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WHO Celebrating Our at TO WATCH
Thursday, April 24th
Join us at Track 15 for an exciting event celebrating Rhode Island’s rising stars! Get ready to be inspired by talented individuals making waves in their industries. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
MEET the 2025 honorees
EXPLORE Providence’s newest food hall
LIVE MUSIC to entertain through the night
TRY a selection of food from the Track 15 restaurants
40 EXCHANGE TERRACE, PROVIDENCE PURCHASE TICKETS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Expert Counsel ^ Dedicated Representation
With his fresh perspective on Rhode Island’s market and a passion for its architecture and history, Ramiro Encizo offers personalized service that goes above and beyond.
Whether guiding first-time buyers, investors, or those seeking their dream home, Ramiro’s attention to detail and commitment to your needs make him the trusted partner you need for your next move.
Ramiro Encizo
646.275.4542
@ramiroencizo rencizo@residentialproperties.com
IN MEMORIAM
It is with heavy hearts that we share about the passing of Dick Shapiro. Owner of Special Delivery in East Greenwich, Shapiro has been a longtime and much beloved distributor of our magazines. To learn more about him, our friends at Jewish Rhode Island have a wonderful video created by our former editor and contributor, Robert Isenberg in 2022.
May his memory be a blessing.
Ramiro Encizo is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
DICK SHAPIRO
Photographed in 2022 by Robert Isenberg, courtesy of Jewish Rhode Island
NEWS & CULTURE
Art | Op-Ed | Rhody Gem | The Public’s Radio | Calendar | Neighborhood News
Patterns of Use
Experience a rich tapestry of trends, artistry, and craftsmanship at an exhibit of historic French wallpaper
By Alexandra Ashe
Wallpaper has long been a reflection of the prevailing tastes and trends of the times. When a design falls out of favor, it is often removed or covered up, making it increasingly rare to find samples of historical wallpapers in good condition. This makes the RISD Museum’s esteemed Huard Collection a true cultural gem. One of the most significant of its kind in existence, it boasts hundreds of pieces generously donated by the French artist Charles Huard and his wife, American writer Frances Wilson Huard, in the 1920s and 1930s. More than 100 rare samples of salvaged wallpapers, borders, fragments, and design drawings from this collection are currently on display at The Art of French Wallpaper Design , at the Museum Galleries on North Main Street, through May 11.
Emily Banas, assistant curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the RISD Museum, says she wanted more than anything to showcase both the immense skill and artistic flair that defined French wallpaper in the 18th and 19th centuries. “My main goal in curating the show was to highlight stories of design, production and
use,” she explains, “and to make clear the deep connections between printmaking and historical techniques for creating wallpaper.”
One of the most compelling aspects of the exhibition is the chance to explore the painstaking labor that went into creating each work of art. The process of producing
wallpaper during this period was intensive, involving not just the work of a single artist, but rather a collaborative effort. Designers, woodblock carvers, and printers worked together using multiple wooden blocks – sometimes more than 100 – to create intricate and vibrant patterns and designs. Visitors will be
Photos courtesy of the RISD Museum
APRIL 26: Hear from art historians, printmakers, and conservators about the approaches they are taking in the research, care, and making of wallpapers at Critical Encounters - New Approaches in the Art of Wallpaper at Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum.
awed by stunning floral motifs, mythological scenes, and geometric designs.
“We also have four original woodblocks on display,” says Banas, “artifacts that give viewers a sense of how artists were able to create this incredible level of detail, shading, and dimensionality hundreds of years
June 23 – August 22
The Dwares JCC team has been working hard to create the best Summer J-Camp experience for your child!
We provide a diverse and welcoming environment for all our campers with a new theme and corresponding activities every week. J-Camp is built on four pillars of JAMS: Judaism, Arts, Movement (athletics), and STEM.
In addition to our on-site programs, we have weekly field trips and specials guests! In the past, field trips included the zoo, local parks, museums and more.
Due to the “inherent vice” of the wallpaper, many will likely never be displayed again
ago.” While the exhibition highlights the historic significance of these wallpapers, it also challenges contemporary notions of design. Many of the patterns featured in the collection may surprise visitors with their modernity in geometric forms and vibrant colors that feel as relevant today as they did centuries ago.
The exhibition also features a comprehensive digital catalogue that provides deeper insight into the history and production of wallpaper during this time, with essays on the Huard Collection, the relationship between wallpaper and print history, and the delicate art of conservation. Additionally, the RISD Museum has partnered with New York-based Adelphi Paper Hangings to recreate a 1799 design using traditional woodblock printing techniques. An interactive video allows audiences to witness the steps required to create the pieces of historic art they are seeing today firsthand. For hours and admission, visit RISDMuseum.org. The museum is free on Thursday nights (5-8pm) and all day Sundays.
Photos courtesy of the RISD Museum
The introduction panel (right) was done by Providence Painted Signs
Op-Ed: The Fight for USAID
An agency veteran advocates for an overhaul, not a nuclear option
By Lloyd Feinberg, with Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
Lloyd Feinberg (L) and Senator Patrick Leahy
“I do not see how anyone who is concerned –as we all are – about the growing threats to freedom around the globe – and who is asking what more we can do as a people – can weaken or oppose the single most important program available for building the frontiers of freedom.”
–President John F. Kennedy on May 21, 1961 in his message to Congress establishing USAID
Iam honored to have served with USAID from 1984-2010. From 19912010, I directed a special fund created by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy that provided assistance for children and other civilian victims of armed conflict and torture, including special assistance for civilian victims of landmines.
Over the course of my career, I worked on two major global initiatives, which in many respects were the equivalent of “social revolutions.” One was the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, which saved millions of lives with the development and dissemination of high-yield rice varieties. The other was the Child Survival Campaign of the 1980s and ‘90s, which saw tremendous gains worldwide in the reduction of infant and child morbidity and mortality rates affecting millions of children through improved public health interventions, including the global acceptance of Oral Rehydration Therapy to prevent death from cholera and other diarrheal diseases. USAID had a major role in leading both of these incredibly successful, life-saving campaigns.
This said, I will concede that working at USAID can be difficult. Decisions are made by committee, many of which are often overruled by political considerations and/or interference. It changes direction every four to eight years, and important strategic directions usually swing 180 degrees every time there is a change of party in power.
While USAID was created by Presidential executive order in 1961, in 1998, Congress formalized USAID’s role as an independent agency and all of its structures, procedures, authorities, and requirements are the result of decades of Congressional guidance and direction.
It is important to recognize that no good deed comes without cost. Program quality requires attention and accountability. And accountability requires time and effort.
Lloyd Feinberg was born and raised in Providence before spending the next 45 years engaged in hands-on humanitarian aid and social and economic development projects around the world. He returned to Rhode Island 10 years ago and now lives in Saunderstown.
Most of USAID’s work is provided through grants with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public international organizations (PIOs) and contracts with for-profit organizations. Requests for proposals and applications for grants contain a multitude of demands for accountability and scrutiny that are expensive and time consuming for awardees to address. In addition, they often require awardees a-thousand-and-one cultural, political, religious, or scientific concerns that may or may not have any direct impact on the intended objectives of the specific projects or programs.
In fact, when I worked at USAID, my first advice for any small organization looking for funds was to look at USAID as an absolute last resort. There are few donors/funders, private or public, whose grants requirements are more onerous, expensive, or time-demanding for applicants than USAID.
USAID is a recognized leader in global humanitarian assistance and economic development. But it’s not perfect and absolutely needs sound, constructive, and, most importantly, technically informed examination and reform. But the SS USAID does not need to be sunk and scuttled! It needs thoughtful changes in design and direction that are based on perspectives provided by a wide range of experienced experts.
To cut off the nose to spite the face is never wise. To cut off the best expression of American interest and concern for the developing world to spite Democrats is just plain stupid, cruel, un-American, and self-defeating – especially during this most perilous period in the history of our nation.
USAID needs overhaul and re-design, but not for the reasons Messers, Trump, and Musk cite, and certainly not with the nuclear option he has embarked on. In fact, his accusations and concerns are maliciously false, and his reactions wrong. They totally miss the boat!
Rosanna Flower Shop
What it is:
A flower shop specializing in bouquets, event arrangements, plants, and Middle Eastern gifts.
