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Providence Monthly • March 2019
Find out more about the history and trends behind Providence pizza (pg. 20)
20 Grab A Slice In Providence, pizza is more than just a food – it’s a way of life
DEPARTMENTS Pulse
9 Be cool and cozy at Mare Rooftop’s igloos
Life & Style
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72 ON STAGE: Hot tickets include Benny’s: The Musical and more
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ON THE COVER: Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza brings a slice of NYC to PVD. Photography by Brandon Harmon.
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Rooftop orbs take Wayland Square to new heights
TOP OF THE TOWN Mare Rooftop’s igloos are a pretty – and practical – addition Mare Rooftop has become a trendy destination tucked away from downtown. Since their opening in summer of 2018, they’ve won guests over with their sweeping views, specialty drinks, shareable plates, a recently added brunch menu, and, as of December, luxurious outdoor igloos. Thanks to these five translucent bubbles lining the rooftop deck, Mare has managed to make their winning feature enjoyable during all four seasons. At night, they glow in
iridescent shades of blue and pink. Each one is heated, can hold up to 10 guests, and makes for a stunning backdrop to the already picturesque bar/restaurant. Visitors can enjoy selections from a special Igloo Menu, featuring gourmet hot drinks like cider and spiked coffee, plus chilled or hot bites and treats. Finally, a rooftop cocktail isn’t just a summer indulgence – it’s a year-round affair. MareRooftop.com -Megan Schmit
Photo by Ryan Pickering ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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PULSE • City
More Than Just a Classroom LLB Architects receive award for design of Lincoln School’s STEAM Hub for Girls
For decades, choosing a career in a STEM field (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) was not an option for women. Despite seeing Sally Ride enter space, Marie Curie win a Nobel Prize, and Jane Goodall conduct revolutionary wildlife research, the question remains: Why is the number of women in STEM still so low? In an effort to change these numbers, the all-girls private school on the East Side, Lincoln School, constructed a state-of-the-art addition to their campus called The Lincoln School STEAM Hub for Girls, which opened its doors in May 2018. The new building focuses on the STEM fields, but with a purposeful twist. The additional “A” in the building’s acronym represents the subjects of art and architecture. In the minds of most educators, these additions might not make sense, and fields like math and art might not have any reason to intersect. Lincoln School views it differently. “We talk about these points of intersection
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
and how important they are in the real world,” explains Head of School Susan Fogarty. “We’ll talk about the creativity it takes for engineers to make designs for a project and the graphics skills that most technology professionals have. The real world is interdisciplinary and so are we.” Fogarty says that people wrongly assume that the reason the number of women in STEM is so low is because young girls simply aren’t interested. “It’s not an issue of interest, it’s an issue of access,” she says. “For decades, these fields have been inaccessible to young girls and that inaccessibility has been internalized in their education. Our goal at Lincoln School is to provide them with every opportunity so that they know all the options available to them.” In the creation of the STEAM Hub, Lincoln School partnered with Lerner Ladds Bartels Architects. The group was asked to design a building that operated at the intersection of tradition and innovation,
just like the rest of their school. Then, in December, LLB Architects won an Honor Award from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for their work on the project. Kathleen Bartels, principal architect, describes the construction: “We renovated the entire science wing, reorganizing the chemistry and physics classrooms for more flexibility, establishing a central student commons and work space, and creating glass-enclosed study rooms.” A 2,000-square-foot art gallery was also created to show off student art as well as work from visiting artists. “The awards are nice,” says Bartels, “but the best reward has been the positive feedback from teachers and students that it’s a great place to teach and learn.” Fogarty happily shares that the student response has been overwhelming. “The feedback we get most often is that students can’t help but be inspired when they enter the new space.” -Shannon McDonnell
Photography by Lincoln STEAM Hub
A peek inside the Hub’s thoughtfully designed space
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PULSE • City
Hamilton has many Rhode Island connections, including a scholarship and essay contest
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot!
Photo courtesy of PPAC
Hamilton has Rhode Islanders fired up Whether you’re a theater buff or not, you’ve likely heard the buzz around Hamilton: An American Musical, the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton told through the eyes of rap and hip hop. It took America by storm in 2015 and 2016, when it won 11 (yes, 11) Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Nobody could get tickets to Hamilton; even Beyoncé and Jay-Z had to wait a few days to see the show. Because of all this excitement, and the fact that Hamilton has been used by teachers all over the country to explain the Revolutionary War and subsequent building of our nation, one of the musical’s biggest audience is high schoolers. Numerous schools in New York
City participated in a program called “The Hamilton Project” (nicknamed EduHam) in which 20,000 eleventh grade students saw the play – that’s one out of every four high school juniors in NYC. Rhode Island is getting its own high school Hamilton push with the “Write Your Way to Hamilton” essay contest, sponsored by the Newport Historical Society, in which tenth graders across the state can write an essay in response to the prompt: “What is happening now in your community, or what could be happening, that has the power to change the future in Rhode Island and potentially the world?” Entrants have the chance to win tickets to see a spring performance of Hamilton with their teachers as chaperones. Papers are due on
March 15 and the winners will be announced (from each county in Rhode Island) on April 5. If you’re not in tenth grade, but still want to see the show, fear not: Hamilton is coming to PPAC. Set for a summer performance, tickets have yet to go on sale to the general public, and the date they start selling has also yet to be announced, but according to the Box Office, they expect to begin selling tickets in late spring for the July/August performances. Tickets were included as part of PPAC’s Encore Series, an extension of the Broadway Series. If you want to see Hamilton without traveling out of state, you’d better start checking PPAC’s website daily once the ice begins to thaw because tickets will sell out in a snap. (contiuned on next page)
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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PULSE • City
The creator and now super-star of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has received international attention for the show. The awards are endless: a Pulitzer prize, a MacArthur Genius Grant, and... a scholarship at Rhode Island College? The Miranda Family recently launched a scholarship at RIC for first generation, underrepresented theater students. Applicants have the chance to win two years-
worth of aid, up to $10,000. The Mirandas felt that RIC was the right choice because of the college’s long-running tradition of excellence in musical theater and affordability and accessibility. “It’s challenging to find a pathway to a career in the performing arts when you don’t see yourself represented on that stage,” says Lin-Manuel. “That’s why it’s so important to create opportunities for
RIC’s Andrea Vargas, recipient of the Miranda Scholarship
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Photo courtesy of PPAC
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students who are typically underrepresented in the arts. Rhode Island College is the right place to do this because of its track record of promoting top artistic talent in its music, theater, and dance programs while making quality arts education attainable for students from all backgrounds.” All applicants must be full-time students, maintain a GPA of at least 2.5, participate in a live interview and audition, and write a letter citing what makes them the perfect candidate to receive the award and their post-grad aspirations. One of the recipients of the scholarship this year is not only a first-generation college student, but also a first-generation American, as well as being the only woman to win the scholarship. Senior theater major Andrea Vargas of Riverside was touched when she found out she’d been selected. “Lin sent us a special message and, let me tell you, I was so emotional and excited to see his face up on that screen!” she says. “My mom reminded me after the meeting that where I was sitting when I found out I got the scholarship was the same area I was sitting in when I was 5-years-old, watching The Sound of Music with her, and I turned to her and I said: ‘Mommy, someday, I’m going to do that!’ and I pointed at the actress playing Maria. It was a special moment to be there 16 years later, receiving a scholarship from the Miranda Family.” -Alyssa Anderson
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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PULSE • City
A New Hope for the Philharmonic
PROGRAM 2
up close on hope
Music and cinema collide to bring a unique viewing expirence
FBP Black Box Theatre 825 Hope St., Providence RI 02906
festivalballetprovidence.org 401-353-1129 L-R: Bryce Mitchell, Eugenia Zinovieva, Kirsten Evans
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Everyone remembers that opening shot of Star Wars: The title flashes onto a black screen. Stars twinkle in deep space. There is a blast of brass instruments, overlapping into triumphant crescendo. The main theme is one of the most memorable overtures in history, as familiar to Americans as the National Anthem. The Star Wars score, originally composed by John Williams in 1977, has inspired generations of fans. This month, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the score
live – while the full movie is screened behind the musicians. Conducted by Lucas Richman, the event will in introduce audiences to the wonders of an in-house cinematic orchestra. “There are some incredible film scores out there,” says David Beauchesne, executive director of the RI Philharmonic and Music School. “Many are as complex and as moving as any symphony, and yet they rarely get performed. There’s some logic to that, because out of context they often
Photography by Mike Braca
April 5-14
RI Philharmonic performs the Star Wars score on March 9
lack the power they possess when presented with the film. Likewise, movies are not as compelling unless they possess a great score.” Synchronizing live instruments and moving pictures was once a common practice, especially during the silent era. Today, this combination is a special treat, especially for a movie as beloved as Star Wars. The performance nicely complements an accessible 2019 season; the TACO Classical series will present favorite classics like Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and the Amica Rush Hour is designed for music lovers with busy schedules. Last month, the Philharmonic performed for a screening of one of the Harry Potter films, showcasing another John Williams composition. No other screenings are scheduled for now, but the Star Wars event sold out so quickly that symphony added a matinee performance. Beauchesne was five years old when the film came out, and he eventually convinced his mother to let him watch it; Star Wars was the first film he ever saw in a movie theater. Decades later, Beauchesne still holds its music in high regard. And although the instrumentals must rigidly match the action on screen, the experience is thrilling to everyone involved. “The musicians in the orchestra have pointed out that one of the reasons the score is so good is because it is so hard to perform,” says Beauchesne. “John Williams knows how to write for an orchestra. He uses the full range and capacities of every instrument, which makes it challenging for each performer, as well as satisfying for both the musicians and the audience when the music is played well.” May the force be with them. Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert performs March 9 at 2pm and 7pm at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, PPACRI.org -Robert Isenberg
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DINNER’S CALLING 401 861 1770 ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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PULSE • Rhody Gem
Gather Glass
Glass Blowing Studio We are pleased to introduce Rhody Gem, a new monthly column in Providence Monthly. We’re always being thanked for spotlighting the “hidden gems” of the state, and in our ongoing efforts to leave no stone unturned, we’re putting the call out to our readership! Each month we’ll spotlight a Rhody Gem: a business, artisan, or place suggested to us by our faithful readers.
Where to find it: Just past the restaurants on Federal Hill and less than a mile from downtown, at 521 Atwells Avenue in The Valley Arts District. Neighbors include art organizations like The Steel Yard, WaterFire Arts Center, Ajay Land, The Wurks, and Nicholson File Studios, among others. What makes it a Rhody Gem? Making a drinking glass is a can’tmiss experience. Whether you’re looking for something interesting to do when the family comes to town, a date night, group outing or school vacation, a visit to Gather is a memorable way to spend your time.
G at her G la ss 521 Atwells Avenue GatherGlass.com
To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
What it is: Gather Glass is a workshop that offers people the chance to try glass blowing in a safe and fun environment. Students learn from master glass blowers how to make objects such as drinking glasses, ornaments, paperweights, pumpkins, bowls, and more.
Capacity of 1
urs In-hous e catering 25 $250 for the first 3 ho
225 Niantic Ave. Cranston, RI 401-944-0500
GRAB A SLICE Napolitano Pizza
“What is the best pizza?” muses Tommy Sacco. “Now, I like thick pizza. I don’t like thin pizza. I would rather cut my hand off than put pineapple on my pizza. But how can anyone determine the best? There are so many different kinds of pizza. Everyone has different tastes. It’s like saying the best beer or the best wine. How can you?” He’s right, of course. Providence is a pizza town. Our metro is home to scores of pizza places – and every one is different. Some do New York-style. Some do brick oven. Others do deep-dish, flatbread, thin-crust, stuffed-crust, Sicilian, Greek, and Californian. Pies come in circles, rectangles, and slices. Think of a topping, and somebody uses it. And pretty much all of it’s delicious. Sacco is perched on a stool in Tommy’s Pizza, his Cranston restaurant. Behind him, there’s a wall covered in pine tiles; look close, and you’ll see that the tiles have been carefully extracted from wine crates, a mosaic of inked labels. Sacco is nursing a cup of coffee, waving to employees as they come through the door. With each new face, he says something like: “That’s Monica. Monica’s been here 27 years.” Sacco is the portrait of the old-school pizza maker. He started working in his grandfather’s pizzeria when he was 14 years old. He mopped the floors and filled the soda cooler, then advanced to running the oven and managing the kitchen. The day after he became a legal adult, in 1982, Sacco took over the whole operation. At 54, he runs two popular locations. He loves his employees, looks after them, and refers to them as “Tommy’s Army.”
Al Forno pioneered the grilled pizza seen here with scallions to top it off
Napolitano Pizza is hand-tossed and made fresh daily
“That’s the cool thing about being in the business so long,” says Sacco. “Not only have they seen me grow up, but I get to see them – and their kids – grow up.” Tommy’s Pizza dates back half a century, and its founding predates Sacco’s birth. His grandfather (also Tommy Sacco) opened his pizzeria on Chalkstone Avenue in 1955. The original Tommy learned pizza-making from a neighborhood friend, and he set up a shop in the basement of his house. There was a deli counter out front and an oven in the back. As pizza became more popular, the elder Sacco started delivering. Tommy’s attracted regulars, then fans. Their biggest client: Frank Sinatra. Every time the crooner performed in town, he would have Tommy’s pizza sent to his green room. Not long ago, Bill Clinton stopped in, and he took a photo with the entire Tommy’s staff. One regular was Joseph Conte, who served as concertmaster for the Rhode Island Philharmonic for 21 years. He came in one night with some fellow musicians, but Tommy stared him down. “You don’t get anything,” he said, “until you play a song.” Everybody laughed, music was played, and food was eaten. Years later, as Conte was dying, he requested Tommy’s pizza as one of his final meals. “We’re built on regulars,” says Sacco. “There are certain nights of the week, I can tell you where people are going to be sitting. The biggest compliment is when people walk into the [original] place on Chalkstone, and they say, ‘This pizza has not changed. The place is just like I remember it.’ It takes them back in time.”
