Posted inCity & Government

Travel Advisory: RIDOT to Begin Removing Temporary Arches at Division Street Bridge

Starting Sunday, September 11, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will begin a series of night time closures of Route 4 to remove the temporary arches at the Division Street Bridge on the East Greenwich/Warwick line. All the closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The southbound lanes of Route 4 will be the first set of closures and will occur as follows:
Sunday, September 11; Monday, September 12; Tuesday, September 13
During these closures, motorists on I-95 south who wish to take Route 4 south should follow a detour using exit 8 to Route 2/South County Trail and Division Street to access the Route 4 south on-ramp just after the East Greenwich Square shopping center. Police details will keep traffic moving through the traffic signals along the detour route.
The northbound lanes of Route 4 closures will occur as follows:
Wednesday, September 14; Thursday, September 15
For traffic wishing to get to I-95 north, all traffic will use exit 9A toward East Greenwich and then get back on I-95 north using the ramp at the next traffic signal. For traffic wishing to get to Route 2 and I-95 south, follow the detour above using I-95 north to exit 10 to reverse direction onto I-95 south. Police details will be on site along the route.
In order to accommodate traffic on the Route 4 north detour, all traffic on Division Street eastbound will need to use the on-ramp to Route 4 south. Take exit 7A to Frenchtown Road and follow the detour to get onto Route 4 north, then take exit 9A toward East Greenwich.
The demolition schedule will be updated daily dependent on the amount of work completed the night before.
The Division Street Bridge is a $22.9 million project to replace a 55-year-old bridge which carries 14,000 vehicles daily.
The Division Street Bridge project is made possible by RhodeWorks and the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Improvement Act [r20.rs6.net]. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

Posted inNews

Swim Across America Rhode Island will make waves to fight cancer on September 10

By Swim Across America Rhode Island Rhode Island residents will be making a big splash on Saturday, September 10, at the 13th annual Swim Across America Rhode Island open water swim. This swim raises funds for crucial cancer research for the swim’s local beneficiary Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, which focuses on supportinggynecological and breast cancer research. Since […]

Posted inBusiness

Limo business, boat hauling company, and other businesses for sale right now in Rhode Island

The latest listings on BizBuySell and LoopNet show all kinds of businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island. Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business. The names and locations are generally left out, but there are occasional exceptions. Here […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Providence, according to Tripadvisor

Brunch—the portmanteau combining the words “breakfast” and “lunch”—is the best of both worlds. An event as much as a meal, brunches are weekend affairs, where a large meal is served in the late morning and into the early afternoon, featuring not just coffee but drinks like bloody marys and mimosas alongside waffles, pancakes, french toast, […]

Posted inCity & Government

One month until Ocean Road 10K Race to benefit Narragansett Historical Society

On October 2nd, runners and walkers will participate in the ninth annual Ocean Road 10K, a 6.2-mile road race hosted each year in Narragansett, Rhode Island. A portion of each registration fee will be donated to the Narragansett Historical Society. The event, which has been popular with local and visiting participants alike, and is is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor, DEM announce opening of 180-acre shellfishing area in Greenwich Bay to conditionally approved

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that it is upgrading about 180 acres of shellfishing grounds in the Nausauket area of Greenwich Bay in Warwick from prohibited to conditionally approved harvesting status starting at sunrise on Friday, Sept. 2. The opening represents a 10 percent increase in the area of the bay […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIPTA: Service will operate on a holiday schedule on Monday; Providence-Newport Ferry switches to fall schedule on Tuesday

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced that it will run a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday, September 5, 2022, in honor of Labor Day.  All RIPTA offices, except for the Newport Transportation Center, will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2022, in celebration of the holiday. Newport Ferry Shuttle The Providence Shuttle […]

Posted inNews

Silver lining: Northeast drought benefits some businesses

BOSTON (AP) — There is a silver lining to the drought affecting the northeastern U.S. that has frustrated farmers, dried up rivers and reservoirs, and brought water use restrictions and brush fires to the region. The arid conditions have benefited amusement parks, minor league baseball teams, construction contractors and other businesses that need warm, dry weather to […]

Posted inCOVID-19

Low vaccine booster rates are now a key factor in COVID-19 deaths – and racial disparities in booster rates persist

