Chamber Connections BLOG
Chamber Connections BLOG
Media Contact: Erin Read; 401-440-8350; eread@polarismep.org
IMAGES: Video stills, BUPPY PETS logo, Hope & Main logo, Polaris MEP logo Rhode Island Food Business Ecosystem Featured as “Heroes” Video Produced by National Institute of Standards & Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Latest installment of “Heroes of American Manufacturing” series celebrates RI dog treat maker BUPPY PETS ® , culinary incubator Hope & Main, and Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Polaris MEP Providence, RI – May 15, 2023 – Three Rhode Island businesses have been featured in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) video series, in an episode that spotlights the state’s food business ecosystem. Culinary incubator Hope & Main and MEP Center Polaris MEP share their story of working collaboratively to support dog treat manufacturing business BUPPY PETS as it scaled production. The “Heroes of American Manufacturing” video series celebrates the small and medium-sized manufacturers succeeding in the U.S. with the help of their local MEP Centers. Rhode Island takes its first turn in the national spotlight in the latest video in the series. “The hero of this story is actually a trio of partners,” said Matt Watson, Polaris MEP Center Director. “It reflects the unique way Rhode Island helps its food and beverage businesses succeed, with private and public partners all working together to lift up manufacturers.” Viewers will be introduced to BUPPY PETS (www.buppypets.com), launched by Warwick resident Lauren Ruggiero to offer 4-ingredient sharable treats inspired by snacks people love. The entrepreneur joined the business incubation program at Hope & Main (www.makefoodyourbusiness.org), a Warren, RI, non-profit which jumpstarts early-stage food manufacturers. Hope & Main partners with Providence-based Polaris MEP (www.PolarisMEP.org) to support their members with training on efficient production, continuous improvement and beyond. After Ruggiero was connected to Polaris MEP project manager Nathan Bonds, she said the company was able to reduce costs and increase productivity. Lisa Raiola, President and Founder of Hope & Main, said that the video captures the spirit of how the incubator and Polaris MEP work together to develop and scale food businesses. “The Buppy Pets story is a powerful way to illustrate our shared mission of a thriving and diverse food economy in Rhode Island.” The video is currently featured on the NIST website at https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network/manufacturing-videos # # # -- Alison Mountford (she/her) Director of Marketing & Communications Hope & Main 415-652-7473
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TARYN SYLVIA PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF NURSING AT GRACE BARKER HEALTH WARREN, R.I. (April 4, 2023): Grace Barker Health, a skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day health provider located in Warren, announces that Taryn Sylvia, R.N. has been promoted from assistant director of nursing to director of nursing. The announcement was made by Benjamin Lescault, administrator of Grace Barker Health. In her new capacity, Ms. Sylvia leads a team of 75 staff members including nurses, medical technicians, and certified nursing assistants at both The Cove nursing home and The Willows assisted living community. In addition to managing care plans for residents, she is responsible for ensuring policy compliance with the R.I. Department of Health and Centers for Medicaid Services, communicating with family members of residents, and assisting the administrator with daily operations. In 2010, she joined the staff of Grace Barker Health while a 16-year-old high school student at Joseph Case High School (Swansea, Mass.), making beds at The Cove on the weekends. Over the years, she worked her way up to the Activities Department and then earned her CNA license. In 2017, she studied at Lincoln Technical Institute (Lincoln, R.I.) to become a licensed practical nurse and subsequently became licensed as a registered nurse from the New England Institute of Technology (2019). Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor of science degree in nursing at Salve Regina University (Newport, R.I.). A member of the Rhode Island Healthcare Association and the New England Alliance for Better Long-Term Care, Ms. Sylvia is a resident of Bristol, R.I. # # # Established in 1966 in historic Warren, Rhode Island, Grace Barker Health is a family- and locally-owned healthcare provider of skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day services for residents and families throughout the communities of Warren, Bristol, Barrington, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Portsmouth and Tiverton as well as nearby Swansea, Seekonk, Somerset and Rehoboth. The business is a member of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association. The Cove at Grace Barker offers skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation and The Willows at Grace Barker offers assisted living and adult day health services. Grace Barker Health is located on Barker Avenue in Warren, RI 02885; phone: 401-245-9100; web: www.GraceBarkerHealth.com. IRS warns taxpayers of new filing season scams involving Form W-2 wages; those filing fake returns face potential penalties, investigation
IR-2023-38, March 3, 2023 WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert today to warn taxpayers of new scams that urge people to use wage information on a tax return to claim false credits in hopes of getting a big refund. One scheme, which is circulating on social media, encourages people to use tax software to manually fill out Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and include false income information. In this W-2 scheme, scam artists suggest people make up large income and withholding figures as well as the employer it is coming from. Scam artists then instruct people to file the bogus tax return electronically in hopes of getting a substantial refund – sometimes as much as five figures – due to the large amount of withholding. The IRS along with the Security Summit partners in the tax industry and the states, are actively watching for this scheme and others. In addition, the IRS works with payroll companies and large employers – as well as the Social Security Administration – to verify W-2 information. With National Consumer Protection Week starting Monday, the IRS and Summit partners warn people not to fall for these scams. “We are seeing signs this scam is increasing, and we worry that innocent taxpayers could be at risk of being tempted into falling into a trap that puts them at risk of financial and criminal penalties,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “The IRS and Security Summit partners remind people there is no secret way to get free money or a big refund. People should not make up income and try to submit a fraudulent tax return in hopes of getting a huge refund.” Two variations of this scheme are also being seen by the IRS; both involve misusing Form W-2 wage information in hopes of generating a larger refund:
The IRS reminds people who try this that they face a wide range of penalties. This may include a frivolous return penalty of $5,000. Filers also run the risk of criminal prosecution for filing a false tax return. For anyone who has participated in one of these schemes, there are several options that the IRS recommends. People can amend a previous tax return or consult with a trusted tax professional. -30- For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org ** Calendar Listings ** Events at Mount Hope Farm March / April 2023 Recurring - Saturdays, 9 am to 12:30 Join us at our ongoing Farmers Market in our historic Barn with vendors of produce, baked goods, meat, cocktails and prepared foods, along with artisans and more. Details: mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market Daily Throughout March, 8 am to 6 pm The StoryWalk at Mount Hope Farm features the gorgeous children's book Old Rock is Not Boring this month. If the StoryWalk concept is new to you, think of it as a great family outing where you enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise while stopping at stations that feature pages from a book perfect for young readers. Details: mounthopefarm.org/story-walk Sunday, March 19, 10 to 11 am Warm up on winter Sunday mornings with gentle vinyasa flow and guided breath yoga in our cozy Barn. All levels are welcome. Sessions led by certified instructor Valerie Griffiths. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 pm to 9 pm Join Dr. Adria Updike assistant professor of Physics at Roger Williams as she leads stargazers on a Spring Equinox Astronomy Walk through the Farm trails and out to Cove Cabin. Farm. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, March 25, 9 am to 12:30 pm Recycle your electronics when Indie Cycle visits the Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm. Accepting computers, TVs, monitors, printers, small household appliances, air conditioners, and much more. (Note: fee required for some items.) Details: https://indiecycle.blogspot.com/ Tuesday, March 28, 5 pm to 8 pm Join us for a fresh take on networking with our friend and local food economist Rely on Rach for a Sunset Social. Enjoy an evening of casual conversation and connection as we mingle and share ideas, struggles, and wins. We'll bring out the solo stoves to keep it cozy and provide snacks from our friends at Wedge and Newport Chowder Co. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Thursday, April 6, 6 pm to 8 pm Enjoy an evening out with friends and Jessica Cook of Quintessential Gardens for garden chats, flower arranging, and tasty cocktails from Two Gals Cocktails. With spring beginning and Easter around the corner join us for a Blooming Bulbs Workshop as we share hope for what is to come and get creative arranging locally grown spring ephemerals (bulbs, ranunculus, hellebores, forced branches). We will also discuss planting and growing some of these beauties in your own gardens. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, April 15, 10 am to 2 pm The Farmers Market is hitting the road and heading back to Pivotal Brewery for a special Spring Fling Market. Enjoy all your favorite vendors plus additional artisan vendors and food trucks. Try out Pivotals large variety of beer and enjoy the rest of Unity Park! Details: https://www.mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market Thursday, April 20, 6 to 8 pm Two local physicians – Michael Fine, MD, and Edward Iannuccilli, MD – speak about expanding their medical careers to become published authors in a conversation entitled Doctoring Words. They share their stories of expanding their horizons to become published authors of memoirs, fiction and nonfiction, and offer tips on how you, too, can write your story and get it in print. Moderated by Dante Bellini, Jr., the director of the award-winning film Ken Burns: Here & There. Farm Members: $15. Nonmembers: $20. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. ### For Immediate Release
Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org A Vintage Market is headed to Mount Hope Farm this spring! February 7, 2023 (Bristol, RI) ‒ A curated Vintage Market is coming to Mount Hope Farm in Bristol over the weekend of May 20th and 21st. Mount Hope Farm is thrilled to be partnering with well-known local business owner and vintage furniture extraordinaire, Jenna Kinghorn of Blanc & Bleu to present Bristol Vintage Market – a curated market of vintage finds, handmade goods, and local artisans. To enhance the shopper experience Mount Hope Farm will have food trucks and live music for shoppers’ enjoyment! Shoppers will be able to peruse booths with styles ranging including farmhouse, coastal, mid-century modern, European, traditional, and more. Customers can purchase unique pieces as well as gain inspiration for their own space all in the pastoral and historical setting of Mount Hope Farm. “The history and open space of Mount Hope Farm lends itself perfectly to a market that repurposes and reimagines vintage pieces for today, It should be a fun event for all ages!” said Katie Blais, Community Events Manager, Mount Hope Farm. The event will be ticketed with the option to purchase a one-day ticket or weekend ticket providing access to the market on Saturday and Sunday. Members of Mount Hope Farm will have special access to the market shopping one hour before the market opens to the public The application for vendors is open now through March 31, 2023. Interested vendors