A CULTURAL TRADITION In a city like Providence, pizza isn’t just pizza. Pizza is a story of family, migration, and first loves. It’s recipes, experiments, and breakthroughs. Everything you can do with dough – knead it, toss it, grill it, make it gluten-free – someone in Providence is actively doing. Lots of us see pizza as a fun treat on a Friday night; but whole generations have subsisted on its profits. Families have bonded in the narrow space between chopping block and oven. Through the craft of pizza-making, children have become adults, immigrants citizens, and rookies maestros. American pizza is relatively new: Lombardi’s opened in New York City in 1905, and succeeding pizzerias remained grounded in Italian neighborhoods for decades. Yet as fast food restaurants started serving pizza, its popularity expanded. Pizza was a boon for Italian-Americans, who were often unwelcome in other professions; it was also a boon for mainstream Americans, who had finally discovered the nation’s most universal entree. Just ask Frankie Cecchinelli. A celebrated pizzaiolo, Cecchinelli owns Figidini in downtown Providence. His father, Joe Cecchinelli, used to run a masonry business in Waltham, Massachusetts. One year, Joe was commissioned to build a woodfired pizza oven. Joe was so impressed, he decided to open his own pizza place with his wife, Franca. “Brick-oven pizza” wasn’t yet fashionable, but Franca’s Pizzeria made a killing; they eventually opened a second location on Cape Cod. Unlike Sacco, Cecchinelli felt little pressure to take over the family business. He spent some years in Vermont, worked for movie studios in Los Angeles, and played drums with various musicians. But pizza drew Cecchinelli back; he loved the Neapolitan tradition, and he was fascinated by oven-maker Stefano Ferrara. Crafting dough excited Cecchinelli’s intensely mathematical mind, and he’s spent years experimenting with flour and water, temperature and time, building thousands of fires with split logs and bare hands. “I get enthralled in stuff,” says Cecchinelli, gesturing to the dining he owns with his wife Kara. “I set this all up for me. Everything I’ve been doing my whole life was leading to this moment.” Figidini is a far cry from those old-fashioned pizza joints. The granite bar is stocked with fine wine and top-shelf spirits. Patrons are encouraged to tear apart pizzas with their hands, or use kitchen scissors to sever their own slices. Cecchinelli treats pizza-making as a fine art; he speaks passionately about the history of baking, the varieties of flour, and the precise hydration of dough. And as a testament to his passion, Cecchinelli mans the oven himself. “I’ve made every single pizza,” Cecchinelli says. “I think a lot of people don’t understand I’m the only one doing it. But people can taste the difference. I’m getting better at my craft. I’m dealing with a thing that’s alive.”
Napolitano brings New York-style pizza to Cranston
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE “Pizza is one of those foods,” says David Dadekian, president of Eat Drink RI. “It’s easy. It’s versatile. You think of the New York slice – you can walk around with it. And there’s such a range. You can put meat on it. Vegetarians can eat it. There’s that joke: even bad pizza’s not bad.” Dadekian lived in New York City for 14 years, and he used to feel a disconnect between the cutting-edge food fashions of Manhattan and the down-home feel of Rhode Island restaurants. But all that has changed; the Providence dining scene is feistier than ever, and pizza places quickly catch up with big-city innovations. “People are becoming more aware of trends outside of the area,” says Dadekian. “I think the growth of social media, and communication in general, changed things a lot. Our best restaurants are on the same level as these tasting counters in New York and LA.” David Bertolini, operating partner of Providence Coal Fired Pizza, puts it this way: “Rhode Islanders like their pizza. And Providence has become a destination for those who crave it. Our city really provides a worldly offering, from bakery-style pizza, to Neapolitan style, to wood grilled, to coal-fired. The pizza scene in Providence has a little something for everyone.” One of Providence’s early success stories was Al Forno Restaurant, founded by Johanne Killeen and her late husband George Germon. When Killeen was growing up in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, her mother was a physician who made house calls. Killeen would sometimes come along to patients’ households, many of which were Italian-American. When families couldn’t pay for care, they often cooked meals instead – and in this way, Killeen fell in love with Italian cooking. Before they met, Killeen and Germon each spent time living in Italy. They learned to appreciate traditional Italian cuisine – pizza in particular – and discussions of food fueled their early courtship. They loved the careful, centuries-old Neapolitan style, they established Al Forno with these backbreaking traditions in mind. And yet, one night in 1980, Germon tried something reckless: He threw his pizza dough on a regular grill. “I thought he was insane,” Killeen recalls. “I thought the dough would fall right through. But that night, we had grilled pizza on the menu. The pizza was a bit of an obsession with us. I guess our attitude was always ‘Why not?’ We always wanted to bring what we loved from Italy to Providence. But we came into the kitchen with the eyes of an artist, not with the eyes of a trained chef.” Al Forno is legendary in the culinary world, and Germon and Killeen received a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast in 1993. Many credit Al Forno with shaking up the possibilities of pizza, inspiring other Providence pizzaioli to explore new possibilities. The Al Forno legacy has found its way into cookbooks and kitchens across the country; during a recent visit to New York, Dadekian spotted a sign for a new restaurant called Violet, which opened in the West Village in January. The sign read: “Al Forno-Style Providence Pizza.”
When Christie Flanagan first visited Rhode Island, she was shocked to discover that she couldn’t order pizza by the slice. “They said, ‘No, you gotta buy the whole thing,’” she recalls. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy.’” A New York native, Flanagan graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in all kinds of high-end restaurants. She liked Rhode Island, but she struggled to find authentic New York-style pizza. She met other New Yorkers who felt the same way. So in 2011, Flanagan opened her own restaurant, Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza, in Cranston. Three successful years later, she opened a second on Federal Hill. Napolitano’s is the first restaurant that Flanagan ever owned, and it’s a departure from her background in haute cuisine. But she loves the spirit of the pizza kitchen, where the workspace is exposed and full of banter. “There’s always a bit of rivalry between the Rhode Island people and the New York people,” says Flanagan. “New York people always tell them how to fold their pizza and eat it right. Lots of sports talk. Do you say barbecue or do you say cookout? Water fountain or bubbler? But they all come to the same place and eat the same pizza. When you’re the customer in a pizza place, you’re in the kitchen. You can see the people. They’re standing right there.” Like the earliest pizzerias, Napolitano’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a training ground for young people entering the workforce. “I’ve had employees who have been with me for years, who started as kids,” says Flanagan. “They were a delivery driver. They answered the phone. The next thing, they’re making chicken wings. They can go to college, and if they ever need to jump into a pizza place and make a little extra cash, they’ve got that skill.” “The overall food community in Providence is pretty tight,” she adds. “It’s been very welcoming for me. It’s competitive, but it’s a good kind of competitiveness. It pushes us to do better.”
Providence Coal Fired Pizza offers crispy, thin-crust pies with unique toppings
PLACES TO GRAB
PIZZA BY THE SLICE ANTONIO'S PIZZA (a)
Grab a slice and run, or sit down and enjoy a full meal at this super-friendly local chain. You can even grab a few drinks at Antonio's well-stocked bar. 727 East Avenue, AntoniosPizza.com
(f)
(c)
(a)
NICE SLICE PIZZA (b) This casual Downcity location offers four types of slices, and it's also a destination for vegan and gluten-free pies. 767 Westminster St, NiceSlice.com SAJO'S GOURMET PIZZERIA (c) Find a nice range of slices, from Veggie Lover's to Buffalo Chicken, along with sandwiches and Mediterranean pitas, about one block from Johnson & Wales campus. 85 Richmond Street, SajosGourmetProvidence.com
FELLINI PIZZERIA (d)
(b)
Wickenden's go-to pizza place offers New York-style pies and slices. The BYOB policy may entice you to stay, and the "Arugulicious" pizza is to die for. 166 Wickenden Street, FelliniPizzeria.com
(d)
PIZZERIA GUSTO (e) Some of the most inventive pizzas in Providence can be found here, including the Breakfast Specialty Pizza (scrambled eggs, potatoes) and the Breaded Chicken Specialty Pizza. 259 Broadway, PizzeriaGustoMenu.com
PIZZA J (f) Hip, health-conscious, and fun, Pizza J is a great spot to grab a gluten-free pizza and knock back a craft beer. Slices available, but you may want to stick around for the arcade games. 967 Westminster Street, PizzaJProvidence.com
WISE GUYS DELI AND PIZZA Grab any type of pizza you can imagine, or build your own. With its "Godfather"-style logo and Sicilianstyle crust, Wise Guys is a hallmark of Federal Hill. 133 Atwells Avenue, WiseGuysDeli.net
(e)
425 Putnam Pike Greenville, RI 02828 401.949.4849 @flauntri
Highest Quality, Easiest Access For a List of Patie nt Se rv ice Ce nte r Locations:
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8 0 0 -9 8 0 -4 2 4 4
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
S p o n s o re d C o n t e n t S e c t i o n
Providence Monthly presents
LEADING LADIES
40+
inspiring, passionate, determined leaders who are making a difference in our communities
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
THE LEADING LADIES AT KSA MARKETING + PARTNERSHIPS
Katie Schibler Conn
Meet The KSA Team With over 20 years in marketing, Katie Schibler Conn gained experience working for agencies from the east to the west coast including TracyLocke in New York and PlayStation in San Francisco before settling back in Rhode Island and founding KSA Marketing + Partnerships. She’s taken her experiences in the corporate world and cultural experiences through her travels to create a company that encompasses her passions and business perspectives. In 2018 Katie was accepted into the Forbes Agency Council, an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies As Chief-Operating-Officer, Laurie Lewis is the gatekeeper of the KSA “Kave.” With years of experience in business, she is versatile and detail oriented. Her interpersonal, planning and problemsolving skills shine through in every project she touches. Lewis wears many hats including: operations, account and sponsorships lead, as well as management, but excels in all areas.
Though Susan Rentz works remotely from Raleigh, North Carolina, that doesn’t make her any less part of the team. Working on new business development and the administrative side, Rentz also helps out with proofreading and operations. With
Left to right: Laurie, Melanie, and Allison
her background in client services, project management and media, she provides a broad-range of organizational expertise. With a degree in journalism and minor in film and media, Melanie Roberts brings her passion for writing and creative skills to the forefront of her work as Media Relations manager. She focuses on creating social media content plans, writing blog posts, PR and building relationships, which she applies internally and externally for clients. The newest addition to Team KSA, Allison Lindgren works on the global client team. Organization and attention to detail is her forte. Her work involves helping to create global toolkits for Pepsi, 7up and Lay’s campaigns, and reviewing all local submissions that include images of the talent represented. She also works on talent management to approve new designs and ideas. These images include packaging, point of sale, food service cups, out of home ads, key visuals, and any merchandise and giveaways. Lindgren’s ability to notice small details and everyday continuities, makes her an asset. About KSA Marketing + Partnerships As a full-service marketing agency, KSA MARKETING + PARTNERSHIPS works with small, medium, and large clients that need messaging and marketing across all channels. It all began back in 2010 when Katie Schibler Conn left her dream job at PlayStation, and traded her Blackberry for a backpack. “It was a life-changing,
15-month journey through Southeast Asia and South America,” Katie says. Within 48 hours of landing at T.F. Green Airport, Katie founded the KSA agency from her kitchen table after a call from Pepsi. “They called asking for help on a project. The rest is history.” Since then, the creative agency has grown into a seven-person team of “marketing heroes,” each bringing their own skill set and market knowledge that continues to shape who KSA is and what the boutique firm can do. “We treat our client relationships as partnerships,” Katie says. “We collaborate and work together to connect the dots of their marketing needs from online to offline. I’ve built a team that can efficiently work with clients both locally and globally.” KSA works with clients to create integrated marketing content -- connecting the dots of marketing communication through advertising, public relations, social media, sales promotion, and direct marketing. “This allows consumers to interact with a brand seamlessly,” Katie explains. You might think the initials KSA represent the founder’s initials, but rumor has it that KSA stands for Kick Some Ass Marketing. “We don’t deny it,” says Katie with a laugh. “Our passion and superhero mentality drive us, and we pride ourselves on our quick action in helping clients when they call us in a panic with an “oh shit” moment. We are always ready to come to the rescue.” The team takes enormous pride in their continued success, especially their work with local non-profits like Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), LIFEcycle, National GRACE Foundation, and Find Your Bold through BoldrDash Race. “We want to support environmentallyfriendly companies that are trying to do good,” Katie says, adding that the team is committed to fostering meaningful community change. “Our goal this year is to create more partnerships that matter.”
Meet The KSA Team’s Leading Lady Clients “We tip our hats to fellow trailblazers,” Katie says.” That’s why we are honored to work closely with these fellow four leading ladies, who have triumphed in typically male-dominated fields.” While all of ladies work with KSA for their branding and marketing needs, they are more than just clients, they are partners, and Team KSA is deeply committed to their success.