Andrew Stokes, Boston University; Dielle Lundberg, Boston University; Elizabeth Wrigley-Field, University of Minnesota, and Rafeya Raquib, Boston University More than 450 people are dying of COVID-19 in the U.S. each day as of late August 2022. When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, public officials, community organizations and policymakers mobilized to get shots into arms. These […]

Posted inColumns

Comic – Sour Grapes: Principal

Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes, enjoy! Tim Jones is the creator, artist and writer of the widely popular, self-syndicated comic strip, “SOUR GRAPES”; a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world. Sour Grapes is currently published in multiple newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Travel Advisory Update: RIDOT Starts I-95 Mile-Marker Numbering Program

I-95 is the last highway segment to be changed
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) last night started its highway renumbering project, changing exit numbers on I-95 from the Massachusetts border in Pawtucket to the Connecticut border in Hopkinton. The new exit numbers are part of a multi-year federal program to update highway numbering for Interstates and other limited-access highways. I-95 is the last highway for RIDOT to renumber.
Last night RIDOT renumbered three exits on I-95 South in Pawtucket. Exits 30, 29 and 27 are now Exits 43, 42, and 41, respectively. Work will continue for about one month on Sunday-Thursday nights, with no work on weekends or holidays. RIDOT will change approximately three exits at a time, taking two nights for each set of three exits before moving on to another set.
The new exit numbers are keyed to mile markers – a system used throughout the country for many years. Rhode Island and some neighboring New England states are among the last to change to this method which is required by the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The highway exit numbers traditionally were assigned sequentially.
A mile-marker exit number system lets drivers know how far they need to travel to reach their desired off-ramp. It also allows for easier expansion for future interchanges since the entire highway would not have to be renumbered to accommodate a new exit number. RIDOT will install temporary signs indicating the old exit number and will leave them up for an extended period of time.
For more information on the renumbering project, including a list of new and old exit numbers, visit www.ridot.net/ExitNumbers.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

Posted inBusiness

Girls Who Code and Raytheon Technologies launch Pilot Leadership Academy for STEM College Students

Raytheon Technologies today announced that it is partnering with Girls Who Code (GWC) to launch GWC’s Leadership Academy, a semester-long program for over 100 U.S. college students. Program participants will join GWC advisors and Raytheon Technologies mentors to build their leadership, technical and professional skills while growing their network of peers studying STEM fields. The program, which targets […]

Posted inCity & Government

Nellie Gorbea will join What’sUpNewp for a live virtual conversation on Monday

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, among five candidates vying for the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nomination, joins What’sUpNewp tomorrow (Monday) for a 3 p.m. videocast. The gubernatorial race has been hotly contested, with Gorbea and Gov. Daniel McKee the front runners in recent polls, with former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes gaining in the polls, and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Court to rule on truck tolls in September

A federal court decision in the American Trucking Association’s lawsuit against the state of Rhode Island for what it claims are unconstitutional truck-only tolls for out-of-state tractor trailers is expected in September, according to Christopher Maxwell, executive director of the Rhode Island Trucking Association. The decision by Judge William Smith will come four years after […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOH seeking public comment on intent to issue a categorical exclusion for Stone Bridge Fire District

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is seeking public comment on intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion.
The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has reviewed for approval the request by the Stone Bridge Fire District for a Categorical Exclusion determination for proposed improvements to their public water system. The improvements consist of upgrading the existing 8″ cast iron pipe on Riverside Drive and installing new service connections with curb stops and roadway resurfacing in the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island.
Under authority of Chapter 46.12-8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, it has been determined that there are no environmental impacts associated with this project. Therefore, the Director of RIDOH is hereby giving notice of intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion for the proposed project pursuant to the requirements and authority set forth in Chapter 46-12.8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and the “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund” Regulations (216-RICR-50-05-6).
Copies of the Categorical Exclusion supporting documentation can be obtained by calling 401- 222-6867 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by writing to the Center for Drinking Water Quality, Three Capitol Hill, Room 209, Providence, RI 02908. All material submitted for review is available for public inspection during these hours at the above location. Written comments on the Categorical Exclusion should be sent to the Center for Drinking Water Quality at the address above or emailed to DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice. Individuals requesting communication assistance may call Rhode Island Relay (TTY) at 711 or 800-745-5555 at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.
A public hearing on the Categorical Exclusion will be held if RIDOH receives such requests from twenty-five (25) people, a governmental agency or subdivision, or an association having twenty-five (25) members or more. If a public hearing is held, a public notice will be published announcing the date, time, and place of such hearing. A stenographic record of the hearing will be made, and the public record will be kept open for seven (7) days following the conclusion of the public hearing to allow additional time for the submission of written comments. Interpreter services for people with hearing impairment and audiotapes for people with vision impairment will be made available. RIDOH is handicap accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Posted inNews

