Providence Monthly January 2024 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

EAST SIDE MEET OUR AGENTS Combining local market expertise with a world renowned brand.

Leza Williamson 401.447.0876

Robert Rutley 401.601.0446

PROVIDENCE

Heidi Farmer 401.481.1977

110 Congdon Street The Mackinney Gold Group

CRANSTON SO L D

JOHNSTON CONDO

1000 Providence Place,#209 $409,000 10 East Street,#303 Benjamin Scungio 401.413.5753 Sarah Huard

EAST SIDE

15 Abbottsford Court Leza Williamson mottandchace.com

$2,799,000 917.257.4302

WAT ERF RO N T

$255,000 14 Woodlake Drive 401.255.2578 Lise Holst

$1,189,000 401.330.8813

CUMBERLAND

$1,350,000 15 Douglas Drive 401.447.0876 Robert Rutley

$729,900 401.601.0446 %', 3*æ') -7 -2()4)2()280= 3;2)( %2( 34)6%8)(@

New year, open new doors.

Looking to list your home in 2024? Call me today - I’ll get you moving.

Jim DeRentis Sales Associate

2023NATIONALLY

RANKED#1 Individual Agent In Rhode Island

T h e P V D R e a l E s t a t e G u y. c o m As Seen On

(401) 553-6383

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CLIENT FOCUSED. FORWARD THINKING.

Providence, you were ready for a fresh approach to real estate. Thank you for an amazing 2023...

East Side Selling Agent*

Highest Sale Ever on Blackstone Blvd**

$56M+

18+

Agent Statewide by Sales Volume*

Happy Buyers & Sellers

Sales Volume, Year-to-Date*

$1M+ Transactions, Year-to-Date*

TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR...

Thinking of a move in 2024? I would love to set up a time to discuss the value of working together.

Kira Greene is a real estate agent with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. *Data & rankings based on real estate transations closed between 1.1.23 - 11.30.23 in the Rhode Island State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. **Blackstone Blvd ranking based on real estate transactions closed between 1.1.90 - 11.30.23 in the RI State-Wide MLS.

REALTOR ® | FOUNDING AGENT KIRA .GREENE@COMPASS.COM 401.339.5621

CONTENTS

News & Life 11 Long-standing storytelling fest championing Black voices returns this month 13 RHODY GEM: Find your style on Mathewson Street

14 OP-ED: A deeper look at development on Angell Street

16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: ICYMI, merger plans with Rhode Island PBS 20 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings

Food & Drink 25 Plant-based cheeses and spreads for parmesan lovers 26 IN THE KITCHEN: Pawtucket’s new delicatessen spans the gamut of Jewish dining

30 RECIPE: Build your own Rhody snacking board

32 FOOD NEWS: New breweries in PVD and EP & Warren’s bar for music lovers

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Cover Story Meet this year’s inspiring group of change-makers ready to make their imprint on Providence

A1 RHODY EATS RESTAURANT GUIDE A3 FINANCE GUIDE: Useful tips on making the most of your money

A16 FEATURE: Organizations offering ways to reuse rather than recycle

Home & Style A23 HOME: A major reno retains the charm of an elaborate old home 64 SHOP: Oprah’s favorite athleisure wear set is a PVD Brand

Photo by Thomas Walsh, courtesy of FUNDA Fest

66 INFLUENCER: Local designer fills her own need and success follows

Art & Culture 81 West End brewer celebrates eight years, boasts rotation of flavors and labels 82 MUSIC SCENE: The city’s favorite ginger comes into their own 85 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s 86 ON STAGE: A writer shares how a project unexpectedly created community

Photo courtesy of Origin Beer Project

A16

Photo courtesy of The Nest

88 PIC OF PVD

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PLANNING TO GET YOU MORE IN ‘24 Whether you are thinking of selling or buying in the new year, it’s never too early to start planning your move. Reach out for a complimentary market assessment and to further discuss your real estate goals!

401.864.8286 sweeneyadvisory.com Sweeney Advisory Group is a licensed real estate sales team and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

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Providence Media Inc. has been a publishing staple in Rhode Island since 1975. Our team has changed over the years, but our commitment to bringing the best of the Ocean State to local readers has never faltered. Our company began with East Side Monthly and over the years added Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody to our line-up of magazines, eventually combining East Side Monthly with Providence Monthly to create a singular resource for the capital city. Our publications cover Greater Providence, South County, the East Bay, and statewide audiences. Along with a brand new look for our regional publications, 2024 is bringing a new name for our company: Hey Rhody Media Co. All the while we’ve also been building our digital presence, with a twice-weekly free e-newsletter, plus Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, HeyRhody.com, and a newly minted YouTube channel (more on that later), allowing us and our valued advertisers to meet Rhody readers where they are. We thought it was about time that our company name

reflected our years of growth and our statewide coverage. What better way to rebrand than utilizing the name of our popular statewide magazine, Hey Rhody? At Hey Rhody Media Co., we pride ourselves on the incredible employees that have joined us over the years. We have top-notch account executives, an incredible editorial team, the most creative production/art department, and an innovative digital media specialist, all of whom have made this company what it is. Best of all, we’re making this name change ourselves – there’s no corporate buy-out or out-of-state takeover – it’s a celebration of our growth and commitment. Happy New Year! General Manager/Creative Director

Nick DelGiudice

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Happy New Year!

MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

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Editor Ken Abrams Digital Media Specialist Jenna Kaplan Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

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Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Account Managers Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Chris Revill Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Golden Age Collective Norman Joshua Photography David Lawlor Contributing Writers Ian Donnis Adam Hogue Robert Isenberg

Are interest rates holding you back from making a move? List your house with Alicia and ƮQG D QHZ KRPH WKDW GHOLYHUV HYHU\WKLQJ \RXoUH looking for – including a below market rate!

Alicia Reynolds Sales Associate Licensed in RI, MA & CT 401-835-2605 areynolds@residentialproperties.com AliciaReynoldsRealtor.com

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G R AT E F U L F O R R H O D E I S L A N D ! To my incredible clients and the vibrant community I serve, thank you for entrusting me on your real estate journey. It’s been an honor guiding you home, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to turn your dreams into reality in 2024 and beyond. Interested in making a move? Let’s talk about selling your house today!

DAVID HASSLINGER Top 1.5% of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals 401.465.8625 www.davidhasslinger.com David Hasslinger is a licensed real estate sales associate and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

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NEWS & LIFE

F e s t i va l | R h o d y G e m | O p - E d | T h e P u b l i c ’ s R a d i o | N e i g h b o r h o o d N ew s

Black Stories Matter From trading tales to sharing a table, the annual Black storytelling festival hosts performers from around the world

Len Cabral performing at last year’s FUNDA Fest

Photo by Thomas Walsh, courtesy of FUNDA Fest

By Ruthie Wood

elling stories is a fundamental human experience. Since ancient times, stor ytelling has played a role in teaching people histor y and values. Because of this legacy, the Rhode Island Black Stor ytellers (RIBS) chose the name “funda,” a Zulu word meaning “to teach and to learn,” for their annual stor ytelling programming , FUNDA Fest. It doesn’t hurt that the term also includes the word “fun” in it. “ We define Black stor ytelling as the oral arts of African descended people from around the world,” says Valerie Tutson, executive director of RIBS. “It has always been important to us to show the diversity of Black people and our voices and stories and experiences.” For many, “stor ytelling ” may be associated with fair y tales and children’s stories, or narratives broadcasted on radio shows and podcasts. Tutson stresses that for this festival, stor ytelling encompasses so much more : “[Our programming ] runs the gambit, so you’ll hear personal stories; you’ll also hear stories that come from histor y, [and] stories that are deep, cultural traditions.” Tutson references Jamaican Anansi stories, “which came from the African captives from West Africa, so there are all these cultural connections that come with folklore, as well as the fair y tales and traditional stories. You’ll also get poetr y and spoken word.” JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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Storyteller Kala Jojo from last year’s festival

Photos by Thomas Walsh, courtesy of FUNDA Fest

Stor ytelling takes a teller and a listener – both are equally important, and both take part in the art of conversation. “ When you’re really focused on the oral tradition of stor ytelling , it’s about what is happening for the whole community in that moment,” Tutson explains. “ The experience is more about what is happening for us together as opposed to just me telling my stor y. This is about the ‘us,’ and not just about the ‘me.’” Stemming around the notion that diverse modes create space for a plethora of conversations, FUNDA Fest is hosting three special events amidst its traditional offerings this year. Community Flavors brings people together around a table to share food and anecdotes, with prompts offered by RIBS tellers. There will be a special night dedicated to exploring the relationship between sto r ytelling and hip hop, in recognition of the genre’s 50th anniversar y. Another new event this year is a night of Hard to Tell Stories, a space dedicated to the voices of Black men. The last day of FUNDA Fest ser ves to kick off Black History Month at Southside Cultural Center of RI. Performances will feature Sylvia Ann Soares portraying Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, an Afro-Indigenous woman who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1918. Soares’ performance will be followed by two documentary films: one on Black baseball in Rhode Island, the other following Black tennis players. The festival will conclude with artist April Armstrong presenting her show about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman aviator. Other highlights include internationally acclaimed storyteller Len Cabral, guest performer Sidy Maiga, and Amina Blackwood Meeks. The stories, histories, and cultural traditions shared at FUNDA Fest are meant for ever ybody. “ We believe it is vital and healing to be able to bring the community together across generations,” Tutson asserts, and 26 years in the making , she’s seen it happen. “ We’ve had kids grow up coming to FUNDA Fest. Now, we have some of them bringing their own children.” FUNDA Fest consists of three weekends of public performances and community outreach from January 19 to February 3 at various locations. For a full schedule of events and programming , visit FUNDAFest.org.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

NEWS & LIFE

Bobbles & Lace Providence U p sc al e Bo uti q ue What it is: A clothing store focused on affordable high fashion.

W h e re i t i s : Just off of Fountain Street, close to Murphy’s Pub, find Bobbles & Lace on the street level of the red brick Nightingale Building.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m?