Lynn Hall
Lynn Hall Passionate for helping people reach their goals, Lynn Hall founded BOLDRDASH in 2010. The obstacle course event series is designed for people of all abilities, and allows participants to test their strength and compete from beginner to elite. The event President is also the founder of FIND YOUR BOLD, a non-profit that encourages all to overcome their personal limitations in life via physical activities in a supportive atmosphere. “I love working with people on achieving goals they never thought were possible,” Lynn says. “At the end of the day, that is what BoldrDash is all about.”
Carol Gaeta & Lois Ellis
3351 Post Rd., Warwick. 681-4900, TeamKSA.com
the iconic bakery their father established in 1916. Different career paths, as well as the passing of their parents, led the sisters to take over the beloved bakery in 1993. The bakery’s interior – styled in its original Art Deco design – is a celebrated landmark on Federal Hill. Throughout the years, Carol and Lois have preserved the original recipes of their famed goods, as well as introduced new products. Carol and Lois offer customers kitchen tours, and demonstrate how all their products are made on-site in large brick ovens, using old world baking techniques. Known for their delicious variety of pastries and desserts, the bakery also has an extensive decorating department that creates custom wedding, birthday, and special occasion cakes.
Carol Gaeta & Lois Ellis Sisters Carol Gaeta and Lois Ellis, the faces behind SCIALO BROS. BAKERY, grew up in
Shannon Brawley
Shannon Brawley Shannon Brawley, trained as a landscape architect and geographer, is proud to serve as the Executive Director of the RHODE ISLAND NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION. Shannon brings together diverse interests to create and grow initiatives for progress at the national, state, and local levels. Currently, she is facilitating the collaboration of a first in the nation multiemployer Registered Apprenticeship program for the agriculture and plantbased industry. With a goal of workforce development, the program aims to raise the sophistication of “green collar” jobs in horticulture, environmental, agriculture, and landscape - to name just a few. “I hope to inspire young people to consider a future in these careers,” Shannon says. One of her goals is to engage young people to better understand there are meaningful and wellpaying careers in the industry, especially as RI begins to design solutions to mitigate climate change and food insecurity.
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
REGINA BARTLETT Author & Wellness Influencer
Regina Bartlett wears many hats. She is an accomplished author and blogger. She is a fitness trainer. She is a marathon runner. She is a motivational speaker. But most of all, she is an inspiration. “I’m a wife, mother, avid crafter, and lover of Jesus and tiny dogs everywhere with a story to tell,” she says with a laugh. A Story To Share Regina’s story began when she took her first step on her awe-inspiring journey to wellness. “I was morbidly obese for 30 years. I never believed I could change my life,” she says. “For so many years I felt like I was alone, and that no one would understand how I was feeling about my weight. I felt trapped in my own body.” Through a gastric bypass surgery and “a whole lot of faith,” Regina was able to lose 250 pounds and achieve her lifelong dream of running the New York City Marathon. Regina chronicled her amazing transformation in her book Food, Sweat, & Fears. “I discovered that the more open I was about how I was feeling, the more I found people were just like me. We tend to isolate during times of stress, trauma or failure. I discovered that sharing my story - all of it - helped other people share their own.” “I want people to know that it doesn’t matter where you are now with your weight, or how long you’ve been here. Every single moment presents another opportunity to try again. I’m living proof.” Knowing how difficult long-term weight loss success can be, Regina continues to shares her life adventures on her blog REGINABARTLETT.COM and her Navigating Weight Loss Facebook page. “These peer-to-peer relationships are critical, especially when so many people still don’t have a thorough understanding of weight loss surgery.” Her blog and book has been read by people around the world. “It’s amazing and humbling to have people find value in what you do. It’s a privilege.” Regina is equally as passionate about creating healthy - and tasty - food that is bariatric friendly. Her mini-cookbook, Healthy Fare: Bariatric Friendly Recipes and Helpful Guides, is being expanded to a full cookbook this spring, complete with her favorite recipes made healthy. She’s also finishing up her next book, Me, My Fat, & I: A Divorce Story. “It’s about how fat becomes an identity that you are connected to, and the fear and loss of identity when you are no longer what you always thought you were. It’s powerful.”
Even if you’ve never had a weight problem, you probably have had something that has weighed you down. “It causes you to lose your focus, your way,” Regina says, adding that her weight loss story is relatable to many personal struggles. A frequent speaker at Miriam Hospital’s Center for Bariatric Surgery, her message is one of hope. “I love seeing the hope on people’s faces when they hear my story and see that there’s a way to get healthy.”
Every single moment presents another opportunity to try again. I’m living proof. A Healthy Life & Lifestyle Regina not only talks the talk on her blog, she walks the walk everyday as a fitness professional. She is the Membership Director at the Ocean Community YMCA, Arcadia Branch, as well as a fitness instructor. “I get to see the best part of my community come together to share health, wellness, and each other at the Y.” She is a licensed POUND trainer, leading cardio classes that uses lightly weighted drumsticks to music. “We have a blast! It’s so fun and high energy
that you almost forget you’re working out.” “I’m most proud of people just walking in the door. I know that feeling firsthand -- it’s the longest walk. Just getting to the gym is something to be proud of. I never take for granted that people come to my class. It can be the toughest thing they do all day.” Regina’s energy and love for live is positively contagious. She’s active in her church, where you can find her singing on the praise team. After completing her first marathon goal, she set her sights on another childhood dream: becoming a Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. And she’s currently training for an Ironman race that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. Regina and her loving husband Jeff fill their empty nest from their combined family of six adult children with two very tiny, yet adorable Chihuahuas named Sid Vicious and Taxi Fitzgerald. “I’m fortunate, truly. I get to spend my days doing the things that I completely believe in, and I’m surrounded by love,” Regina says. “I get to laugh and have fun while I work. What’s better than that?”
Based in West Greenwich 219-2322, ReginaBartlett.com
CATHY CORELLI CHIANESE Marketing Director Marketing and advertising are usually referred to as an art, but there is also a science to it. Cathy Corelli Chianese, a career professional with over 20 years of industry expertise, offers a unique and comprehensive approach to advertising and marketing solutions. “We look at the whole picture,” says the owner of CC MEDIA PARTNERS. “We take the time to get to know each business, and to understand every aspect of it.” Committed to producing results for her clients, Cathy and her team manage the marketing of each business with the experience, personality and relentless drive as if it were their own. “In today’s fast paced and digital-savvy environment, businesses need more than just creative design and production. They need a partner that fully understands their needs and can develop strategies to reach their goals,” she says. CC Media Partners is a full-service advertising/design agency that helps small and large businesses throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts with strategic media buying and marketing plans as well as offering full service design and video production. Cathy, along with her marketing assistant and key creative team partner Rose Cantor, has a proven track record of providing personalized creative solutions. “There are no templates in our advertising campaigns,” she says, adding that the agency’s work is customized for each client and project. “Our focus is always on the client and making their message stand out from their competition; our success is based on their success.” Cathy combines her exceptionally strong experience in graphic design, writing and production for TV and radio with a diverse
Cathy Corelli Chianese and Rose Cantor, Graphic Designer
Cathy Corelli Chianese, President, Graphic Designer and Marketing Director at CC Media Partners
portfolio of creative services. Her boutique agency provides comprehensive marketing campaigns for all mediums including print, billboard, direct mail, digital, email and social media. “The key is consistent and compelling messages that are optimized for each medium and built for engagement,” she says. In addition to proficient media buying and executing targeted marketing campaigns, CC Media Partners also develops websites with custom content and design, and produces professional quality video and commercials. Current clients range from regional automotive groups and lawyers to retail and healthcare. “We don’t specialize in any one industry, although I am passionate about cars which is one of the reasons I tend to gravitate towards automotive dealers. Results driven marketing is our true specialty,” she says with a smile. With over two decades of impressive market knowledge and media connections, Cathy believes in offering real experience to college students pursuing a career in marketing. “Although we do not currently have an intern working with us, we have been in conversation with several area colleges to line up internship candidates for the upcoming Summer and Fall semesters.” In addition, Cathy represents the local business community as a member of the Executives Association of Rhode Island, and supports a variety of non-profits, including Big Cat Rescue, McCarthy’s Wildlife Animal Rescue and the RISPCA. “I’m proud of the long-standing partnerships I have with my clients and the community,” she says. “I’m honored to know that we’ve been a part of their success.”
Warwick. 401-437-8318, CCMediaPartners.com
ALEXUS LEE Special Events Manager When Alexus Lee began working at CAV RESTAURANT, she didn’t think that the job would become a platform for her true passion - music. What started as a bussing day job quickly became a stepping stone for a much larger career at the eclectic restaurant. Today, Alexus serves as CAV’s Special Events Manager, and performs for the restaurant audience as well. Music has always been part of her life. Her family has a storied history in music dating back to before she was born. Her grandfather, father, and mother play numerous instruments including the guitar, piano, and bass. She honed her craft singing in high school productions, and eventually went on to enroll in the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2010. Always an overachiever, Alexus graduated ahead of schedule in 2013. Upon graduation, Alexus knew that she wanted to pursue music as a career but needed a job to make ends meet. Necessity brought the young singer to CAV. Her aunt was working at the beloved restaurant as a bartender, and suggested her to the late, great owner Sylvia Moubayed for an interview. “The rest is history,” Alexus says. She quickly moved up as a busser and then a bartender, and soon found herself climbing the ranks to Sylvia’s personal assistant. Over time, the two grew close. Alexus traveled to parts of Europe and the United States, but she always wound up back at CAV. Lee remarks that she shared a tight bond with the dynamic restaurant owner, stating, “Sylvia always encouraged my musical pursuits, often saying she wanted to bring music back to CAV, like they had done so many years ago.” Sadly, Sylvia Moubayed passed away in 2017, leaving the entire staff, patrons, and the dining community devastated. “Losing Sylvia was like losing a friend, grandmother, and mentor all in one,” Alexus says. Sylvia’s son John Moubayed took over the restaurant, and soon fulfilled his mother’s wish by giving Alexus the chance to share her musical talents at CAV. Alexus can be found performing at CAV on Jazz Wednesdays from 6:30-9pm.
Throughout her life, Alexus has been most proud of her achievements in music. She believes that music is a universal language that “transcends all else.” She has rather big things in store for 2019, including several performances scheduled in various venues all over Rhode Island, Boston, and New York as a solo act and as part of a group. In addition, more of her original music will be soon released on major streaming services such as iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music. She also plans to continue working with special events and singing at CAV. “Music brings together people from all backgrounds to share in very intimate and special moments. I treat both my music and my work at CAV with respect and care, and cherish the opportunity to connect with people and to spread light.”
Alexus can be found performing at CAV on Jazz Wednesdays from 6:30-9pm.
Band left to right: Matt Marcus (Keys), Zach Rochester (Bass), Kevin Scollins (Guitar)
14 Imperial Place, Providence. 751-9164, CavRestaurant.com
As United Way of Rhode Island sits uniquely at the intersection of nonprofit, business, government, and community, Nicolato is energized by the diversity of ideas presented to make our communities stronger. “No matter where people stand on a particular issue, when they come to the table to find ways to help their neighbors, that is what comes before anything else,” she adds. Nicolato is quick to highlight the important, yet evolving, role philanthropy plays in United Way’s work, embracing donors’ move to want to experience the mission firsthand – and then consider making a gift. “It’s cultivating these meaningful volunteer experiences and relationships that demonstrate the cumulative impact we can all have,” she says.
CORTNEY NICOLATO President & CEO
Rhode Islanders are so passionate about helping Rhode Islanders and I see that passion each day in our community.
In September 2018, Cortney Nicolato began her role as President and CEO of UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND, succeeding longtime executive Anthony Maione following his retirement. Born and raised in Pawtucket and a University of Rhode Island graduate, Cortney was recruited to Texas in 2005 to pursue her career. Following a progression of executive leadership positions with the American Heart Association, she later led the largest social services nonprofit serving aging adults in North Texas. Humbled – and excited – to come back to the Ocean State and serve the community she’s always considered home, Nicolato hit the ground running and is approaching the six-month mark of her United Way tenure. “Rhode Islanders are so passionate about helping Rhode Islanders and I see that passion each day in our community,” she says. “If we’re going to address our most pressing social issues, it’s imperative we
work together – and Rhode Islanders work best when we collaborate.” Cultivating strategic partnerships has been a theme throughout Nicolato’s career and a guiding force as she looks to build upon the impressive work being done in many areas. It is those same areas where she also sees opportunities to address issues at their root cause. Among them are identifying why 12 percent of third graders miss more than 10 percent (over 15 days) of the school year. This chronic absenteeism plays a significant role in students’ ability to learn, particularly at an age when a child’s grade-level reading proficiency is a strong indicator of future academic success and, subsequently, their career path. “We know this issue is rooted deeply in meeting children’s basic needs. We also know it will take innovative programming and policy to solve it,” says Nicolato. “For example, every Rhode Islander should be able to find a home they can afford, but that’s not the case today.”
Two groups she points to as examples are United Way’s Young Leaders Circle and its Women United affinity group. More than 1,500 members strong, YLC raises funds to send local kids to summer learning programs, while Women United members dedicate their time and resources to improving childhood literacy. “We’ve also grown the volunteer opportunities available to families and their children. There’s incredible interest in wanting to volunteer together and pass down the importance of helping others,” she says. Throughout United Way of Rhode Island’s 92-year history, seeking innovative ideas and welcoming an outside-the-box approach to solve community challenges have been instrumental in defining the organization’s legacy. And as United Way moves forward into its next chapter, Nicolato welcomes all who wish to contribute and join “our” work. Follow her on Twitter @CortneyNic, or reach her at cortney.nicolato@uwri.org.