Rhode Island ranked 45th in a state-by-state breakdown of crashes involving large trucks

In 2020, there were 54,272 fatal crashes reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these crashes involved passenger vehicles—sedans, SUVs, or relatively small trucks; however, thousands of fatal crashes involved another type of vehicle: large trucks. In fact, large trucks—commercial and non-commercial trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds—were involved in almost 5,000 fatal […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Aug. 27 – Sept. 3)

The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RITBA Weekly Lane Closure Updates August 28 – September 3, 2022 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 8/29 to 9/1- […]

Posted inNews

Top stories this week on What’sUpNewp

Here’s a look at what What’sUpNewp readers were reading this week, August 21 – 27. Bristol Ferry Lighthouse hits the market for $750,000Kenny Chesney to perform at Gillette Stadium on Friday and SaturdayJamestown woman claims $50,000 Powerball ticketBova seeks to delay regionalization voteWhat’s Up Interview: Jim Weider of The Weight Band, playing Jane Pickens Thursday, […]

Posted inCOVID-19

Moderna sues Pfizer, BioNTech over COVID-19 vaccine patents

By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna is suing Pfizer and the German drugmaker BioNTech, accusing its main competitors of copying Moderna’s technology in order to make their own vaccine. Moderna said Friday that Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine Comirnaty infringes on patents Moderna filed several years ago protecting the technology behind its […]

Posted inCity & Government

Energy-Saving Tree Program providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with the RI Tree Council, RI Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents this fall through the Energy-Saving Trees program. Registration opens Friday, August 26. Now in its 13th season, this popular program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island mayor proposes $10M reparations spending plan

Providence’s mayor proposed spending $10 million in federal coronavirus pandemic aid on financial literacy and homeownership, workforce training, small business development and other programs recently recommended by the city’s reparations commission. Mayor Jorge Elorza’s spending plan, released Thursday, also calls for using $250,000 in federal money to launch a legal defense fund for residents facing eviction, $400,000 […]

Posted inPolitics

Election 2022: Candidates sprint to the primary election finish line with endorsements, accusations, and suggestions

With the primary election less than three weeks away, candidates, mostly Democrats, are sprinting to the finish line. Competitive Democratic primaries are being hotly contested for governor, second Congressional district, lieutenant governor, and general treasurer. And lots of money is being spent on television ads, trying to convince you – the voters – of the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Who gets student loan relief? Borrowers’ joy, and bitterness

By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS Associated Press For Nick Marcil, the cancellation of $10,000 of his student loans could mean at last moving out of his parents’ house. Marcil, 24, studied at a Pennsylvania state college, earned scholarships and worked jobs while pursuing degrees in education but still owed $18,000 before Wednesday’s action by the Biden administration to […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Brown U. acquires trove of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s prison papers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Brown University has acquired a trove of records, writings and artwork from Mumia Abu-Jamal, a political activist and journalist who spent decades on death row for the shooting death of a Philadelphia police officer in the 1980s. The Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island, says the collection documents Abu-Jamal’s trial, prison and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island reparations report suggests programs, not cash

By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press A new report suggests ways Providence, Rhode Island, can atone for its extensive ties to the transatlantic slave trade and centuries of racism and discrimination by, among other things, establishing home repair funds, launching financial literacy programs and boosting aid to Black and Indigenous organizations. The report, issued Monday by the Providence Municipal […]