Where to find it:
In the Fox Point neighborhood, Rosanna shares the white brick building with Aleppo Sweets. A narrow sign flush to the wall and faux blooms adorning the door confirm you found it.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Among the things that makes Rosanna so special is the palpable joy of owner Ahmad Al Kordi, smiling at his work table, backed by mounted dowels holding colorful ribbons and wrap. Once inside the main entrance, turn left to be lured into the inviting storefront by fragrant blooms. “The idea for this shop came from my friend Youssef [Akhtarini, owner of Aleppo Sweets],” begins owner Al Kordi. “He encouraged me to start this business, and when a lease became available, I saw the perfect opportunity to bring my vision to life.” Al Kordi grew up watching his grandfather grow roses in the vast fields of Damascus, Syria, a city renowned for its signature roses. “Little by little, I learned the craft; designing floral arrangements became my passion.” Patrons will also find Middle Eastern gifts, including Aleppo Laurel soap, traditional six-piece copper coffee cup sets, Palestinian kufiya, and more. Says Al Kordi, “I work because I truly love what I do.”
Rosanna Flower Shop
109 Ives Street
RosannaFlorals.com
Instagram: @rosanna_flowerpvd Florist
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Ericka Joy Atwell-Cardona Founder
EJOYA empowers professionals and creatives to discover their unique voice and style, enhancing communication skills for greater impact. Whether on camera, public speaking, auditions for actors, or gaining confidence for your next job interview.
EJOYA helps individuals gain the gravitas needed to connect, engage, and succeed. ACTING
APRIL 21ST, 28TH & MAY 5TH 6:30pm-8:30pm At The Artist Exchange • Cranston Limited Spots Email to Reserve: ejoyaproductions@gmail.com ejoyaproductions.com
ELISE PENN PANSEY
...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am...
Photo by Elyse Major
A Conversation with LitArts RI’s Christina Bevilacqua
The statewide organization’s first executive director arrives with deep experience in Rhode Island’s cultural institutions
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Luis Hernandez
LitArts RI started in 2018 as a shared creative workspace for writers. Since then, the nonprofit has grown to offer events, workshops, and other support to Rhode Island writers and readers. They recently announced their new executive director, Christina Bevilacqua, who has been a part of the literary world of Rhode Island for a while now at the Providence Athenaeum, Trinity Rep, and the Providence Public Library. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Luis Hernandez: What attracted you to LitArts RI?
Christina Bevilacqua: Many years ago, my undergraduate degree was in creative writing. I have not followed a writing practice for the rest of my career, but reading and writing are two extremely dear and important things to me, and reading, certainly, formed the way I think and who I am. And I believe that we are in a moment where the ability to express thoughts clearly and express complicated, nuanced thoughts clearly is very important. We don’t have enough of that. I think we have a lot of reactive, fast responses to things. But really, the idea of being at an organization that is supporting people who are interested in expressing not just intellectual thoughts, but emotions and feelings and imagination was very appealing to me.
I also think that we’re at a time when many of us are feeling like we don’t read the way we used to. We don’t have the attention span we used to. And so, to be at an organization that is creating opportunities for writing and readers, that felt very important to me. I think that people read for so many different reasons. They read to learn about things they don’t know about. They read to understand other people’s experience in the world. They read for distraction. They read for comfort. They read for leisure. I think during COVID, many of us realized we couldn’t leave our houses, but reading was a great way to travel in all different kinds of ways.
Hernandez: What’s your vision for the organization? What are some of the goals you have?
Bevilacqua: I think one of the big things we need to do is get more people to know that we exist and that we deserve support. My big job is going to be to really help people understand what a central place this organization is serving. We have a very big membership. We have wonderful turnout at our events. Our space is active and in great use. I would like to see us have a wider profile outside of those in the literary community. I’ve been working with creatives in Providence for 20 years. This is such an incredibly creative city. I love living here and love the breadth of the creative projects here. Writers are a different breed. They are quiet, for the most part. They are often working by themselves. And
so they don’t have the natural, they don’t get attention in the way that visual artists do or that theater performers do or that musicians do because performing isn’t top on the list of their job description. So I think having an organization that gives them a place to work in the way that they work, but then does a lot of the work of promoting their creative expression is very important.
Hernandez: You’ve had the chance to live in New York, Chicago, and also in Massachusetts. What is the writing scene here in Providence, in Rhode Island? What are some of the things that are unique to us?
Bevilacqua: The fact that there are 20,000 creative writers in the smallest state, that’s a pretty amazing number. The first week that I
Photo by Brittanny Taylor, courtesy of TPR
LitArts RI hosts writing workshops and more from their space on Harris Ave in Providence
Christina Bevilacqua has been part of the Rhode Island literary world for almost 20 years with positions at the Providence Athenaeum, Trinity Rep and The Providence Public Library. She was recently named the Executive Director of LitArts RI
was at LitArts, it just happened that it was scheduled that way, our quarterly Member Mingle, which is an opportunity for a couple of hours on a Saturday, and any members can stop by. It’s often new members who will come because it’s the first public thing for them. There were about 35 people. It was very cold, snowing all day, but 35 people showed up that morning and we went around the room and talked about their projects and their writing practice, kind of what they were doing, and I could not believe, again, the breadth of the genres that were represented, the ages that were represented. There were people who had just this month published a book with a major publisher. There were also people who had raised families and retired and were ready to really rev their writing practice that they had always kind of had going on the side or really wanted to devote themselves to. And truly everything in between. There’s just such a variety, and whatever you like to read, someone in Rhode Island is writing that. And whatever you like to write, someone else in Rhode Island would love to talk to you about it.
This article was originally posted on February 6, 2025. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@ripr.org. Learn more about LitArts RI, formerly What Cheer Writers Club, at LitArtsRI.org.
Our Who to Watch celebration takes place at much-anticipated new food hall Track 15
The Must List
10 essential events this month
Through April 13: The Wilbury Theatre Group presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fat Ham by James Ijames. Based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet , the story incorporates themes of identity, Black masculinity, and queerness, all played out at a family barbeque. TheWilburyGroup.org
Through April 27: Trinity Repertory presents La Tempestad - The Tempest , Shakespeare’s classic story of betrayal, comedy, and romance in a show that deconstructs the colonialist narrative weaving the Bard’s English with Spanish dialogue. TrinityRep.com
April 3: Red Baraat Festival of Colors is an immersive musical experience that melds the sounds of the South Asian diaspora with kaleidoscopic visual imagery, led by awardwinning dhol player Sunny Jain at The Strand. FirstWorks.org
April 24: Join Hey Rhody Media Co. at newly opened Track 15 as we celebrate Who to Watch , our annual gathering that honors leading members of our community featured in the January 2025 issue. HeyRhody.com
April 5-6: The Bloom Flower & Home Market hosts over 90 vendors of indoor and outdoor plants, home decor, jewelry, candles, art, and more, along with botanical-inspired cocktails and more at the WaterFire Arts Center. BloomFlowerAndHome.com
April 10-13: The RI Home Show returns to the Rhode Island Convention Center for the 75th year and includes the Specialty Flower Show, the Energy Expo, the Garden Experience, and House of Brews, a partnership with the RI Brewers Guild. RIBAHomeShow.com
April 12: An extraordinary night of music awaits when the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performs the Saint-Saëns Thundering Organ Symphony , featuring “Symphony No. 3,” along with works by Gabriella Ortiz and Billy Childs at The VETS. RIPhil.org
April 12: Be there for the Providence Public Library’s 150th Birthday with a themed memorabilia Maker Day workshop, personal memories, historic photos, and over 150 favorite books from the past century and a half. ProvLib.org
April 16: Celebrate Earth Day with Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Party for the Planet , featuring hands-on education stations, keeper talks, live music from the Unlikely Strummers, costumed character meet and greets, and more. RWPZoo.org
April 22-25: Musical fans won’t want to miss Some Like It Hot at Providence Performing Arts Center. Winner of four Tony Awards® and a Grammy®, it tells the tale of two musicians forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit. Hijinx and romance ensue. PPACRI.org
Rendering courtesy of Track 15
Don’t wait for hurricane season! With extreme storms becoming more frequent in our changing climate, now is the time to call T.F. Morra Tree Care to have your trees assessed.
A mature tree in Providence typically impacts multiple properties, so it is important to collaborate with neighbors and know who is caring for which tree. T.F. Morra can inspect the structural integrity of trees, identify potential hazards or pest issues, and create a game plan for keeping them healthy for many years to come – but don’t wait for a concerning forecast to give us a call! Common issues facing residential landscapes – like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) – have narrow treatment windows, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.