50 Valley St., Providence. 444-0643, UWRI.org
S p o n s o re d C o n t e n t
CARRIE A. MCPHERSON, CRPS® Registered Practice Associate And Practice Manager
and interact with people, so she pursued additional certification as a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS), the Series 65 – allowing for investment advisory advice – as well as separate Accident, Health and Life Insurance licenses. This year, Carrie and Beacon Point Wealth Advisors are one of the newest members of the Ameriprise Financial family, a national diversified financial service company that serves with a client-first mindset and offers comprehensive financial advice. “I’m excited to be on such an amazing team dedicated to client service,” she shares. Given Carrie’s past experiences, she explains
I love helping people – there’s nothing that makes me happier than that.
Carrie A. McPherson, a Registered Practice Associate and Practice Manager with BEACON POINT WEALTH ADVISORS, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Providence, never thought she’d choose a career in finance when she was in school. A University of Rhode Island graduate with a double major in US History and Political Science, she envisioned herself as a history professor or archivist, always enamored with documents and stories of the past. However, with two jobs, a family to support, and grad school out of the question, she pursued a new career path. Fast forward to finance. In 2008, a friend of Carrie’s mentioned that his branch’s
office was looking to fill an entry level position – a receptionist role – in the brokerage industry. During her interview, Carrie told management she was eager and willing to do whatever it took to grow and succeed in the company. She quickly studied for and passed the Series 7 and 63 licenses needed to be able to trade securities. She devoured the material. “It brought back memories of my seventh grade stock market club,” she recalls. It was the beginning of her passion for finance. Ambitious, motivated, and devoted, Carrie quickly rose through the ranks at the branch, taking over her friend’s role when he left to open a restaurant. Carrie continued to seek ways to challenge herself
that “not all investment advisors are financial planners.” It takes requisite education and experience to support that title. In essence, though Carrie never did become an archivist, she still does what drew her to that aspiration in the first place: studying documents to gain a better understanding of the past, present and potential future. In this case, those documents are developments in the financial world, and the future is of her clients’ finances. She meets with clients, gets to know them and their goals, and helps develop solutions to address their concerns. In between those meetings, she keeps an eye on the markets, new developments or changes in tax strategies, develops portfolios, and helps creates financial plans for her team’s clients. “I’m committed to working with my clients to develop creative and strategic plans to meet their unique goals,” Carrie says. “I love helping people – there’s nothing that makes me happier than that.”
1 Citizens Plaza, Suite 610, Providence. 824-2557, AmeripriseAdvisors.com/Team/ Beacon-Point-Wealth-Advisors
*Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
THE LEADING LADIES AT PROVIDENCE PICTURE FRAME
Left to right: Miranda, Mary, Lisa Bushee, Diolinda, Dale, and Lisa Lagory, and PPF Mascots Edie and Emma
PROVIDENCE PICTURE FRAME started in 1850, and has been helping people making beautiful memories ever since. Over the decades, the store went from a tiny spot in The Arcade to the major art destination that it is now. Today, Providence Picture Frame is housed in a historic mill off North Main Street. They offer framing, and also photo and painting restoration, printing and appraisals, and sell antique maps, framed prints, and mirrors. Their Dryden Gallery, with three exhibition spaces that showcase art by local artists, has become a major art destination in the area, and can host events of up to 200 people. It all adds up to a full acre of space devoted to local art and fine craftsmanship, and a staff of people who spend their lives making spaces more beautiful. Meet the Leading Ladies Providence Picture Frame team. Donna Parsons has been Gallery Director at Providence Picture Frame & Dryden Gallery for six years, and has been with the company for over 15 years. As Gallery Director, Donna is responsible for filling the gallery’s three exhibition rooms: the Red Gallery on the first floor, the Piano Room on the second, and the Grand Gallery upstairs, which is over 3,500 square feet and is considered one of the finest galleries in New England. Miranda Harreys came to Providence Picture Frame in 2013 as part of a career change. With some experience from another shop but, more importantly, with a friendly personality and a lifetime of sewing skills, she is now an expert
in hand sewing and the archival treatment of everything from fine silk tapestries, to sports jerseys belonging, to members of major New England sports clubs.
The staff spends their lives making spaces more beautiful. Dale Ryan, sales manager, has been with Providence Picture Frame since it was a tiny shop in The Arcade. Her primary role, as she describes it, is meeting new people and improving their spaces, helping them to envision the difference that great framing can make not just to one photo or piece of art, but to a whole room. She works closely with local offices to place artwork that fits their business and their budget. Diolinda Pereira started with the company 18 years ago and quickly demonstrated her skill as a craftsperson with an eye for detail. Once all of the various tasks have been performed on a customer’s project and components produced, she is the one who brings it all together for final assembly and inspection. She’s never afraid to kick something back into production if she is not happy with it. If it’s hanging on your wall, it’s probably because Diolinda said it could.
Lisa Lagory is the head of Providence Picture Frame’s matting and archival treatment department. She is an expert in the ancient art of paper hinges for high value works on paper, and at the same time, she is also recognized as one of North America’s most knowledgeable users of CAD mat cutting machines. Combine this with her design expertise, and she is a triple threat. Lisa Bushee is half of the growing digital reproduction and printing department. With years of experience as professional photographer, photo editor and printmaker, she is able work with the most exacting professionals, but her warm personality allows her to also make the least tech-savvy customers feel right at home. In addition to her technical skills, Lisa is also works with customers to help frame anything that they have printed. Mary Lindberg is the newest member of the team, and comes with a diverse background in art and design. An artist herself, she has a broad range of skills from painting on various substrates, sculpture, set design, and light carpentry. She is a triple threat – working with customers at the design counter, in their homes as an art installer, and in the workshop as a framer.
27 Dryden Ln., Providence. 421-6196, ProvidencePictureFrame.com
When talking with JOANNE DALY it is easy to see how much she cares about her clients and how dedicated she is to helping them take control of their financial future. “I am passionate about helping others become financially empowered and make smart wellinformed decisions about their money, especially women,” she says. Joanne’s clientele include individuals, couples, professors, doctors and small business owners, but many of her clients are women who have become responsible for their financial future after experiencing divorce, death of a loved one or inheritance of significant wealth. Joanne knows personally how important it is to be involved in your finances, since Joanne’s mother became a widow at 45. Joanne saw firsthand the emotional and financial challenges her mother faced, which is why she requires that both spouses participate in their meetings. Joanne strives to ensure that if something happens to one of them, the other will be better prepared to handle their financial affairs on their own. “Of course I will be there for them, to guide them and advocate for them,” she says, “helping them navigate through the overwhelming paperwork and helping them preserve their wealth so that they can live a comfortable lifestyle.” Years ago, she helped her sister as she was going through a divorce after over 20 years of marriage, collaborating with the attorney and CPA to help ensure her sister could continue to live the lifestyle she envisioned. She realized then that many women needed help with managing the divorce process and taking back control of their financial future. As a result of Joanne’s personal experiences, she has truly made it her mission to help her clients become financially informed and engaged in their finances, to help ensure they make smart decisions about their money. “I am their wealth coach, helping them navigate through their financial journey,” Joanne says. “I essentially act as their personal CFO, helping them in many financial aspects of their life and working in collaboration with their attorneys, mediators and CPAs to create a holistic wealth plan that incorporates their personal values and goals. I provide customized strategies to help them enhance, preserve and protect their wealth so they can achieve what’s most important to them.” Through ongoing financial education, coaching and planning, her clients feel confident in making informed financial decisions. Joanne enjoys educating others through financial presentations to civic organizations and companies. She is a frequent guest speaker on various topics, including financial empowerment, divorce and wealth planning and has presented at Bryant University’s Women Summit, South County Hospital, URI Alumni Foundation and The Rhode Island Society of CPAs, to name a few. Though Joanne’s office is in Providence, she often meets with clients in their home, office or the firm’s Newport office. Joanne has more than 25 years of financial services experience, was a former CPA Tax Manager for Ernst and Young and earned an M. S. in taxation from Bryant University. Joanne has attained Morgan Stanley’s Family Wealth Advisor (FWA) designation which is granted to those financial advisors who have successfully completed an extensive accreditation program focused on the skills needed to help families communicate about money and
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
JOANNE M. DALY, CDFA® First Vice President, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Morgan Stanley
values, share their goals and grow and protect wealth across generations. She is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Outside of work, Joanne is an active volunteer, including being a member of the: Women’s Fund of RI board, RI Partnership in Philanthropic Planning board, South County Hospital Development Committee (past Investment committee), GFWC Women’s Club of South County, United Way’s Alex de Tocqueville Committee, RI Society of CPAs and the Estate Planning Council of RI. Joanne lives in Narragansett with her husband and two daughters.
One Financial Plaza, 19th Floor, Providence 863-8467, 800-488-1241 MorganStanleyFA.com/Joanne.Daly *Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its financial advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.© 2019 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. NMLS ID:1510426 CRC2397714 02/19
ROZ RUSTIGIAN Owner
Roz Rustigian accepting the Carpet Star 2019 award; with Tim Steinert of Carpet! magazine and presenter Rob Leahy, owner of Fine Rugs of Charleston.
Rustigian Rugs is Now An International Award-Winning Store. RUSTIGIAN RUGS offers a wide selection of hand-woven rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, from traditional to contemporary and custom, primarily sourced from Near- and Middle East suppliers and allied American importers. Roz Rustigian developed her work ethic and business acumen at the side of her father “Rusty,” who founded Rustigian Rugs in 1930. Her appreciation of the world’s cultural opportunities and refusal to accept traditional barriers have opened doors to her as a woman that would have been unimaginable in her father’s time and that have anchored her continued success in one of the world’s most male-dominated industries. After three decades overseeing the growth of Rustigian Rugs and a lifetime immersed in fine carpets, Roz is in high demand as a consultant and bridge builder. Some of her many invitations and honors include: • • • •
Advisor, Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association, sponsored by the Turkish government Advisor, inaugural USAID-sponsored Rug Fair in Kabul, Afghanistan Two-time President, Oriental Rug Retailers of America 2001 Retailer of the Year, AmericasMart in Atlanta, Georgia
In January 2019, Roz traveled to the international Domotex exhibition in Hanover, Germany where her accomplishments were celebrated at the Carpet Star Retailers of the Year ceremony. One of five honorees worldwide, she was honored with the Exemplary Rug Specialist Shop award, presented by Carpet! magazine.
1 Governor St., Providence. 751-5100, RustigianRugs.com
Photography by Brandon Harmon
DENISE CHAKOIAN Fitness Expert
Denise Chakoian, owner of CORE, a fitness studio on the East Side of Providence, believes in the power of community and the profound impact of positive influence. “When life becomes difficult, surrounding yourself with an uplifting community who believes in you – often more than you believe in yourself – creates long-lasting relationships that inspire and motivate.” Denise’s success began over a decade ago when she opened her first fitness studio on the East Side. Determined to bring individualized and proven exercise classes to RI, she has continued to expand the CORE brand by adding modalities that incorporate the five basic elements of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, and flexibility. As Denise approaches her 13th year anniversary, she is once again reinventing herself – except this time, she’s found inspiration in a personal way. After being
diagnosed with cancer and successfully treated last year, Denise understands the importance of a like-minded fitness community which helped her overcome obstacles. The diagnosis was profound in
Sharing the communal benefits of fitness helps people develop relationships, reach goals, and stay focused. many ways. “I never thought cancer would happen to me, especially for someone in the health and wellness industry.” Denise credits her community of trainers, clients, friends and family for getting her through her hardest days. “Regardless of my emotional state, I got up every Saturday
morning at the crack of dawn to teach a 7:30am cycling class. Seeing the faces of the CORE family helped me fight harder. I can’t tell you how powerful this human connection was in my battle against cancer. Sharing the communal benefits of fitness helps people develop relationships, reach goals, and stay focused.” CORE currently has three separate studios which offer Pilates, cycling, group fitness, and personal training. But in Spring 2019, CORE will revolutionize the workout game in RI when Denise unveils her new location at 229 Waterman Street on the East Side. Fitness junkies and music lovers alike will find their oasis in this 7,000 sq. ft. space which combines all the CORE studios under one luxurious roof. The industrial-lux design will feature RI’s first Lagree Megaformer studio, a patented Pilates-based machine created by Sebastian Lagree. The Lagree Method is one of the fastest growing and hottest workouts in the fitness industry and hailed by Hollywood stars. “There is no denying the extraordinary transformation the M3X Megaformer provides all fitness levels, and it’s an honor to introduce to Lagree and serve the community I love,” says Denise. Every aspect of the new studio is infused with Denise’s boundless positive energy. The indoor cycling theater will offer customized bikes, a pioneering sound system and mesmerizing illumination. Group training rooms boast the newest treadmills and functional training equipment. For the clients who prefer one-on-one sessions in strength training and Pilates, well-appointed private spaces will help clients reach their goals faster and deliver personal attention of a trainer. “From the friendly front desk greeters to the city’s finest instructors with reputation and commitment, CORE will deliver the next level in personal attention and bespoke customer service,” says Denise. In spite of setbacks and challenges, her vision to bring RI together through fitness is unwavering. Determined and unstoppable, Denise is a living, breathing example of taking your passions seriously without taking yourself too seriously.
