solution.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
As a community we move forward in times that are uncertain. I believe and trust in the circle of people I work with. We gather, share resources, and support our mental and overall health and safety.
Watch Louise Bishop Create a Trail of Tourism in South County
President at South County Tourism Council • (she/her)
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I was born and raised just north of Hartford, Connecticut, and spent many summers exploring and enjoying Rhode Island’s coastline. Now, I’m fortunate to call Westerly – a picturesque part of the Ocean State – my home. Professionally, my work focuses on enhancing the region’s tourism appeal while ensuring that we preserve the very essence of what makes South County and Rhode Island so special.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
The tourism industry plays a vital role in Rhode Island’s economy as the third-largest economic driver in the state. South County, in particular, has long been known for its beautiful shoreline, drawing visitors from around the world. However, I see an opportunity to diversify and expand the region’s appeal by highlighting its rich natural and cultural assets beyond just the coast. One initiative I’m especially proud of is the introduction of the Rhode Island Troll Trail. This project, which launched last May in Charlestown, features recycled art sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Looking ahead, I hope to further enhance Rhode Island’s outdoor attractions by developing beautification plans for several key parks. This initiative aims to give visitors a more immersive experience of the state’s natural beauty. One of my most exciting projects is expanding the Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition. This event draws master sand sculptors from around the world, and by growing its scope, we can solidify Rhode Island’s reputation as a cultural and artistic destination.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
While we’ve made great progress, the primary challenge remains our timeline. These projects – such as expanding the Troll Trail and developing beautification plans – are large in scope and require careful planning and collaboration. They are not quick fixes, but I’m confident that with the right partnerships and community involvement, we will overcome these challenges.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
As we approach 2025, my optimism is grounded in the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our tourism partners. We have received tremendous backing from local chambers of commerce, town managers, and the community. This collaboration has been crucial in driving the success of our projects and initiatives.
Watch Melissa Bouchard Help Companies Leverage Tech to Streamline Workflows
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Rhode Island has always been my home – it’s where I was born, raised, and began my education at the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. In 2019, two local colleagues and I took a bold step and established Fusion3 Consulting. We saw firsthand how businesses struggled with disjointed systems, often relying on email and isolated applications that hindered productivity. Our boutique technology and implementation consultancy was created to address this need. We are committed to helping organizations adopt integrated platforms that enhance workflows, improve collaboration, and drive meaningful growth.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My motivation is rooted in helping companies – and the people within them – discover more effective ways to work. Every project at Fusion3 is driven by a commitment to improve efficiency and make day-to-day tasks easier with technology. Many companies find themselves stuck with clunky processes or outdated systems that slow them down. We saw a need for a partner who could not only set up the right tools but also show teams how to make the most of them. After each project, the results are incredibly rewarding and demonstrate the difference. People feel energized and empowered, and their work becomes less of a struggle.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I aim to elevate Rhode Island’s tech expertise. Fusion3 is dedicated to providing students and career changers with a blend of practical, hands-on training and traditional academics to support the growth of the state’s technology sector.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
As a small consulting firm, balancing growth with personalized service is essential. Fusion3 has earned a reputation for close, tailored support, and as we expand, we’ll remain focused on delivering the same high level of expertise and care that distinguishes us. By addressing these challenges directly, we’re confident in our ability to make a significant impact on Rhode Island’s technology landscape.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I’m optimistic because we have the right people in the right roles, aligned with our mission. This combination of talent and shared purpose is powerful. Our team’s passion and dedication will continue to drive meaningful change – not just for our clients, but for the broader business communities we support.
LinkedIn: Melissa Bouchard
Watch Dr. Jacqueline Christophe-Hayot Grow a Workforce for the Future
Executive Director of Professional and Executive Business Education at the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Business • (she/her)
LinkedIn: Jackie Hayot
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Having lived in various countries and cities, I bring a unique global perspective to my work fostering professional growth and development in Rhode Island. Since joining the College of Business at URI in February 2024, my team and I have grown graduate enrollments, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of investing in employees’ professional development. As the state’s flagship institution for business education, URI offers a wide array of programs designed to meet many needs.
What’s
your motivation for doing this work?
Throughout my own educational journey, I experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of pursuing degrees while working. It took me 11 years after high school to complete my bachelor’s degree, another 16 before I pursued my MBA, and five more years before embarking on my doctorate, which led to finding my dream job. This experience has fueled my passion for encouraging working adults to pursue their educational and career goals, whether it’s a degree, certificate, or higher-paying job. I aim to be a voice that says, “Keep growing, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.”
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
The state has been focusing on improving educational outcomes and preparing students for success in the modern economy. The URI College of Business’ initiative to educate working professionals in the Ocean State will play a key role in upskilling the workforce to meet the evolving needs of statewide industries while shaping the future of education, with a focus on accessibility to working professionals, educational equity, practical skills, fostering innovation, and partnering with local businesses.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Economic uncertainty, skill gaps posed by rapid technological changes, a competitive job market, resistance to change, time constraints, and demonstrating return on investment are all challenges we’re prepared to face. It will be crucial to develop strong relationships with businesses to understand their needs, stay informed about grant opportunities, and emphasize the long-term benefits of succession planning, among other strategies.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
Record-breaking applications, a diverse student body, expanding graduate programs, alumni success, community engagement, and supportive leadership are all reasons for optimism. The positive outlook and supportive leadership of figures like Dean Sean Rogers in the College of Business create an environment conducive to growth and success.
Watch David DeFrancesco Cultivate Local Food and Resources for Farmers
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Born in Rhode Island, I work in Washington County, where I live with my wife Sheri and two amazing children, Noa and Ione. In 2017, I co-founded the RI Farm Incubator, a 501(c) (3) operating on the 91-acre Shewatuck Farm in North Kingstown, where I serve as farm manager. It’s an honor and privilege to live and work in Rhode Island, where I’m able to focus on what’s really important day to day.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My motivation comes from the people working toward a vision of uplifting local food, which supports both the community and growers. If increasing locally grown food is a priority in Rhode Island, how can we help those doing the work overcome critical barriers to success? The RI Farm Incubator allows us to mitigate the cost of overhead for farmers and food producers, including those growing at Shewatuck Farm. Those barriers include access to fertile, flat farm land, which is hard to find and challenging to rent or buy, as well as access to clean irrigation water, GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification, networks for solving integrated pest management challenges, production methods and supply chain support, storage, packaging, marketing, sales, and customer service. The incubator has centralized all of that in a food-safe facility for growers to utilize.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Seeing the growers at Shewatuck Farm continue to expand their businesses – with value-added production and planning around what’s in demand – makes a huge difference, as well as seeing more families opting for a local supply of seasonal produce.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
My challenge is to determine how to maximize the availability of land at Shewatuck Farm, keep the lights and cooler on, fund our existing programs, and expand our board of partners to build on our solid foundation with new energy and ideas. There are also all of the challenges that come with running a small nonprofit, and for me, balancing a workload of construction and farming.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
There is work to do. That sense of responsibility can drive motivation in ways that help to keep a positive attitude in the workplace. Collaboration between well-intended people is a powerful force.