Posted inCity & Government

Drought disaster declared in Rhode Island; Worcester restricts outdoor irrigation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Federal officials have declared a drought-related disaster in Rhode Island while New England’s second-largest city is restricting outdoor water use as the drought in the Northeast worsens. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declared Monday all five of Rhode Island’s counties as “primary natural disaster areas” because of the ongoing drought. The […]

Posted inCity & Government

Study: 2022’s Most & Least Equitable School Districts in Rhode Island

With low-income school districts underfunded by around $6,700 per pupil, WalletHub today released its report on the Most and Least Equitable School Districts in Rhode Island. To find out where school funding is distributed most fairly, WalletHub says that it scored the equitability of each school district in Rhode Island based on two metrics: average household […]

Posted inCity & Government

Board of Elections encourages the use of Ballottrax to track status of submitted Primary Election mail ballots

CRANSTON, R.I. – The Rhode Island Board of Elections is encouraging voters who choose to cast their ballot via mail or secure dropbox for the September 13th primary election to utilize the Ballottrax tool (https://ballottrax.sos.ri.gov/voter/) to track the status of submitted mail ballots.
“Casting a ballot by mail or via a secure dropbox is a convenient option, and many voters want to make sure their ballot has been received, processed, and counted by the Board of Elections,” said Robert Rapoza, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Board of Elections. “That is why we are encouraging voters to utilize Ballottrax to monitor the status of their submitted mail ballots. Ballottrax is easy to sign up for by visiting ballottrax.sos.ri.gov/voter/. The tool tracks ballot envelopes, not votes, thus ensuring that your vote remains confidential through the entire ballot tracking process.”
Rhode Island voters only need to sign up for Ballotrax once and they will receive tracking status updates for all future elections in which they choose to vote by mail, unless they opt out.
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Posted inArts & Culture

Comic – Sour Grapes: Thunder

Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes, enjoy! Tim Jones is the creator, artist and writer of the widely popular, self-syndicated comic strip, “SOUR GRAPES”; a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world. Sour Grapes is currently published in multiple newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, […]

Posted inNews

Gubernatorial hopeful Luis Daniel Munoz joins WUN for a live virtual video conversation, Tuesday at 3 pm

Luis Daniel Munoz, a progressive who is battling four other better-funded Democratic gubernatorial candidates, will share his message with WhatsUpNewp when he joins us on a 3 p.m. videocast on Tuesday. A technology consultant and self-described community organizer, Munoz was born in New York City and raised in Central Falls.  This is his second campaign […]

Posted inFood & Drink

RI VegFest’s ‘RI VegtoberFest’returns to Trinity Beer Garden on September 17

RI VegFest, Rhode Island’s only fully vegan festival, today announced that it will host its annual “RI VegtoberFest” at Trinity Beer Garden, located at Biltmore Park in downtown Providence, on Saturday, September 17, 2022 (the rain date is September 18). “This fun one-day celebration of compassionate plant-based living is proudly sponsored by Bootstrap Compost and will feature sampling from […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits’, hosted by SiriusXM’s Christine Pedi, coming to Theatre By The Sea

Theatre By The Sea (TBTS) owner and producer Bill Hanney today announced that they will welcome Gerard Alessandrini’s Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits to Theatre By The Sea on August 29 for one show only. Rounding out the 2022 Monday Evening Concert Series is Gerard Alessandrini’s Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits hosted by SiriusXM star and Forbidden Broadway legend Christine Pedi.  From Annie to Phantom to Wicked, this fall-down funny, satirical roast of over 30 Broadway hits, features outrageous costumes, silly spoofs of the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class to be held in Jamestown

The Jamestown Fire Department (JFD), a state training facility, will be holding a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) course starting in September. This course is intended to train attendees on vital skills in pre-hospital care.  The course will start in mid-September and last through late December. Sessions will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Pro-Trump wins in blue states threaten GOP hopes in November

By SUSAN HAIGH Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Republicans have found success in Democratic strongholds like Maryland and Massachusetts when they have fielded moderate candidates who could appeal to voters in both parties. With Democrats facing headwinds this year, Republicans had hoped that strategy could pay off yet again. But Republican voters have nominated […]

Posted inCity & Government

WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes

Former CVS executive and gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes joins What’sUpNewp for a videocast on Friday at 3:30 p.m. as we take a closer look at the Democrats who are vying for their party’s nomination in the Sept. 13 primary election. Foulkes has been outspoken on several issues, while touting her managerial experience in a steady stream of television […]