T.F. Morra Tree Care is proud to offer low-impact, ecologically sound treatment and preservation options to protect the valuable shade, beauty, and habitat that trees provide. Whether looking for help managing fungal issues and pests, fine pruning, cabling, or, if necessary, removal services, we are here to help! Looking for a consultation? Email Stephanie@tfmorra.com today to arrange an assessment.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Neighborhood News
A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.
HOT TOPICS
An overview of what’s happening around the city right now
Summit Neighborhood Association’s call for members
Whether you’re a new neighbor to Summit looking to meet new people and get more involved in the community or a long-time resident with a great idea for improving the neighborhood, the Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) is seeking new board members. Those with specific passion projects in mind and folks who are interested in connecting with others to work on grass-roots initiatives are encouraged to apply. Joining the board is a great way to get to know the neighborhood while volunteering on important projects like food pantry deliveries, tree planting, street improvements, park development, Rochambeau Library’s outside classroom, and so much more. The SNA’s Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 28 at The Highlands, 101 Highland Avenue, where they will hold elections for board officers and members. Those interested in joining can contact SNAProv@gmail.com for more information.
Additionally, SNA will recognize an unsung hero with the Sheila B. Perlow Award, named for the late long-time Summit Neighborhood Association board member and dedicated community volunteer. SNA seeks nominations of residents who have made significant behind-the-scenes contributions to the quality of life in the neighborhood. The award will be granted at SNA’s Annual Meeting, and suggested honorees should be emailed by April 15. Include the nominee’s name and a few words about why you think they should be celebrated.
Earth Day cleanup in the West End
Join the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) for their 42nd Annual Neighborhood Cleanup & Earth Day Celebration. Come together and help keep the area beautiful on April 19, from 8:30am-1pm. Anyone is invited to stay the whole time or just drop by for a bit – every helping hand makes a difference.
WBNA will provide all cleanup tools, including bags, gloves, and shovels, so all participants need to bring is enthusiasm (and maybe a friend or two!). The morning kicks off with complimentary coffee, fruit, and pastries at their headquarters at 1560 Westminster Street before heading out to spruce up the streets, parks, and green spaces. It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors, give back, and celebrate Earth Day by making a tangible impact on the environment, all while making the neighborhood cleaner, greener, and more welcoming for all. For more details, visit WBNA.org.
Encounter dinosaurs at the zoo this spring
The dinosaurs return to Roger Williams Park Zoo this spring, turning back time 65 million years to prehistoric days when giant creatures roamed the earth. From April 6 through August 10, the zoo invites guests to explore the Jurassic era with life-sized animatronic creatures. The paleontological adventure features colossal brachiosaurs, stalking velociraptors, and the mighty tyrannosaurus rex. Along the way, excavate fun facts and learn about the evolution of scientific understanding and research of these ancient animals, and their enduring legacy in pop culture. You don’t need to be a dino enthusiast to be captivated by the Return of the Dinosaurs exhibit, which offers an immersive experience for curious adventurers of all ages.
Special sensory mornings designed for those with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences will take place April 27 and July 6 from 8-9am, before the trail opens to the public, and Dinosaur Family Nights take place June 14 and August 9 from 5-9pm. Learn more and purchase tickets at RWPZoo.org.
Dinosaurs return to Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence Neighborhood Associations
BLACKSTONE PARKS CONSERVANCY
Jane Peterson
P.O. Box 603141
Providence, RI 02906
401-270-3014
BlackstoneParks@gmail.com
BlackstoneParksConservancy.org
COLLEGE HILL
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Rick Champagne
P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906
CHNA@chnaprovidence.org
CHNAProvidence.org
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Kristin McGinn, President 401-580-2628
Facebook: Downtown Providence Neighborhood Association
IG: @DNAPVD
Email: DNAPVD@gmail.com
ELMWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Jen Vincent
JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com
Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD
FOX POINT
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 2315
Providence, RI 02906
FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net
JEWELRY DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Sharon Steele
Sharon@sharonsteele.com JewelryDistrict.org
Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI
Spring on the West End
MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Charles Hewitt, Secretary
C/O One Governor Street, Providence
MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
401-521-8830
MHNAInc@gmail.com
Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Alice Gorman and Deborah Rodriquez Castillo Info@nenapvd.org
Meeting Date: April 21 P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940
SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BettyLinda@aol.com
Facebook: Washington Park Association
WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Katherine Touafek
Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association
WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com
WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Meeting Date: April 19
1560 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344
WBNA@wbna.org • WBNA.org
Photo by Abbie Lahmers
Ideas, inspiration, and expert advice for refreshing spaces indoors and out
BotanicalLiving
BY ELYSE MAJOR
Craving green? You’re not alone. After a frigid winter, even temperatures climbing into the 40s has us opening windows wide to welcome a cleansing breeze inside. Similar to January, when we might trade dense stews for fresh salads, think of April as the home edition of “new year, new you,” and suddenly green is the new black. We’ve rounded up ways to bring this feeling to your surroundings, with local experts sharing how to do everything from furnishing your home with prints and plants to selecting paint colors and finishes. You’ll find a spotlight on a local furniture maker, expert advice for lawn prep, and so much more. And while the threat of snow may linger for a bit longer, this issue is sure to have you trading that mug of hot cocoa for a green smoothie. Spring forward!
HOME TOUR
Branching Out
Botanical wallpaper sets the color story for a Colonial home renovation
The desk offers a perfect workfrom-home setup, complete with a Zoom-friendly background
Pro-Tip: Wallpaper
“Commit! Better to go all in and paper the entire room instead of choosing to paper just one wall which can feel dated or worse, cut-rate. If committing to the entire room keeps you up at night, try introducing a paper onto the ceiling instead,” says Obermeier.
BY ELYSE MAJOR
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” is a famous quote by Victorian designer and founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris. Celebrated for drawing from nature in wallpaper and textile designs, his patterns continue to be in production nearly 160 years since he started his original company, and are as popular as ever. Morris & Co. Pimpernel wallcovering recently served as the jumping-off point for a refresh rooted in botanical style given to a 1928 Colonial on Providence’s East Side by Kira David Design.
“Knowing my client’s deep love of the color green, I wanted to utilize the color in a space they’d enter every day,” begins Kira Obermeier, owner and principal designer at Kira David Design. She explains that the mudroom was chosen for the wallpaper because like so many Rhode Island homes, the back door serves as the family’s main entrance. “This gorgeous green color and cheerful wallcovering would be the last thing they saw as they left for the day, and the first thing they’d see upon returning home. I wanted it to signal, ‘Hey! You’re home now, you can relax!’” says Obermeier, who relocated to Providence with her young family from the Midwest during the pandemic. Once that selection was made, the next steps were all about balancing the rest of the spaces against that vivid statement by way of soft creams with accents of gentle sages and blues, and incorporating warmth with rich wood tones of walnut and white oak.
Photography by Michael
J. Lee and styling by Foret Design Studio, courtesy of Kira David Design
The spring market in Rhode Island doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Whether you’re prepping to sell or searching for your next home, now is the time to get ahead. With local expertise and a strategic approach, I’ll help you navigate every step—so when the market moves, you’re ready to move with it.
Let’s start the conversation today.
PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Ewens Photography.
Obermeier shares that while the house didn’t require tearing down walls, a long list of issues –both cosmetic and code-related – necessitated a complete gut. With a color story in place, Obermeier and team worked on introducing furnishings and lighting. Adhering to a neutral palette, various textures were brought in to keep things from feeling one dimensional, and brass pendants and chandeliers helped balance the mix between new and old. “Referencing historic precedent as you outfit your home with modern-day amenities will ensure your updates feel appropriate to the style of the home. Find period-style images to better understand why things were built the way they were so that the decisions you make about your home in 2025 feel timeless,” she says.
Photography by Michael J. Lee and styling by Foret
Design Studio, courtesy of Kira David Design
Since the radiators couldn’t move, Obermeier fashioned a solution that includes detachable magnetic panels topped with a daybed cushion
A custom island crafted from reclaimed wood makes use of extra space in the kitchen
Brass light fixtures through the home balance the mix between new and old
A range of textures keep the neutral palette interesting
When it comes to making switches for spring, Obermeier says that the simplest tip of all is right outside.
“Grab a pair of pruning shears and start snipping!” Clip fallen branches to fit vessels like jars and vases, and place in cold water. “It’s an easy and free update and the best vase-filler for the season.”