Photo courtesy of Bobbles & Lace Providence

Bobbles & Lace is a store committed to making high fashion affordable, so wearers can feel confident and always look their best. Lindsay Rando opened the first store with her aunt in Massachusetts, and franchised in 2022. Laurel Handel Polselli owns the new location in Providence. “Fashion is for ever yone,” Polselli states, and the city storefront is there “to dress all women of any age and size.” Equipped with three dressing rooms and hands-on stylists ready to assist “with zippers and buttons, or advising clients on how to wear a certain item or how many different ways it can be worn,” the space feels chic and inviting so that ever y customer is made to feel like a queen. The boutique offers ever ything from denim and shoes to hats and handbags, along with athleisure and evening wear. “ Whether you have a work dinner, a wedding , or a date on the couch, you’ll look fabulous doing it,” Polselli promises. Inventor y changes often, so there are always new styles.

B o b b l e s & L a ce P rov i d e n c e 100 Mathewson Street BobblesAndLace.com @bobblesandlaceprovidence

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 Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

NEWS & LIFE

The Inn-Side Story of Angell Street Pro pose d de m o l i t i o n s a n d a n ew h o te l st i r n eig h b ors a n d p reser vation ists By Steve Triedman and B arry Fain

ust before Thanksgiving , stickers appeared on three properties on Angell Street across from the Wheeler School warning residents that in less than a week, demolition would begin after testing for asbestos and lead paint –

to neighbors and preser vationists, this was akin to yelling “fire!” in a crowded theater. They immediately jumped into action organizing a neighborhood vigil across from the site that was attended by 30 to 40 neighbors and quickly became a reg ular part of the local

news coverage circuit. While the houses, which have been used for offices, may add some charm to the area, they were never designated as historic prop erties and hence, not protected ; a boutique hotel that has been planned and proposed for

Photo courtesy of Steve Triedman

The site of proposed development on Angell Street

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JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

over a decade is the likely cause. However, the project has not been approved by the City Planning Commission (CPC) because of insufficient parking and its proximity to Wheeler. The man behind the hotel is Ed Bishop, an entrepreneur who deeply believes in College Hill and Brown and has been active in community organizations for over 60 years. The 92-year-old Brown grad and successful real estate broker, appraiser, insurance broker, and owner of many multi-family rental prop erties on the East Side near Brown has long had a vision of building a boutique hotel on the Brown campus. “Brown is the only Ivy without a luxur y hotel,” he told us in 2004 – back when he first proposed the idea. He originally wanted to build a hotel on Brook Street between Meeting and Cushing streets. Neighborhood opposition overwhelmingly shot the plan down. He tried again in 2008, believing that he had Mayor Cicilline’s full support, which evaporated when neighbors complained. The houses were sold to Brown for a premium, demolished, and now it’s the site of the Brown Wellness Center and Residence Hall, which does not pay taxes. Bishop also owned several of the prop erties along Euclid Avenue from Thayer to Brook street and on Brook and Meeting streets, and would have taken down nine houses but was fiercely opposed by neighbors, the Providence Preser vation Society (PPS), and the College Hill Neighborhood Association. In 2012, he and other owners flipped the assemblage to Gilbane, who made some concessions but still tore down most of the houses and built the five-stor y 257 Thayer Street luxur y student residences. So what’s going to happen? First off, it is important to create some transparency in this huge transaction. No one seems to know exactly what will be built, or when. On the other side, the speed with which the neighbors organized their vigil to protest the

process was impressive. Within a few days, the neighbors were joined by their City Councilman John Goncalves, PPS, and the three largest local neighborhood associations, which suggests the degree of concern about the demolition and the lack of openness in the process. All this said, however, the developer does have the right by statute to tear down the buildings. More troublesome, in Rhode Island the developers are permitted to start the demolitions without an approval that meets the CPC and zoning requirements. It’s something Goncalves hopes to address. Before this gets completely out of control – and not to mention, likely a field day for attorneys – we hope Mayor Brett Smiley and new Director of Planning and Development Joe Mulligan, recently hired from Boston, bring the parties together along with representatives from the concerned community groups. This hotel project must go back to the CPC, as well as zoning , for approval for a third tr y. As we go to press, it is unclear whether the buildings will still be standing or reduced to rubble when this stor y appears in print. Today, all of the original homes on Brook Street from Cushing to Waterman are gone, as are many on the side streets right to Thayer Street. Since 2011, 30 houses in the immediate area have been demolished. Sadly, the reality is that the once historic nature of this area has been completely compromised. We’re not necessarily against the hotel plan. Dartmouth’s Hanover Inn is a really cool place. But more importantly, in our view, it’s better to have strong tax revenue from this last parcel, estimated at $1,500,000 a year, than a Brown (or Wheeler) building that will add ver y little to both the neighborhood and the community, and pay no taxes. As preser vationists ourselves, we’re hoping ( probably falsely) that they will be responsive to the neighborhood in terms of design.

Specializing in Historic Property on the West Side, Broadway District, and Historic Elmwood for the last 20 years. Happy to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Jane Driver Broker Associate 401.641.3723

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Jane Driver is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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NEWS & LIFE

The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS Plan to Merge

hode Island’s two public media outlets, The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS, plan to merge, creating a single entity with nearly 100 employees and an expanded capacity to produce public-interest reporting , following a vote ( Wednesday) in support of the change by the boards of both organizations. Supporters of the merger said it will significantly expand the reach and scale of pub lic media in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. “Both boards feel we’ll be stronger together,” Elizabeth Delude-Dix, board chair of The Public’s Radio and one of the co -founders of the radio station, said in an inter view. “ To gether, we can be more relevant, more trusted, more dynamic and more responsive to the needs of our community. We can make great work go even farther.” In a statement, Dave Laverty, chair of the Rhode Island PBS Foundation Board, said, “By combining resources and talent, we can

TPR board chair Elizabeth Delude-Dix says the move will make both organizations stronger

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David Piccerelli of RI PBS sees a bigger community impact

build on our respective traditions of trust and integrity to meet audiences where they are, across platforms, to deliver rich programming that is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. By working together, we will create an opportunity to bring a more powerful and necessar y public media voice to ser ve our community.” The proposed merger is subject to approval by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office and the Federal Communications Commission. It comes as nonprofit media organizations are playing a bigger role in some states as the internet has decimated the traditional advertising base for for-profit newspapers. “ What’s ver y exciting about this is that we now have an opportunity to invest in things that are going to make a significant difference in the amount of local nonprofit trusted journalism that’s available here,” said Torey Malatia, president, CEO and general manager of The Public’s Radio. “I have dedicated the last 25 years to Rhode

Island PBS because I am a passionate believer in the value of public television,” said David Piccerelli, president of Rhode Island PBS. “ The media landscape and the demands of our viewers have changed significantly in that time, and yet we continue to deliver award-winning programming. I am ecstatic about this merger because it enhances our ability to do just that: tell powerful stories and make an impact on our community.” No significant broadcast changes are expected in the short term as the merger faces reg ulator y approval. Malatia and Piccerelli will continue in their current roles for now. Once the merger is completed, according to a statement from both organizations, “Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio will launch an inclusive engagement process to co -create a vision for a new combined pub lic media organization focused on ser ving our diverse communities with quality journalism through broadcast and digital organizations.” Malatia said talks about the radio station joining forces with Rhode Island PBS preceded his arrival at the station in 2015 and intensified over the last year. Rhode Island PBS, also known as WSBE, has been broadcasting since 1967. Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio have won a number of awards and distinctions, including Emmys, Telly, and Edward R . Murrow awards and recognition from The Public Media Journalists Association, Scripps Howard, and the National Headliners Award among others. The planned merger marks a big step in the evolution of The Public’s Radio, which was launched as WRNI AM in 1998, after Delude-Dix and three other individuals challenged a status quo in which Rhode Island was one of the only states without its own public radio station. From its early years, when it broadcast on three separate signals targeting different pockets of the state, the station has continued to grow. In 2017, what had become Rhode Island Public Radio acquired its current flagship

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of The Public’s Radio

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Ian Donnis

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signal, 89.3 FM, which reaches most of Rhode and southeastern Massachusetts, and rebranded itself as The Public’s Radio. The station’s news staff has grown in recent years with the addition of bureaus in New Bedford, Newport and South County, the creation of an investigative desk, and a heightened emphasis on in-depth and investigative reporting on topics including child labor in New Bedford’s seafood industr y, the challenge of overcoming addiction for homeless people in Woonsocket, and how private equity is affecting the business of healthcare in Rhode Island. Once the merger is realized, Malatia said, it offers “the opportunity to really amplif y what we are doing , I think exponentially, considering the kind of resources that would be available. By that, I mean extraordinar y producers and great journalists on our side, the opportunity to do multimedia projects. I think it will increase public ser vice from these two nonprofit organizations now becoming one nonprofit organization in ways that ever yone will appreciate.” This article was originally posted on November 9. Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@thepublicsradio.org

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Kitchen Guys (299 Walcott Street, Pawtucket) ser ves up more than fancy appliances. The Kitchen Guys difference allows customers to purchase the best top-name appliances in Rhode Island for a fraction of the cost of big-box retail stores. “There is no shortage of anything ,” says owner Michael Gaffin, and with a 20,000-square-foot showroom, there are endless opportunities to upgrade your home no matter the budget. Premier Scratch & Dent Appliances are the name of the game at Kitchen Guys, and many of their over 500 appliances have only minor cosmetic damage, often in areas hidden from public view. Pricing at 30-60 percent lower than retail, Kitchen Guys is one of the leading destinations in Rhode Island to purchase stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, ranges, and ever ything in between. Inventor y moves fast at Kitchen Guys, and any smart shopper is encouraged to visit the Kitchen Guys Showroom to take advantage of their most up -to -date products and prices. Customer ser vice is a priority, and Kitchen Guys even offers deliver y outside of Rhode Island. With over 16 years of experience in the appliance industr y, Kitchen Guys continues to be the go -to shop for the best appliances around.

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NEWS & LIFE

Neighborhood News A spa ce m a de ava i l a b l e to P rov i d e n ce ’ s n eigh b o r ho o d a s s o c i at i o n s f re e o f c h a rg e.

HOT TOPICS An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

New curator at the helm of Elmwood newsletter The Elmwood Neighborhood Association’s (ENA) monthly e-newsletter changes hands from Karen Hlynsky, who launched and continued the email publication for 12 years, to Jen Vincent. As Hlynsky steps down to focus on job and personal life responsibilities, she reflects on when ENA got its start as a loose association of activists in 2011, with a handful of neighbors assembling to advocate for improved city ser vices in the area in light of their needs being dismissed by City Hall. “ We each took on roles to build a sense of community and become a voice for the neighborhood in the Mayor’s Office,” says Hlynsky. From planting trees and developing a park to joining the Friends of Knight Memorial Librar y in improving the librar y building and programs, working with RIDOT to slow traffic, and advocating for affordable housing , ENA has garnered support and streng th from the community. When Hlynsky started the newsletter, she shares, “I’d hoped it would build pride in our neighborhood, and provide neighbors with opportunities to meet one another and join in activities that improved and celebrated our wonderful neighborhood. Ever y month I learned about events that Elmwoodians were hosting , organizing , and promoting and the workings of City Hall and state agencies whose decisions, projects, and programs impacted Elmwood. It’s been quite an education!” Now under Vincent’s leadership, the newsletter will get a new look but remain a source of information on projects and happenings for neighbors. To subscribe, email JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com.