Posted inNews

The Nature Conservancy, Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust conserve high priority forest on Richmond’s Beaver River

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust, today announced the permanent conservation of 52 acres of undeveloped oak, maple and pine forest along the Beaver River in Richmond, Rhode Island. According to a press release issued by TNC, the parcel has been added to TNC’s Beaver River Preserve.  With more […]

Posted inCity & Government

A Chapel in Paradise: St. Columba’s listed in National Register of Historic Places

(Middletown, R.I.) A historic church and churchyard in Middletown have received federal recognition for their contributions to the history of architecture, art, and community development. Jeffrey Emidy, Interim Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, announced that the National Park Service has listed St. Columba’s, the Berkeley Memorial Chapel, in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the Federal Government’s official list of properties throughout the United States whose historical and architectural significance makes them worthy of preservation. Constructed in 1884-86, St. Columba’s Chapel is an excellent example of the English Gothic Revival style, and the building and cemetery showcase the work of prominent architects and designers. The property is also significant for its role in Middletown’s development as a summer resort community at the turn of the century.
Middletown’s bucolic landscape began to attract summer residents as early as the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, several country estates had been established in the eastern part of town, known as “Paradise.” Eugene Sturtevant of Boston rented a home in the area in 1871 and saw a development opportunity. He purchased local farmland, laid out Indian Avenue, and platted 100 house lots.
By the early 1880s, summer residents were working with the Episcopal Diocese on plans for a mission church in Paradise. Sturtevant and his wife, Mary Clark Sturtevant (daughter of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island) provided a 1.4-acre lot at the intersection of Vaucluse Avenue and Indian Avenue. Members of the Indian Avenue community and a number of Newporters provided funding towards the project and several local farmers made their contribution by digging the chapel’s foundation. The first services were held at the chapel in June 1885, one year before construction was complete.
St. Columba’s, the Berkeley Memorial Chapel, drew its name from two sources. The building was dedicated to St. Columba, an Irish missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. And it honors the memory of Anglo-Irish philosopher George Berkeley (also known as Bishop Berkeley) who lived in a farmhouse two miles east of St. Columba’s between 1729 and 1731.
The chapel has exterior walls of rough-cut schist and granite and a steeply-pitched, slate-shingled, gable roof. A series of stone buttresses are situated along the window bays and at the corners of the chapel. The principal entry is located in a gable-roof porch. The interior walls are also of stone, floors are wood plank, and the vaulted ceiling is supported by decorative trusses and finished in tongue-and-groove wood sheathing.
The design of St. Columba’s was an early commission for architect Wilson Eyre, Jr. (1858-1944). Born in Florence, Italy and raised in Philadelphia, Eyre had ties to Newport, where his family spent summers and he attended boarding school. Eyre trained for one year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining a Philadelphia architectural firm in 1877. ‘His only other surviving Rhode Island project is a summer home known as “Anchorage” in Watch Hill (1913-14).
The chapel features a number of memorial stained-glass windows designed by noted artist D. Maitland Armstrong (1836-1918). A former summer resident of Newport and Paradise Valley, he practiced law before becoming a painter and then a stained-glass designer in the 1880s. The 14 windows he designed for St. Columba’s in 1885-86 were manufactured by the Tiffany Company of New York. The design and manufacture of the large stained-glass window in the west elevation (installed in 1885) is attributed to the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company of New York City and Newark.
The property also includes a historic burying ground with many stones carved by John Howard Benson, John Everett Benson, and Nicholas Benson of the John Stevens Shop in Newport. Another notable work of funerary art is the Art Moderne-style marker for the grave of filmmaker Varick Frissell (1903-1931) by sculptor Gerome Brush. The perimeter of the property is encircled by stone walls with a cypress-and-stone, Gothic Revival-style lych gate south of the chapel entrance. Common in England, lych gates provide a sheltered spot for the priest to receive the casket before a funeral service. Designed by Boston architect Henry Vaughan (1845-1917), this structure was dedicated in memory of Indian Avenue summer residents Reverend Henry A. Coit and his wife, Mary in 1897.
“St Columba’s is a living, evolving community of faith, a 21st-century congregation with enormous respect for its history, and I’m proud of the way that generations of hard-working parishioners have cared for this beautiful chapel and churchyard,” said Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, the rector of St. Columba’s. “It is an honor to have this property placed on the National Register, and we are grateful to the RIHPHC and Architectural Historian Joanna Doherty for making that possible. The recognition comes at an important moment in our efforts to preserve this legacy for future generations.”
RIHPHC’s Interim Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy added, “St. Columba’s is a beautiful property with an important place in the history of Middletown. The congregation has done a wonderful job preserving the church, cemetery, and grounds for over 140 years and we congratulate and thank them for their dedication.”
The National Register documentation was prepared by RIHPHC Architectural Historian Joanna Doherty. In addition to honoring a property for its contribution to local, state, or national history, listing on the National Register provides additional benefits. It results in special consideration during the planning of Federal or federally assisted projects and makes properties eligible for Federal and Rhode Island tax benefits for historic rehabilitation projects. Owners of private property listed on the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose. As the state office for historic preservation, the RIHPHC is responsible for reviewing and submitting Rhode Island nominations to the National Register. The nomination for St. Columba’s is available on the RIHPHC website, www.preservation.ri.gov.