GET RHODY STYLE
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Creative Capital
“Rhode Island is home to so many wonderful artisans. I feel fortunate to have access to such gifted craftspeople,” says Obermeier. Some of her favorites around the state include Hwang Bishop for lighting, Giossi & Kuhn and O&G Studio for bespoke furniture, and Loominous for rugs.
Sense of Place
For the primary artwork visible from the foyer, Obermeier shares that she chose work by Carol Benson Cobb because, “it feels reminiscent of the sunrise at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.”
Local Talent
The following businesses were part of this project: Calyx Builds for the second-floor hall bath renovation; DiStefano Brothers Construction, first-floor renovation; Factory Carpet Outlet, stair runner; and Kitchen & Countertop Center of New England, fireplace surround and radiator top stone. Kira David Design specializes in preserving and restoring the unique character of historic New England homes, while also bringing charm and personality to new construction projects throughout the region. Learn more at KiraDavidDesign.com.
Custom artwork from Trowbridge Gallery in London serves as the perfect connection to the botanical wallcovering in the adjacent mudroom
Custom built-ins add stylish storage without sacrificing space
Photography by Michael J. Lee and styling by
Foret Design Studio, courtesy of Kira David Design
Presented by Bryant University
The 28th annual Women’s Summit continued the tradition of empowering, supporting, and encouraging women to excel professionally, personally, and financially. Thank you to our esteemed speakers and all who attended for your participation and perspective.
A Special Thanks to our Loyal and Valued Sponsors:
is the Presenting Sponsor
Diamond Sponsors: Bank of America, Fidelity Investments
Gold Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Jordan’s Furniture, PwC
Silver Sponsors: Brown Medicine, Citizens Bank, FM, IGT, Navigant Credit Union, Neurotech, New England Construction, Robinzon+Cole, Taco Comfort Solutions, TIAA, TJX
Bronze Sponsors: AAA Northeast, AIPSO, BankNewport, BankRI, Beacon Mutual Insurance, Bristol County Savings Bank, Centreville Bank, Connecticut Sun, EY, Gilbane Building Company, Hope Global, JF Moran, Massage Envy, Meeting Street, Milton CAT, Providence College, Santander Bank, N.A., Southcoast Health, Target, Teknor Apex, Toyota, USI Insurance Services, Washington Trust
Media Sponsors: Boston Globe Rhode Island, Hey Rhody Media Co., Providence Business News, Rhode Island Monthly, RI PBS & The Public’s Radio
Sponsor list as of February 25, 2025. | Women’s Summit® is a registered trademark of Bryant University.
Rhody Resources
DECOR
Aardvark Antiques
Newport
Balè Providence
Beaucoup Maison
Newport
Cory Farms Past & Presents Portsmouth
Crestar.art
East Greenwich
Daisy Dig’ins
Barrington
Estate Services
West Warwick
Fenwick & Oliver
Bristol
Groundswell
Garden + Home
Tiverton
Homestyle
Providence
OMO Jewels & Gifts
Westerly
Peter Pots Pottery
West Kingston
Picture This
Narragansett
Seefari
North Kingstown
Store Four
Wakefield
Simple Pleasures
Charlestown
Windie’s Westerly
Young Designs
Floral Studio
Newport
Maker Spotlight
Surrounded by curled wood shavings and commissioned designs sketched out on paper, the two-man duo of Matt Giossi and Ron Kuhn, Jr. behind Giossi & Kuhn Design can be found hard at work in their Pawtucket studio where leaned up against the wall, beams of wood in all hues await their transformation into dining tables, cabinets, and all variety of furniture meant to stand the test of time. Their business came together after meeting during an apprenticeship with local master Hank Gilpin and a shared passion for the process –an assemblage of tricks, techniques, and materials that goes into furniture making. For both, the satisfaction is in cracking the code that each new design challenge
presents. “Even a simple piece requires a long list of decisions to make, problems to solve, and creative solutions to ponder,” says Kuhn of their process. Giossi and Kuhn build with a method called mortise and tenon joinery, known for its durability and elegance. Strong joints are fit into place and glued grain-to-grain to create a lasting bond even as the wood naturally expands and retracts. Part of the finished product’s visual interest comes from smooth details that can’t be replicated by a machine. Custom commissions are welcomed, whether it’s a table that will be a fixture in someone’s home or a larger scale kitchen build. Pawtucket, GiossiAndKuhn.com – Abbie Lahmers
Photo courtesy of Giossi & Kuhn
Matt Giossi & Ron Kuhn Jr. (right), at work in their Pawtucket studio
“It is no surprise that Stephen exceeded my expectations on the recent sale of my investment property. Stephen is great to work with and I often looked to him for his recommendations given the extensive knowledge he has gained as a trusted real estate professional.
When it came time for negotiating with the prospect, it was a seamless and painless process which resulted quite favorably for me. I look forward to working with Stephen on my next transaction and would certainly recommend him for either personal or business related transactions.”
Rhody Resources DESIGN
Bob Frances Interiors North Providence
Dzyna Signature Kitchen & Bath, Portsmouth
East Coast Designs East Greenwich
Inside Style, Wakefield
Lou Lou’s Decor , Tiverton
Maloney Interiors Newport
Michelle Lee Designs Johnston
Perfect Touch Interiors Cranston
RJL Furniture Gallery Providence
Sayles Livingston Design Tiverton
GARDEN CENTERS
Clark Farms , Wakefield
Confreda Farms Hope/Scituate
DeCastro Farms Portsmouth
The Farmer’s Daughter South Kingstown
Grandscapes & Grandin Farms, Wakefield
Hilltop Nursery Smithfield
Rhode Island Mulch Narragansett
Wildwood Nursery East Greenwich
Paint Trends
When deciding what color to paint a room, the vast array of choices can be overwhelming. Categorized sets like Color Trends 2025 Palette by Benjamin Moore can be a great place to start. Available at The Color House , it features 10 colors in natural shades like Sea Salt, Rosepine, and Ashwood Moss. Jean Hauser, president and owner of The Color House, carries a host of brands, including Benjamin Moore, and says their peel-and-stick color samples are highly useful. “We stock 140 of the most popular Benjamin Moore
finishes at each location, but if we do not have the color you are looking for in the store, you can order any of the 3,800 colors on our website, and they will ship directly to your home,” says Hauser, adding, “unlike other peel-and-stick options, ours are made with Benjamin Moore paint.” For indoor finishes, Hauser recommends Aura Matte or Eggshell. “They’re beautiful washable finishes that also have great coverage.” Cranston, Middletown, North Kingstown, Smithfield & Wakefield, TheColorHouse.com
Glacier White
Ashwood Moss
Cinnamon Slate
Tissue Pink
Sea Salt Leather Saddle Brown
Paris Rain
Stained Glass
Rosepine
Rhody Resources HOME IMPROVEMENT
Adler’s Design Center & Hardware, Providence
Bannon Tile, North Kingstown
Budget Blinds, Westerly
Cole Cabinets, Cranston
Closet Tec, North Smithfield
Custom Contracting, Wakefield
Douglas Lumber, Smithfield
Fabric Gallery North Kingstown
Fine Home Details Providence
Frezza Painting North Providence
Hawkins Hardwood Flooring, Greenville
Heritage Kitchen Design Center, North Kingstown
Inspired Closets Rhode Island, East Greenwich
KMR Blinds Drapes Carpet Westerly
McCormick Home Improvement, Warwick
Ocean State Air Solutions Portsmouth
RIKB Design Build Warwick
RoofMasters, Smithfield
Salk’s Ace Hardware Warwick
Tile Craft Design Center Wakefield
Weaver Hill Woodworks West Greenwich
Wickford Kitchen & Bath North Kingstown
“Plants are meant to be outside, but when we bring them indoors or out of their usual environment, we’ve got to make sure they get everything they need to thrive,” says Bridget Tierney, owner and florist of The Greenery . When it comes to easy care, she recommends Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant. “They’re easy to care for because they don’t mind if you forget to water them or place them in inefficient lighting. They can handle a little bit of tough love and still thrive, making them perfect for anyone with an ‘I’ll water you when I remember’ schedule!” The snake plant is also on NASA’s short-list of detoxifying plants as published in their Clean Air Study. Her personal favorite is the ZZ plant, AKA Zamioculcas zamiifolia. “I love their dark glossy arching branches. It’s easy to grow, tolerant of neglect, and an air purifier!” Warren, TheGreeneryRI.com
House Plants Spring Lawn Prep
While the calendar may say spring, Alex DaPonte of DaPonte’s Landscaping Services urges patience. “While it’s great to prune shrubs and plants, it’s very important that you are aware of the weather forecast in the future. If you do it too soon, and we have another freeze, you could jeopardize your blooms for that coming season,” says the third-generation East Bay landscaper. DaPonte is a certified Rhode Island Horticulturist and project manager for landscaping installations at the family business. “Examine the beds and remove debris from winter like sticks and trash,” he adds. “Determine the soil of the beds. You might want to amend with some compost, which helps the soil structure with water drainage to the roots and past the roots so that water doesn’t pool in your garden,” DaPonte offers. “Compost helps provide nitrogen and phosphorus for plants. It degrades over time, so it’s like a slow release of natural fertilizer for your plant material.” He also advises aerating the lawn. “Aeration allows for an easier transportation of fertilizers, water, and any sort of pesticide to travel through the lawn and not just sit on top and get closer to the roots to fully absorb all the good nutrients.” Bristol, DaPontesLandscaping. com – Nina Murphy
Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock
Rhody Resources HOUSE PLANTS
Hidden Gardens Barrington
Hilltop Garden Center, Smithfield
Jordan’s Jungle Pawtucket
Let It Grow, Johnston
Pothos Plant Shop
Providence
Thea Plant Co.