CORE Cycling + Fitness: 727 East Ave., Pawtucket CORE: Coming Soon to 229 Waterman St., Providence 273-2673, CoreFitProv.com
Photography by Brandon Harmon
GERRI SCHIFFMAN Realtor
“I’m committed to listing any type of property
property is presented to potential buyers on
as well as matching buyers with the home of
the internet, in written advertising, during open
their dreams,” says Gerri Schiffman, an award-
houses, and for private showings.”
winning realtor celebrating her 26th year with
She is totally dedicated to her clients, always
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD. A career
making herself available no matter the day or
professional with the leading agency since 1994,
time, whether providing insightful feedback
Gerri has an unparalleled level of institutional
to sellers, or reviewing the necessary steps in
knowledge, expertise, and personal experience
the buying process with first time homebuyers
about the Providence area market.
who might need more guidance.
“My husband Fred and I raised four children
“Selling real estate is such a rewarding
on the East Side. I know firsthand what buyers
experience. It is a great feeling to help sellers
are looking for and how to help sellers make
find the right buyer who appreciates their
their properties appealing to these buyers.”
unique property or to help buyers throughout
Having built and renovated several homes
the often arduous and competitive process of
of her own - along with working closely with
finding that special house that will become
contractors on many projects - Gerri really
their new home.”
understands the potential of any property. “I love all kinds of houses - large or small, old or new, traditional or contemporary. I find beauty, purpose, and opportunity in all of them.” Gerri also has a keen eye for preparing a home for sale, using staging, floor plans, professional photography, videos, individual
140 Wickenden Street, Providence. Call 474-3733, GerriSchiffman.com
DIANE S. NAHABEDIAN Director of Marketing
1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. 785-3510, RWPZoo.org
40
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
websites, and digital media. “When I list a property, I am very particular about how that
As director of marketing for the ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO, Diane Nahabedian is an integral part of the zoo’s team – and that role became even more exciting when the cutting-edge Faces of the Rainforest exhibit opened late last year. No matter what time of year, Nahabedian is busy promoting the zoo’s programming, from new animal acquisitions to infrastructure development. She also helps inform residents about the achievements of its sibling organization, the Rhode Island Zoological Society. “I have the best job ever,” Diane says. “I tell the story of the greatest zoo in New England. I tell the story of the conservation work we do, the environmental education we provide to hundreds of school children, and the story of endangered animals that are vital to our ecosystem. I also work with committed professionals who are devoting their careers to the betterment of our environment.” But that’s just part of her story. Diane earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University, and earned a Master’s of
Client Testimonial
Gerri’s reputation as the best realtor in Providence proved to be spot-on for us. Thanks to her insights and knowledge about the neighborhood, the real estate market, and the tactics to use in successfully presenting a property, we entered into a contract for the sale of our East Side condo within 48 hours of being listed. Gerri is simply a top notch professional, and we recommend her enthusiastically. - Don H.
Science from Boston University – College of Communication. Since then, she has worked in marketing and public relations for nonprofit organizations for more than 30 years. This span includes her tenure as chief marketing and membership officer of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “Communication at this level is about more than writing press releases and getting the word out,” says Diane. “Communication helps people understand their community, and the communities around them. It’s the most important way to bridge divides.” Diane also successfully developed a home-school curriculum for her son for 10 years, focusing on integrated arts. (He earned a degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 2016.) During that same decade, Nahabedian also served as a consultant, providing marketing, communications, and fund development strategies to organizations nationally and internationally. “I’m proud of many aspects of my career, but mostly my ability to tell a story honestly and with feeling,” she says.
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
PAULA MOSKOWITZ MD, PHD Dermatologist & Practice Co-Owner
1672 South County Trail, East Greenwich. 885-7546 (SKIN), DermRI.com
“I’m so excited to be featured as a Leading
Paula’s job is her relationship with her
Lady, and approaching my 20th year of
patients. Over the past two decades, she
practicing dermatology in Rhode Island...
has served as caregiver for up to three
it just means the world to me,” says Paula
generations of the same family, attending
Moskowitz. This is a major milestone for
to an astonishing range of dermatological
Paula, a proud Ocean State resident. She
needs, from the cosmetic to the life-saving.
lived in several places – raised in Queens,
The field can be quite intimate; when
NY, then moved to Chicago and Boston –
one patient learned the gender of her
but it was Providence that won her over.
anticipated first grandchild, she excitedly
“I’ve never looked back,” she says.
texted Paula. Longtime patients have also
Much of Paula’s career has been as
30 Exchange Terrace, Providence. 421-4450, DowntownProvidence.com
Paula’s
own
evolution,
from
young professional to expecting mother to
residents
the Mom of 15 year old twins.
at
Roger
Williams
Medical
Center, where she served as director of
“In my practice, I have always strived
cosmetic training, and also at Brown
to provide cutting-edge and thoughtful
University. Later, she brought her expertise
treatments, whether my patient has acne,
to DERMATOLOGY PROFESSIONALS, a
a rash, skin cancer, or is seeking a cosmetic
practice she started with her professional
enhancement,” she says. As technology
partners in East Greenwich 10 years ago.
evolves,
she
is
excited
about
further
“I have always loved my teaching roles,”
expanding her services. “I’m thrilled about
says Paula, “first as an assistant professor and
new innovations, such as the Pronox system
now teaching advanced cosmetic procedures
of nitrous oxide, making laser treatments
to a dermatology fellow at my practice.” It is
more comfortable, the Profound treatment for
this level of expertise that distinguishes her
skin tightening, and PRP for female and male
from other providers of cosmetic services.
pattern hair loss. 2019 looks to be a great year
One of the most rewarding aspects of
ALISON N. IZZI Finance Manager
witnessed
an instructor. She taught dermatology
Alison Izzi is passionate about Downtown Providence, and the mission of the PROVIDENCE DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (DID). “Our mission is to continuously enhance the quality of life Downtown,” she says. “I feel beyond fortunate to love what I do.” Described as extremely effective and competent, Alison manages all aspects of a $1.2 million budget for the Downtown Providence District Management Authority, which provides supplemental City services to the immediate downtown area. “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity and to be able to engage with this community. It’s really a perfect job that allows me to utilize all my skills.” Alison earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Accounting and Finance – both from Johnson & Wales University. She worked in admissions upon graduating, and then transitioned to public accounting where she worked as a CPA at local and national firms. Alison took some time away from her career to
at Dermatology Professionals,” Paula says.
raise her family, a decision she calls her proudest achievement. She’s been with the DID for the past seven years, and continues to be inspired by “our small office with a big impact.” Known for their bright yellow and black uniforms, the Clean and Safe Team is the DID’s most visible program. The streetscaping team focuses on keeping streets, sidewalks, public spaces and much more clean through a variety of initiatives including weeding, sidewalk sweeping, emptying of trash cans, and graffiti removal. The year-round team embraces each season and its challenges and opportunities, from snow shoveling curbs and decorating with wreaths in the winter, to addressing potholes and installing flowers in the spring. “It’s an exciting team and an exciting time to be a part of it. 2019 is going to be a great year downtown.” Alison says. “There’s lots of new development and there’s always exciting things happening in our vibrant City.”
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
41
DR. NONI THOMAS LÓPEZ Head of School
45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence. 434-3833, GordonSchool.org
ATABEY SÁNCHEZ-HAIMAN Artist & Gallery Owner
The moment Dr. Noni Thomas López was hired by THE GORDON SCHOOL, she made history: Dr. Thomas López is the first person of color to serve as the independent school’s Head of School. This is landmark, but it’s only the latest in a groundbreaking career in education. She earned her MA from Columbia University, where she was awarded a Joseph Klingenstein fellowship to study independent school leadership, and she later earned her EdD from the University of Pennsylvania. “I benefited immensely from mentorship early in my career,” says Dr. Thomas López, “and I am proud that aspiring leaders, particularly women and people of color, seek me out for guidance and mentorship. I believe my purpose is to create spaces where others can discover and enact their purpose.” She believes strongly in the Gordon School mission, which stresses justice, everyday activism, and service to others. She was also attracted to Gordon’s child-centered developmental approach, because students can enroll as toddlers and remain through eighth grade,
encompassing their most formative years. “Perhaps the best example is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” she says. “Gordon started that work long before many independent schools realized its importance. I’ve been working in educational leadership for over two decades. Since my early days as an educator, Gordon has loomed large in my imagination for being a school on the cutting edge. I’m really excited for this new chapter in my career.” Dr. Thomas López most recently lived in the Bronx, where she served as Assistant Head of School at Ethical Culture Fieldston School. She personally oversaw curriculum and instruction for a school of 1,750 students and 325 faculty and staff. Given this high level of discipline and community engagement, colleagues are often surprised by her demeanor. “On a team of nine, I’m the only introvert, so they all know that I need solo time to recharge. But I think people who know me would say that I am authentic, that I put relationships first, and that I like to have fun.”
on the local art scene in the last few years,
Her one-of-a-kind commissioned art has
from showcasing her work at artisan fairs
also been in demand. “I’ve done custom
to opening her own gallery. The Giraffes
pieces for boardrooms, schools, residential
and
immersive
kitchens and living rooms, nurseries… even
experience like no other. “I want people
bathrooms!” She collaborates with interior
to feel like they are stepping into one of
designers, homeowners, and businesses to
my paintings or illustrations.” The studio
create large-scale pieces that literally and
features her seemingly endless collection
figuratively brighten up any environment.
of
From
With a mission to spread joy, Atabey’s
affordable unframed and framed prints to
simple yet powerful art continues to leave its
large-scale artwork, each piece is created
uniquely positive mark everywhere it goes.
Robots
fun
and
Studio
is
an
motivational
art.
to bring a pop of positivity to any space. In the great tradition of pop art, her work is designed to be approachable. And like notable pop artists, her work has become quite popular in RI and
42
Atabey Sánchez-Haiman is an artist with a
beyond. Her iconic Rhode Island Red and
simple, yet meaningful vision. “I make art
Superman Building series, to name just
that makes people smile. My art’s purpose is
a few, offer an unexpected twist on the
to make people happy.” Bright and colorful
familiar. These popular works are also
– with a signature palette of yellow, orange,
constantly evolving with new imagery and
and red – her art is instantly recognizable as
colors, making each edition unique. Her
a GIRAFFES AND ROBOTS original.
smile-inducing art can also be found at
Originally from Puerto Rico, the Brown
local retailers like Stock Culinary Goods,
graduate has made a significant impact
Providence Picture Frame, and West Elm.
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
1005 Main St., Studio 2219, Pawtucket. 347-ROBOTS1, GiraffesAndRobots.com
DEBBIE HEANEY Owner, Pet Services
PAMELA MACHON Owner
There’s always plenty of new and exciting things happening at SOPHIE’S BREWHOUSE. “This is an exciting year for us,” says owner Pamela Machon. “We are introducing new features, and breaking ground to expand our kitchen and add a bar. I can’t wait to see it all come together.” Part coffeehouse, part cafe, Sophie’s Brewhouse is all about serving freshlymade drinks and food made with local ingredients. “As a small business owner,
With a lifelong love and passion for animals, as well as years of hand-on experience, Debbie Heaney started DAKOTA’S PET SERVICES in 2011. The first of its kind in RI, the family owned and operated business offers safe and affordable pet walking and sitting services. “It’s the most rewarding profession, and I feel fortunate to be with dogs and cats every day,” Debbie says. “It’s my dream job, and I’m living proof that it’s never too late to accomplish your goals.” Along with her husband Steve and daughter Courtney, Debbie provides a caring, stress-free environment for pets. All three are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, and Debbie is certified in FEMA: Animals in Disaster, Awareness, and Preparedness. The business is bonded and insured, and even has a dog “equipped” SUV with a medical kit, toys, leashes, bowls, and treats on board. “Being
Debbie and her daughter Courtney
parents of four corgi boys ourselves, we know how hard it is to leave them. Pets are cared for as they are our own - with love, safety, and the companionship they deserve,” Debbie says.