Watch Bri Duffy Spark Change in Perception of Cannabis Culture
Co-Owner of High Society RI • (she/her)
@bakedbrieeeee, @highsocietyri, @highskooliebus
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
My partner David Macomb and I come from families scarred by addiction and trauma. Cannabis has been a lifeline and a source of healing in our battles with anxiety and depression. High Society RI is a multifaceted cannabis experiential marketing agency that connects dispensaries and cultivators with the public through direct, engaging interactions. In 14 months, we’ve hosted over 85 exclusive pop-up socials and offer the CannaBus for private parties, creating Rhode Island’s most unique, enjoyable, and safe cannabis consumption events. High Society supports restaurants in underserved communities, having generated over $100,000 in revenue for restaurant partners.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Our motivation comes from a deep desire to change perceptions about cannabis in public spaces. It’s hard not to see the double standard: people bring their children to buy alcohol or cigarettes, yet we face judgment for simply enjoying a joint in a public setting. We aim to create a safe, welcoming environment that helps normalize cannabis use. AURA Cannabis Co. has been the most supportive partner in this endeavor.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
We’re working toward becoming Providence’s first legal cannabis consumption club with a physical location, rooted in integrity, respect, and a commitment to following every regulation and law. We want to leave a legacy here, not just as business owners, but as kids from an underserved community who stood up to create something positive.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
One of our greatest concerns is the possibility that Rhode Island might limit cannabis consumption lounge licenses to dispensaries. Doing business here can feel like both a blessing and a curse – it often comes down to money and connections, and it’s the wealthy who come out on top. We’re here fighting not just for our own dreams but for our community, for people who deserve a seat at the table.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
We’ve already moved mountains in this industry. While we do this work out of passion, it’s the joy we see at our events that fuels our optimism. We hold onto hope that Rhode Island will recognize the unwavering support we’ve given to the city of Providence and allow us to continue leading the way for cannabis events.
Watch
Meet Unmet Needs in Women’s Healthcare
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
For over five decades, my career has centered around life sciences, particularly MedTech. As the FemTech founder and CEO of a women-owned Rhode Island-based medical device company, my focus is on healthcare solutions that make a difference in patient care. My family and I chose to live in Rhode Island 46 years ago, and my commitment to Narragansett remains strong, serving on various town committees, advocating for business growth, and securing grants for community improvement. I am passionate about the performing arts and continue to take weekly ballet classes.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I am energized by launching groundbreaking medical and surgical devices. In 2020, my small team was invited to compete in a US Air Force challenge to facilitate female aviators urinating mid-mission; we were named an award finalist in a pool of 57 submissions. We shifted our focus from aviators to addressing the needs of “the forgotten woman” – women over 60 who experience functional urinary incontinence; these women are two times more likely to need long-term care. Our design aims to meet the needs of patients and caregivers, delaying or avoiding moving from home.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Growing the life sciences sector is a strategic goal for Rhode Island, and my company focus aligns with enhancing our presence in the medical device industry and creating manufacturing jobs in the state. We have identified collaboration opportunities with several research and design firms and contract manufacturers. We plan to leverage Rhode Island’s expertise in fabric technology.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Securing funding is a significant challenge for many start-ups. We were awarded an Accelerator Grant from the New England Medical Innovation Center in 2023, and in 2024, were recognized as finalists in the Rhode Island Business Competition. While seeking angel investors, we actively apply for Rhode Island Innovation Vouchers, grants, and federal funding.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
The feedback on our product has been overwhelmingly positive, and there’s a clear unmet need for women with functional incontinence. We have assembled an exceptional advisory board of urology doctors nationwide, and my team possesses extensive experience as commercialization experts. We’re well-equipped to compete against larger companies while advancing innovative healthcare solutions.
Watch Chris Marsella Build Solutions
Evolving City Center
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I’m originally from Warwick but my professional life is in Providence. My family has been investing in the city center for more than 50 years, from conceiving of the railroad relocation in the 1970s to realizing the Providence Performing Arts Center. That commitment to the city is in my DNA and I’ve been deeply engaged in historic preservation, tourism, and more. Marsella Properties is a property management firm managing assets across the state, and through Marsella Development, we get to go out and build, including Track 15, the food hall my family is developing at Union Station.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I have been fortunate to travel the world, and I still catch myself in awe of Providence and the work it took to create that renaissance over the last 40 years while ensuring the historic fabric is protected for the next 400. Downtowns have changed a lot, and while there is so much to experience in Providence, there is still a lot to be done. We need to come together and think about rising tides. If we can’t do that in this small, interwoven state of ours, no one can.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Along with opening Track 15 – a dream five years in the making for my family – I will continue to focus on how downtown Providence can evolve. We need people to move their businesses here. Growing that economic base is critical and we need to start thinking outside of the box on policies and approaches to attract businesses and talent.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
While we have our fair share of vacancies in office buildings, we do have beautiful buildings ripe for conversions to residential. It’s time for our elected officials to start recognizing the importance of incentives and programs. That will be my focus in 2025 – to get the right people together to create a solution.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
Our food hall will finally be open! It’s been a long road, but I am so proud of the work my family and our team has done. I can’t wait to open the doors and share a destination with residents and visitors that tells the history of our city and state while showcasing the future of its people.
Watch Enyu (Alaina) Zhang Transform Kelp into a Sustainable Solution
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
From the moment I arrived in Rhode Island, I felt a bond with a community deeply connected to water, nature, and shared values. My research applies microalgae and macroalgae to address climate change. I’ve developed a bioplastic from sea lettuce, and partnered with Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to launch a kelp farm in Narragansett Bay. Under Dr. Di Lorenzo at Brown University, I drafted a manuscript now under review in Frontiers in Marine Science .
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Growing up near Chao Lake in Anhui, China, where cyanobacteria blooms were common, I developed an early awareness of environmental issues. The overgrowth of green algae devastated fisheries and negatively affected the local community, including my family. I recognized the familiar smell of decaying algae near Narragansett Bay, and conducted a research project that transformed waste seaweed into biodegradable plastic. This prompted me to ask, why not turn the seaweed into a natural, sustainable solution to the excessive nutrients in the water? I then developed a model to characterize how sugar kelp farms can serve as a sustainable solution to environmental issues.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I hope to collaborate with local aquaculture farmers, using climate models to support them in mitigating climate impacts. My research is rooted in community needs, and I aim to use this model to address environmental challenges. I also want to create educational opportunities, such as grants and mentorships, for K-12 students. My ultimate goal is to become an environmental lawyer.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Establishing strong partnerships with local farmers and community stakeholders will be challenging, especially when it comes to translating climate model data into actionable insights, and I’ll need to navigate funding constraints to create accessible educational opportunities for others.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?
I see increasing commitment to environmental issues across the region. People are receptive to scientific insights, especially when connected to tangible outcomes. Working alongside local farmers, for instance, has shown me the value of combining community knowledge with scientific tools like climate models. I believe that this type of collaboration will only grow, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
We are committed to fostering collaboration and building a robust network among professionals dedicated to advancing aesthetic medicine.
Our aim is to raise awareness about key industry issues, promote innovation, and uphold excellence in aesthetic treatments. Through ensuring the highest standards of care and providing unwavering support for ongoing education, we empower our members to deliver exceptional, personalized aesthetic solutions that enhance client well-being and confidence.
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OUR GOAL
We strive to set and maintain the highest standards of practice among the aesthetic providers in Rhode Island. We place emphasis on excellence, professionalism, safety, and continued education to ensure exceptional patient care and outcomes.
OUR VISION
We are Rhode Island’s leading authority and resource for aesthetic providers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where patients receive top-tier aesthetic services.