Providence
OUTDOOR
Allens Seed Exeter
All Outdoor Power Equipment
South Kingstown
AllScapes Exeter
Howard Johnson South Kingstown
Ideal Concrete Block Co. Westford, MA
Pat’s Power Equipment Charlestown
Rhode Island Harvesting Company
Ashaway
Rhode Island Mulch Narragansett
Riverhead
Building Supply
Middletown
Surv RI
Newport
Collected Wisdom
“We’re so lucky to be in the best place to find amazing art, furniture, and decor,” says Britt Machado, owner of JohnnyCakes Design & Vintage , a retail shop in Providence that offers interior styling and staging. Machado shares what went into creating an alluring office space in a circa-1810 house. Learn more on Instagram @johnnycakesdesign.
GO GREEN:
Plants bring personality and living color. If you’re intimidated by plant care, look for faux options.
BRIGHT IDEA:
Task lighting, a mirror reflection, and a window all draw in light.
COLORFUL ATTITUDE:
Set a limited palette and then play freely within it. Shown is a palette of blue, brown, and cream, with various hues creating harmonious layers.
MIX MASTER:
Furnishings from three centuries work together by adhering to a similar palette.
Photo by J Wessel Photography
HOME & STYLE
Home | Fairy Book | Influencer | Shop
Relaxed Coastal
Surrounding trees and shoreline set a palette of ebony, stone, and turquoise in a home refresh
By Andrea E. McHugh
uring the early part of the pandemic, David and Wendy Greenfield spent time in the Ocean State, closer to their adult children. Because of pandemic restrictions, their daughter Laurel postponed her Newport wedding by a year, but she and her fiance Jeff were determined to marry. The Greenfields rented a house in Portsmouth and hosted a 20-person backyard wedding. “After spending six weeks in Rhode Island that summer, we decided that this was where we wanted to retire,” says Wendy.
The two bought a weekend getaway home just a stone’s throw from the serene Sakonnet River in October of 2020. The three-bedroom, three-bath single-family Colonial, built in 1976, was admittedly dated but the location sold them. “Tucked away in a small quiet neighborhood close to the water, we were able to see the potential of what we could do with the house,” explains Wendy. Two years later, when the Greenfields had retirement in their sights, they decided to keep the original footprint of the house and embark on a comprehensive renovation.
To execute their vision of a home that was “sophisticated while also being comfortable and welcoming to our guests,” the couple turned to all local talent: Newport-based Maloney Interiors, an interior architecture and design firm led by Ally Maloney Winzer, and Hurd Construction in Portsmouth. “Managing the complexities of a full-home gut remodel, along with all of the design decisions, from afar was too much for them to do on their own,” Maloney Winzer explains, as the Greenfields were still living full time in the Hudson Valley. Maloney Winzer managed
ABOVE: Light seafoam tile installed vertically sets the backdrop for the natural white oak vanity, lending a coastal feel without being literal
HOME & STYLE
the logistics, budgets, and installations, allowing the Greenfields to take a breath while their vision came to life further north. The result is a completely reinvented home with a generous open kitchen and a newly added screened-in porch with a fireplace and heaters, enabling the Greenfields to enjoy it most of the year.
The home’s modern seaside farmhouse aesthetic blends complementary styles and colors throughout. “We knew we
The kitchen was a collaboration with Shannon Raposa from Riverhead Building Supply in neighboring Middletown, and features a contemporary twist on traditional farmhouse elements
didn’t want the house to feel too beachy, so we went with ‘coastal chic,’ using turquoise, beige, and white to evoke the feeling of water and sand,” explains Wendy.
“We love living so close to the beach and exploring Newport, Jamestown, and Bristol, as well as having easy access to Boston where our daughters and grandson live,” says Wendy. “There is so much to do and see in Rhode Island and on Aquidneck Island.”
Wooden acoustic slat panels frame the television and hearth in contemporary fashion
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Local Accents
The Greenfields describe their home as a “modern coastal cottage,” and while they wanted to embrace the feel of a beach house, they also wanted a “year-round cozy feel” to the home. They found decor with a nautical nod at Yes! Gallery in Wickford and Ben’s Furniture in Newport, plus fashionable finds at Stalise, a boutique in Portsmouth.
Food Scene
The couple enjoys seeking out new food adventures together, and count Ida’s Restaurant and Pasta Vino in Middletown, Jax Diner in Portsmouth, and Venda Ravioli in Providence among their favorites. When cooking at home, they turn to local purveyors, including Aquidneck Meat Market in Middletown.
Anchors Away
“Coastal design doesn’t have to be preppy, blue and white, or like anything you’ve ever seen before,” says Maloney Winzer. Learn more about her services and style at MaloneyInteriors.com.
Photography by Cate Brown Photography, courtesy of Maloney Interiors
Collected Tales
Cranston author launches a book series on fairy stories and legends
By Hugh Minor
My interest in fairies came from the stories my parents used to tell me about pixies on our family vacations to Cornwall when I was a child,” recalls Andrew Warburton of visits to the picturesque coastline. When he came to the United States in 2007 from Bristol, England for graduate school, he noticed a lack of lore, but knew that legends must exist so he sought to uncover these stories. In his book New England Fairies: A History
of the Little People of the Hills and Forests , Warburton presents tales about fairies from the six New England states, going back 400 years. In the section on Rhode Island, these legends stem primarily from Irish and Native American culture. In Harrisville, for example, Irish-American Ellen Carson claims to have had a frightening encounter on the old mill bridge that crosses Clear River with a banshee, a type of floating fairy who wails for the dead, identified by a white gown and striking long white hair.
Similarly, he investigates legends surrounding the Little People of Matunuck Hills, a long-held oral tradition of the Narragansett Tribe.
A resident of Cranston since 2022, Warburton’s research began partly because of a longing for connection back to his homeland. He missed the charm of these tales and decided to dig for similar experiences here. He also credits favorite fantasy authors from childhood like J.R.R. Tolkien and others for inspiration, saying, “I read about elves and fairies
Photos courtesy of Andrew Warburton
The cover is by British children’s book illustrator Arthur Rackham, published by William Heinemann, 1921 and now in the public domain
in fiction but I never realized that many of those ideas were based on folklore.”
The book has been well-received, particularly among those raised with the folklore of fairies. “I love meeting people at readings who tell me about the stories that have been handed down to them. There is always at least one person who fully believes, and I enjoy hearing that. They have such strong links to these myths,” says Warburton. While he believes in these stories as cultural traditions, he wishes he could say he was
Harrisville Fairy Bridge is the location of an alleged banshee sighting
a believer in fairies. “I kind of wish that I was there with them, that I really believe in fairies. I’ve been to all of the places where they live, but I’ve never seen one.”
Warburton hopes the book will bring some of the enchantment from the UK over to his new homeland. “I wanted to point out where the fairy legends lie in New England with the hope that people will use their imagination to get out and explore. It’s important to have that sense of magic in our surroundings.” Currently, Warburton is working on a book about fairies of the Empire State, investigating the folklore buried deep within the culture of the upper West Side, Brooklyn, and Queens. But those are tales for another time ( New York Fairies , July 8). Learn more at FairiesOfNewEngland.com.