164 Sinclair Ave., Cranston. 862-6097, www.mydps.me
I make it a priority to use as many local vendors and businesses as possible.” Currently open for breakfast and lunch, the eatery is planning on staying open in the evenings later this summer, and debuting an expanded menu of
DR. KATHLEEN KROESSLER, M.D. Neurologist & Acupuncturist
shareable plates and comfort-style fare. The new added bar, which should also be complete by late summer, will not only
In the office of DR. KATHLEEN KROESSLER, Eastern alternative therapies meet Western
add more seating but also showcase their
medicine practices. A practicing neurologist
full liquor license. “I’ve been talking with
who specializes in alleviating headache pain,
local breweries about bringing in their
Dr. Kroessler uses acupuncture and other
beers,” she says, adding that her ultimate
alternative therapies. “The ideas of health and
dream is to make it a brewhouse by
wellness used in Eastern medicine treat the
day and by night. “From locally-brewed
whole patient, and naturally complement the
coffee to beer made onsite – that’s what
Western approaches to treating symptoms
I’d love to offer one day.”
and diseases,” she says. “Acupuncture and
Pamela
continues
community-focused
to
evolve
restaurant
the
other alternative modalities can be very effec-
by
tive for treating pain and the stress associated
adding live music on Sunday afternoons (starting mid-March), a mini farmer’s
with chronic pain.” “I focus on treating headaches and other
cussive headaches. She is also fellowship
patio
causes of neuromuscular and neuropathic
trained in EMGs, which are diagnostic tests for
activities (during warmer months). “I
pain,” she says. In addition to acupuncture, she
nerve and muscle problems. “It is quite gratify-
couldn’t do this without the dedication
can employ cupping, therapeutic dry needling
ing to help patients with pain. Our bodies have
of my go-to team of Brian, Rachel, and
and trigger point injections, which can alleviate
an amazing capacity to heal when the energy
Jeffrey. The whole dedicated staff allows
neck and shoulder tension, plus back and joint
of chronic strain/pain patterns are released.”
me to keep dreaming about what’s next.”
pain, when they’re appropriate to a patient’s
market
(May-October),
and
treatment. Through her blend of holistic prac699 South County Trail, Exeter. 295-4273, SophiesBrewhouse.com
tices and medical science, Dr. Kroessler treats conditions like neuralgia, migraine headaches, whiplash injuries, chronic pain, and post-con-
407 East Ave., Suite 110, Pawtucket. 305-3322, KKroesslerMD.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
43
MELISSA SIPLE Pilates Instructor & Gym Owner
NICKI MAHER CEO & Co-Founder
All gain with no pain? It’s possible with STOTT Pilates. The precise strengthening and stretching method developed a century ago by Joseph Pilates has had immense benefits for those who practice it, but the system was based on old knowledge about the body and its functions. That’s why Melissa Siple, owner of BENEFITNESS, is a STOTT Pilates Instructor Trainer, teaching the method to future trainers at her acclaimed studio and traveling globally to train future instructors. “STOTT is the contemporary approach. As science has evolved, our method has evolved to better fit clients’ needs,” Melissa says.
also offers TRX, Halo and Barre sessions.
She’s excited about her brand new Intensive
Melissa prides herself on having “the
Mat Plus teacher training session, adding
best of the best” trainers working for her –
“If you‘ve ever wanted to become a Pilates
but that doesn’t mean she only trains top
instructor, this is the class for you!”
athletes. “People are looking to be fit and
BENEFITNESS offers daily Group Mat and Reformer classes, as well as customized one-
functional longer. We work with every body type and age to help you be your best self.”
on-one sessions. “‘One size doesn’t fit all’ when it comes to personal training. Inspired, creative instruction is the best way to reach personal goals and overcome challenges.” The studio
816 Middle Rd., East Greenwich. 886-5661, RIPilates.com
LAURIE NERONHA Owner & Licensed Esthetician Laurie Neronha is obsessed with healthy skin. “Beautiful skin is a side effect of healthy skin,” says the owner of VIRIDITAS BEAUTIFUL SKIN THERAPIES. “Skin wellness is more than beauty. It’s about health and self-love.” With a focus on herbal and science-based treatments, Laurie’s specialized approach heals compromised skin from the inside out. Laurie’s impressive career began over two decades ago when she became a licensed esthetician. “I’m also obsessed with skin science,” she says, adding that becoming a certified Acne Specialist was a career game changer. A chronic acne sufferer as a teenager, Laurie understood the pain and insecurity firsthand. “It’s incredibly gratifying to help people with skin challenges like acne, and to do it in a noninvasive, drugfree way.” A regional trainer for Oncology Spa Solutions, Laurie teaches skincare professionals the specialized practice of treating oncology patients. “It’s empowering to know we improve the quality of life during such a challenging time.” 44
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Heading into her twelfth year in business, Laurie is proud to have graduated the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program last year. “It’s so rewarding to have built a business that not only changed my life, but has changed the lives of others. It’s truly from my heart.” 1 Richmond Sq., Suite 215W, Providence. 632-4433 Viriditas.SkincareTherapy.net
Nicki Maher believes all women should have their own version of “having it all.” A former Alex and Ani executive, she left a career at the nation’s fastest-growing retail brand to find a better work-life balance. “You could say I hung up my bangles in pursuit of a more mindful life,” Nicki says with a laugh. “I shifted from being a career executive to being an executive mama.” That shift in priorities - and taking some time to focus on her two children - made all the difference. After a year of independent brand consulting, Nicki realized that one of her clients had an opportunity that seemed custom-tailored for her. She soon accepted a position as CEO and co-founder with fine jewelry company ELLA STEIN. The revolutionary brand locally based with global goals - has a noble international mission of uplifting people with sustainable sourcing and transparent pricing. As CEO and visionary, Nicki enthusiastically leads and mentors a team of driven creatives. “I like to think of myself as the Bill Belichick to the Ella Stein brand. That’s the fun part – coming up with the play-by-play to keep the communication clear and motivating, and to keep the entire team and brand growing,” Nicki says, adding that she’s looking forward to their upcoming wholesale market launch. “I wholeheartedly believe in this company, and I’m so excited about where we’re heading.”
110 Union St., Providence, EllaStein.com
HEIDI KELLER Boutique Owner
MIKAYLA ROBERTS Owner & Cleaning Expert
HEATHER PALIOTTA
“This is a perfect
Mikayla
Heather
time
to
truly passionate about
has
be a small business
making people’s lives
the CHARLESTOWN
owner,
easier
spiritually
Roberts
is
Executive Director Paliotta
been
with
cleaning
CHAMBER OF COM-
Keller. “CAPUCINE is
their homes. Offering
MERCE for 18 years,
more than beautiful
professional cleaning
taking the lead with
clothing – it’s about
services for commer-
recruiting volunteers
connections.”
cial
and growing membership. She’s especially
says
Heidi
Heidi
by
and
residential
opened her high-quality designer boutique in
properties, she prides herself on her punc-
proud of tripling the size of the Charlestown
2001 when she was in her 20’s, and has literally
tuality and her attention to detail. But what
Seafood Festival, their largest fundrais-
grown with her die-hard customers. “I’ve made
really makes CLEANING BY MIKAYLA a success
er, and this year’s 35th annual celebration.
genuine relationships. My clients inspire me to
is her customer service. “It’s important to meet
“We are strong advocates for our members,
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all of my clients and customize a cleaning
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dress
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359 South Main St., Providence. 273-6622
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our coastal heritage.”
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364-3878, CharlestownRIChamber.com
LEAH CARLSON
SHELBY WHITE
Salon Owner & Stylist
JEREMY WHITE Salon Owner & Hair Stylist
Leah Carlson always
“I was putting lipstick on at age seven,” says SW BEAUTY owner Shelby White. “Beauty is my life’s passion.” Today the 28-year-old is the proud owner of a full service hair salon. In addition to fashionforward hair care, SW Beauty offers bridal, makeup, and extensive skin services like peels and brow tinting. “Passion drives success. Follow your dreams and you will never ‘work’ another day.” 23 North Rd., Suite A16,
“The most gratifying feeling is when someone leaves happy,” says SENSE OF STYLE owner Jeremy White. Her hair salon offers expert color, cut, and foils. With a commitment to stay ahead of trends and continued education through certificates, she finds inspiration in South County and from her supportive community. “I’m fortunate to live in a place of beauty and simplicity.” 326 Main St.,
Wakefield. 515-5631. ShelbyWhiteBeauty.com
Wakefield. 782-1273, SenseOfStyleri.com
Owner & Hair Stylist knew she wanted to do hair. Her love for makeup and the art of hairstyling started at a young age. Soon after
starting
her
career and a family, she opened LALALUXE SALON. Nine years later, she just opened her second location in the Tourister Mills. “Every day I balance running a business, doing hair and trying to be a good mom. Seeing my clients smile is what keeps me going.”
139 Elmgrove Ave, Providence;
Tourister Mill, Warren. LaLaLuxeSalon.com
MARGARET CARLETON Owner & Artist
PUBLISHERS
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
45
LIFE & STYLE Home • The Influencer • Shop • Whole Body
Kilim pillows on a velvet sofa illustrate the couple’s penchant for texture and color
PUBLISHING HOUSE A College Hill Victorian is the perfect location for a pair of wordsmiths When you’re a full-time writer, you can live almost anywhere in the world. So, it’s a testament to the attributes of Providence that Robert and Kathleen Thurston-Lighty make it their home. “It feels like these are our people,” Robert muses. “Every morning we walk for an hour around the East Side and are struck anew by the glories of our town and its fascinating residents – human, canine, and feline. We never tire of it.” The couple’s work portfolio includes everything from penning speeches to video
Photography by Grace Lentini 46
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
scripts to books, and for the past five years they have done so from an Eastlake-style Victorian. Along with an intricate exterior, the property boasts an outdoor space designed by noted landscape designer Andrew Grossman, listed among the eight best small gardens in the world by Architectural Digest. Inside, rooms have a cozy academic feel, outfitted with books, maps, and art. The settings are welcoming via layers of pattern and texture in a warm colorway. Says Kathleen,
“We like velvets and tassels and buttons and pompoms… in moderation, of course.” Favorite walkable spots include Books on the Square, Green Ink, Impact Everything, Simple Pleasures, and the Hope Street Farmer’s Market. When asked to define their decor, Kathleen reflects, “It’s not an intentional style – just the artifacts of our life. In a very real sense, our style has grown up around us as we’ve built our life together.” -Elyse Major
Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more
Looking to sell this Spring season? Call Jim today, he'll get you moving.
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TAKE THE CHALLENGE
RAPPEL FOR PCL! SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2019 REGENCY PLAZA, PROVIDENCE
Help raise $100,000 for Providence Community Library! Show your love of libraries and lifelong learning by descending 12 stories at the Regency Plaza. Relish an unforgettable experience as you raise money for exciting new materials, technology and programs at PCL’s nine neighborhood libraries. No experience necessary! • Partner with a Fearless Friend, register today and qualify for an Early Bird incentive • Put your business or organization in the spotlight and create a Fearless Leader team • The first 20 participants to register will receive a VIP Pass from Rock Spot Climbing FIND OUT MORE AND SIGN UP TODAY AT
provcomlib.org/edge ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
47
MAKE A STATEMENT
LIFE & STYLE • Whole Body
by Ann O’Neill
All You Need is Nidra All That Matters teaches how to relinquish control with Yoga Nidra
P R OV I D E N C E
NEW SPRING ITEMS ARRIVING DAILY IN BOTH STORES!
Habitat Eileen Fisher Cut Loose Clara Sunwoo Salaam Naot Eric Micheal Dansko and more! Open 7 Days
199 Wayland Avenue, Providence • 421-0250 89 Brown Street, Wickford • 294-6266 48
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Spring brings with it a sense of renewal—everything around us grows, recharges and blooms. Taking a cue from nature, it was a perfect time to search for ways to cultivate myself. Though most things I want to change are out of my control, I had a fighting chance of reducing my stress about it. I decided on the Providence location of All That Matters (also in South Kingstown and East Greenwich) and called to get help choosing a class. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I assumed yoga would be out of the question. Erika Lucas, the studio manager, ultimately suggested Yoga Nidra, which would help me “…recognize the underlying peace of mind that is always present amidst the changing circumstances of life.” We have a winner! I registered, made sure my comfy, non-binding clothes were ready to go, and waited for Tuesday at 7:30pm. I arrived at 128 North Main Street and found a spot on the street pretty easily. I poked around the inviting gift shop before I checked in, took off my shoes, and got a tour. The instructor, Sohini Livewell, showed us the setup for Yoga Nidra. One sits on a mat under a cozy blanket and reclines on propped cushions, all free to borrow. I chose a modified chair position that did not
diminish the experience. After a brief introduction, we concentrated on our breathing. I wanted to emulate the loud sighs I heard but felt self-conscious. When Sohini acknowledged we might be feeling silly, but that we could just let it go, I knew I was in good hands. We directed our mind’s eyes to various parts of our bodies and felt muscles surrender. We let go of stresses because they exist outside us rather than define us. We acknowledged any feelings that came to mind and then imagined the opposite was true. Instruction paused, and delicate chimes began to ring and move about the room. Suddenly they surrounded me. Despite serious temptation, I did not open my eyes. I chose to leave something a mystery in our world of immediate explanations. The lights returned with one last instruction to bring joy back into the world with us. I’m glad Yoga Nidra is offered weekly because I will be back. If only for those chimes which, for the record, I still haven’t Googled; and it hasn’t caused me one second of stress.
All That Matters 128 N. Main Street, Providence • 401-632-0052 AllThatMatters.com
Illustration by Lia Marcoux
178 Wayland Avenue, Providence 621-6452 • milanclothiers.com
LIFE & STYLE • Shop
by Elyse Major photography by Brandon Harmon
Spring Forward Follow Pitman Street to the Providence River and come upon an unlikely vision at the end of Richmond Square: an idyllic cottage, or more accurately, a rustic forge, that has been enchanting shoppers since 1992 as Simple Pleasures. Inside, the mother-daughter team of Mary and Alice Moore stock the shelves, mantle, and rafters above with an eclectic assortment of paper and whimsical party goods, jewelry, gifts, scarves, and more. Be sure to visit often as the Moores regularly festoon with seasonal themes and ever-changing merchandise. Since the month of March brings to mind shamrocks and the
1
verdant promise of spring, we asked the duo to assemble items sure to make anyone green with envy. 2
3 4
5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Mermaid surprise ball, $32 Lord Jones High CBD body lotion, $60 Louis Sherry chocolates tin, $36 Mexican painted dish, $15 Zoisite necklace, $48
Simple Pleasures 6 Richmond Square, Providence • 331-4120 SimplePleasuresProvidence.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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The Providence Downtown Improvement District ambassadors invite you to visit downtownprovidence.com to find all there is to see, eat, and do downtown—events, shopping, dining, self-guided tours, news, and more!