can visit https://www.mounthopefarm.org/bristol-vintage-market to learn more. About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. ### BENJAMIN LESCAULT PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATOR OF GRACE BARKER HEALTH Ushers in third generation of family leadership of Warren business WARREN, R.I. (January 12, 2023): Grace Barker Health, a skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day health provider located in Warren, announces that Benjamin Lescault, MSHCA, LNHA, ALRA has been promoted to administrator. The announcement was made by Mark and Mary Beth Lescault, co-owners of Grace Barker Health. At age 26, Mr. Lescault is one of the youngest, most experienced administrators in the United States to lead an elder care organization. He grew up in the family business and most recently served in the capacity of assistant administrator where he was responsible for overseeing staff operations; facilities management; monitoring inventory and distribution of products and services; assisting with business planning, budget development and marketing; and other operational duties. Previously, he served Grace Barker Health as environmental services assistant. Prior to joining Grace Barker Health, he was administrative intern at a nursing home in Newport, R.I., a position he held while pursuing his bachelor of science degree in healthcare administration and management with a minor in business administration (2018, magna cum laude) at Salve Regina University (Newport). He earned his master of science degree in the field of healthcare administration at the University. Mr. Lescault is certified by the Rhode Island Department of Health as a licensed nursing home administrator and assisted living residence administrator. “Long-term care is in Ben’s career DNA as he literally grew up at Grace Barker, pulling bingo numbers and playing with his toys as a child in the hallways,” states Mary Beth Lescault, whose mother established Grace Barker Nursing Home in 1966. “Now as the third generation of our family’s leadership, he will continue the legacy of caring for and providing quality elder services throughout the East Bay community and beyond. We are so proud of his accomplishments.” Benjamin is a resident of Swansea, Massachusetts. # # # Established in 1966 in historic Warren, Rhode Island, Grace Barker Health is a family- and locally-owned healthcare provider of skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day services for residents and families throughout the communities of Warren, Bristol, Barrington, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Portsmouth and Tiverton as well as nearby Swansea, Seekonk, Somerset and Rehoboth. The business is a member of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association. The Cove at Grace Barker offers skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation and The Willows at Grace Barker offers assisted living and adult day health services. Grace Barker Health is located on Barker Avenue in Warren, RI 02885; phone: 401-245-9100; web: www.GraceBarkerHealth.com. For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org ** Calendar Listings ** Events at Mount Hope Farm January / February 2023 Recurring - Saturdays, 10 am to 12:30 Join us at our ongoing Farmers Market in our historic Barn with vendors of produce, baked goods, fish, cocktails and ethnic foods, along with artisans and more. Attend 10 markets through end of March and enter our Winter Warrior program to win a selection of market products. Daily Throughout January, 8 am to 6 pm The StoryWalk at Mount Hope Farm features the gorgeous children's book The Night Gardener this month. If the StoryWalk concept is new to you, think of it as a great family outing where you enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise while stopping at stations that feature pages from a book perfect for young readers. Saturday, January 21, 10 am to 12:30 pm Recycle your old electronics when Indie Cycle visits the Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm. Accepting computers, TVs, monitors, printers, small household appliances, air conditioners, and much more. (Note: fee required for some items.) Details: https://indiecycle.blogspot.com/ Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, February 19, 10 to 11 am Warm up on winter Sunday mornings with gentle vinyasa flow and guided breath yoga in our cozy Barn. All levels are welcome. Sessions led by certified instructor Valerie Griffiths. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Thursday, January 26, 6 to 7:30 pm The creative and knowledgeable staff of Bristol’s Thistle & Posy join us in the Barn with instruction on how to Build a Succulent Terrarium. All materials provided, so attendees leave with a very special plant arrangement to brighten up winter days. Two Gals Cocktails will have a cash bar and complimentary empanadas from The Perfect Empanada. Farm Members: $65. Nonmembers: $75. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, January 28, 2 to 5 pm Two local physicians – Michael Fine, MD, and Edward Iannuccilli, MD – speak about expanding their medical careers to become published authors in a conversation entitled Doctoring Words. They share their stories of expanding their horizons to become published authors of memoirs, fiction and nonfiction, and offer tips on how you, too, can write your story and get it in print. Moderated by Dante Bellini, Jr., the director of the award-winning film Ken Burns: Here & There. Farm Members: $15. Nonmembers: $20. Monday, February 13, 6 to 8:30 pm Our classes in making a perfect charcuterie board are always sellouts and this session – Gal-entines Day DIY – not only teaches how to make a creative board (presented by The Perfect Parcel) but also includes the basics of hand lettering (presented by Perfectly Personalized). All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $120. Tuesday, February 14, 6 to 7:30 pm Our Valentine’s Day Date Night program offers couples a fun new way to celebrate the holiday. Crystal from The Perfect Parcel leads a lively session on making a creative – and delicious – Valentine’s Day themed charcuterie board. All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $85. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. |
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