Andrew Warburton at a recent book signing
Meet Michelle Parenteau
Acclaimed Johnston-based interior designer on color combos and supporting small
By Elyse Major
With your firm Michelle Lee Designs, you have built a solid career as a residential and commercial interior designer. For someone new to hiring these services, what are some things to know?
References are very important. You want to know about the quality of their work – do they work with trusted contractors and vendors? Will they work with you to achieve your vision and not impose their views on your home or business?
As an artist, you infuse bold color into all you do. What are some favorite shades and why?
My favorite color combination is blue and green. Blue is a timeless color; it’s joyful with so many hues. Navy blue is classic and intimate, while turquoise can make you forget the world outside with its boldness! Green is part of nature; it allows you to bring the outside in. Deep greens can feel dark and moody with a historic feel. Bright green feels like an ocean breeze.
You are known for sourcing local for home and personal accents. Please share some top spots. Yes! Gallery in North Kingstown is a place I’ve been shopping at for so many years. I love jewelry, and they sell so many unique designs. Grasmere in Bristol has beautiful things for your garden and inside your home, including vintage and antique objects, clothing, jewelry, handcrafted gifts, and so many eclectic items. I just purchased a peace sign made of grapevines for my barn there.
When you’re not busy working, where do you like to grab a bite and relax?
JA PATTY is a favorite for a quick meal! They serve delicious authentic Jamaican food in a colorful atmosphere. If I’m looking for upscale, definitely Ten Prime Steak & Sushi in Providence. L’Artisan Cafe & Bakery, also in the city, makes the best cafe mochas and blueberry muffins. Breakfast –without a doubt – is Mesa Cafe in Cranston for authentic Mexican dishes that are so tasty in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What is the least expensive way to make an impact in the design of your home?
Paint or adding wallpaper can completely transform a space without breaking the budget. Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com.
Best Sellers
By Elyse Major
In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day 2025, we’ve rounded up swag for the bibliophiles in your life. Aside from the mug, goods are carried by various stockists around the state, so check websites for shops near you. As for the tote bag, follow your favorite Rhode Island indies online to see if they have plans and merch for the big day: Saturday, April 26! With or without fanfare, it’s always a great day to shop small and local for books and gifts.
2025 INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY TOTE BAG
FEATURE
For the Birds
From her Elmwood home, an artist and professor works to establish the state’s first bird hospital in Chepachet
By Abbie Lahmers
by Abbie Lahmers
It was prior to hatchling season when I visited Congress of the Birds, the state’s only wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in avian patients, but even in the relative respite of winter, the clinic was alive with fluttering wings and staccato chirps. Founder and executive director Sheida Soleimani asked if I minded things flying around my head before releasing Pluto, a blue jay and educational ambassador bird, to accompany a tour of the close quarters where she mends wild birds brought to her doorstep.
Photo
Sheida Soleimani of Congress of the Birds
In one room are recovering raptors (owls and hawks) and a large black vulture, who flaunts her impressive wingspan. In the main area, softwalled enclosures hold songbirds. A yellow-billed cuckoo would be spending its winter in the south if it hadn’t been for a window collision during migration this past fall that landed her in Soleimani’s care, where she requires a special, costly diet of horn worms until she can be released in the summer.
“Window strikes are one of the highest causes of death that we see,” she says, noting that they comprise over 30 percent of the birds she’s treated, followed by 20 percent hit by cars. Rodenticides, fishing line, and pellet guns also pose threats. “The biggest challenge is human infrastructure. Birds have adapted to live around people and cities, but we don’t make it easy for them.”
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE BIRDS
Soleimani, a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator and a studio art professor at Brandeis University, had a specific wishlist in mind when she set out to buy a home in Providence in 2018: space for her creative practice and to build a clinic. The large Victorian in Elmwood checked those boxes. She and her partner and co-director, Jonathan Schroeder – who started a secret fundraiser to build the clinic as a birthday present – turned the basement tiki bar into a fully functioning, licensed bird rehabilitation center, complete with an incubator, stainless steel tables, and veterinary equipment.
Congress of the Birds is in the midst of a new project on a plot of secluded woods in Chepachet that Soleimani purchased with the help of a friend and fundraising via GoFundMe. “It’s
Young raptors, like this eastern screech owl, get regular weigh-ins
going to give us the ability to really scale up,” she says of the long-term plan to construct a release center with custom-built enclosures for birds to gain needed flight conditioning and reacclimation to the outdoors before being released back into the wild. So far, they’ve completed one 24foot enclosure, with plans to install additional structures of varying sizes.
The nonprofit also acquired the house neighboring the land, and they’re in the process of gutting it to create the state’s first bird hospital, slated to be up and running hopefully in time for baby birds to arrive this season. “The Elmwood center will remain headquarters and a 24/7 triage center,” Soleimani says. “If it’s 10pm at night and DEM calls me with an owl, I’ll intake it here and stabilize it,” before avian patients are transferred to the hospital.
Spring means round-the-clock care for babies that end up at Congress of the Birds
Photos courtesy of Congress of the Birds
Late-night calls aren’t uncommon for Soleimani, and holidays are no exception – she and a couple of volunteers rang in 2025 receiving an owl that had unfortunately been hit by a car. “Fifteen minutes before midnight we were all triaging this owl together.” She reflects, “I didn’t have this team a year ago.” There’s still a long journey of fundraising ahead to grow a permanent staff, but she currently has around 40-50 volunteers and one part-time employee. She founded Congress of the Birds to fill a gap she saw in Rhode Island, and as bird rehabbers retired, she went from seeing 50 to 500 to 1,000 birds a year, and upwards of 2,000 in 2024.
“Rehabilitating birds is very demanding,” she says. “It’s from sunrise to sunset, feeding every 15-30 minutes, or if you’re lucky every hour. It’s screaming baby birds, putting food in their mouths, and by the time you’re done feeding all of them, it’s time to start over again.”
GROWING UP WITH WILDLIFE
While Pluto entertains herself plucking vials off the shelves and preening her feathers next to the heater, Soleimani is occasionally interrupted by text messages and calls – a suspected case of avian flu, an injured bird found. When asked how she handles the constant deluge of notifications, she says, “It is overwhelming. I don’t like being attached to my phone, but at the end of the day, it’s an important reason to be on the phone. It’s better than scrolling.”
Soleimani, who was known as the “bird girl” in college for nursing avian victims back to health in her apartment bathroom, has always been immersed in wildlife rehabilitation. When she whistles a few notes to Pluto, the sound is almost indiscernible from a wild bird call, and she offhandedly notes, “I learned how to imitate bird sounds before I learned how to speak English. I listened to
the Bird Sounds of North America by David Attenborough on my tape player. I would practice and practice until I could do them.”
This calling to care is in Soleimani’s DNA. “My mom was a nurse back in her home country. It was the joy of her life to take care of people,” she says, explaining that her parents are political refugees from Iran. Severe PTSD from being a political prisoner prevented her mother from continuing to practice nursing in the US, but she found another way to make an impact. In Ohio, where Soleimani and her family lived, they would find animals hit by cars along the road. “My mom started bringing them into the house, and my father, who’s a doctor, brought home medical supplies. They would work together at our kitchen island to put these animals back together.”
Throughout her career as an artist, Soleimani never lost touch with these formative
Congress of the Bird’s HQ in Elmwood
Photo by Abbie Lahmers
SPRING into ACTION
Rhode Island’s spring market is in full swing. With homes selling fast and buyers eager to find their dream space, there’s no better time to act.
Whether you’re planting new roots or looking to grow into something bigger, I’m here to help you make it happen this season. Let’s take the next step—together.
experiences, and finds overlaps in her two callings. For Roger Williams Park, she’s in the process of creating a fountain that will stand as a memorial to the birds that perished there while sustaining the living ones.
Most of her work centers around individuals harmed by governmental systems, and birds have organically found their way in. Her most recent project, Flyways , depicts migratory routes. “In these flights of travel, birds come up against problems – windows they’re running into, or a world that’s not made for them. I’m thinking a lot about stories of migrants, especially in Iran, who can’t leave the country because of brutal suppression, and linking those two stories of both human and nonhuman individuals that are harmed by infrastructure.”
LEARNING TO LOVE BIRDS
Along with Pluto, four other ambassador birds are in Soleimani’s permanent care – two ravens and two crows – which all came to her from sad circumstances. Former pets, or otherwise habituated to humans, they wouldn’t survive in the wild. “I never wanted to have any birds. I don’t believe they belong in captivity,” she emphasizes, but the company she
keeps with them nonetheless brings levity to the often heart-wrenching work.