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HOME & STYLE
Home | Rhody Reads | Influencer | Shop
Calm, Cool, and Collected
Clever built-ins and hidden storage keep a busy family’s Colonial chic and organized
By Elyse Major
Alan and Kait Yick both worked in NYC and lived in New Jersey, but always pictured making their way back to the Ocean State to raise a family. They made good on that promise shortly after the birth of their first child, packing their bags and staying with Kait’s sister and brother-in-law in Narragansett while they searched for a house. It didn’t take long for the couple to fall for the picturesque neighborhood with its close proximity to the water, and despite limited real estate offerings, soon found and purchased a home. However, there was this other house around the corner that caught their eye.
“We always admired this beautiful Colonial on our family walks,” Kait begins, “with gorgeous gardens that looked plenty big enough for our growing family.” The Yicks soon heard through mutual friends that the owners might be interested in selling. “Sure enough, six years later – and hundreds of walks and bike rides of admiring the house from afar – our friends put us in contact, and we toured the home. We knew we loved it immediately and worked out a purchase and sale agreement.”
Once the house was theirs, Alan and Kait wanted
to make some modifications to suit their family. Says Kait, “We knew we wanted clean, bright, airy, natural, kind of modern, kind of classic, kind of beachy, kind of farmhouse… and we also have three kids so we realized that we had to factor that in as well.” Alan explains their decorating style falls in the “we think we know what we like but we don’t know how to do it” so they called White Slate Studio, a nearby interior design business. “Julie [Sanford] and Rachel [Pappas] really made our vision come to life!”
A playroom offers space for play along with desks and task lighting for each child
Photo courtesy of White Slate Studio
IN PRINT
Leading Ladies is a multi-page section within the March 2025 issues of Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody!
• Professionally written by our editorial staff
• Content optimized for social sharing
• Opportunity for a professional head shot
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Join us in celebrating the Leading Ladies of 2025, taking place at the end of March - Details Coming Soon!
Celebrate Women in Business in the Ocean State in Leading Ladies , an annual sponsored content section in our March 2025 Issues!
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LEADING LADIES
seating makes the most of a small room
Modular
Sanford and Pappas got to work on a host of both cosmetic updates and custom work, which included installing floating benches and shelves to both sides of the dining room fireplace and the unexpected use of shiplap in a vaulted living room ceiling. “Maybe our favorite custom build is the simple white desk we built for the playroom where the kids can sit and draw, work on art projects, or do homework,” says Sanford.
Rugs create zones in the open floor plan
Fast forward to today: Alan is co-founder and broker at Key Real Estate, and Kait maintains that the best thing about living in South County is the community. “The family values are so strong,” Kait begins. “The people are kind, caring, and loving, and raising their children to be the same. The schools and teachers are amazing. We couldn’t imagine a happier and more wholesome place to be raising our family.”
2025: A New Year, A New Glow
Begin 2025 with radiant skin. Whether you're combating fine lines, aging spots, acne, or simply seeking a youthful refresh, we’re here to provide the care and solutions your skin needs. Our team of experts use the latest technology and treatments to ensure you look and feel your best all year long.
Layered objects in front of the round mirror include art by Rachel Pappas
Potted house plants infuse rooms with natural elements
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
SoCo Love
“We have lots of local favorites and most of them sell coffee, food, and ice cream!” says Kait Yick with a chuckle, rattling off Brickley’s, Monahans, Twin Willows, Meldgies, Nana’s, Coffee Connection, and Fuel. “We go to Lakeside Trading for all of our outdoor needs, Jerry’s for our home-project supplies, POW Science for toys, Wakefield Books, and Crosswnyds Traders for ‘Gansett gear.”
Greenhouse Vibes
In addition to health benefits like ridding the air of common toxins and reducing noise, house plants are designer pets for adding fresh style, filling awkward spaces, and adding shape and color. Plants shown are from The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown.
Neutral Zone
Narragansett-based White Slate Studio specializes in designing beautiful, functional spaces through hard and soft finishes, custom installations, and more. From high-end residential to boutique-style commercial interiors and retail spaces, owner and lead designer Julie Sanford works directly with clients at conception to learn their vision, resulting in oneof-a-kind spaces. Learn more at WhiteSlateStudio.com.
Photo courtesy of White Slate Studio
THIS MUST BE THE PLACE Award-winning wings and top-notch service are
the stars at PJ’s Pub in Cranston
Whether it’s your first visit, or you’ve been stopping in for the past 16 years, if PJ’s is known for one thing, it’s hospitality. Walk through the doors, and you’ll always be met with an immediate and cheerful “hello!” Owners Paul Voigt and Johnny Krikorian believe that the definition of a pub is more than just a place for food and drinks to be served, and together with their team they have successfully created a smalltown bar with a top-class reputation.
Known familiarly as the “bar where everyone knows your name,” it’s a weekday hot spot for the lunch and football crowd. The menu features favorites like fried
pickles and poutine, alongside signatures like the four-stack grilled peanut butter and jelly, and the mile-high Johnny K burger. Look up, and a massive menu of their awardwinning wings and sauces stretches over the bar.
Late night, the music turns up and the lights dim, and you can find regulars cozied up with cocktails into the red leather banquets. As with all the locations in the PJ’s Hospitality Group, five-star service and quality drinks are the priorities, and seasonal favorites like the S’mores Martini and Smoked Maple Bourbon top their cocktail list at the moment (insiders know there’s a few more infamous – and risqué – martinis that
aren’t printed on the menu).
Under the glow of classic neon bar lights, they’re also known for being one of the few spots in town to keep the kitchen open late – the entire menu is available until 1am, seven days a week.
“For the past 16 years, we have earned our reputation with a stellar combination of great food and friendly people,” says Voigt. This reputation makes PJ’s the go-to for catering, as well –they’re already gearing up for Super Bowl parties.
PJ’s Pub is open 12pm-1am seven days a week at 1139 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston. Find food, drink, and catering menus at PJS-Pub.com.
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Rhody Reads
New releases and author events to fill your winter calendar
By Robin Kall
Welcome to a brand-new year of reading! 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years for fiction and I am so excited to share some of my favorites with you. This list includes a blend of bookish things I enjoy, beloved authors, and authors I met at their debuts who now have a second novel.
Since her popular debut, Prep , Curtis Sittenfeld has gone on to write favorites such as Eligible, American Wife, Romantic Comedy , and coming your way on February 25 is her second collection of stories, Show Don’t Tell . In this witty and heartfelt collection, Sittenfeld explores marriage, friendship, fame, and artistic ambition with her signature humor and insight. From a woman revisiting old friends after a divorce to an artist challenging the “Mike Pence Rule,” each story is a deep dive into the complexities of life and relationships.
I have been reading Mirvis’ books since 1999’s The Ladies Auxiliary . On February 11, We Would Never hits the shelves. In this page-turner, family peacemaker Hailey Gelman is shocked when she’s suspected of murdering her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jonah. As tensions rise during a bitter divorce and custody battle over their daughter Maya, Hailey’s family steps in to protect her at any cost. Her mother Sherry will go to extreme lengths, brother Nate can’t stay away, and their father Solomon hides a dangerous secret.