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JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Summit Neighborhood Association seeks volunteer shovelers

Snow shovelers and grocery volunteers needed in Summit The Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) Snow Brigade helps elderly and disabled neighbors who have difficulty clearing their walks and driveways, and who cannot easily pay for a ser vice. SNA is urgently looking for additional volunteer shovelers for this season. Shovelers work in teams, trading off two -week shifts to prevent anyone from having to commit for the entire winter. If you are able to help, please email SNASnow@gmail.com. SNA continues to support the new Your Neighborhood Food Pantry at 533 Branch Avenue by helping coordinate some of their volunteers, as well as raising funds for this important community ser vice. Neighbors also assist the Mount Hope Community Center with their work distributing groceries every Friday to residents in need. To get involved with SNA, attend a monthly meeting (held on third Mondays at 7pm, except for holidays), and watch for updates by following their Facebook page. Meetings are open to the public and held in the Sopkin Auditorium at Miriam Hospital and on Zoom. For more information, email SNAProv@gmail.com

I’m here to help!

Photo courtesy of Summit Neighborhood Association

The Jewelry District prepares for new development The Jewelr y District faces an impending major construction boom. At its November meeting , the Jewelr y District Association ( JDA) had a lively discussion on how to maintain quality of life in their narrow street grid once all the planned projects have swung into action. Traffic issues, construction noise, dust, and other disruptions are unavoidable. The State Laborator y is already in the works on Richmond Street, with several big projects soon to follow. Construction fences will go up along Richmond, Elbow, and possibly Chestnut streets when work begins this summer on Brown’s 300,000-square-foot, seven-stor y Life Sciences building. A few small buildings will have to come down; then, after the rubble is hauled away, trucks will start delivering building materials. One big plus: Brown’s plans show publicly accessible groundfloor spaces and park-like pathways through the site. Nearby, the two -stor y Merchants Overseas warehouse at the corner of Bassett and Claverick streets will be transformed into a multi-stor y apartment complex. On Parcels 14 and 15, adjacent to Brown’s building at 200 Dyer Street, a 12-stor y apartment has been approved to start construction. Still under consideration is Pebb Capital’s re-scaled proposal for a residential infill building on Chestnut Street next to the district’s oldest building , Mayor Doyle’s house built in 1825. The evolution of the district continues, and the JDA will work to make the transformation as smooth as possible for the people who live, work, and play here. JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

401.440.7483 jroch@residentialproperties.com

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NEWS & LIFE

Providence Neighborhood Associations BLACKSTONE PARKS CONSERVANCY

COLLEGE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Rick Champagne P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906 CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION DNAPVD@gmail.com DNAPVD.com Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA

ELMWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Jen Vincent JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

FOX POINT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Amy Mendillo P.O. Box 2315 Providence, RI 02906 FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net

JEWELRY DISTRICT ASSOCIATION Sharon Steele Sharon@sharonsteele.com Jewelr yDistrict.org Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI

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MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION Charles Hewitt, Secretar y 1 Governor Street, Providence MileOf Histor y@gmail.com MileOf Histor y.org

MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Yuselly Mendoza, Program Coordinator 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 Yuselly@ona-providence.org Facebook: Olneyville Librar y

PROVIDENCE COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS

SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION c/o Dwayne Keys P.O. Box 5653 Providence, RI 02903 401-369-1334 SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association

SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Meeting Date: Januar y 22 P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940 401-400-0986 SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org

WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org

237 Washing ton Avenue Providence, RI 02905 BettyLinda@aol.com Facebook: Washing ton Park Association

RESERVOIR TRIANGLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

David Talan 25 Santiago St. Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com

Katherine Touafek Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com

SMITH HILL PARTNERS’ INITIATIVE

WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344 WBNA@wbna.org WBNA.org

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB

Jane Peterson P.O. Box 603141 Providence, RI 02906 401-270-3014 BlackstoneParks@gmail.com BlackstoneParksConser vancy.org

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FOOD & DRINK I n t h e K i tc h e n | R e c i p e | F o o d N ew s

Faux-get About It Plant-based cheese products let vegan eaters enjoy beloved Italian classics By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Barrett’s Garden

hen asked why she set out to create a plant-based cheese company, Liz Barrett’s answer is simple : “I missed lasagna !” After go ing vegan in 2012, the avid homecook realized how essential an ingredient cheese was in her life, sharing , “I especially missed ricotta and parmesan. How could I live without stuffed shells, manicotti, and lasagna ?” When her quest to find substitutes yielded only products with ingredients that didn’t align with her pursuit of eating clean, healthy foods without chemicals and fillers, she decided to make her own. Barrett’s Garden, which has become known for Sassy Cashew Spreads in a range of flavors – along with dair y-free iterations of cream cheese, mozzarella, and even an IPA cheddar (a collaboration with Revival Brewing in Providence) – was born out of Barrett’s graduation from the Warren-based Hope & Main incubator program’s 2017 summer cohort. She got her business license in 2018 and took off running. “I would pack my car with all of my gear to do lots of farmers markets to get the word out,” Barrett says. “I went to all of the vegan food festivals I could find, drove around to stores and gave demos, and participated in food shows. The Rhode Island food community is beautiful! I am ver y grateful to have a solid customer base that validates Barrett’s Garden year after year.” Her two original products are also two of her most popular: Farmesan and Fauxcotta. “Of course, you need those to make your lasagna !” Find Barrett’s Garden products in shops across the state, as well as online at BarrettsGardenFoods.com. JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Dream Delicatessen

Paw tuc ket’s hi ghl y a nt i ci p ate d d e s i g n e r d eli serves J ewish c lassic s with a mod ern sc hmear By Ken Abrams

new restaurant-style delicatessen straddling the Providence/ Pawtucket line is a dream come true for owner Jason Sugarman. “Maven’s is my baby. I’ve been working on this for like 12 years. The right pieces finally came together at the right time,” he says. An industry veteran, Sugarman was inspired by iconic delis like Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House in Florida, although he promises Maven’s Delicatessen, which opened in December, will be uniquely Rhode Island. Along with partner and culinar y director Jaime D’Oliveira, Sugarman aims to ser ve traditional Jewish fare with a modern touch. Inside the scratch kitchen, chefs boil their own bagels and smoke all their meats. “ We’re making our own hot dogs, salami, and smoked salmon,” says D’Oliveira. “Peo ple still talk about Lloyds from many years

ago,” he says, referencing the authentic delicatessen that was an East Side fixture until it closed in 1990. “ We’re baking our own r ye bread, challah, ever ything , in the traditional, old-school way.” The Maven’s staff spent months at food incubator Hope & Main in Warren where the chefs had the opportunity to work out a variety of menu items. “Authentic yet modern means staying within the notes and style of the food, but opening it up,” explains Sugarman. “ We’re going to stay within the tradition, but we want it to be for everybody.” With a large and diverse menu, Maven’s has appeal well beyond the local Jewish community. “I’m always surprised at how many cultures enjoy cured meat,” says Sugarman. “Salami, turkey – how about corned beef; it’s Irish, but it’s also Jewish. Jewish culture has always been multinational. One of the early Jewish

Jason Sugarman

Photo (top) courtesy of Maven’s, (bottom) by Ken Abrams

A variety of desserts including carrot cake with signature family recipe icing

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FOOD & DRINK

ghettos was in Italy. There’s a lot of cross-pollination between dishes. You’ve got German foods, Polish, French – a lot of stuff that overlaps. But we’re not going to have brisket tacos on the menu,” he says with a laugh. Additional menu items include Israeli salads, soups, and sandwiches. Traditional mayo-based salads like whitefish, tuna, egg, and salmon will be available regularly, as well as bakery classics, like blintzes, rugelach, and kugel. The restaurant can seat over 100 diners, and features 18 feet of deli cases, with monthly specials, weekly Shabbat dinners, and seasonal items. The space is open and bright, with booths, tables, and a breakfast nook along the front window – much built in Providence by Edge and End – along with tile

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throughout that resembles the half moon cookies they serve. Sugarman plans to provide catering as the business ramps up and there is talk of opening “Little Maven’s,” additional locations that would focus on products like deli sandwiches. A charming add-on for the young and youngat-heart is the classic comic books available at the counter. And don’t forget the pickles. At a recent tasting , the staff ser ved three varieties – sour, half-sour, and pickled green tomatoes – and promised more varieties to come!