Photo: Rachel Hulin
LINDEN PLACE MANSION'S
DERBY DAY PARTY SATURDAY, MAY 4 | 4PM-8PM Linden Place is off to the races!
Dig out your derby hat as we bring the spirit of the Kentucky Derby to Bristol! • Live Music, Dancing & Entertainment
• Prizes for best dressed, best hat & more
• Stationed & passed foods
• Silent & Live Auction
• Mint Julep Bar
• Group tickets & Sponsorships available
• Live streaming of the Kentucky Derby
Sponsorered by
For tickets, visit lindenplace.org or call (401) 253-0390 Ticket: $75; $65 for Linden Place Members 50
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
LIFE & STYLE • The Influencer
by Jackie Ignall
Ryan Lopes Freelance Creative Director
Photography by Wolf Matthewson
I love to make my style personal and classic. I start with either a top or a pair of bottoms, as one can rely on the other – tailored trousers pair well with a more oversized garment above or something that has a bit more structure. I deniably live in Levi’s, loafers, Nike’s, and my favorite Martiniano glove shoes. We’re spoiled with all four seasons here in New England, so in the cooler months I rely on layers, turtlenecks, solid colors, and shorter length coats with an occasional hat. In the warmer months, it’s linen, lots of Levi’s, lighter button-ups, and lots of bright tones. I also love raw silk and woven details. I like to think of my outfits as conversations. When looking for a piece of clothing, I start with color, which I don’t wear much of. What does the color offer with items I already own? I’m also attentive to textile and structure. What is the item made out of? Who made it? And is there any particular unique element within the garment? I love to shop vintage. I admire smaller/indie brands who are 100 percent involved in their craft, research, and production process. Na Nin is one; Garmentory is a hub for all things designer, but still small. I am a freelance Creative Director. I direct brands and manage media platforms through styling, visual storytelling, and art direction. I love that Providence offers individuality while maintaining a space for inclusivity. I’m grateful for my own pace where I can work and express creativity without much input of who may be creating the same mediums that I aim to project. I’m also a proud employee at Bolt Coffee, working and networking with so many like-minded individuals who support me entirely. It still feels very much like home, while feeding me lots of creativity. Instagram has become an exceptional platform of personal discovery. I love people who collect personal classics and designer items, curate and sell to their audience. @LuciaZolea is amazing as well as @NaNinVintage for everyday inspiration. My friends through media and in my day-to-day are well styled and I’m grateful for their efforts. Also, the older people of Providence – so elegant!
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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All You Can Eat
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Wellington Wednesday Throwback Thursday Buck-A-Shuck 186 Wayland Avenue, Providence 270-3737 • SaltedSlate.com 52
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
40 Ocean Road, Narragansett 401.789.0700 | thecoastguardhouse.com
FOOD & DRINK In the Kitchen • Food News • Experience • Restaurant Guide
Rhode Island Spirits is adding unique products to the state’s drink scene
TASTE TEST Rhode Island Spirits brings naturally flavored liquors to Pawtucket If you ask most people what vodka tastes like, they’ll shrug and say, “Nothing.” That neutral flavor is the reason most people mix vodka with other liquids. But after living in the United Kingdom and visiting a range of inventive distilleries, Cathy Plourde and Kara Larson learned how many botanical ingredients you can mix into this kind of spirit. Think elderberry, lemon balm, and autumn berries. Not quite sure what paw paws and nasturtium taste like? Well you can find out this month, when RI Spirits opens in Pawtucket.
“Flavor matters to us,” says Plourde. “We forage and work with local growers of unique botanicals to create drinks that couldn’t come from anywhere but the Blackstone Valley and Rhode Island.” The married business partners have been busy renovating their new distillery in a 3,300-squarefoot industrial space, and their grand opening is slated for March 8. They hoped to open earlier, but the government shutdown slowed down the necessary approvals, so carry-out bottles will have to wait. Still, Plourde and Larson plan
to provide samples and cocktails, and their full stock will include not only vodka, but also gin and select liqueurs. The tasting room is designed to fit 100 people at a time. “We think we can add something distinctive to the city’s growing food and drink options,” says Larson. “We’d like locals to think of us as an extension of their homes or neighborhoods, a third space where they can feel at home, meet friends, and relax.” 59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket. RhodeIslandSpirits.com -Robert Isenberg
Photo by Rachel Hulin courtesy of Rhode Island Spirits ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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by Stephanie Obodda
A Pop-Up with Staying Power Rosmarin at Vinya serves Swiss-influenced fine cuisine
Rosmarin at Vinya flies deliberately under the radar, a quiet experiment by Chef Stefano Mariotta and his father Massimiliano, self-described as “elegant yet approachable Swiss cuisine.” Since it’s so inconspicuous, you may be surprised to find it serves some of Providence’s finest dishes, imaginative and impeccably plated. The small space at 225a Westminster Street has hosted several concepts and chefs under the Vinya Test Kitchen moniker. Rosmarin, which moved from a larger space in Hotel Providence, has been resident for over a year. A few of this restaurant’s qualities really stand out. It’s tiny (less than 20 seats), BYOB fine dining, and its Chef de Cuisine is only 24 years old. It’s the only restaurant in Rhode Island that serves a Swiss-inspired menu, and as far as I know, the only one with a 12-course tasting menu. Vinya isn’t heavily advertised. Most diners discover it during a walk downtown Providence or by word of mouth. And word has
Scallop Roulade
spread quickly – the restaurant has already had many visitors travel from out of state for tasting dinners. Owner Massimiliano (who goes by Max) told us that he’s seen a shift in their business. At first, most of their diners were walk-ins ordering a la carte. Now, the majority are reservations for the six-to-twelve-course tasting menus. Since Vinya is BYOB, we stopped by Eno next door to pick up a bottle of wine. Their recommendation was an effervescent light red from the Basque region, Ameztoi “Stimatum,” versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes. Our tasting menu immediately impressed with a gravlax amuse bouche followed by a first course of smoked mackerel with earthy sunchoke chips. I loved the Rindstartar (steak tartare) with the distinctive flourish of hazelnuts, and was equally impressed by the vegetarian dishes. My favorite was the Carrot Panna Cotta – milky carrot cubes decorated with a carrot-cilantro emulsion and a peppery crumble. In another dish,
Carrot Panna Cotta
seared duck was paired with smoky cabbage, pureed parsnip, and pickled cranberries. It reminded me of a mini holiday dinner. The Scallop Roulade was an inventive sous-vide creation, rolled with salmon stuffing and a swiss chard wrapper, then sliced like a sushi roll. Sous-vide cooking features heavily in the restaurant’s winter menu, a practical method for a small kitchen. Though most of our tasting menu dishes also appeared on the a la carte menu, there were two exceptions. One was a roasted artichoke quarter topped with pickled mussels, grapefruit, and tapioca squid ink crackers. The other was a bowl of crispy shallots topped with a slow-poached egg, frothy potatoes, and ample shavings of black Oregon truffle. Both of these were wintry, the mussel dish like a brisk outdoor adventure and the creamy bowl a cozy indoor comfort.
CUISINE: Swiss-inspired modern cuisine PRICES: A la carte $12-$29, Tasting menus $79 for six courses, $145 for twelve courses ATMOSPHERE: Fine dining in a casual
54
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Photography by Mike Braca
FOOD & DRINK • Experience
AN AUSTRALIA INSPIRED CAFÉ NOW OPEN IN PROVIDENCE AND PORTSMOUTH
Must-Try Items Rindstartar Raw beef tenderloin, cured egg yolk, barbecue aioli, hazelnut
Butternut 3 Ways Roasted, pickled, pureed butternut squash, masala, pepitas
Local Cod Potato, lime-ginger-orange chutney, chive aioli
Our dessert, featuring pear in different forms (custard, sorbet, and chutney), was beautifully subtle. Watching the snow fall on Westminster Street as we enjoyed a succession of stunning dishes was one of those magical Providence moments that reminds me why I love this city.
Rosmarin at Vinya 225a Westminster St.• 521-3333 Rosmarin-RI.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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LOW PRICE BOAT SLIPS Available In Warwick Cove!
Food & Drink • In The Kitchen
by Robert Isenberg
Top Shelf Emma Ramadan on the story behind her bookstore bar
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Wed-Fri 11-6 • Sat & Sun 10-4 | Mon & Tues by Appointment 56
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Combining a bookstore and a bar makes so much sense, doesn’t it? Buy a hardback, pull up a stool, and start talking about literature with the next patron over. This bohemian ideal led to Trident Books in Boston, First Draft Book Bar in Phoenix, and The Spotty Dog Books & Ale in New York City – and it was this last venue that inspired Emma Ramadan and Tom Roberge to open Riffraff, the premiere
“There were all these really nice examples of bookstore bars popping up across the US,” says Ramadan, who studied literature in Providence before earning her master’s degree in French translation in Paris. As Ramadan notes, the bar isn’t just a fun concept; it’s also a clever way to bolster income, since books have an infamously low profit margin. “You see a lot of bookstores selling non-book
bookstore-bar in Providence.
items, like candles or magnets or socks, to
Photography by Robert Isenberg
FULL SERVICE ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS 40 Years Experience in Antiques
Emma Ramadan and Tom Roberge take great pride in both the books and cocktails they sell at RiffRaff
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PROVIDENCE BALLET THEATRE
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boost their sales. That’s just not something we were interested in. Can you imagine our store suddenly having a magnet section?” Riffraff recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, and the basement shop has already become a fixture in the Olneyville renaissance. Visitors notice right away that Riffraff is no ordinary book dealer; Ramadan and Roberge carefully select their titles, infusing their shelves with personal taste. That same sensibility informs their bar area. “We have a limited amount of space,” says Ramadan, “so every bottle was chosen with a lot of thought. In the same way we don’t have any books we’re not super proud to be selling, we don’t have any booze we’re not super proud to be serving.” When Riffraff first opened, they worked closely with bartender Brad Kirton to create their cocktail menu; when Kirton became a massage therapist, veteran bartender Alexandra Tilden picked up where he left off. The cocktails evolve seasonally, incorporating more whiskey in winter and tequila in summer. The clientele has thrown them some curveballs: Ramadan and Roberge expected to host “book club women” who might like “a nice glass of wine,” but visitors have shown far more interest in beer and liquor. They also didn’t plan to sell cookbooks, yet cookbooks have become some of their hottest sellers. Such flexibility has its merits. Riffraff hosts a good number of special events, including a tiki night, and the couple decided to treat themselves to some nostalgia. “One of the drinks that’s on the tiki menu is something that, when we were on our honeymoon, they had at our hotel,” says Ramadan. “We were so obsessed with it, and we thought, ‘We have to go back and put this on our menu at Riffraff!’”
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Riffraff 60 Valley Street, Olneyville • 421-4371 RiffraffPVD.com
Alphagraphics Providence 74 Dorrance Street • Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 648-0078 US785@alphagraphics.com • US785.alphagraphics.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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Join us for
ST. PATRICK’S
RESTAURANT GUIDE Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Day Events
F E AT U R E D R E S TA U R A N T
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Guinness ENGRAVE A GLASS 8-10pm Sean Connell 8-11pm
CAV
SATURDAY, MARCH 16 “THE EXILES” Irish Session 12:30pm-4pm Bob Carlson 8-11pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 17 OPEN AT 8AM Breakfast Buffet 8am-11am for $10 “THE EXILES” Irish Session 12:30pm-4pm
WAYLAND
SQUARE
161 Wayland Avenue Providence Rhode Ireland 751-3000 McBrides-Pub.com COMPLIMENTARY PARKING IN THE WAYLAND SQUARE PARKING LOT
Express yourself
CAV Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant that has wowed guests for over 25 years. Inspired by cuisines and cultures from around the world, the eclectic menu offers a creative selection of housemade pasta, fresh seafood, and unique entrees like duck confit and filet mignon. A diverse wine and cocktail
list complements the mix of European, Asian, and New England flavors. The beloved, one-of-a-kind restaurant has been featured in the New York Times, Bon Appetit, Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, and the Providence & Rhode Island Chef’s Table. A recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, the restaurant is a must.
HEADSHOTS | EVENTS | FOOD
14 Imperial Place 751-9164, CAV Restaurant.com
PROVIDENCE AREA 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ Caserta Pizzeria Casual kid-friendly pizza spot offering traditional Italian crisp-cut pizza and calzones. 121 Spruce St, Providence, 621-3818. LD $-$$ CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$
BRANDON HARMON PHOTOGRAPHY 508-498-9584 hello@brandonharmon.com brandonharmon.com
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ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel
View Blvd, BrLD $$$
Cranston,
944-4900.
Character’s Cafe & Theatre Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee, and theaterinspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 4909475. BL $ Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant Homestyle Mexican fare plus beer, wine, and cocktails in a colorful setting. 351 Atwells Ave,Providence, 454-8951. LD $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$
Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence, HarukiSushi.com. LD $-$$ Heng Authentic Thai street food served – including noodles and rotisserie chicken – in Providence’s College Hill neighborhood. 165 Angell St, Providence. LD $ Joe Marzelli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant High-end Italian restaurant serving up specialty dishes and drinks. 120 Atwells Ave, Providence. 751-5544. LD $$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express Handmade Italian classics and prepared foods to go. 1457 Hartford Ave, Johnston,455-0045, LD $$ Luxe Burger Bar Build Your Own Burger: You dream it, we build it! 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 7513000. LD $$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$
ADVERTISING + STRATEGY + VIDEO + WEB
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pizza J Fun, upbeat atmosphere with thincrust pizza, pub fare, and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$
HELLO@LUMINOUSAGENCY.COM 401-234-9407
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
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Celebrate with us!