From the treasured author who brought us unforgettable novels such as Still Alice, Inside the O’Briens, Lo v e Anthony, and Left Neglected comes Lisa Genova’s greatly anticipated novel, More or Less Maddy on January 14. In Genova’s latest, a stressed-out NYU freshman is diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a devastating low and a wild manic spiral. Instead of choosing a “normal” life, she embarks on a career in stand-up comedy, grappling with her mental health, identity, and dreams.
Charmaine Wilkerson’s Black Cake was a stunning debut that went on to become an acclaimed Hulu series. Readers can look forward to the January 28 release of Good Dirt Ebby Freeman’s life is forever altered when she witnesses her brother’s shooting, the crime still unsolved and tied to a cherished family heirloom. Growing up in a wealthy New England neighborhood, the Freeman family’s story has always been under public scrutiny. As she uncovers the secrets of her family’s history, she discovers that the heirloom jar may hold the key to her future.
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson is a book that has stayed with me largely because of the well-drawn characters. In People of Means , out February 11, Freda and her daughter Tulip navigate pivotal moments in history while chasing justice and equality. In 1959, Freda faces the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South while balancing love and activism. Decades later, in 1992, Tulip, a rising PR star in Chicago, must confront workplace discrimination and a powerful call to action.
It’s hard to believe that Take My Hand was Dolen Perkins-Valdez’ debut; she follows it up with Happy Land , which comes out April 8. Inspired by true events, Happy Land tells the tale of Nikki, who embarks on a journey to uncover her family’s mysterious past when her estranged grandmother calls with a shocking request. What begins as a search for answers turns into a mind-blowing tale of a hidden kingdom in the hills of North Carolina, ruled by Nikki’s great-great-great-grandmother.
ABOUT ROBIN KALL
Based in East Greenwich, since 2002 Kall has been connecting readers and writers via author events and interviews, book clubs, giveaways, a podcast, and online platforms.
READING WITH ROBIN EVENTS
JANUARY 11: Join Robin Kall and publishing coach Lisa Tener for the Seaside Writing Retreat for Creative Flow , promising lively discussion, a delicious lunch, writing prompts, a Q&A, writerly swag, and more. Narragansett, LisaTener.com
JANUARY 15: Join NYT
Bestselling author Fiona Davis for an evening of wine and charcuterie at Newport Art Club, followed by conversation and book signing. Ticket includes a copy of The Stolen Queen and a book club Zoom chat with Davis on February 26. Newport, RobinKall.com
JANUARY 22: A conversation and book signing with NYT
Bestselling author Lisa Genova includes a copy of More or Less Maddie and a sweet treat from Sweenor’s Chocolates. Westerly, RobinKall.com
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases.
FEBRUARY 13: National bestselling author Tova Mirvis presents We Would Never. Location is TBD; enroll in the RWR email list for updates. RobinKall.com
Meet Kou Tukala Nyan
From poetry to being a notary public, this busy writer does it all
By Alexandra Ashe
Our readers know you from your dining experience articles. Any favorites to share?
Oh my, this is like asking what my favorite plant in my garden is! If you’re in Providence craving great food and drinks (cocktails included), The Point Tavern, The Patio on Broadway, and Brickway On Wickenden. Some favorite brunch spots have been Slice of Heaven in Jamestown, The Rhody Hen Cafe (East Providence, North Providence, and Pawtucket), and Blue Plate Diner in Middletown. And Twin Oaks in Cranston (fall-off-the-bone meat, people!). I also loved the Crime and Cuisine tour on Federal Hill.
What do you like most about the writing process?
As someone who finds herself involved in many random activities, it’s hard to stop and reflect, and sometimes, you have moments when you think your efforts don’t matter. I want people to know that they matter. Every art form is communication. It’s heartwarming to know that whatever I put into the world makes people connect, be inspired, or make their day easier or brighter. I hope that through everything I do, I make a difference.
How did your poetry book come to be?
Jesus, Adulting, People in Poetry is a collection of poetry I’ve written throughout my young adulthood. The writing process was both easy and hard. My conflict and blessing is that I love to share and allow ideas to flow out of me, even when battling
Photo (L) by Vintage Girl Studios, courtesy of Kou Tukala Nyan
Tukala Nyan performing at a Mixed Magic Theatre event
discomforts. Then, when the pandemic happened, it was just my book and me, so that’s how it was finally published. When readers finish, I hope they can feel inspired to write if they’ve been sitting on their poetic gifts.
One of your “random activities” is humanitarian causes. Tell us more. I would call myself a “basic needs advocate.” Some of the humanitarian causes I’m most passionate about are those that help people’s social, educational, physical, and mental health at the most basic level. I once stumbled across a video online about homeless women trying to deal with periods, and I was immediately like, “How can I help?” With the help of my church and my friends, I was able to start Project OverFlo, which became a series of events to educate the community about self-care, activism, and effective positive change.
Any special plans for the year ahead? I’m excited to publish my second book Try & Make It Home . It’s a collection of poetry and short stories about people encountering unusual circumstances while trying to go about their day-to-day lives. I’m looking forward to deepening connections and meeting new people. I’d love to continue my adventures in our lil’ ol’ state and beyond, tasting all the great foods and seeing all the great sights! Learn more at KouTukalaNyan.com.
Winter Living
Five philosophies and ways to bring them home all season long
By Emily Homonoff
W
ith short days and temperatures growing brisk, it isn’t surprising that many of us have begun to hibernate. While the winter season can be a great time for selfreflection, it doesn’t have to be all drab and darkness. Cultures across the globe have their own ways of adapting to the difference in order to continue finding fulfillment. Here are some creative concepts from which you can draw inspiration to make your own living space warmer and cozier this winter.
Còsagach: The Scottish term còsagach nearly translates into being snug and warm. Perhaps it’s why the Scots also have a concept known as hurkle-durkle, which means staying in bed a little past your alarm clock so that you can rest. What better way to achieve both than by enveloping yourself in an oversized wool throw and enjoying a hot toddy or big mug of hot chocolate.
Fika: The feeling of holding a warm mug of coffee as the snow falls is delicious. Perhaps this is why the Swedish have coined the term fika. But more so, this concept is about spending that time with friends, getting to hear little details of everyone’s day, and lavishing in the simple things. Of course fika wouldn’t be the tradition it is without a slice of something sweet as well.
The sofas are piled with soft blankets and cushions, inviting you to curl up. Nature is present in the form of evergreen branches gathered on winter walks.
Layers of comfy bedding draw you in as night falls
Photos courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small
Inspired days start in Inspired Closets. Each customized space is designed around you, providing easy access to everything you need to confidently take on the day. Wherever it may take you. Get inspired at InspiredClosetsRI.com.
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Gemütlichkeit: This German term is a combined feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good spirit. While gemütlichkeit is centered around cheery feelings between friends and family, you can create the same sense inside the home, primarily through cooking hearty meals (think stews in Dutch ovens) and having friends over. This concept encourages us to be merry, not just around the holidays and affirms that good humor is a way of life.
Hygge: Perhaps the most notable cozifying concept is hygge, which hails from Denmark, a country often named one of the happiest places on earth. Given that, at its core, hygge is about creating warmth, being content, and embracing the quiet, this should come as no surprise. Reflection is also a hallmark of the hygge lifestyle, so take it as an opportunity to read an engaging book!