Maven’s Delicatessen 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket • MavensDeli.com Open daily 7am-9pm Sunday-Thursday 7am-10pm Friday-Saturday

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos by Ken Abrams

Salmon topped with lemon-dill sour cream over kasha varnishkes

FOOD & DRINK

Winter Mezze Board A s s e m b l e yo u r ow n s n a c k i n g p l atte r o f l o c al c h e e s e s , m e at s , c rac ke rs , a n d m o re By L i z Mu r ray

Photo by Liz Murray

inter is the perfect time for gathering around the hearth with shareable spreads, and nothing says snow day like a board overflowing with provisions. This season, have fun ser ving this mix between a cheese and charcuterie board and mezze platter. Rhode Island is a treasure trove of mouthwatering morsels, and shopping local means boosting small businesses and going sustainable, as the food doesn’t need to travel far to get to you. The enjoyment of assembling a mezze board is that there are no rules, but here are tried-and-true tips to inspire creativity and deliciousness in assembling your own snacking masterpiece. 1. Find a suitable food-safe board to use as your base – wooden cutting boards, marble boards, or platters all work great. 2. Start by adding the cheeses and meats, along with sweet and savor y dips or spreads in small vessels; then fan out the dr y goods, like crackers, pretzels, and cookies (I like to use biscotti). 3. Fill up larger spaces with clusters of fruits like a bunch of grapes or handful of cranberries, and place smaller foods like nuts and olives in containers and add them to the board. 4. Once all of the big-ticket items are placed, fill empty spaces with chopped vegetables, dried fruits, and pickled ingredients. 5. The final step is to garnish with fresh herbs like rosemar y or thyme, and enjoy ! For more tips and recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com

O n t h e B o a rd Source ingredients at locally owned markets near you. This board was created with items from Hope & Main’s Downtown Makers Marketplace in Providence and Dave’s Fresh Marketplace. Visit product websites for more locations and online buying options. V EG A N I PA C H E D DA R Barrett’s Garden, Pawtucket BarrettsGardenFoods.com

2024 HAPPY NEW YEAR

2 Y / I$ X Y Y Y Y Y Y

J O H N N YC A K E C RA NB E RRY B ISCOTTI Bellicchi’s Best Biscotti, Warren BellicchisBest.com

PUMPKIN SEED C U M I N C RAC K E R S (G LUTEN FREE) Betta Bakes, Warren BettaBakes.com

R OA ST E D G A R L I C O NIO N JA M BSquared, Narragansett LiveB2.com

HA RD SA LA MI Del Duca, Mapleville DelDucaFood.com

BAG NETTO PA RSLEY CO NDIMENT Great Aunt Louise’s, Warren GreatAuntLouises.com

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DIV INE PROV IDE NC E C HE E S E Narragansett Creamery, Providence RICheeses.com

ROA STE D MIX E D NUTS Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company, Providence VSPNut.com

CONTACT GERRI TODAY! 401-474-3733 gerrischiffman.com

PITA C HIPS Z Pita Chipz ZPitaChipz.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Food News By Ken Abrams

East Providence’s first taste of craft beer A new craft brewery in East Providence is the first of its kind in the city. Crook Point Brewing is named for the illustrious “stuckup bridge,” which is visible from the tasting room. Owner Ernie Watson acquired the building , on the site of a former hammer factory along the Providence River, right before the pandemic and initially wasn’t sure how he would use the space. “Originally, I was thinking maybe a yoga studio or a cross-fit; then I realized a brewery would be very cool here,” says Watson. “I was a home brewer, and thought, hey, I can give it a go.” Head brewer John Windle operates the newly installed ten-barrel brewing system. “We can only do four at a time; that’s our fermentation cycle. We’ve got a lager, an ale, an IPA, and a seltzer,” says Watson, who is working on providing local food options. “We can send out, and work with restaurants right in the neighborhood.” There’s also an event space adjacent to the tap room, available for rental. East Providence, CrookPointBrewing.com

Micro-brewery moves to new digs in PVD Origin Beer Project emerged on the local scene in 2020, ser ving inspired brews from the taproom at Buttonwoods Brewer y in Cranston. As the popularity of their brand increased, owners Cheyne and Erika Tessier recognized the need for their own space, so in November, the couple opened at the former Beer on Earth location in the West End neighborhood of Providence. “Origin Beer Project is 50/50 owned between my husband and me,” says Erika. “ We’re really excited to be back in the city and the neighborhood where we used to live.”

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While higher alcohol content blends are sought out by some beer enthusiasts, Origin has unintentionally become recognized for its lighter offerings, including the tiny IPA Forgot to Mention at only 2.7 percent, along with Small Victories, a Czech pale lager, and pale ale Relentless Optimism. Stronger brews like the Everyone triple IPA and the 11.3 percent Midnight Altar are also customer favorites. Non-alcoholic drink offerings include root beer, Alpine-style botanical soda, and lemon-lime seltzer, all available at the small-but-stylish taproom. Providence, OriginBeerProject.com

A bar in a record store? “Why not?” says Chris Zingg who runs the Upside Bar with partner David Silva in the former 2nd Story Theatre, sharing space with Zingg’s In Your Ear Records. The neighborhood watering hole off Main Street “is intended to be one cohesive unit with the record store,” says Zingg. “We’re calling it The Upside Bar at In Your Ear.” Upside serves music-themed cocktails and craft beers, “eight on tap, including local brewers Proclamation, Long Live Beerworks, Pivotal Brewing, and Origin Beer Project,” says Zingg. In addition to drinks, nearby Taco Box provides a full menu from Friday through Sunday. “We have this huge commercial kitchen downstairs. During the week, we’ll also have light bites and bar food.” The menu features chicken and shrimp tacos, salads, and bowls. You can also check out local musicians and DJs spinning vinyl most weekends. Zingg plans to turn the upstairs theater into a venue to host touring bands, comedy shows, and even a theater group for neurodivergent adults. Warren, @upside_bar JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo courtesy of Origin Beer Project

Vinyl-themed bar opens in Warren

com

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

All Favorites Cafe 1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com | A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille 8 locations across RI! Chelos.com | A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

MainStreet Coffee 137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 | MainStreet-Coffee.com Casual coffee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

Casa Azul 890 Allens Street, PVD | 401-414-7799 CasaAzulri.com | Our Casa is Your Casa. Authentic Mexican Flavors, Delicious Recipes and Vegan options. Home of the Wicked Best Margarita.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700 thecoastguardhouse.com | Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar 1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088 marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

CAV Restaurant 14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com | Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island 401-558-0190 | davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

Twin Willows 865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com | Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

O utdo o r D i n i n g |

C ur b sid e Pickup |

De li ve r y |

Ta keout |

Al l erg en Fri en d l y Op t i o n s

Kevin Fox | YOUR EAST SIDE REAL ESTATE EXPERT

2 0 2 3 Y E A R I N R E V I E W. . . 22 Halsey St, #4 List Agent SOLD | $350,188

77 S Angell St, #101 List Agent SOLD | $1,645,000

63 Summit Ave List Agent SOLD | $690,000

6 Cady St List & Sell Agent SOLD | $2,200,000

72 Larch St List & Sell Agent SOLD | $825,000

1 Wayland Ave, 109S List & Sell Agent SOLD | $730,000

15 Olney Street, D List Agent SOLD | $520,000

150 Slater Ave List & Sell Agent SOLD | $1,300,000

47 Oriole Ave Sell Agent SOLD | $1,320,000

37 Dexterdale Rd List Agent SOLD | $815,000

83 Colonial Rd List Agent SOLD | $648,000

127 Pratt Street List Agent SOLD | $2,200,000

338 Taber Ave List Agent SOLD | $950,000

67 Overhill Rd Sell Agent SOLD | $900,000

4 Cole Farm Ct List & Sell Agent SOLD | $755,000

54 Halsey St, #5 List Agent SOLD | $525,000

410 Cole Ave Sell Agent SOLD | $2,175,000

50 Eames St List & Sell Agent SOLD | $2,200,000

34 E George St List Agent SOLD | $860,000

18 Imperial Pl, 4D List Agent SOLD | $885,000

225 Fifth St List Agent SOLD | $857,000

80 Hartshorn Rd List Agent SOLD | $1,135,000

22 Emeline St List Agent SOLD | $1,050,000

232 Taber Ave Sell Agent SOLD | $1,250,000

9Wb O_M .M Sell Agent SOLD | $1,020,000

555 S Water St, 231 Sell Agent SOLD | $415,000

90 Upton Ave List Agent SOLD | $1,215,001

25 Orchard Pl Sell Agent SOLD | $954,000

50 Woodbury St List & Sell Agent SOLD | $749,000

81 Elmgrove Ave, #3 List Agent SOLD | $579,000

401.688.5556 | kevin.fox@compass.com | 369 S. Main St. Kevin Fox is a real estate agent with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

FINANCIAL GUIDE 20

Strategies for Making the Most of Your Money Starting Now! By the Editors

The flip of the calendar page, or swipe of an app, signals new beginnings! However, credit card statements from holiday spending, the cold weather, rumblings of a possible recession, and continued high inflation are likely to cause some anxiety. In this year’s guide, we aim to provide useful, sensible tips so that you can keep on striving to live your best life in the Ocean State.

FINANCIAL GUIDE 2024

ELECTRIC CARS

ELECTRIC BIKES

After years of shortages, car sellers are reporting increased availability of electric vehicles on dealer lots. Most major auto companies now offer several models, from sports cars to trucks. You can find manufacturers’ discounts and government rebates that bring the cost of owning electric cars much closer to the price of traditional gas vehicles. A federal tax credit

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. With prices as low as $500, e-bikes reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, are better for the environment, and will get you around faster with less peddling. The state provides rebates for bikes purchased in Rhode Island with a standard rebate of 30 percent of the purchase price or $350,

of up to $7,500 is available for certain models (check with your dealer for further details) and the state of Rhode Island provides a $1,500 rebate based on income eligibility. Learn more at IRS.gov and DriveRI.gov, respectively.

whichever is less. The income-qualified rebate, which is generally open to people who receive state or federal income assistance, is 75 percent or $750. Learn more at DriveRI.gov/erika-niedowskimemorial-electric-bicycle-rebate-program

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NAVIGATING SUCCESSION IN A FAMILY BUSINESS Running a business and keeping pace with evolving technologies, consumer preferences, and economic uncertainties can be challenging. When that business is closely held or family owned, complexities rise as emotional and psychological dynamics are introduced along with legacy concerns and a need to ensure succession meets financial and business goals. Having advised our own clients through similar transitions, we have learned common threads throughout including a need to think objectively and plan strategically while considering all personalities and dynamics involved. During this process, we offer objectivity and just the right technical toolbox. As parents become company ambassadors, they often hope to bring their children into leadership roles while facing the reality of gifting their corporate baby to their actual babies. Letting go with peace of mind is no easy feat. So, let’s look at three central questions that often arise. 1. How do you secure retirement and your legacy? Owners of small to midsized businesses often rely on their exit as a primary source of retirement income, making retirement strategies a priority. Fortunately, there are opportunities to design plans and leverage various tools unique to each owner. When parents pass their business to the next generation, it is with the vision that the company will thrive under new ownership. Onboarding, training, and legacy building can take years and only happens with education and adequate preparation. 2. What is fair in the family? Many factors play into a family’s determination of the most equitable path including individual values, spending habits, and roles various family members play in the business. Sibling rivalry can complicate this, raising questions about asset distribution and responsibilities. During this time, everyone will need to be open to discussing their goals, business interests, and concerns—ideally with a skilled facilitator or advisor there to mediate. 3. When do you begin thinking about a transition? Regardless of how difficult it may be, it is never too early to think about an exit strategy. Since an unexpected emergency and a rushed succession only increases friction, early discussions should begin with the end in mind. Proactive planning allows time to lay a clear path, let individuals express themselves and embrace their future roles, and cement retirement expectations. All stages should involve a coordinated support team of CPAs, financial advisors, and legal experts for business and estate planning. Family-owned businesses are a long-term endeavor. When handing operations to a new generation and as parents enter a new life stage, emotional issues arise. With the right team by your side, you can create a sustainable path—one that is operationally sound while considering interpersonal dynamics. If you have questions about business transition, please contact Carmen Grinkis.