Spring Restaurant Week MARCH 22 – MARCH 31
Kick Off Party Thursday March 21 at the Historic Towers 5:30pm-8:00pm
VIP RECEPTION from 5:30-6:30pm
Tickets available in advance online
10
Restaurants — desserts — music & raffles
narragansettcoc.com
RESTAURANT GUIDE Sydney Providence Australian-inspired cafe and coffee shop featuring breakfast and light lunch options. 400 Exchange St, Providence, 6484994. BL $-$$ The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun, and Southwestern fare, cocktails, and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$
a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. BrLD $$$ Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery Pizza Calzones and baked goods made fresh daily. 91 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-8086. BrLD $ Dante’s Kitchen American food with Southern flair. 315 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-7798. BL $-$$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
SOUTHERN RI
George’s of Galilee Fresh-caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$
Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$
Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$
Coast Guard House A new American menu with
Mariner Grille Seafood, steaks, and pasta in a
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fun setting, with live entertainment. 40 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284-3282. LD $$ Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sophie’s Brewhouse Espresso drinks and sandwiches with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. 699 S County Trail, Exeter, 2954273. BL $$ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/ American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 2945771. LD $$
RESTAURANT GUIDE Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
The Cove Traditional bar and grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and classic New England seafood favorites. 3963 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, 364-9222. LD $$
PIZZA’S ON THE LINE.
Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Tong-D Fine Thai cuisine in a casual setting. 156 County Rd, Barrington, 289-2998; 50 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-4445. LD $-$$
EAST BAY / NEWPORT Aviary Creative, locally sourced menu featuring rotating craft beers and from-scratch cocktails. 2229 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA, 508-379-6007. BrLD $$ Blount Market & Kitchen Traditional New England seafood summer favorites offered year-round for dine-in and takeout. 406 Water St, Warren, 245-1800. LD $$ Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating, and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$ Chomp Upscale comfort food featuring award-winning burgers and sandwiches. 440 Child St, Warren, 289-2324. D $$ East Bay Oyster Bar Local seafood meets innovative preparation in a rustic setting. 308 County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $$ Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi, and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 435-5511. LD $-$$$ Tav Vino Waterfront dining with an Italian and seafood focus. 267 Water St, Warren, 2450231. D $$ The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA, 508-336-8460.LD $-$$$
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A R T & C U LT U R E Calendar • On Stage • Art • Music
Try your luck at the Guinness St. Patrick’s 5k, featuring Celtic spirit
GIVE ‘EM THE GREEN LIGHT March 9: Whether you’re Irish or not, don some shamrock green and sign up for the Guinness St. Pat’s 5k. The race starts and finishes at the Rhode Island State House on Smith Street, and don’t be surprised to see a runner or two in full leprechaun costume, or at the very least dressed head-to-toe
in St. Paddy’s swag (don’t forget to grab the 5k’s branded tee). If you’re feeling really lucky, try your hand at the full Tour de Patrick, which includes two additional 5ks: the Irish 5k in Pawtucket and Shamrock Shuffle in North Kingstown. 82 Smith Street, Providence, TourDePatrick.com
Photo courtesy of Tour De Patrick ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
63
ART & CULTURE • Calendar
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March 1-31: Over 25 restaurants participate during RI Food Fight’s #BestSandwichRI Showdown. Purchase your foodie passport, sample, and vote for what you think is the state’s best signature sandwich. Last year’s winner: Sandwich Hut – who will reign champion in 2019? RIFoodFights.com
2
March 1-2: The Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr. comes to Comedy
Connection with thought-provoking humor and a successful background in on-air comedy. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RIComedyConnection.com
3
March 2: James Taylor and special guest Bonnie Raitt take over The Dunk with the hits that earned them both a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and multiple Grammys. One LaSalle Square, Providence, DunkinDonutsCenter.com
Photo courtesy of Providence Ballett
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March 8-10: The WaterFire Arts Center houses the New England Outdoor Living & Garden Show, featuring over 70 vendors of outdoor furniture, technology, entertaining, and everything you could need for outdoor living, plus classes and special guests. 475 Valley Street, Providence, NEOutdoorLivingShow.com
5
March 9: Celebrate the local Irish community in true orange-and-green fashion during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown. Featuring music and costume, and don’t forget to finish with some good craic at Patrick’s Pub. ProvidenceStPatricksParade.org
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March 15-16: Providence Ballet Theatre presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, an enchanting multimedia retelling of the classic fairytale. Sapinsley Hall, 600 Mt Pleasant Avenue, Providence, ProvidenceBallet.com
7
March 21: The Art of Race, a series of dialogues exploring the racial history of the contemporary art collection at RISD Museum, co-hosted by The Center for Reconciliation. 20 North Main Street, Providence, RISDMuseum.org
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March 21-23: The Phantom of the Opera makes a special appearance at PPAC, bringing with it a reinvented stage and set design. Follow this tragic, dark story of unrequited love in the Paris Opera House. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, PPACRI.org
9
March 23-25: Festival Ballet’s chatterBOXtheatre adapts the classic Three Little Pigs into a delightful, abridged version for little ones to enjoy. 825 Hope Street, Providence, FestivalBalletProvidence.org
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March 31: RI Philharmonic Orchestra’s Annual Gala, featuring an allTchaikovsky concert at The VETS, followed by a gala celebration and dinner at the Renaissance Providence Hotel. One Avenue of the Arts, Providence, TheVETSRI.com
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ART & CULTURE • Art
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Illustrator and graphic designer Pete MacPhee describes being a full-time artist as “kind of a pirate’s life.” The Portsmouth-based husband and father has spent decades designing posters and artwork for countless local Providence bands, Boston neighbors Dropkick Murphys and Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and even national household names like Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osborne, Social Distortion, and Blondie, his “first crush.” Despite such success, “There is always temptation to jump the shark,” MacPhee
says. He tells young aspiring artists that “It’s a lot of work, and you’d better get used to criticism and believe in yourself.” MacPhee grew up in Narragansett and majored in Fine Arts Illustration at the Rochester Institute of Technology after dabbling in Industrial Design. In 1994, unsure how to apply his new degree, he found work at a photo retouching company in Cranston, where he cut his teeth on graphic design. Photoshop was still new at the time, and MacPhee took as many computer classes as he could. “There was a whole debate back then
Artwork for Narragansett Brewing by Pete MacPhee
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ART & CULTURE • Music
by Adam Hogue
Authenticity Takes Courage Band Ravi Shavi stands up to the mainstream Left to right: Bryan Fielding, Rafay Rashid, Nick Politelli, and Ben Tucker of Ravi Shavi celebrate their new album Blackout Deluxe
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Over the course of 12 songs, Ravi Shavi’s new record Blackout Deluxe takes off like a bull out of the gates, hacking away at the essence of what it means to be loud, brash, and true while aging in constructed, over-informed, and overwhelmingly over-protective times. Blackout Deluxe kicks in the door with a Side A of straightforward rock n’ roll that strikes with a barrage of high-energy, highly-danceable, under-three-minute songs featuring mantras as
TOP TRACKS: “Courage” - The stuttered chorus, gang-vocal chanting, bar-long arpeggios, and slides make this track a catchy place to get to the core of Ravi Shavi’s sound. It’s raw, fast, and makes you think without thinking too hard.
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www.AllegraProvidence.com print@allegraprovidence.com 70
ProvidenceOnline.com • March 2019
“Midnight” - A syncopated, ‘70s funk intro leads into a right off the bat chorus that captures many elements of this album in one place. The “ahh-ahh-ahh’s,” Prince-esque crooned vocals, cracking mics, and bar-room back-up vocals make this a living-room banger.
hip as “I think you’re very radical,” “I am a child, into the wild,” and “I wanna be your mover shaker, meet your maker.” With vibes ranging from “Young Americans” Bowie and “Combat Rock” Clash to just a touch of the swagger and musical/philosophical approach of The Hives, Ravi Shavi takes song writing as a collective effort to not overthink, not overdo, and not overstate. “I think we’ve avoided over-producing and remained faithful to our live sound because we didn’t believe that adding bells and whistles would actually improve the songs,” says singer Rafay Rashid, “There’s also the sense that one might actually ruin a decent song with too many layers of studio production. With rock and roll, less is usually more.” Side B continues to ride the energy and spontaneity of Side A with a methodical meandering into social commentary. With authenticity in mind, Ravi Shavi uses their brand of basement-created, basement-produced music to come up against the pitfalls of growing up in the digital age. Humans groomed as brands and pushed to look, act, and be the same with lukewarm conviction, or worse, a conviction rooted in nothing; a
Photo courtesy of Ravi Shavi
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generation of people who think like people they think they like. In the words of Vonnegut, “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” Is a protest a movement or just something to do on the weekend? It takes courage to find out. “How does one behave authentically in the age of neoliberalism?” muses Rashid. “The song ‘Kids’ is about indoctrination. We are socialized as children to think and act in a way that doesn’t necessarily benefit the individual. ‘Courage’ is about the desperation of modern people to create a unique identity in spite of this indoctrination. It’s about standing up in the face of market forces/ mainstream media and marking your individuality. The chanting of ‘Courage!’ over and over again is exhausting and that’s how I think it often feels to young people when they’re trying to find their own voice amidst the cacophony of the herd. ‘On Strike’, similarly, is about bad faith and how that evolves into something even more insidious when collectivization enters the picture. It’s about protesting and not knowing exactly who or what you’re protesting against.” Blackout Deluxe is an album worthy of playing on repeat. Written, arranged, and recorded in the house the band was living in at the time, the songs have a uniform ascetic that plays only to what each song needs. A verse, chorus, catchy riff, and saying exactly what you need to and nothing more drives this album from start to finish in the best way possible; with foot tapping while sorting through that unchecked existential angst. Ravi Shavi is Rafay Rashid, Nicholas Politelli, Bryan Fielding, and Nick Iddion, with Ben Tucker featured on the album. Blackout Deluxe is produced and engineered by Jesse McFadden. Their music can be found on Bandcamp, as well as all major steaming platforms such as Spotify, ITunes and Apple Music.
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ART & CULTURE • On Stage
by Isabella DeLeo
Hot Tickets From a hyper-local musical to global cinema offerings, here are good reasons to bundle up and see a show
Benny’s: The Musical returns to AS220 on March 3
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Gather ‘round, film buffs and musical aficionados. Providence is a hotbed for movies and theater this month. Check out some of our favorites: “The Empire Revue Presents: Benny’s: The Musical” is the revival of a local favorite. That famous bright red building meant community, family business, and fair pricing. Founded by Benjamin Bromberg in 1924, Benny’s was an automotive store that became an all-purpose favorite throughout the years: part toy shop, general merchandise, convenience and purveyor of seasonal wares. For many locals, it felt like an end of an era – and of a Rhode Island as we know it – when they closed their doors for good in December
2017. It’s nice to know that the spirit of the Rhode Island institution will live on in the form of “Benny’s: The Musical,” which will be gracing the halls of AS220, exploring the Bromberg family story and the community that shaped the Rhode Island institution. 115 Empire Street, March 3 Italian cinema is coming to Providence by way of Bologna. Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour at Brown University is a satellite film festival of the Bologna-based Il Cinema Ritrovato (which translates to “cinema rediscovered” in Italian), one of the world’s most celebrated festivals of restored cinema. Although the 2019 program has yet to be announced, past years have screened Federico Fellini’s Amarcord, Michelangelo
Photo by Pamela Murray courtesy of Benny’s: The Muscial
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Antonioni’s Blow Up, Charlie Chaplin’s The Count, and featured talks moderated by leading scholars and preservationists, orchestral accompaniment to silent films, and free handmade gelato from the owner of Il Gelatauro shop in Bologna – with flavors inspired by the film programming. Because there’s no better way to be in touch with Fellini than eating his favorite gelato flavor, zuppa inglese, a cream-base mixed with a generous amounts of cake and liqueur, as attendees did during the 2017 festival. 154 Angell Street, Dates TBD It’s telling that the most popular word for film appreciation – cinéphilia – comes from French. Rhode Islanders can soon transport themselves to the vibrant arts culture of the Rive Gauche at the Providence French Film Festival. From the comprehensive programming, films such as Jean-Luc Godard’s The Image Book; Bertrand Mandico’s The Wild Boys; Karim Moussaoui’s Until the Birds Return; and Olivier Assayas’ Non-fiction seem particularly popular with the critics. And in case you can’t make one of the films, the programmers plan for repeat screenings for some of the most anticipated movies. 154 Angell Street, February 21-March 1 Coming soon to Avon Cinema is Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film “Shoplifters”. A critical darling, winner of the Palme d’Or, and an Academy Awards Shortlist for Best Foreign Language Film, “Shoplifters” is stealing hearts across the globe. The director of “Like Father, Like Son” and “Our Little Sister” brings you the story of a group of outsiders in Tokyo forced to shoplift in order to survive. They are bonded by their shared creativity, cunning, and loyalty, but the unit is tested when their secret is found out. 260 Thayer Street, visit www.avoncinema.com for dates and showtimes.
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Pic of PVD Staff Pick
#TB to our Who to Watch 2019 party in January. It was great to see so many notable Rhode Islanders together in one place to celebrate the movers and shakers of our city. Highlights: Mary Halsey and Judge Caprio made an appearance! Follow us on Instagram @pvdmonthly
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