Just as she imitates birdsong, the ravens mimic Soleimani, repeating Farsi words she speaks to them. “They sound just like me. They say ‘salām.’” Most people don’t know that ravens can mimic sounds, or they’ve never seen them up close, and the ambassador birds give visitors a more intimate glimpse into avian lives, and the challenges they face.
Art and education intersect in the programming she offers. “We do a lot of live figure drawing of the birds. Students come up with activism-based projects in relation to the birds,” she explains, and artists-in-residence have created useful and beautiful signage, including a poster depicting what to do if you find a baby bird.
Every year at the end of the summer, Congress of the Birds invites the community to see all the rehabilitated chimney swifts (her specialty species) released together, an occasion marked by education and a little fanfare, complete with a Champagne toast. “It’s a party but also an event that helps people carry a little bit of good news with them,” she says.
State-of-the-art flight enclosure built at the new Chepachet release center
Photos courtesy of Congress of the Birds
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This is the intent behind the rehab center’s Instagram feed, too, which is filled with cute birds and videos showing their personalities, attached to educational captions. “Images that are traumatic are not going to get people to engage with them in a meaningful way,” says Soleimani.
On a particularly difficult day this winter dealing with several avian flu euthanasias, Soleimani snapped a photo of an owl, adorably swaddled to receive medication. She posted a series of #owlsintowels to celebrate the small gains. “This is not a line of work that is joy all the time. It’s 90 percent awful, 10 percent joy, but that 10 percent makes it worth it,” she says. “When I can release even one bird, it feels better than nothing at all.”
FLOCKING TOGETHER
April brings a slew of hungry babies to Congress of the Birds, which means volunteers are more needed than ever. To sign up for a training session, email Congressofthebirds@gmail.com. Donations help support the nonprofit’s long-term goals, and can be made at CongressOfTheBirds.org, where anyone can also find instructions on what to do if you find a bird in need of aid. “If you find an animal that you think needs help, don’t just leave it there, and don’t take it into your own hands.” When in doubt, contact a wildlife rehabilitator – Congress of the Birds also triages other animals, not just birds. Follow @congress.of.the. birds for updates about avian flu, adorable owls in towels, and more.
Pluto the ambassador blue jay
by Abbie
RIAM’s Big Red
An East Side Fixture
Photo
Lahmers
Modern Living Infused with Energy
Discover the transformation of the Federal Hill skyline at Huntington Exchange Providence! Nestled in the heart of Providence, this animal-friendly apartment community offers beautifully renovated 2-3 bedroom homes. Enjoy stylish features such as sleek quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer (available in select units), and designer flooring throughout. Conveniently located near Route 6, I-95, and just minutes from Providence Place and WaterFire, Huntington Exchange Providence brings comfort and convenience to your doorstep.
FOOD & DRINK
Ice Cream | Experience | In the Kitchen | Food Trends
Eat Your Feelings
The West End’s new ice cream parlor serves up memorable scoops
By Cynthia Munrayos
For Alex Maddalena, making ice cream is a love language. The owner of Big Feeling channels the nostalgia of childhood and the invitation to make new memories into his new West End ice cream and sorbet parlor. “Ice cream always marks a nice occasion. It’s a good way to take care of yourself and your spirit. That’s kind of why I settled on the name of the business,” says Maddalena, who was also pulled inspiration for “Big Feeling” by a song written by a friend.
What began in 2018 as a pop-up, appearing in places like Bolt Coffee and selling ice cream pints during lockdown, now, many sold-out flavors later, has grown into the space Maddalena always hoped for. Not inclined to wait around for warm-weather days, he officially opened Big Feeling in January, conveniently located next to Nice Slice. The aesthetic is classic ice cream parlor meets cozy record shop, with details like a blue-and-white checkered wall behind the counter and fun cone-shaped stools.
FOOD & DRINK
Not your average ice cream maker, Maddalena strives to craft refined, nuanced flavors while still honoring time-honored staples like vanilla and chocolate. Strawberries and Cream, made with fresh berries, has quickly become a crowd pleaser, and signature blends you won’t find anywhere else include the London Fog, Fluffernutter, Mango Sticky Rice, and the vegan Pandan Pineapple Jam. Maddalena first nails down the basics before experimenting with recipes, aiming “to find a nice balance between something that’s exciting and kind of strange, while still hinting at a classic
parlor flavor,” he notes. One of his priorities is creating an all-inclusive menu so anyone who visits can find something they love, which is why it’s a nut-free facility with plenty of vegan ice cream options beyond sorbet. He also takes pride in sourcing high-quality and unique ingredients.
“When you have some interesting things on the menu, I think that can really entice people. Of course, everyone can sample before they buy, and most people are curious to try the ‘weird’ flavors to see if they actually taste good. I think a lot of them end up being converted on the spot,” says Maddalena.
Big Feeling opened in January
Old-school ice cream parlor vibes
Authentic Mexican flavors
Having played the piano and guitar throughout his life, Maddalena is also influenced by his musical background, and credits his mental health journey for leading him to ice cream making. He compares his constant craving for new music to his need to continuously develop new flavors. “Making ice cream is a really solitary experience for me,” he says. “I put my headphones in and spend hours in the kitchen, completely focused. It helps me maintain a steady rhythm of production.”
Maddalena takes his work seriously, pouring
passion and attention to detail into each scoop, but he keeps everything about the brand fun – because at the end of the day, it’s still a sweet treat.
“When I started making ice cream, I didn’t even realize it at first, but I was feeling better mentally without noticing,” he says. “I love sharing things with people, whether it’s at a dinner party or making something as special as a treat. That’s when it became clear that this is my love language.”
Maddalena describes the space he’s created as approachable and community-driven due to its central location encouraging neighbors
and students to hang out in their free time, explaining, “I get to see how genuinely excited people are about the product. Selling ice cream is great, but there’s an emotional, human element that goes beyond the transaction. Getting to know people and seeing them come back again and again has been the most rewarding part of these past months.”
Big Feeling
769 Westminster Street
BigFeeling.co • @bigfeeling_pvd
Maddalena’s specialty is creative scoops
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In CRU We Brunch
By Jenna Kaplan
From bold flavors to neighborhood warmth, this West End restaurant serves up classic favorites with style Must-Try
Living in the West End requires a certain skill set: knowing exactly where to find the best espresso, spotting an open parking space before anyone else, and, most importantly, recognizing when a new spot is about to become the place to be. We’re spoiled here, with no shortage of craft cocktails, inventive dishes, and effortlessly cool spaces, but every so often, an establishment comes along that feels like it’s always been part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Enter CRU, the latest addition to West Fountain Street, where Bayberry Beer Hall used to be, delivering retro charm, warm camaraderie, and some seriously good food.
Nothing says brunch like sunny-side eggs and Dutch-Baby Pancakes
Items
CROQUE MADAME ($15): Mortadella, New American cheese, dijonnaise, Mornay sauce, sunnyside-up egg, sourdough bread
Cuisine: Elevated comfort classics Atmosphere: Relaxed, lively, and cozy
Photos courtesy of Morin’s Restaurant Group
FOOD & DRINK
From the outside, CRU’s industrial-brick exterior, bold black signage, and striped awnings exude polished simplicity. But step inside, and the space buzzes with bright, airy energy. Sunny yellow chairs, cozy sage-green booths, and sleek wooden accents set the scene, while a wellstocked bar and open kitchen keep the action front and center. A collection of Providence-inspired artwork curated by local artists ties this new favorite to the city’s storied past.
By 11:30am on a Sunday, the place was already packed, a clear sign the neighborhood had taken notice. My partner and I lucked out with bar seats, where Vic, the bartender, greeted us with a laid-back charm and an impressive knowledge of the menu.
Photos courtesy of Morin’s Restaurant Group
Wedge Salad
Bright, airy vibes at CRU PVD
Brunch and cocktails go hand in hand, and CRU doesn’t disappoint. I kicked things off with the Frozen Irish Coffee, a bold yet creamy mix of Irish whiskey, cold brew, coffee liqueur, oat milk, and cocoa. My partner opted for the Aqua Vita, a refreshing blend of smoky mezcal, coconut water, lime, and black rock salt.