CARMEN GRINKIS PhD, CLTC, CLU®, CFP®

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FINANCIAL GUIDE 2024

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Are heating bills giving you the chills? Energy.RI.gov is a great resource for things like the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps incomeeligible households reduce heating bills by providing whole-house energy efficiency services. Also find information on heating assistance, sales tax exemptions, and more. To determine how much energy you’re actually using and what to do about it, schedule a no-cost home energy assessment where an energy auditor will complete an attic-to-basement evaluation and provide a custom home energy report outlining recommended energy efficiency improvements. They will even install a few no-cost energy-saving products which may include ENERGY STARcertified LED light bulbs, seven-day programmable thermostats, faucet aerators, or low-flow showerheads. Based on your assessment, you may be eligible for rebates, a zero percent interest HEAT loan, and thousands in savings towards a new insulation installation.

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PLANNING FOR THE LONG-TERM CARE OF YOUR AGING LOVED ONE Finding the right care for your aging loved one can be complicated. And their needs may change over time. Let an Aging Life Care Specialist guide you through the process. It all begins with listening. Contact Saint Elizabeth Community to arrange an assessment with one of our certi®ed and skilled Aging Life Care Specialists. A;>IDD@IDA;> info@stelizabethcommunity.org StElizabethCommunity.org Saint Elizabeth Community is a nonprofit, nonsectarian 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and CareLink Partner. Saint Elizabeth Community is a member of the national Aging Life Care Association, the experts in aging well.

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FINANCIAL GUIDE 2024

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Employee Rights A law firm with nearly 40 years of experience, Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd. represents employees in employment discrimination, retaliation, medical leave, and wage and hour law. Good financial planning should start with looking into whether or not you are being paid by your employer for all the work you perform. Richard Sinapi, Esq. and Danilo Borgas, Esq. share answers to common questions asked by employees.

How much of my work time is compensable? It depends. For those paid by the hour, any time you are required to be at work is compensable. If your employer requires or allows you to work outside your usual hours and you do so, that is also probably compensable. For on-call time, if you are restricted in your ability to engage in other meaningful daily life activities, then you should be paid for the time. Time spent traveling for your employer during the workday (though typically not commute time) is compensable.

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sification, which federal law recognizes as race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, and citizenship. RI law adds color, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected classes. Effective January 1, 2023, Rhode Island’s Pay Equity Law prohibits employers from paying an employee at a wage less than the wage rate paid to employees outside a protected class for performing comparable work.

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I’m being scheduled for twohour shifts. Can my boss do that? Yes, but if you are an hourly employee, you are entitled to a minimum of three hours of pay for each shift, regardless of how long you are actually assigned to work, unless you expressly and voluntarily agree to be assigned to shifts of less than three hours.

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FEATURE

New Year, New Use

From slow fashion to creative reuse centers, Ocean State organizations are turning trash into treasure By Abbie Lahmers

ost of us know the dopamine rush that comes with hitting “order” online, and the fleeting thrill of the unboxing that follows, but in a state that harkens to the ocean in its nickname, a shift toward more sustainable consumerism can be even more appealing than the lure of two-day delivery. With this sentiment in mind, Charlotte von Meister and Danielle Sturm founded Rhode Island’s first slow fashion collective, and late last year, The Nest grew into a bigger space on Carpenter Street in Providence, where racks of secondhand styles are complemented by a second floor dedicated to community outreach. “ We’re an educational space first, where people can learn and meet other people,” says Sturm. Through monthly clothing swaps, knitting and sewing clubs, tailoring and mending appointments, and more, events get clients thinking about The Nest’s mission of “combatting overconsumption and waste in the textile and fashion industr y.” Hailing from the midwest where she grew up thrifting , Sturm sought refuge in searching for cool, unique plus-size clothing she couldn’t find in traditional stores. As her collection grew, she realized, “If I’m having this problem finding plus-size clothing , other people must be too, so I started reselling on Instagram.” For von Meister, shopping at Closet Revival in Newport was her first foray into consignment, before working at fashion startups in New York City. “ The longer I worked within the fashion industr y,” she relays, “I really started to see how toxic it was, from production to end of life of the product, and especially the pushy consumerism.” The pair’s journeys converged over a dinner to discuss splitting a booth at the Providence Flea in 2021 and snowballed into finding their first space on Craigslist, where they let their business model grow organically, g uided by what their clientele were seeking : a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion.

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The Nest founders Danielle Sturm and Charlotte von Meister

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

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FEATURE

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Sewing machines at The Nest

Photo (top) courtesy of The Nest, (bottom) courtesy of Creative Reuse Center

Rather than pushing sales, von Meister explains, “ With all the different offerings we have at The Nest, we’re really tr ying to meet people where they are on their conscious consumerism journey. Not ever yone shops second-hand, but if you’re still buying new, come to our tailoring ser vice or come to a sewing class and learn how to make it yourself.” Although recycling can sometimes be a viable option, Sturm emphasizes that sustainability starts with purchasing. “ The fashion industr y hides behind the oil industr y because the majority of clothes and fast fashion are made of plastic, which is derived from oil,” she explains, pointing to polyester, which melts down and releases chemicals. Sheri Griffin, the operations director of the Creative Reuse Center of RI echoes this sentiment. “Reduce, reuse, and repair are so much better than recycle,” says Griffin. “Keeping items from the landfill not only saves space, it saves energ y and greenhouse emissions.” By taking donations of excess materials and making them available at ver y low prices for educators and makers, the East Providence center inspires creativity when it comes to turning trash into treasure. “We keep the price of experimentation low, so that the environmental and social benefit is high,” says Griffin, explaining that their mission is to forge a deliberately anti-racist, safe, accessible space, dismantling barriers to “liberate creative practice.” The Creative Reuse Center opened in October of 2022, following the closure of South Providence’s Resources For Rhode Island Education, which had been an outlet for recycling and reuse for 30 years. “We were able to take on their leftover inventory, and we are seeking to restart their relationships with contributors and customers,” Griffin explains. From crafting materials like fabric, beads, and drawing pads to a collection of film negatives of moon photography from NASA, the Creative Reuse Center sparks creativity with its stores of goods, operating on a membership model, and asks that donors check online to see what items they’re accepting. Griffin shares that classroom supplies – paper, binders, paints, and brushes – are always in demand, along with crochet hooks and wool. Not sure where to begin? Workshops demonstrate how to sew or crochet, make journals, and craft with unique items. “Many of our customers

The Creative Reuse Center hosts crafting workshops to get makers inspired

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

SEW IT YOURSELF Make learning to mend your New Year’s resolution by finding a class near you. Along with beginner and (coming soon) advanced classes at The Nest, here’s a handful of sewing shops offering mending lessons:

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love to learn techniques,” says Griffin. “Some are interested in how to use unlikely items, such as cardboard tubes, tin cans, and rope in their studios or classrooms.” Oftentimes, sustainability missions go hand in hand with human rights initiatives. Along with keeping furniture out of landfills, the South County Habitat for Humanity ReStore retail space in Charlestown fuels the nonprofit’s mission of building affordable housing. “ We’re just one of the over 1,000 thrift stores located in the US and Canada that takes in gently used furniture and household goods for resale, which gives us the money to purchase land and materials to build houses,” says manager Jason Brown, sharing that they’ve built 58 houses and ser ved 122 families. “A huge component of our customer base are landlords and DIY-ers working on projects and remodels on a budget,” says Brown. “Donating and shopping second-hand is a great way to perpetuate more sustainable

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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FEATURE

SUSTAINABLE FASHION Dip your toes in more conscious consumerism with these first steps from the pros at The Nest.

ALL NATURAL “Buy second-hand as much as you can. Thrifting is fun,” says Sturm, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, shop small first and opt for natural fibers like cotton and wool, which last longer, hold less odor, are easier to mend, and eventually decompose.

SHOP YOUR CLOSET “Outfit repeating is such a stigma, especially on social media,” says von Meister. “Don’t be afraid to wear the same thing twice. Play dress-up in your closet” to rediscover pieces you love and get inspired.

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MEND IT Along with workshops offered at The Nest, watch for sewing kits available soon, complete with buttons, needles, and threads, along with knitting supplies, vintage fabric, and garment care products.

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Author Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie visiting the Creative Reuse Center practices in our daily life.” Being selective about the items you bring into your home begins with thoughtfully removing the things you don’t need, which is why a lynchpin of The Nest’s business model is decluttering. “We call it closet therapy because we’re so sentimentally attached to our belongings; it’s either attachment to the past or fear of the future that people hold onto things,” says von Meister, a certified KonMari Consultant™, the method founded by author/TV personality

Habitat ReStore is a go-to for home goods and furniture

Marie Kondo. “Clutter holds so much emotion, and when you get rid of it and handpick and curate the things you want to keep, that energ y radiates to the rest of your life.” Through partnerships with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, along with a local textile recycling facility, von Meister takes apparel out of the home to redistribute, and selected items can be consigned at The Nest, where clients can earn back a profit on items sold. During their first few weeks open in the

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo (L) courtesy of Creative Reuse Center

“A lot of people come in here and fashion is really scar y for them because they’re not happy with their bodies or they’ve been burned by the fashion industr y in the past,” says Sturm. With the plus-size section deliberately front and center and tailoring ser vices available, a visit to The Nest encourages patrons to find clothes that empower.

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new location, Sturm shared that several new faces had stopped by the shop, and over the years, curious visitors have not only found their most empowered selves shopping racks at The Nest but also have become resident sewists and tailors at the collective. “Rhode Island is such a special place,” says von Meister. “Being the smallest state, there’s great pride in small businesses and shopping local, and there’s this great sensibility around environmentalism and sustainability.”

