“Body of Proof” Highlights Rhode Island

April 5, 2011

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Bill

Set your DVRs for Tuesdays at 10pm, because the new ABC TV show “Body of Proof” is a must-see for Rhode Islanders.  Dana Delaney stars in this medical examiner show as Dr. Megan Hunt, a complex woman dedicated to her work with an occasionally sharp wit, but also with a deep-down, heart of gold.

GTech Building Providence, RIThis season’s episodes were filmed in Rhode Island, and features numerous shots of familiar local scenery.  The only trick is that the show’s storyline takes place in Philadelphia.  Makers of the series digitally manipulate the scenery to show a volume of buildings blending into the skyline of Philly.  Aside from the now being debated tax advantages, Rhode Island’s boutique-like selection of locations makes it ideal for just about any film crew; you can find many different environments located closely together.

Our own Corporate Trainer Rich Epstein, and Marketing Videographer Phil Retamoza appear on the show in an extra/background capacity.  So take a look, and see if you can spot them!  Episodes can also be watched for free online at ABC’s website or on hulu.com.

South County Habitat for Humanity Finishes Another Home

March 9, 2011

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Libby

Last Fall, I had the opportunity to join Mary Ann Lisi, from our Narragansett office,  at the construction project for a new South County Habitat for Humanity home in Charlestown, RI. This home features handicap accessibility since the new owners’ son is in a wheelchair.  Mary Ann worked with the “Thursday, All Women Crew” on the project and did so throughout the past year.   According to Mary Ann, “This was a great group of very talented women ranging in age from 22 to 70 something.  There was a lot of fun on this project and the experience was very rewarding. We did everything from framing to sheetrock, to trim work and floor installation.”

The home was completed last month and a moving in ceremony was conducted with Rev. Lynn Baker-Dooley blessing each room at the Saturday, 26th of February, morning event.  Lynn is the wife of URI President, David Dooley, and is an American Baptist minister.  She was heavily involved in Habitat and other homeless matters when she was a minister in Helena, Montana. The construction supervisor, Ted Seymour, led the morning in Habitat fashion with an opening prayer, and opened the party to a packed Klondike Road residence.  The Northup family is the proud owner of this LEED certified home which South County Habitat for Humanity has dubbed their “Official 20th Anniversary Home.”

Besides working on the home, the Women’s Crew also won the Gingerbread House competition, which raised $1400 for the organization.  Habitat will hold another fund raiser with check-in starting at noon on April 2, 2011 for a two mile walk around URI campus.  It officially starts at 1:00 pm. They are trying to raise $80,000 through this effort called “Pound the pavement. Pound a nail.”  The University of Rhode Island has set the goal to build one house near the URI campus and two houses in Haiti and Chile. They are half-way to reaching it, but still need your help!

Gilded – a Newport Experience

March 1, 2011

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Bill

Newport is legendary and has been the summer home to the rich and famous since the age when America’s industrial barons built their “cottages”. With the renewed interest in Newport during the “America’s Cup” siting for the next challenge (Larry Ellison’s defender syndicate ultimately chose San Francisco), light was again shining on our city in the bay. But this interest has been growing for years, a reprise from the days when Newport sagged.

In 2009, Deborah Davis published a book titled “Gilded – How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort” which highlighted the history of this fabled town’s past from the 1900 century to the present day. In it she recalls a story told to her from our Narragansett Realtor, Judy Chace, about the beginning of the invasion by the “modern day buccanneer[s] who [are] as high-rolling and freewheeling as any of the Gilded Age tycoons.”

Recently, the Red Carpet Gala added some sparkle to the city once again. Held by the Friends of Jane Pickens Theater, many of Newport’s residents watched the 2011 Oscar’s, while wining and dining at the Theater and Event Center on Sunday the 27th of February. The event included two comedians who guided the people through the evening and an auction for additional fund raising.  According to Board member Marisa Ferris, also a Narragansett Agent, the fundraising evening was a fantastic way to view the pageantry of the Oscar ceremonies, with Hollywood’s Stars decked out to the nines and parading down the real “Red Carpet.” The “Friends” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help preserve the 178 year old building and allow the center to function. Besides movies or live screenings, like that of the Bolshoi Ballet and the upcoming royal wedding in England, the venue can be booked for special events.

Matchmaking, The Real [Estate] Way

February 14, 2011

Filed under: Blog Topics,EastSide
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Sally

Meeting a mate is difficult for some folks.  I was lucky to meet the husband of my dreams, but have always been willing to help others match up to the right person.

Recently, the Jewish Voice and Herald talked with me about the matchmaking I have done over the past 30 plus years.  Selling real estate is my career, but I’ve had this sideline all these years.  Sharing the story with everyone came to mind, and with this being Valentine’s Day, why not publish a video.

Here is how I described it to my marketing manager:

Lighthouse Point in Barrington, a unique spot!

January 24, 2011

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Sally

Each Sunday morning we discuss the issues and events of the past week surrounding the Real Estate market in Rhode Island. I am so happy to bring our knowledge to you in that format. With the past year as one of those rebuilding years into the next up cycle in real estate, we are always looking to give you the best prespective on what is at market besides what is happening.

We were fortunate enough to have with us this weekend the listing agent for a marvelous home in Barrington in the Lighthouse Point area. Caroline Butterfield is one of our great agents in our Barrington office. She knows the market well and has a beautiful comtemporary listing on Spinnaker Drive.

Here is what Caroline discussed.

“The property on Spinnaker Drive is a fantastic waterfront property with wonderful views of Narragansett Bay. Lighthouse Point is a wonderful area and this property is a pre-eminent spot.  Looking out at sunsets will be inspirational.

This uniquely built home includes an indoor pool, gym area, and sauna, enhancing the six bedrooms and six full bathrooms. It has a truly ambitious feel for any homeowner with the desired privacy expected in this price range.  However, it has an open floor plan with expansive windows looking out to the bay.

This part of Barrington is what everyone desires when they think of the area. The views of the water, the proximity to Providence, and the closeness to the amentities of the local community are what continually bring people to the town and persuade people to stay for the long term.

This property is priced very competitively for the area.”

Barrington has a great school system and is a wonderful year round community in close proximity to Providence and Newport. There are a good number of its residents who commute to Boston. It is a premier spot in Rhode Island.

Caroline Butterfield has been a top producing Realtor for Residential Properties and has worked with buyers and sellers throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts since 1979. Real estate is her profession, but more than that, it is her passion.  As she puts if: “I love the product, the people and the happy ending when buyers and sellers goals are achieved.”