RHODY RESOURCES:
Where to find what you need to embrace each concept
CÒSAGACH
BLANKETS: Rhody Warm Wool Blankets: Find stockist farms at RISheep.org
WHISKY: The Savory Grape, East Greenwich
LEG WARMERS: LaBrie Dance, Smithfield
PILLOWS: noon designs, Pawtuxet Village
FIKA
CAFE: Cafe Choklad, Pro v idence
COFFEE BEANS: New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Statewide
MUGS: Arch Contemporary Ceramics, Tiverton
BAKED GOODS: A Slice of Heaven, Jamestown
GEMÜTLICHKEIT
BOARD GAMES: Frog & Toad, Pro v idence
COOKWARE: Wickford Gourmet, North Kingstown
LPS AND CDS: In Your Ear Records, Warren
SEASONED FIREWOOD: J&J Materials, Co v entry
HYGGE
BOOKS: Heartleaf Books, Pro v idence
TAPER CANDLES: Homeport, Newport
HERBAL TEAS: Maeva’s Cottage, Woonsocket
LOUNGEWEAR: Crosswynds Traders, Narragansett
IKIGAI
PLANTS AND FLOWERS: Jephry Floral Studio, Pro v idence
HOMEGOODS: Eclectic Energy, Wakefield
MOOD LIGHTING:
Lighting & Design By J&K Electric, Johnston
ARTWORK: AiR Studio Gallery, Westerly
Ikigai: When you look at your life through the lens of passion, mission, and profession, you start to understand your ikigai, or life’s worth. For decades, this Japanese method has been applied to making the home a more authentic place to be. You can take small things that you love and incorporate them into your dwelling. A core component of ikigai is also removing tech from living spaces – challenge accepted!
A Home for All Seasons by Kay Prestney and Becca Cherry, and Winter Living by Selina Lake, Ryland Peters & Small. Available by request at your favorite local indie bookseller.
Waxflower and eucalyptus in the glass jar on the table add scent to the room
Photo courtesy of Ryland
Peters & Small
FEATURE
Healing Journey
From holistic health coaching to oxygen bar sessions, alternative treatments rewrite the script for wellness
By Emily Olson
After spending four transformative hours at the Urban Sweat experience at Raffa Life, a spa in Cranston billed as New England’s only active relaxation center, I stepped into the cold winter air deeply relaxed and calmly energized – and that feeling lingered long after the heat of the saunas faded from my skin.
Urban Sweat offers guests a journey through six unique saunas and steam rooms, each inspired by ancient healing traditions. The heated spaces are intended to detoxify the body, release impurities, and melt away stress. One room is piled with detoxifying charcoal, while another is filled with the earthy, slightly sweet aroma from the turmeric strung across the walls. My favorite was the salt grotto that invites patrons to recline on a layer of Himalayan sea salt as if it were sand on a beach. Layered into the experience is the facility’s strict whisper policy, which creates an environment that leaves plenty of space for introspection and meditation. Time slipped away as I cycled from the steam room to sauna to plunge pool and back again.
The popularity of Raffa Life and other alternative wellness centers that are popping up in the area proves that people are seeking paths to health that supplement trips to the doctor’s office. Local healers are ready and willing to cater to those needs.
WHOLE HEALTH
Nearly 20 years ago, Toni-Ann Laprade was given six months to live. She had kidney cancer and although her kidney was removed, the cancer made its way into her lymphatic system. Eventually her other kidney began showing signs of cancer, and her doctors said there was nothing more they could do for her. Facing death, she called a friend who introduced her to a holistic health coach and after working with him on a treatment plan for a year, her remaining kidney regained about 80 percent of its function. After that experience, Laprade, who had been a certified nursing assistant for 20 years, ventured away from Western medicine and
Photos courtesy of Above All Holistic Health and Wellness
Sound energy healing fosters a meditative experience
Above All Holistic Health and Wellness offers alternative therapies
began to offer holistic therapies herself with a collaborative of practitioners. Her practice, Above All Holistic Health and Wellness, has been in operation for 10 years.
“In holistic health, more than one modality gets you to wellness,” explains Laprade.
“You have to focus on mind, body, and spirit.” Her practice reflects this philosophy, offering a variety of services, including hypnosis, Reiki, massage therapy, acupuncture, holistic health coaching, and nutrition classes. There’s even a community room for yoga sessions and workshops, which acts as a hub for healing and connection.
People who seek treatment through the collaborative commit to a six- or 12-week package developed jointly with Laprade. Clients start their journey with a consultation, in which Laprade takes the time to connect the dots between symptoms – such as poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits –to uncover underlying patterns. “I’ve found that if you shift one thing for a client, many things shift as the body rebalances,” Laprade says. But she emphasizes that healing requires more than physical changes. “You won’t develop a self-care plan unless you have self-love, and you won’t follow through with that plan unless you choose to be responsible to yourself. Ultimately, you’ll never be satisfied with the outcome unless you embrace self-acceptance.” It’s this holistic approach – mind, body, and spirit – that sets her practice apart.
Although Laprade’s collaborative serves all, it caters mostly to women’s needs. “The majority of our clients are women between ages 55 and 70, dealing with menopause and other life transitions,” she says. But Laprade’s major focus is helping people reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals. “There’s a lot of good literature out there about the side effects of pharmaceuticals, so people want to find alternatives. I don’t diagnose or prescribe, but I do educate people so they can make sound decisions for themselves.”
Despite her shift to holistic health, Laprade hasn’t left her knowledge of Western medicine behind. “The body is brilliant,” she says. “If it’s doing something crazy, it’s doing it for a reason. But I prefer to look beyond the symptoms and get to the root of the problem.”
HOW MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP US
By Amanda LaRose, LICSW Owner Rhode Island Oak Counseling and Wellness
Mental health counseling and acupuncture can positively contribute to each person’s wellness journey by helping to improve their ability to cope with various situations, and allow for an avenue to improve the way we feel.
lead to conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, or insomnia (among others). These negative conditions detract from the wellness that we, as fully functioning humans, seek and need. A Mental Health Therapist or Acupuncturist can help clients counter
on coping mechanisms that will improve quality of life, and build resiliency to face life’s challenges.
Additionally, if you’ve ever exerted yourself, whether on a long run or rehabilitation after an injury, you’ve probably experienced muscle or joint fatigue or strain. However, sometimes there are even more intense and persistent pain conditions the human body
to mentally feel well. Coping strategies – including the release of physical pain through acupuncture and the ability to create a wellness plan through counseling – can help clients get back to their old ways of a life full of vigor.
No matter the current situation, the act of striving for wellness can improve lives. Oftentimes, this is easier said than done but there are proven methods to help clients reach their wellness goals. At Rhode Island Oak Counseling and Wellness, our StateLicensed professionals are trained to support clients’ individual needs in ways that work for them.
RELAX AND RECOVER
Jessica Souza co-owns Cultivating Minds & Bodies with her business partner Cara Berman, and they, too, aim to help their clients on similar pathways of self-exploration. Berman, a mental health counselor, recruited Souza to help expand the scope of her counseling services, adding a holistic dimension to the mix. “We spun the wellness center off of what she does because we
wanted to bring different holistic modalities to South County that weren’t available,” says Souza.
The center offers an impressive array of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Among its unique offerings is a salt room – described by Souza as “the best napping spot in town” – as well as massage therapies, an infrared sauna, and one of Rhode Island’s only oxygen bars. “We only breathe 21
percent oxygen, but the generator I have pulls oxygen from the room, filters it, and shoots out 95 percent oxygen that’s fed through aromatherapy bottles,” Souza explains. “Breathing purer oxygen can reduce headaches, reduce stress, and promote healing. It also speeds recovery after an athletic event.”