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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HOME & STYLE

Photo by Norman Joshua Photography, courtesy of Hill and Harbor Design+Build

Home | Influencer | Shop

Coming of Age

An 1875 Mansard Empire home gets a 21st century makeover By Elyse Major

he real estate listing began with “Much admired 1875 Mansard Empire home” – and continued citing coveted features like a large carriage house garage, high ceilings, period moldings, and details including a covered brick veranda, patios, a stunning dining room, and more. Yet, this home in East Greenwich’s Hill and Harbor area sat on the market for some time. Says current homeowner Sherri Tracey of the property in which she happily resides with her husband Doug and their two older kids, “Many people I know looked at it and even considered purchasing it. I think it was over whelming for some because it needed a lot of work and would be a huge project.” JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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Modern fixtures mix nicely with original details in the open space

Photo courtesy of Hill and Harbor Design+Build

HOME & STYLE

In a wise move, the Traceys’ realtor Jodie Neville suggested they reach out to Paul Vespia from Hill and Harbor Design+Build (HHDB) to get an idea of the amount of work ahead. “After talking to HHDB and getting a budget range as well as some ideas to change the layout of the house, we submitted an offer, still a little unsure about what we were getting ourselves into,” says Doug. The day of the closing , HHDB began demolition work.

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HOME & STYLE

Photo courtesy of Hill and Harbor Design+Build

Ambitious structural plans included transforming a series of rooms into an open floor plan on the main level, which meant removing “a staircase to nowhere” and knocking down the walls of two bedrooms to create an expansive space where kitchen, pantr y, T V room, and dining rooms all flow. With so much house to decorate and to keep things cohesive, the couple turned to HHDB’s interior designer. Says Sherri, “ With their help I was able to use different colors throughout the house that transition seamlessly from one room to the next. Most of these colors I would’ve never picked myself, but we love ever y single color in ever y room.”

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Long after moving in, Sherri still beams when talking about her house. “We were able to have a brand new house but keep the charm of an 1875 historic home all in 14 weeks from start to finish of construction. My tip would be if you are looking for something new – whether it be a new home or new kitchen – is to listen to the professionals. We love that we took a chance with HHDB’s vision of this house and it turned out even better than we imagined.”

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Photo courtesy of Hill and Harbor Design+Build

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HOME & STYLE

Reach for the Stars By Elyse Major

ven though Oprah Winfrey no longer has a daily show on broadcast TV, that doesn’t mean she’s not still a true influencer. Each year the dynamic actor-producerauthor’s thoughtfully sourced gift list (AKA “Oprah’s Favorite Things”) appears on OprahDaily.com and in the Winter issue of O Quarterly magazine, driving millions of dollars in sales and putting smaller brands in the national spotlight. One of the current 48 gifts under 50 dollars is the Yanta set by Roam Load, the Providence-based athleticwear brand founded in 2020 by Toyin Omisore. “Our team is unapologetically dedicated to creating a lifestyle that highlights brown skin. Roam Loud strives to support its Wanderers on their journeys with eye-catching pieces that celebrate a variety of body types. Enjoy our collection at the gym, in nature, or on the go,” says Omisore. Winfrey agrees, stating on OprahDaily.com, “The founder of this fitness-wear company has designed pieces with higher waists and tops that feel a little more substantial – plus a pocket for your phone or keys.” Learn more about Omisore in our Influencer column.

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HOME & STYLE

The intrepid designer’s activewear set is among Oprah’s Favorite Things By Amber Jackson

How do you describe Roam Loud? Roam Loud is a premium feel-good athleisure brand where we encourage you to live and be free and as a brand and community ; we are creating a lifestyle where brown skin is at the front and not an afterthought. How has Rhode Island contributed to your identity as an entrepreneur or the Roam Loud brand? Growing up here, I haven’t always felt seen, and that it had an impact on how I ap proached entrepreneurship, which I believe works in my favor. Invisibility forced me to dream big and beyond the place I lived. I didn’t move with the expectation of support; I just focused on creating a dope brand for a worldwide community that I hadn’t met yet. Roam Loud’s Yanta set is featured in the 2023 list of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Huge accomplishment! What was your initial reaction to the news? Was it a surprise or was there a submission process? I kind of froze in amazement staring at the email. Then I called my sister so we could scream together. The Yanta set did go through a review process but nothing was final, so receiving the congratulations email was an amazing surprise. What are some favorite local restaurants to visit for some self-care time? I don’t have just one when it comes to food but some recent favorites are 4 Seasons and PiANTA Vegan Restaurant in Providence, and D’s Spot in Pawtucket. Learn more at RoamLoud.com; find Amber Jackson at BlackLeaf Tea.com

Photo courtesy of Toyin Omisore

Meet Toyin Omisore

What inspired you to start Roam Loud, your brand of activewear and athleisure apparel? I was inspired to create the brand around 2018. During this time, I was in the g ym almost ever y day. A friend of mine worked for an activewear company and told me about a sample sale they were having. My activewear truly sucked so I took advantage of the sale. Later that night at the g ym, I had my new set on and I felt amazing. I felt so good, my workout was two hours that night. It was then I knew I wanted to create an activewear brand to recreate that feeling for other peo ple. I also knew if I was going to do this, it had to reflect the women who look like me that value health and wellness.

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f there were ever a place to grow an idea from sticky note scrawlings to community-backed cooperatives, it’s Providence. Small enough to forge connections and keen enough to test the waters with new ideas, the Creative Capital is an ideal entrepreneurial playground for innovation – whether incubating enterprising pursuits in a range of industries, fostering equitable opportunities for youth, addressing the climate crisis, mining our city’s history to source solutions for today, or imagining a more just world. At Providence Monthly, our January Who to Watch feature is all about identif ying and celebrating standout individuals who have emerged on our radar – we keep our ears to the ground all year for rising stars you may not have heard of yet but will soon see their efforts permeate the fabric of our city. It is our honor to introduce you to nine industrious go-getters poised to shake things up in 2024 and beyond. Who to Watch honorees each answered five questions about their work and plans for the city in 2024; answers were minimally edited or trimmed by our team to account for space. To learn more, follow each individual on social media or online.

KEEP WATCHING FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON OUR WHO TO WATCH PARTY, PLANNED FOR THIS APRIL. FOLLOW @PVDMONTHLY FOR TICKETS AND DETAILS.

WATCH Victor Baez GROW A PLATFORM FOR UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. I am a born-and-raised Providence Afro-Latino Dominican kid who grew up on the Southside proudly with immigrant parents. I am now the owner of the most popular independent podcast and YouTube channel in the state. I cover and break some of the biggest stories that happen in this city. I film and edit everything myself locally and I highlight Providence artists and businesses every week. I do not plan on ever leaving this city. I worked very hard to graduate from Classical High School and become my family’s first-generation college graduate with a business degree from the University of Rhode Island. I remained an entrepreneur throughout and have yet to work for anyone other than myself. I am now raising my son with my girlfriend of seven years in this city.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? Every time I go outside, the people of Providence refer to me as the “Mayor.” Even though they’re joking , it’s a subliminal role of responsibility they’re placing on me. I am passionate about learning and showing people what I have learned, and without trying , I’ve filled a need for leadership this city has lacked, especially for the Black and Brown community of kids and young adults. This is something I have come to realize in the past few months.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? I’m looking to continue developing more platforms and content to highlight local artists, and regular everyday people – everything from a dating show to a homeless sheltering program, to a backseat freestyle performance show for musicians.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? I currently run and do everything myself and hope to generate more revenue to hire staff. This would allow me to employ local kids who want to do what I currently do, and to finally pay my friends for all of the time they spend with me filming content.

JOURNALIST AND PODCAST HOST @itsavibe @clubambition

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? My two -year-old son Ocean Nasir Baez, who is part of both the Cambodian and Dominican communities of Providence, and he’s named after the Ocean State – ever ything I do is to solidif y a future for my family, all while still remaining passionate and having fun at my job. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. I moved here for love! I’m from New York City, am half-Korean, and grew up in Dubai, so Providence was not the obvious place for me to end up, but I’m so thankful I have because I love everything about it. I’m just completing my first months as executive director of Providence Preservation Society (PPS), a non-profit that over the last 60+ years has spearheaded the successful preservation and adaptive reuse of buildings and cultural landscapes that tell significant stories about our past.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? I’m joining PPS during a time of transformation in the field of preservation practice, as we reckon with the wildly uneven benefits and burdens that have been the result of preservation scholarship, policy, and advocacy, such as gentrification and displacement. That’s the case here in Providence as much as it is in other cities across the country. At PPS, this means continuing to strengthen and develop our relationships with communities across the city so we truly are an organization that serves all 25 neighborhoods equally. I see this work as deeply connected to issues of justice, equity, and civic engagement, and that’s what motivates me to do it.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? I hope PPS will play a significant role in redefining how we think about the city’s history and heritage by celebrating a wide diversity of places and community stories. But I also think that PPS needs to be out front, evangelizing for the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and places within the context of climate change and the city’s sustainability goals. Cities that continue to choose demolition and new construction over adaptive reuse will not be able to meaningfully reduce their carbon emissions.

WATCH Marisa Angell Brown TELL STORIES OF THE PAST THROUGH EQUITABLE PRESERVATION NOW

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? Money and time! PPS is small but mighty ; it’s a legacy institution that keeps company with organizations that have two to five times as many staff, but we sure could use some more money and more hours in the day to do the work that needs doing.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? Providence gives me optimism; it was a gift that my husband gave to me, and it’s a gift we have given our children. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROVIDENCE PRESERVATION SOCIETY @marisaangellbrown

WATCH Priscilla De La Cruz CARRY OUT CLIMATE JUSTICE IN FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. Growing up in Providence, I was motivated by the challenges of energ y and economic uncertainties that I witnessed my Dominican family experiencing , heightened by poor air quality and severe asthma. Shortly after graduating from Rhode Island College, I worked for local nonprofits, dedicating my career to making green energ y accessible, advancing environmental protection, and addressing climate justice issues. After completing a master’s degree at Har vard University, I fully leaned into my advocacy voice to lead coalitions like the Environment Council of RI and Climate Jobs RI, where I fostered collaboration on state policies to further climate action.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? Today, I remain driven by the goal of improving quality of life for Providence residents and creating more opportunities and access for communities to thrive.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? As Providence’s director of sustainability, my priority is implementing the Climate Justice Plan and honoring its intentional framework that centers racial equity and meaningful community engagement. When we center the voices of communities of color, Indigenous people, and low-income neighborhoods that are disproportionately impacted by pollution and decades of disinvestment, we’re committing to not leaving any of our frontline communities behind.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals?

DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY, CITY OF PROVIDENCE LinkedIn: Priscilla De La Cruz

The reality is that we must adapt to a warming climate and support the resiliency of our communities as we work to lessen the impacts of climate change. As we do our part to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions – like the carbon dioxide from the fossil fuel energy we consume – extreme weather events will continue to increase, further exacerbating the challenges our frontline communities face. During heatwaves, they have limited tree canopy cover or greenspaces. In flood-prone areas, there is little natural stormwater infrastructure like trees and grass to combat flash flooding. These challenges reinforce the need to be intentional and work alongside residents to identify and meet their needs.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? Community, family, and collaboration keep me optimistic. The climate change crisis requires that we support one another, and I think we’re recognizing that we’re at a moment in climate action. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. Born and raised in Providence, I am a father of three children and husband to Mayra Soto-Johnson. I am the founder of the Rosa Parks Resource Center and media platform Teen Connect, as well as the co-founder of Culture Fest RI and Peace and Love Day. I love farming at Bami Farm, where we grow veggies and educate the community about the importance of growing their own food and eating healthily.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? The planned Rosa Parks Community Resource Center, at a former mosque and adjoining building on Prairie Avenue, is a needed solution for youth and families, especially Black and Brown Rhode Islanders in forgotten, underfunded, and neglected Providence communities. Programs tailored to our needs are few and far between. We need a place for us, and it can’t just be a gymnasium to play basketball in. Our Black and Brown families and children deserve a safe place owned by people who look like them where we can grow together, get resources, and have outlets for youth to learn new skills, be creative, and foster their brilliance.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? The Rosa Parks Center will have a multipurpose room where community meetings can be held and resources for job opportunities, health options, and housing information can be found. There will also be a classroom with computers for youth of color to learn key job and life skills, an art gallery, and a stateof-the-art recording studio. Through Teen Connect, I also aspire to amplify the voices of the younger generation by providing a platform for their perspectives.

WATCH Arthur “ ” Archie Johnson CREATE SPACE FOR SOUTHSIDE YOUTH AND FAMILIES

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? Too often community organizations have to compete with each other for funding, and it makes it harder to collaborate. We all know that we can have a greater impact when we come together, but resources are so scarce, and that makes it challenging.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? With the opening of the Rosa Parks Resource Center bringing much-needed services and programs, I have a reason to be optimistic. We’re building community with the people of South Providence and creating a space where people can ask for help with dignity. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

FOUNDER, ROSA PARKS RESOURCE CENTER @rosaparkscenterri

WATCH Dr. Marianne Raimondo CHAMPION THE NEXT GENERATION’S WORKFORCE

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. Many Rhode Island College (RIC) students are from Providence and are graduates of Providence high schools. My number one goal is to ensure these students receive an excellent education and have a positive and supportive academic experience. I also want to meet the needs of Providence businesses and employers by preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to be productive and successful employees. I meet with businesses and nonprofits to learn about their workforce needs and then work to meet them, creating a pipeline for our students.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? My motivation is creating opportunities for Providence students and their families by providing a pathway to higher education and supporting these students through graduation and beyond to create career opportunities that will lead to not only financial well-being but overall well-being. I am passionate about working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students and families

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? RIC, as a public institution, takes seriously its mission to serve the community. In the School of Business, we do this in many ways: through partnerships with community organizations and state agencies, we are very involved in workforce development initiatives, creating certificate programs, apprenticeships, and career ladders. Through our new institute, Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, we will also be supporting small businesses and municipalities, like Providence, in assuring their cyber protection and safety.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? There is no limit to our ideas for plans for 2024 – the challenge is always finding time and resources to do it all.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024?

DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE RIC.edu/department-directory/school-business

RIC is a college on the move and every day we are reaching out to build partnerships and identify ways we can better support the community. It has been exciting to foster new relationships with Providence-based businesses and community leaders and explore opportunities for collaboration. I am also optimistic about the Governor’s Learn365 RI initiative and the role RIC will play in supporting municipal learning centers, including the city of Providence. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. Rhode Island is my home turf – I was born in Pawtucket and raised in Providence. My journey has taken unexpected turns, from pursuing a degree in business to immersing myself in finance, teaching English, and finally transitioning to becoming a software engineer after attending a coding bootcamp. My five-year solo travels profoundly shaped my perspective. Now, as director of the RI Women’s Business Center part of the Center for Women & Enterprise, I’m committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in their unique journeys.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? My motivation and work are fueled by the glaring need for tailored resources for women in our community. Drawing on personal experiences, I recognize the stigmas women face, especially when venturing into territories like entrepreneurship. The fact that over 70 percent of women multitask as caretakers while building businesses underscores the importance of our mission. My focus is on uplifting all women, particularly those underserved, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled, fostering self-sufficiency in the face of societal challenges.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? I aim to elevate the visibility of the RI Women’s Business Center as a go-to resource for women from diverse backgrounds. By building a strong, inclusive community of women entrepreneurs, we will debunk the myth of isolation in their entrepreneurial journeys. My ultimate goal is to position the center as the prime inclusive hub for supporting women entrepreneurs in Rhode Island.

WATCH Lindsey Lidia Ramirez OPEN DOORS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? Anticipated challenges in 2024 include managing the bandwidth needed to cover Rhode Island effectively. However, with our dynamic team supported by a robust network, a skilled and connected advisory board, and dedicated volunteers, we are well prepared to navigate any hurdles that may arise.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? My optimism for 2024 stems from the brilliance, talent, and indomitable spirit of our clients and the wider women’s community. Witnessing the enthusiasm, need, and collective purpose in supporting women through events and connections reaffirms my commitment to making Rhode Island, and society at large, a better place for women in business. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

RHODE ISLAND DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR WOMEN & ENTERPRISE @cwetalkrhodeisland CWEOnline.org

WATCH Amalfi Rosario BRIDGE BARRIERS IN HEALTHCARE ACCESS

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. I moved to Providence when I was 10 years old from the Dominican Republic, and I’ve considered this city my home ever since. With a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Rhode Island College and certification as a community health worker, I’ve dedicated the past decade of my life to working in the healthcare field and actively engaging with the community. I take great pride in serving as the owner of Healthcare Connect to address the multifaceted social determinants of health. Our commitment goes beyond connecting clients to resources; we also ensure they attend their doctor’s appointments and coordinate services to provide comprehensive assistance.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? Witnessing my own family’s struggles accessing resources due to language barriers deeply impacted me. Social determinants of health refer to various factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare, that influence an individual’s overall well-being and health outcomes. There exists a gap among our clients who lack awareness of the available support. Our community health workers are steadfast in ensuring they receive necessary assistance.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? Whether it’s through community initiatives or advocating for important social causes, I aim to be a force for positive change and progress in our city, and to leave a lasting impression by guaranteeing our clients have access to vital resources and know that they have a dedicated support system, someone who speaks their language, and is readily available to assist them. This way, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can fully participate and flourish.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals?

FOUNDER, HEALTH CARE CONNECT @healthcareconnectri

One significant challenge we’ll face is the persistent housing shortage and homelessness issue, which directly affects our clients. Finding sustainable solutions for affordable housing and addressing the needs of the homeless population will be a complex endeavor. Ongoing public health concerns may further complicate our efforts. Overcoming these challenges will require a multifaceted approach.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? The resilience and adaptability of our community and our capacity for positive change. As we learn from past challenges, we are better equipped to navigate the road ahead and build a brighter future for our community. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. I’m a Korean American artist educator working with histories and archival research to reconnect with my ancestors. This often takes the form of woodworking , papercraft, and ceramics, but in the past couple years, it has also involved digital tools like 3D modeling , using old photographs. This approach began when I learned that I currently live in the downtown Providence neighborhood which was once Chinatown. I’m doing a residency at the Library of Congress in which I make use of these “relational reconstruction” techniques to explore our relationships with erased early communities of color.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? My work builds meaning through dialogue with fellow Asian Americans, who are my primary audience and inspiration. It’s a way for me to connect more deeply with my own family and cultural heritage, and to take part in our collective history.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? Though it begins in the past, my work is really about the future. By building and re-establishing connections with our predecessors, I hope present-day Asian Americans in Providence, and all residents, are inspired to envision a more just future. Learning about both the hard truths about our collective pasts, as well as the joys, lays important groundwork for reparation and healing.

WATCH Jeffrey Yoo Warren USE THE PAST TO INFORM A MORE JUST FUTURE

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals? We live in a deeply unjust world, and I know many of us carry pain both from our own (and our ancestors’) experiences and heartache from witnessing world events. I write this as we hear daily of brutal attacks on hospitals in Gaza, and suffering around the world. I have to think of what many of our ancestors survived throughout history and feel them standing behind us; I see safety, dignity, and liberation for the oppressed peoples of the world as a challenge we must all live up to.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? I’m struck by how much I’ve learned and grown, thanks to those I’ve met and worked with. None of us are “past” transformation in our lives. When I dream of the future, I dream of houses we could build together, ancestral crafts we could teach one another, connections and traditions we could re-establish and reinvent, and seeds we could plant. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

ARTIST EDUCATOR @unterbahn Unterbahn.com

WATCH Joshua Riazi BOLSTER THE CITY’S VIBRANT DINING SCENE

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Providence, and your work. Since coming to Providence more than 20 years ago to attend Johnson & Wales for culinary nutrition, the city has been an integral part of my culinary education and work experience. I’ve worked at institutions such as Al Forno as well as Michelin-rated and James Beard-winning establishments in Boston and Washington DC. My work with the adult education organization Genesis Center is to imagine and build the Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP), a workforce education restaurant that furthers the opportunities available to budding culinary professionals in the city and beyond.

What’s your motivation for doing this work? In an ever-demanding restaurant industry, CHOP is a response to a critical need. Our motivation is to bridge the gap between the industry’s demand for passionate, skilled workers and the dreams of those eager to enter the culinary world (or skill up to management roles and entrepreneurship). The mission is driven by a vision of fostering inclusivity and offering life-changing opportunities to aspiring culinary talents.

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on our city in the coming months? By creating a platform for cooks from diverse backgrounds to share their heritage, life, and culture through food with the city at large. For example, chefs often travel to get firsthand experience cooking with locals, yet here in Providence, which is home to so many culturally diverse individuals, we have the ability to share information that can benefit us all. I hope through CHOP’s menu, workshops, and educational activities, we can promote and educate those interested in food, and help culinary professionals find pathways to financial security through a career in the hospitality field.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome in 2024 to achieve these goals?