Posted inCity & Government

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages

Just a few weeks before the opening of schools throughout Rhode Island, many school districts are still trying to fill teacher and other vacancies, according to published reports and comments from leading state educators. But the teacher shortages in Rhode Island hardly compare with other states, where drastic measures are being considered to reduce the […]

Posted inOpinion

Opinion: Making affordable energy a priority in the next legislative session

Like most Rhode Islanders, I was shocked and dismayed by Rhode Island Energy’s (formally National Grid) announcement that residential electrical rates will increase over 125% from 7.810¢/kWh to 17.785¢/kWh in October.  This means the average customer will see a rate increase of about $52 a month.  I immediately worried about the impact this would have […]

Posted inCity & Government

Secretary Gorbea reminds Rhode Islanders of August 23 mail ballot application deadline

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Tuesday, August 23, to submit a mail ballot application to their local board of canvassers for the statewide primary election on September 13.
Mail ballot applications must be received by Tuesday, August 23, not postmarked. Voters may place applications in the mail or drop them off in person at their local board of canvassers. Addresses for all boards of canvassers can be found on the back of the mail ballot application.
“Voting by mail is a safe and secure option for casting your ballot,” said Secretary Gorbea. “I strongly encourage all Rhode Islanders that wish to vote from home with a mail ballot to put their applications in the mail at least a week before the deadline to ensure they are received in time. If you are not able to do that, take it to your city or town hall.”
The Department of State has partnered with public libraries throughout Rhode Island to make mail ballot applications available. Registered voters may also access a mail ballot application by visiting vote.ri.gov or by contacting the Department of State’s Elections Division at 401-222-2340 or elections@sos.ri.gov.
Voters who do not return their mail ballot application by the August 23 deadline, or those who prefer to vote in person can still vote in person, either early or on Election Day. Early voting will be available during regular municipal business hours from August 24 through 4:00 p.m. on September 12. Voters may contact their local board of canvassers for details on early voting. Voters choosing to vote on Election Day should go to vote.ri.gov to check their polling place information.
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PROVIDENCE, RI – La Secretaria de Estado, Nellie M. Gorbea, les recuerda a los habitantes de Rhode Island que tienen hasta el martes, 23 de agosto, para presentar sus solicitudes para votar por correo a sus juntas locales de elecciones para las Elecciones Primarias estatales del 13 de septiembre.
Las solicitudes para votar por correo deben ser recibidas a más tardar el martes, 23 de agosto y no llevar matasellos. Los votantes pueden enviar sus solicitudes por correo o entregarlas personalmente a su junta local de elecciones. Las direcciones se encuentran en la parte posterior de la solicitud.
“Votar por correo es una forma segura de emitir su voto”, dijo la Secretaria Gorbea. “Yo le recomiendo encarecidamente a todos los habitantes de Rhode Island elegibles para votar que envíen sus solicitudes para votar por correo antes de este fin de semana, para así asegurar que sean recibidas a tiempo. Si es que no pueden hacerlo, llévelas a su ciudad o ayuntamiento”.
El Departamento de Estado se ha unido con las bibliotecas públicas alrededor de Rhode Island para poner a su disposición las solicitudes para votar por correo. Los votantes inscritos también pueden solicitar sus papeletas de votación por correo, visitando vote.ri.gov o comunicándose con la División de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado al 401-222-2340 o a elections@sos.ri.gov.
Aquellos votantes que no presenten sus solicitudes para votar por correo antes de la fecha límite del 23 de agosto o aquellos votantes que prefieren votar en persona, pueden votar por adelantado o el Día de las Elecciones. La votación por adelantado estará disponible durante el horario regular laboral municipal desde el 24 de agosto, hasta el 12 de septiembre a las 4:00 p.m. Los votantes pueden comunicarse con su junta local de elecciones para obtener más detalles sobre la votación adelantada. Los votantes que deseen votar en el Día de las Elecciones pueden visitar vote.ri.gov para tener más información sobre sus lugares de votación.
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Posted inNews

