BankNewport President and CEO, Sandra J. Pattie has announced the appointment of Maria T. Botelho to vice president, commercial loan officer.  She will be responsible for developing, building and managing commercial lending relationships throughout Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts.  She will work with business owners and investors in need of financing of commercial real estate, equipment/commercial vehicles, investment properties, business loans and lines of credit.
          Botelho comes to BankNewport from Santander Bank, N.A., where she served as vice president and small business area manager for the Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts markets.  
          Maria earned an Associate in Science in Business Administration and Management from the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick. She is a resident of Barrington, Rhode Island.

About BankNewport 
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island.  In addition, OceanPoint Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of BankNewport, offers a broad range of property casualty insurance products and a full array of financial services.  With 15 banking offices and $1.4 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. 

          When a local restaurant is getting a lot of traction among the younger population, and you start to hear about it as a “favorite hangout” it is time to check it out. Head down Maple Avenue in Barrington to experience what could be the most delicious thing you do this fall. 
          Opening in January, 2015, Crepelicious is owned and operated by a local husband/wife team who have somehow found a creative way to fuse their Thai heritage with their love for travel (to France, in particular) and a skill for baking.  The result is something very special. 
          Crepelicious offers so much more than just crepes. Yes, there is a wide variety of both sweet and savory but they also offer special desserts to order.  Their signature cake the CREPE CAKE, is quite possibly the most delicious thing anyone has ever indulged in. (Think 10+ layers of thin crepe separated by fresh whipped cream.) Previously, you would have to travel to New York City to enjoy the Crepe Cake, but the owners worked hard to master this unique creation and Crepelicious is the only place in Rhode Island where you can get it.  
          Sticking to the Parisian ambiance, Crepelicious is open till 9:00 pm, making it a great destination for a late evening stroll for dessert – you won’t be disappointed. 
          You may be surprised to know that Crepelicious hosts birthday parties and can cater your special event! This place is gaining in popularity though, so book in advance! Crepelicious was awarded the BEST OF RHODE ISLAND editor’s pick for best crepes. 

          Bagels Etc., is a place where friends meet and everyone is made to feel like family.  Sounds like a commercial for "Cheers" and it's true.  Opening its doors in 1989, Tim Gordon worked for his parents in this family owned and run business.  In 2000, Tim bought the business and has continued to run Bagels Etc. as a family.
          As the times changed Tim realized that the business needed change to attain sustainability.  And so that was what he did. Along with bagels still being "made fresh everyday with love and not preservatives" on the premises, he has introduced more choices on the menu.  Breakfast includes egg sandwiches, and for lunch there are now sandwiches and wraps made from a full line of Boars Head meats and cheeses.  If you are in the mood for a salad, they have them.  How about a cup of soup?  The choices don't stop there.  Having a party, call and order a party platter.  
          The one thing that has not changed is excellence in customer service and smiling friendly employee attention to customers. Tim a big proponent of hiring local students; he talks of their smiling faces and great attitudes. He spoke of them going off to college and returning to their jobs when home for the summer. Commitment to the community is a "must" on Tim's list.  They sponsor local teams in football and baseball.  But it does not stop at sports;  there is Stage Masters, Arts Alive and The Education Foundation  to name a few.
          It is a place "where friends meet and everyone is family."