Despite the luxurious feel of these treatments, accessibility is a cornerstone of the
Halotherapy, or salt room sessions, at Cultivating Minds & Bodies
Photo courtesy of Cultivating Minds & Bodies
RHODY RESOURCES
ABOVE ALL HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS
245 Phenix Avenue, Cranston Abo v eAllHolis ticHealthAndWellness.com
CULTIVATING MIND & BODIES
213 Robinson Street Suite B2, Wakefield, CultivatingMindsAndBodies.com
RAFFA LIFE
19 Sharpe Drive, Cranston RaffaLife.com
center’s mission. “We want people to have access to these types of therapies, especially if it’s something they need,” says Souza, stressing that the center’s offerings don’t require a huge time commitment. “Most people use the salt room and sauna, and they’re not long sessions – about 30 minutes. The massage chairs take a similar amount of time. People will often text me during their lunch break at work to see if they can come in for a quick session.”
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Souza offers packages that provide access to all the center’s therapies. “I refer to it as ladies’ night,” she says. “It’s a two-hour block with a minimum of four people. It’s a good way to find out what your body likes and it’s fun because you’re with your friends and you can bring wine and snacks and hang out.”
The atmosphere at Cultivating Mind & Bodies is as much a part of the experience as the therapies themselves. “The space is lit with salt lamps. I always have an aromatherapy scent in the air. The center immediately provides a calming, zen kind of feeling. It’s very soothing,” she says. “As soon as people open the door, they sigh.”
Whether you opt for sweating it out at a sauna, immersing yourself in tranquility, or forging a deeper holistic healing path, everyone’s wellness journey is different, but anyone can benefit from slowing down, breathing deeper, and finding a little more balance in the chaos of life.
FOOD & DRINK
Experience | In the Kitchen | Recipe | Round Up
Pizza Perfect
Northern Rhody’s spot for Southern Italian cuisine and delicious pies
By Jenny Currier Shand
Before even opening their doors in fall of 2023, the Bar’Lino team was busy perfecting their pizza recipe. For three months prior, they tested thousands of versions and experimented with 20-30 pies daily until they found a combination of Neapolitan and New Haven styles that is distinctly their own – yet trending with some of the best in the world – right in the heart of Johnston.
So it’s fitting that the first thing I noticed – aside from ample parking, which is always exciting – was the smell of pizza. It was just a whiff, but it got my mouth watering even before entering the beautiful, open space with exposed brick walls and modern light fixtures that are both elegant and funky. It felt like a place that could easily double as a date spot and a hangout for friends. Guided by the culinary expertise of Italian executive chef Davide Negri, and owned by the De Q uattro Restaurant Group (known for Federal Hill favorites like Il Massimo and Pane E Vino), Bar’Lino brings a full menu of authentic Italian fare to northern Rhode Island.
Must-Try Items
BURRATA ( $16 ) : Mozzarella with creamy curd center, heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and EVOO
GRANDMA PIZZA – PEPPERONI
MVP ( $24 ) : Pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, and hot honey
MEZZE RIGATONI PINK VODKA
SAUCE ( $20 ) : San Marzano tomatoes, cream, Pecorino Romano, and chili
Cuisine: Authentic Italian with innovative twists
Atmosphere: Sophisticated neighborhood pizzeria
Italian mains and apps from Bar’Lino
Grandma Pizza
This culinary outing began with a classic, refreshing Aperol Spritz, which came garnished with an orange slice – the only thing missing was warm weather and people-watching on the piazza. My husband, a self-proclaimed coffee snob, instantly commented on the smooth flavor of his cup of hot coffee.
The Sunday menu boasted of delicious brunch options, like Short Rib Hash and pancakes with whipped ricotta, but I went straight to the lunch menu and their 15 different pizza offerings (not to mention, they have an entirely gluten-free menu!). We ordered the Burrata to start – a dish I always love, but this was next level. The creamy center was luxurious, and I could taste the sunshine in the cherry tomatoes. The ring of pesto garnish and generous drizzle of Italian olive oil created a flavor bomb. It was my 10-month-old son’s first burrata, and he ate it the way we all wish we could – face first. I also tried the Mezze Rigatoni Pink Vodka Sauce with sausage, which hit all the right notes, with Parmesan countering the subtle chili spice.
Next came the much-anticipated star of the meal – the pizza. I typically convince my husband to order Neapolitan style with its thin, bubbly crust, but because he has been craving a thick-crust pizza since moving to Rhode Island, I decided to indulge him with Grandma’s Pizza, a Sicilian-style square pizza with thick, airy dough. We went with Pepperoni MVP, described by the manager as having a “bit of a kick” from jalapeños and hot honey.
Arguably more than a “little” kick to my palate, this pie was an eye-popping, lip-numbing experience, in the best possible way. I’m convinced that the scientists who found the bliss point of sweet and salty foods were consulted on the spice level because we could not stop eating this pizza –and it was huge. Despite our inability for self-control, we still took home leftovers.
In a state that is famous for its Italian food, Bar’Lino stands out for its immaculate ingredients and attention to detail. Whether you crave the comforts of pasta, the exquisite artistry of Southern Italian cuisine, or the perfect pizza, Bar’Lino has something for everyone.
Bar’Lino Ristorante
1395 Atwood Avenue, Johnston 401-303-1303
Bar-Lino.com
Tapas Goes Global
From West Africa to New Orleans, an East Greenwich restaurant’s new chef weaves a tapestry of flavors
By Jenny Currier Shand
Growing up in the Ivory Coast in West Africa, food was a big part of chef Momo Camara’s life. “I was raised by my grandmother until I was 15. We spent a lot of time together in the kitchen. She was constantly making food –holidays, funerals, not to mention three square meals a day. I was basically her shopping cart at the market. She was very particular about where she would get certain things. All of her food, to this day, is the best food I’ve had in my life.”
Camara moved to New York when he was 15, where his mother was already living.
“French was my first language, so I had to go to a private school that was bilingual – that was my first junior high school experience, and my first winter. I had just left the beach. Culture shock was huge, from the clothes to the food. I wasn’t used to eating McDonald’s cheeseburgers; I was used to eating fresh
food that was made that day. At first, it was exciting, but my body couldn’t take it.”
Although he’d been interested in cooking since childhood, his culinary journey began at Johnson & Wales University. While attending school full time, he also worked full time. His first job was at Siena on Federal Hill. “It was quite the eye-opener,” he says. “It was busy all the time and really exciting.”
Those early culinary experiences kicked off a career spanning the country. Working as a sous chef up to an executive chef, Camara had a hand in a myriad of fine dining restaurants and steakhouses, from Connecticut to Miami to Houston. He helped open Catch NYC in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, known for its celebrity sightings and globally influenced seafood menu, and he was recruited by a French Creole fine dining restaurant in New Orleans. He also helped revamp several Rhode
Photos courtesy of Besos
Tapas & Wine Bar
Camara’s take on Spanish tapas incorporates New Orleans influences
Gambas al Ajillo
Island establishments, including Ladder 133 and Massimo in Providence, and the Surf Shack in Narragansett – where he won several awards and brought notoriety for his French Polynesian menu – before becoming the executive chef at Besos Tapas & Wine Bar in East Greenwich.