For my entree, I couldn’t resist the Croque Madame: a crusty sourdough sandwich stacked with crispy mortadella, gooey New American cheese, and velvety Mornay sauce, a rich béchamel with Gruyere. Finished with a sunny-side-up egg, it was indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely worth every bite. My partner went for the Chilaquiles,
a gluten-free flavor bomb featuring fried tortillas drenched in salsa roja, sunny-side-up eggs, jalapeños, cilantro, pickled red onion, and cheddar. Bright and bold with just enough heat to wake up the palate, it was a definite standout.
Of course, some brunch rules are universal, like ordering pancakes for the table. We made room for CRU’s Dutch Baby Pancake, a golden, oven-baked beauty topped with apple compote, crystallized ginger streusel, and vanilla crème fraîche. Light yet indulgent, subtly spiced, and just sweet enough, it was the perfect way to round out the meal.
CRU is a love letter to Providence, wrapped
in great food, standout drinks, and an unmistakable neighborhood feel. The mix of oldschool nostalgia and modern edge makes it the kind of place you want to return to, whether for a lazy Sunday brunch or a spontaneous weekday bite. With a menu that balances comforting classics with creative twists, a dining area designed for lingering, and an atmosphere buzzing with local charm, CRU PVD is well on its way to becoming a West End staple.
CRU PVD
381 West Fountain Street
401-383-9487 • CRUPvd.com
Photo courtesy of Morin’s Restaurant Group
Bone-In Sesame Pork Schnitzel
Cooking in Style
The adored TV personality from America’s Test Kitchen dishes on falling for the Ocean State
By Andrea E. McHugh
For cooking enthusiasts nationwide, Ashley Moore is a familiar face, composing dishes weekly as a popular on-screen test cook for Cook’s Country From America’s Test Kitchen on PBS. But in Rhode Island, she’s a familiar off-screen face too. Moore moved to the Ocean State with her young family nearly four years ago, lured by its quality of life, palpable charm, and easy train commute to the America’s Test Kitchen studio and campus in Boston’s Seaport District.
Viewers first got to know her as host of Today’s Special , a YouTube series that focuses on quick, weeknight-friendly meals. It launched in 2020 and today, the series has amassed millions of views (and still counting). Think roast chicken with potatoes, air-fryer pistachio-crusted salmon, one-pan turkey meatballs with lemony rice, and black bean burgers and quesadillas. As a busy mother to seven-year-old Jackson and Willie, a kindergartener, Moore knows firsthand the demand for no-fuss, family-friendly meals.
For those who know her, being a beloved television personality is a natural fit. Acting and food were lifelong passions of Moore’s. After pursuing a BFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts, the New London, Connecticut native was determined to follow her dream of cooking on air on the Food Network. She moved back East and enrolled in an accelerated program at Johnson & Wales University, followed by an internship at the Food Network. A job offer brought her and her now-husband to Boston, and soon after, she was lured by America’s Test Kitchen “It was a pretty lengthy interview process,” she concedes. “It took me six months to get hired, and I’ve been there almost 14 years since.” Moore started in recipe development on the cookbook team, moved over to Cook’s Country to become senior editor, switched to food styling, and then started on the show. She’s starting her ninth season of filming, which will expand from 13 episodes to 23.
Photo by Stephen Klise, courtesy of Ashley Moore
Ashley Moore
P hoto courtesy of Ashley Moore
Moore says America’s Test Kitchen has expanded exponentially since she started, but it still has that grassroots feel. “For the most part, it still has that mentality. You just love the people you’re working with,” says Moore, who’s also a food stylist there and instructor for America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School. “It’s a really amazing, collaborative environment, just a great place, and I’m lucky to be there.”
Before moving to Rhode Island, Moore lived with her family on Boston’s North Shore, and she’s as surprised as anyone to find herself
calling in Rhode Island home. “If you told me growing up I was going to live in Providence someday, I would look at you like you had three heads,” she says with a laugh. “It was going to be New York City or LA, but I cannot even tell you how much I’ve fallen in love with not only Providence, but the state of Rhode Island.”
She and her family enjoy exploring the state’s natural wonders, cool attractions, international flavors, and events. “There’s diversity, there’s culture, there’s different types of food – that was really important to
me and my husband, for our kids to grow up around,” she explains. “Honestly, our quality of life is so rich because we live where we live.” Moore also loves local events like the Newport Folk and Jazz festivals, pointing to the perhaps unexpected but undeniable similarities that food and good tunes share. “Food is the one thing besides music that brings people together, and hopefully, keeps people together,” she says. “When you’re at a concert, everyone is there for this one shared experience, and when you’re eating a meal around the table, either at
Moore styling a dish on camera
With co-host Bridget Lancaster
a restaurant or at home, you’re there for the same experience as well.”
Reflecting on her family’s few years here, and those to come, Moore is excited. She says they’re fitting in seamlessly, and are adopting that certain je ne sais quoi that is the magic of the Ocean State. “Something about Rhode Island has just really struck and felt like home for us, so I definitely think we’ve put our roots down.” Find where to watch Moore in action, including Rhode Island PBS, at AmericasTestKitchen.com.
Food Trends: Flower Power
Where and how to enjoy this season’s prettiest garnish: edible flowers
By Abbie Lahmers
Coinciding with National Flower Day, March 21 marked the one-year anniversary of Fleur, the Mediterranean- and Parisian-inspired restaurant inside the Omni, with a celebration that highlighted their floral-forward food and cocktails. The drink menu at Fleur offers refreshing nods to spring no matter the season, most notably in the Fleur 75 (their take on the French
75), Poisson Tropicale, Black Rose Black Rose, and, most popular, the Water Lily. “Each of these drinks embodies the floral aesthetic we strive for,” says marketing manager Sarah Mendes, and each is garnished with an edible bloom.
“The Water Lily is an elevated twist on a classic margarita,” bartender Anthony DiPalma elaborates. “We use Butterfly Cannon Blue
tequila, Cointreu, lemon, house-made honey syrup, and crème de violet to balance out the sweet flavors with an earthy, floral taste.” Edible flowers also add a pop of color to dishes like the Salade Fleur and Pasta Bolognese. This month, watch for an Easter brunch, complete with a chef’s oyster shucking table and a carving station. 1 West Exchange Street, FleurProvidence.com
City cocktails get the floral treatment
Photo courtesy of Fleur
Salade Fleur
Flower farmer on using edible blooms at home
Inspired by restaurants garnishing dishes with colorful blooms? Emily Shapiro of Night Garden Herbs lets patrons bring the trend home. The vision behind her medicinal herb farm, which she operates at Osamequin Farm in Seekonk, MA, is to cultivate community around flowers and produce and foster a sense of reciprocity with the earth through regenerative farming. “Food is such good medicine,” says Shapiro, who also offers herbal consultations and classes.
“Adding fresh herbs and edible flowers to my own daily meals changed the way I eat and
Herbal
an East Side staple
“Persimmon has always taken cues from the seasons,” says James Beard semifinalist chef and proprietor Champe Speidel of the modern, technique-driven restaurant. Menus are printed daily to reflect the availability of produce. “Asparagus may last a full month, but strawberries only last two weeks, for instance. The seasonal harmony keeps the menu fresh and protean.” He teases asparagus with Hollandaise and chive blossoms, Maryland soft shell crabs with fresh tarragon, anise hyssop and pickled rhubarb, and other dishes arriving on the menu soon.
makes cooking so much more fun and exciting,” she shares. “Edible flowers are one of my favorite things to grow because they’re delicious and nutritional, and add so much beauty to salads, cakes, or cocktails. Borage, calendula, and bachelors buttons are easy favorites,” as well as many flowering herbs. Shapiro keeps a vase of nasturtiums on her dining table to pluck flowers for garnishes, or to blend into a pesto with basil and parsley. Find her herbal and floral harvests at Fox Point Grocers on Hope Street, and bringing color to dishes at Frank and Laurie’s. NightGardenHerbs.com
Speidel brings this affinity for freshness to the minute details of each dish, too, relaying that he loves cooking and garnishing with herbs. “Petite herbs and flowers are not only pretty to look at, but also add a final punch of fresh flavor. However, I only like to use a flower or herb that makes sense in the dish,” he explains, such as a tomato salad garnished with basil flowers or pea flowers in a pea soup. “We really strive to have everything on the plate have a purpose, not just look pretty.” 99 Hope Street, PersimmonRI.com
garnishes at
Farm-fresh flowers and herbs from Night Garden
PIC OF PVD
Pops of green signal spring in the city!
ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.