COO, CULINARY HUB OF PROVIDENCE @jriazi GenCenter.org

We are challenged with operating a unique business model in a new and untested restaurant space. The hospitality industry can often have slim margins, and everyone is battling increases in the cost of labor and goods. Responding to these challenges and integrating our overall social mission will be a major focus.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2024? The success over the past 40 years of the Genesis Center and its staff and leadership team, along with the development of strategic partnerships, including support from city and state agencies, shows that we have a community of supporters. SPONSORED BY PAPITTO OPPORTUNITY CONNECTION • POCFOUNDATION.COM

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ART & CULTURE Music Scene | Calendar | On Stage

Label Maker Beauty is in the eye of the can holder for a West End brewery

Watch for special new year release, the All Seeing Eye

Photo by Golden Age Collective, courtesy of LLBW

By Ruthie Wood

retty is not often a word one might hear when describing beer cans, but at Providence’s Long Live Beer works, it is co -owner Jessica deBr y’s mission to make the vessel as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste. For over a decade, she worked at a design firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts, spending her mornings and evenings commuting and often stuck in Boston traffic. Now, she is the designer behind the printed labels of the brews that debut in Long Live’s Sprag ue Street taproom. The designs are the brainchild of a partnership. Armando DeDona, co-owner and brewmaster, creates the flavors and the names of each beer. The taste and the name act as mini design prompts for deBry when creating the labels. Bright, bold colors and mesmerizing patterns are flagship to a brand that does not offer flagship brews. “The cans are nice little packages of moments that get designed,” deBry says, because the company focuses on a rotating menu of beer, constantly brewing, designing, and releasing new drinks every few weeks; this is why designs are printed on labels, not directly onto cans. The fleeting life of the brews has not hampered the company’s success. Long Live Beer works opened in 2016 when beer laws in Rhode Island were not conducive to small businesses, and has since grown, now encompassing a bigger Providence location, a new Boston taproom, and merchandise designed by deBr y, from stickers to clothing and glasses. The pair will celebrate the eight-year anniversar y of Long Live in early Januar y with an anniversar y beer and label, special merch, bottle releases, and week of events. 40R Sprague Street, LongLiveBeerworks.com JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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Supernova

Catching up with Providence’s favorite strawberry blond dynamo after a national tour By Adam Hogue

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The band takes a group selfie in Denver, Colorado

“I plan on doing a bunch of writing and recording this winter” – Roz Raskin

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Nova One

ome albums have the feel of a soundtrack, conjuring mental images as if captured on film. This is the case of create myself, the first fullleng th record from NOVA ONE. In this latest effort, Roz Raskin and friends embark on a tonal journey that plays cinematically across 11 tracks, beginning with the ethereal sounds of “ believe me” and moving into the straightfor ward pop -rock, solo -driven, sing-along “dangerous.” The LP goes from opening credits to straight-up suburban bike ride to school, locker room-and-all montage of a track with a full-on belt-able chorus that brings ever yone in full witness of a trip through the life and times of Raskin; their dad even plays sax on a B-side track. “It was really special to have him in the studio with me.” While the earlier EP secret princess and LP lovable delivered concise vibes and stylistic choices, this album seems to be NOVA ONE spreading out more fully and comfortably into the big sounds and grandeur that only pop can really offer. Along with “ best / worst” and “pick my pedals” with that wonderful chorus, NOVA ONE does not shy away from the anthemic, allowing the good, catchy g uitar riff to have its day. “I’m definitely a big pop music person and I love a strong chorus or catchy part,” Raskin muses. “One of my fave parts of a strong pop song is the sing-song y quality of a chorus that connects with people.” Juxtaposed to the anthemic montage-pop, NOVA ONE has more profound moments. “I think there’s an intimacy that is necessar y for certain songs. Especially a song like ‘in orbit’ that I wrote about my grandfather who died in 2020. I wanted people to feel like they were sitting right next to me hearing that song.” Raskin describes NOVA ONE as a “ver y vocal-centered project balanced with dreamy soundscapes.” They continue, “For this album, it felt new to make the vocals more crisp and audible then they have ever been. Sonically speaking , it was good for me to get out

LINER NOTES create myself by NOVA ONE

Supporting Families. Funding Research Since 2013

Community Records release 111 Release date : March 31, 2023 All songs written and arranged by Roz Raskin Recorded at Big Nice Studio, Lincoln, 2020-2021 Produced by Bradford Krieger, Chaimes Parkers, and Roz Raskin

Providing financial assistance to the parents of children battling brain cancer Honoring the children who suffer from cancer and fight everyday. Our hopes are to make a day in the life of a family suffering from cancer a little bit brighter

Mixed by Bradford Krieger

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of my comfort zone which has mostly been reverb -covered vocals. The lyrics feel purposely for ward to me.” Experimentation is a big part of Raskin’s creative process and they share that it was inspiring to be creative with Bradford Krieger and Chaimes Parker at Big Nice Studios in Lincoln. “ To add more grit to g uitars, tr y out new sounds. They both have such amazing creative brains, ver y rad peo ple to co -produce with.” Recently NOVA ONE embarked on their biggest tour yet supporting friends Boyscott. “It’s my first time bringing the band to the West Coast, which is exciting for me,” they say. “I’ve been really moved by the reception of the new album and it’s been really fun to play the newer songs live. I plan on doing a bunch of writing and recording this winter.” For upcoming shows, music, and more visit ILoveNovaOne.com JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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A special from Los Andes, a 2023 Providence Restaurant Weeks participant

ART & CULTURE

The Must List

Photo by Nicholas Millard, courtesy of Go Providence

10 essential events this month

January 7-20: Two weeks of fine dining await when Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with deals and specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at dozens of area eateries, with some offering prix fixe menus. GoProvidence.com

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h R Hey

January 12: Bring your sea legs to The Parlour’s PVD Shanty Sing, led by Sharks Come Cruisin’, starting the evening out with a family-friendly show before the second set has the whole house swearing like sailors. SharksComeCruisin.com

January 18-February 4: HIR is a critically

January 14: Cheer on the Providence Bruins as they take on the Bridgeport Islanders on New England Hockey Day, a celebration of local teams and players from youth hockey and high school to college and the pros. ProvidenceBruins.com

January 19-21: Begin your summer planning early at the Rhode Island Boat, RV & Outdoors Expo at the RI Convention Center, with free fishing poles for the first 200 kids attending daily. RVSuperShows.com

January 25: One of the most influential

January 15: Attend a morning of inspiration

January 20: The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes guest conductor Ruth Reinhardt and cellist Zlatomir Fung presenting selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet, along with works by Haydn and Saariaho. RIPhil.org

January 27: Taste frothy ales and rich winter stouts at the Rhode Island Brew Fest at the WaterFire Arts Center, where over 55 regional breweries are pouring samples of some of the best craft beers around. Eventbrite: Rhode Island Brew Fest | 2024

and celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast honoring Rhodes on the Pawtuxet scholars and fundraising , sponsored by the Ministers Alliance of RI. MinistersAllianceRI.org JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

acclaimed subversive comedy from playwright Taylor Mac about a traditional household in revolt led by an insurgent mom on a crusade to dismantle the patriarchy. TheWilburyGroup.org

January 23-28: The award-winning musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations follows the legendary band’s extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. PPACRI.org bands in modern rock, Dinosaur Jr. returns to Providence with their wah pedals to play The Strand, celebrating their 40th anniversar y on the road. TheStrandRI.com

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ART & CULTURE

Paranormal Passion Project

hen I invite people to listen to Zenith, I first have to explain what it is. “It’s an audio drama,” I tell them. “Like a movie, but just with sound. Remember those old-timey radio shows? Like that, but less hokey. And it’s a podcast. But only two episodes.” Then I dive into the plot: Two Rhode Island women, lifelong friends, hike into the woods together one night. One intends to photograph the stars; the other wants to catch up after a long time apart. As tensions rise between them, they suddenly see something – something unearthly, in the sky, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. Now comes the question: Do they tell people what they’ve witnessed? Or do they keep their paranormal experience to themselves ? To me, Zenith is more than just a light science fiction stor y about two townies from Johnston. This is my attempt to tr y something new, to venture into uncharted waters, and to collaborate with local talent and set a stor y in Little Rhody. “I work in the Creative Capital,” I keep reminding myself. “It’s time to start acting like it.” I moved to Rhode Island in 2018, and for the fifth time in my life, I was starting from scratch. I met my first friends as a journalist – writing for this magazine – or chatting up strangers at the Wild Colonial Tavern. I was eager to plug myself into the local cultural scene, but who was I? Just another newcomer from a distant city. Who knew I had worked as a theater artist in Pittsburgh, or spent two years as a correspondent in Central America, or helped produce interviews for public radio stations in Arizona? I had to learn the ropes in my new home. I didn’t even know how to spell “Saug y’s,” much less know my way around the local arts community. The game-changer came in 2022: I received a scriptwriting fellowship from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, along with a generous stipend. Over the course of that year, I wrote all kinds of scripts –

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How creating an audio drama connected an accomplished writer to his new hometown By Robert Isenberg

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JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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Photo courtesy of Robert Isenberg

Relax including Zenith, a low-budget indie movie I fancied filming myself. Feature-length films are a tall order, of course. A busy calendar didn’t help, either. But then I thought of all the audio dramas I had heard, the scripted stories with voice actors and elaborate sound effects that podcasting had helped resuscitate. Surely I could do that, and for a fraction of the price. Audio dramas require no sets, props, or costumes. The actors need not even record their dialogue in the same place at the same time. And unlike theater, an audio drama has longevity: you can enjoy it whenever you want, and not even a global pandemic can shut it down. After a few years in Providence, I had met plenty of people I could collaborate with. I workshopped the story with my Super Secret Writers Group at area pubs. The production itself stars Maggie Papa, a prolific theater artist I met through the Wilbury Theatre, and podcaster Emma Newbery. I cast my oldest Rhode Island friend, character-actor Michael Kinnane, for supporting roles. Much of the recording took place at LitArtsRI (formerly What Cheer), the writer’s club with its own recording studio. I recorded foleys by tromping around Roger Williams Park. Everywhere I looked, resources popped up. Zenith was a chance to make something fresh and novel, and to bring talented colleagues together. Zenith is also just a first foray. I expect future projects to get ever more polished and ambitious. The sky’s the limit – and I’m raring to go. Listen to Zenith for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Learn more at RobertIsenberg.net JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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