Camara’s first day of work was September 17, the same day he was medically cleared after breaking his fibula and requiring seven screws and a titanium plate, but he hit the ground running, so to speak, and began assessing the needs of the restaurant and taking note of where they could improve the most. In light of this fresh start, the team is undergoing new training, and they’ve updated the menu, breathing new life into it. “The staff is excited, the owner is excited, and everyone is stepping it up every day,” reports Camara. “I want to do a lot of great things, and I
think we can achieve them.”
Besos has been known for its Spanish influence and tapas, but Camara plans to elevate the offerings and add authenticity to each dish, and, he explains, “there’s a lot of love in our process. It takes 72 hours to make the pork belly. And our lasagna is different – it’s not your typical meat sauce. We’re using highend Spanish chorizo, veal, beef, pork, ham, and spices, more like an Italian-Spanish blend. It comes out looking like a tower, and it’s been selling the most since we changed the menu.”
Another standout Camara has perfected is the Gambas al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, which is popular in Spain. “We get the shrimp –head on, shell on – and they’re gigantic. We roast the garlic in olive oil and use that olive oil to cook the shrimp, and then we add the
roasted garlic cloves and some Calabrian chili – the flavor is just outstanding,” he says. Cooking shrimp with the head on is a New Orleans twist that Camara adopted from his time there. “Once you’re done with the tail, you can suck the head, where all the goodness is. It’ll change your life; you have to try it.”
The best thing about working at Besos is seeing the camaraderie among the team and among each group of guests. “Tapas are meant to be shared among friends. It’s interactive. Anytime you’re eating food with your bare hands, there’s no better time than that.”
Besos Tapas & Wine Bar
378 Main Street, East Greenwich
401-398-8855
BesosTapas.com
Chef Momo Camara is the new executive chef of Besos
One-Pan Powerhouse
Using fresh catches and superfoods, this seafood dish is a snap to make
By Liz Murray
This one-pan dish not only comes together with ease but also delights with layers of flavor, from Greek potatoes baked in garlic and lemon to a delicious walnut-crusted cut of salmon. If you’re looking for a healthy yet hearty dish to add to your dinner arsenal this month, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Walnut-Crusted Salmon with Greek Potatoes
GREEK POTATOES
• 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, about 2 pounds
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 small lemons)
• 8 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 ½ tsp table salt
STEPS
SALMON
• 3 thick salmon filets, about 1 ½ pounds
• ½ cup unsalted walnuts
• ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, drained from their liquid
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon, about 2 tsp
• 2 small garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp table salt
• Veggie side of choice, such as broccoli rabe
1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Peel the potatoes and cut into thick wedges. Having equal thickness is more important than equal length.
2. Place cut potatoes into a 17x10-inch baking dish, and toss in the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Mix everything together, and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Cook the potatoes for 50 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, make the crust for the salmon. Add to the food processor walnuts, kalamata olives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic cloves, dried oregano, and salt. Process a few times until you get a chunky crust. Be careful not to overprocess, or you will end up with a paste.
4. Wash the salmon in cold water, feeling for bones as you rinse it. Dry the salmon off and sprinkle the tops with a small pinch of salt and pepper.
5. When the potatoes are finished, take the baking dish out of the oven and toss them with tongs to mix them up a bit. Place each salmon filet over the top of the potatoes, skin side down. Spoon the walnut and olive mixture over the salmon filets and smooth it out evenly.
Fresh Catch
We aren’t known as the Ocean State for no reason – and markets like Brightside Seafood take full advantage of sourcing sustainably from local waters. With a Bonnet Shores storefront that opened last spring, Brightside’s fresh fish list includes a variety of species, including salmon, expertly fileted and processed in house. 1014 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, BrightsideSeafood.com
6. Place the baking dish back into the oven and continue to bake the potatoes and salmon until the salmon is cooked to 145ºF, which takes anywhere from 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness. While the salmon is cooking, you can prepare any other vegetable side that you would like to have in a skillet on the stovetop with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. When the salmon is cooked through, remove the baking dish. Transfer the salmon and potatoes to a plate. You can spoon the flavorful broth over the potatoes, or freeze it to use another time as the base for a soup. Serve immediately with your veggie side of choice, and enjoy!
Photo by Liz Murray
Eat Good, Feel Good
Treat yourself to healthy snacks, smoothies, and sandwiches around Rhode Island
By Patty J
AJanuary food reset doesn’t have to be a total snooze fest. It’s never been easier to find menus with nourishing and satisfying choices at places around the state, from cute cafes and juice bars to sit-down restaurants. Here’s a handful of statewide faves serving up healthy food for all tastes.
The Berry Joint
This berry delicious shop specializes in both smoothies (you can add collagen, protein, or fiber) and acai bowls. Pair these fruit-forward choices with delectable paninis, flatbread pizzas, and more. It’s a delightfully colorful and comfy spot for a nice snack or protein-rich lunch this winter. Warwick, TheBerryJoint.com
Cilanter
A fun addition to Federal Hill’s eclectic food scene, Cilanter offers the unexpected fusion of Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean flavors in a fast-casual setting. Sip hot tea or a fennel mint lemonade with a Street Style Chickpea Bowl. Along with hearty proteins like chicken and steak, the extensive menu includes plenty of veg options. Pro v idence, Cilanter.com
Greenhouse Gansett
This family-owned cafe has several made-to-order salads – including a custom option where you can really go to town on the ingredients –grain bowls, house-made cold-pressed juices, and prebiotic sodas. Grab one to take home or stick around this adorable space to dig into your order. Narragansett, GreenhouseGansett.com
Naked Foods
In addition to smoothies and shakes, this cafe and meal-prep service offers decadent toasts, sandwiches, and wraps, along with hot meals
and grab-and-go items so you can spend less of your winter evenings cooking. Regulars rave about the generous portions and overall freshness. East Pro v idence, NakedFoodsRI.co
Plant City
With its most recent location in Barrington –serving a blend of favorites from both its original two restaurants – Plant City has become known for its vegan burgers and sandwiches. I’m a super fan of their fresh salads, dairyfree sweets (the Cake Cups are marvelous), and coffee drinks. Barrington, Warwick, and Pro v idence, PlantCityPVD.com
Providence Vegan Deli
This new meat-less deli opened to much fanfare this summer, in the same storefront of Like No Udder. Sink your teeth into plantbased versions of all your favorite sammies thanks to owner Rich Gaccione, who makes
grinders and creamy
but without the meat and dairy. Pro v idenceVeganDeli.com
Sprout & Lentil
Vegan chef Carmen Foy, who studied at both Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America, devises a wide variety of nourishing plant-based dishes and treats. Find mason jars of soup – including a delectable Lentil Soup –sandwiches, burgers, and sweet snacks like frosted cupcakes. Middletown, SproutAndLentil.com
Tasteful
Custom smoothies, acai bowls, and toasts are real crowd pleasers that live up to this establishment’s name. If you feel like indulging, they also offer a plethora of homemade desserts, all served within their cozy cafe known for its friendly service and walls filled with local artwork. East Greenwich, TastefulRI.com
all seitan from scratch. Think classic Italian
salads
Gansett Greenhouse
Plant City
Sprout & Lentil
FINANCIAL GUIDE 2025
Ways to find, make,
and
invest in Rhode Island
By
the Editors
SPONSORED BY:
Alicia Cotter Reynolds, Sales Associate at Residential Properties, Ltd.
Anchored in the community, linked globally. Let’s chat about your real estate goals!
Tel: 401-835-2605
Email: areynolds@residentialproperties.com
Website: www.aliciareynoldsrealtor.com
If the thought of the year ahead gives you a case of the Sunday Scaries, you’re not alone. In this guide we present strategies to find money, make money, save money, and invest money so that you can live your best life in the Ocean State.
FIND MONEY
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY: Each year, Treasurer James A. Diossa’s office recovers unclaimed cash and assets from businesses, banks, landlords, safe deposit boxes, and utility companies. More than 300,000 Rhode Islanders have property waiting to be returned to them, and many don’t even realize it; property is kept safe until it can be returned to its rightful owner. Search the database and find out if there is anything with your name on it. FindRIMoney.gov
INCENTIVE CALCULATOR: The Office of Energy Resources, in collaboration with Rewiring America, has launched a home energy incentives calculator for Rhode Island residents to determine their eligibility for both state and federal energy tax credits and rebates, including residential incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and the state’s energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicle, and electric bicycle programs. In addition to federal tax incentives, this calculator shows rebate and incentive programs. Energy.RI.gov
MAKE MONEY
PAYCHECK CHECK: January is the perfect time to review the withholding on your paycheck. Withholding is the amount withheld by an employer that goes directly to the government as a partial payment of income tax. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), most employees are over-withheld on their taxes, meaning that more taxes than they owe are withheld from their paychecks and that’s how you get a refund. Taxpayers who have children under age 17 may see their refunds increase as a result of the new tax law. The Tax Withholding Estimator tool can provide the info you need to make any adjustments, and then check with your employer on next steps. IRS.gov
INCREASE INCOME: If you’re still finding yourself short on funds, if time allows, it might be worthwhile to consider taking on a side-gig like a rideshare or delivery service, tutoring in a subject, giving music or art lessons, or asking for a raise. Another way is to register at Shop Local RI. This platform makes it simple to sell your products and services to a dedicated regional Rhode Island audience. A business directory profile costs $5, along with other options, including Rising Tide, which offers no admin fees. ShopLocalRI.com
HOMEOWNER’S EQUITY
According to real estate experts, most homeowners are currently experiencing a “game-changing” amount of equity. Equity is the diference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage. Both a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) use your home as collateral to borrow money. Tapping into your home’s equity will also help you build wealth if you do it strategically. Alicia Reynolds, Residential Properties Sales Associate licensed in RI, MA, and CT, explains that 2025 is a great time to look into your home equity. “We’ve all been witnessing the rapid rise of home prices but that means you probably have a lot more equity in your home right now than you realize,” says Reynolds. “By using your home’s equity, you may be able to qualify for a bridge loan or temporary financing to help you secure your dream home. Alternatively, you could make a larger down payment toward your next home by using your equity to borrow less money, potentially get a lower mortgage rate, and avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). The important thing is to use your equity wisely and it will help build wealth for your future.” AliciaReynoldsRealtor.com, @aliciareynoldsrealtor
INVEST MONEY MY HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT
PRODUCTS: The main categories of investment products are stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (EFTs), and insurance products like variable annuities. Unlike banking where deposits are guaranteed by federal deposit insurance, the value of stocks, bonds, and other securities fluctuates with market conditions. No one can guarantee that you’ll make money from your investments, and they may actually lose value. Before diving in, it’s important to do lots of research, know what risks you can handle, understand what you are buying, and turn to a trusted pro. Investor.gov
APPS: Investment apps can be convenient tools to make and to monitor investments. It’s important to be aware that some apps may “gamify” the investment process and nudge you to trade more than your comfort level. Stay true to your investment strategy.
ALTERNATIVES: Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, there are myriad assets that investors can amass, depending on someone’s goals, situation, and risk tolerance. If the idea piques your interest, begin by assessing what appeals to you and what seems doable. For example, while some may be ready to collect fine art, baseball cards may be more your speed. Collectibles like coins, stamps, toys, and records are popular. There’s also collecting fine art, wine, cars, real estate, land, and commodities like gold and precious metals, and digital assets, like cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
COMMUNITY: Local Return is making it possible to invest directly into Rhode Island, generating both mission return (benefits for the state’s communities) and financial return (dividends for investors). Through diversified, locally managed, pooled investments, the Local Return Diversified Community Investment Fund (the first DCIF in the country) is increasing the power and decreasing the risk for every investor. LocalReturn.org
A NO-COST AUDIT REVEALS PROBLEM AREAS TO RESOLVE FOR MAXIMIZING COMFORT •
By Elyse Major
Unless you live in a newly constructed home, chances are good that you’re all too familiar with drafts of frosty air coming in through windows, doors, and crawl spaces, resulting in high energy bills all winter long. Perhaps you’ve sealed windows with plastic or placed a “snake” at the base of a door to remedy. If you’re a residential customer of Rhode Island Energy and live in a one- to four-unit home of which you have full access, a no-cost Home Energy Assessment could mean an end to these temporary fixes, and result in being more snug in your home.
It all starts by self-scheduling an assessment online at RISEEngineering.com or by calling 800-422-5365. The next step is receiving an email with helpful information including a video, contact, and note that the process typically takes between one to two hours, depending on the home. I was told to keep doorways, stairways, and windows accessible for the energy specialist, which was the only required prep work.
Right on time, Luke Phaneuf arrived in a RISE vehicle. He was good natured and explained everything as he went along with the confidence and clarity of a school teacher. I followed him from room to room as he examined spaces, often using equipment from his high-tech tool kit, like gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors. Within a day I received
an email titled Weatherization Project with attached documents outlining the opportunities to make our 1950s Cape more energy efcient year-round.
A proposal included all of the weatherization improvements recommended by Phaneuf: a Home Energy Action Report, a Rhode Island Residential Gas Heating Rebate application, a 0 percent financing participation and enrollment form, and a list of Rhode Island Heating and Cooling Program participating contractors. The proposal states that Rhode Island Energy will cover 75 percent of the cost of the eligible insulation upgrades up to $10,000, and 100 percent of the air sealing measures. I was fascinated to learn that these programs are funded by the energy efciency charge on all customers’ gas and electric bills, in accordance with Rhode Island law.
All of this can be done once we take care of a “barrier” issue ourselves, so that tops our to-do list for 2025, and then let the insulating begin. Learn more at RIEnergy.com.
HAMILTON FAMILY AQUARIUM
STEPHANIE OSTER WILMARTH, a proud, lifelong Rhode Islander, has spent her career empowering individuals and businesses to thrive. Since joining BayCoast Bank in 2020, she has quickly ascended the ranks, earning her current role as Vice President of Business Development & Relationship Management Ofcer. Her professional journey exemplifies the Bank’s mission: to provide exceptional service and solutions for our community.
Stephanie’s commitment extends beyond banking. She actively supports numerous charitable organizations throughout
Rhode Island and the South Coast of Massachusetts, demonstrating BayCoast Bank’s deep-rooted dedication to making a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve.
With 25 branch locations, Stephanie and the BayCoast Bank team are ready to assist individuals and families through BayCoast’s comprehensive Family of Financial Solutions. Whether you’re navigating the home-buying process with BayCoast Mortgage, securing your assets through BayCoast Insurance, or guiding investment strategies with Plimoth Investment Advisors, our BayCoast family is dedicated to delivering exceptional service at every step, while continuously working to improve the communities where we live and work.