RIDOH recommends reopening Third Beach and Spring Lake Beach for swimming; new advisory for Slack Pond Beach

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Third Beach in Middletown and Spring Lake Beach in Burrillville for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH recommends closing Slack Pond Beach in Smithfield for swimming due to high bacteria levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through […]

Posted inNews

Worried about back-to-school inflation? Latest price data on backpacks, laptops and kids’ clothes offers some relief for parents

By Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University As summer draws to a close, it is time for many to think about back-to-school shopping, such as notebooks, backpacks and new clothes. As an economist who has studied consumer prices for years, I wondered how soaring inflation was affecting the costs of typical back-to-school gear. Consumer prices rose […]

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NUWC Division Newport, Baylor University students aim to advance autonomous capabilities of robots

Story by Public Affairs Office , Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport NEWPORT, R.I. – Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport is partnering with Baylor University on a Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) project to improve the autonomous capabilities of robots. The objective of this project, titled, “Improved Robot Autonomy using Neuromorphic-Based Stochastic Computing,” is to […]

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Rhode Island is the #4 state with the least land owned by the federal government

The federal government owns 27.1% of all land in the United States, or 615.3 million of 2.27 billion acres. Federal lands are managed mostly for preservation, recreation, and the development of natural resources. The Bureau of Land Management, a governmental division that manages public lands, controls 39.7% of federally owned lands. The Forest Service, in […]

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Adoptable Cat of the Week: Maddie

Meet your new best friend, Maddie– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Maddie is a 4-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Maddie; Maddie will capture your heart instantly! She is the loveliest, sweetest little tabby […]

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Providence police captain charged with smashing man’s head to ground

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A veteran police captain in Rhode Island shown on video smashing a handcuffed man’s face into the pavement over the July 4 weekend was charged with simple assault Thursday. Providence Police Capt. Stephen Gencarella pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Sixth District Court in Providence. His attorney, Michael Colucci, said outside the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Secretary Gorbea reminds Rhode Islanders of upcoming voter registration and disaffiliation deadlines

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Sunday, August 14, to register to vote or update their voter information for the September 13 statewide primary election. Rhode Islanders should check their voter registration status by using the Department of State’s Voter Information Center at vote.ri.gov.
Eligible residents can register to vote in three ways:
1. Go online to vote.ri.gov
2. Download a voter registration form and submit it to your local board of canvassers by August 14
3. Drop off a voter registration form at one of the locations designated by your community (please contact your local board of canvassers for these locations)
“I am committed to engaging and empowering all Rhode Islanders to play an active role in our state’s future, and the first step is being registered to vote,” said Secretary Gorbea. “Go to vote.ri.gov to register to vote or make sure your information is up to date.”
Another important date for voters to be aware of is Monday, August 15, which is the deadline for registered voters to disaffiliate from their political party if they wish to vote in a different party primary election on September 13.
If you are affiliated with a specific political party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters—also known as independent voters—may vote in either party primary. However, by casting a vote in a party primary, voters automatically become affiliated with that party under Rhode Island law.
There are two ways to disaffiliate before the statewide primaries:
1. Update your voter record at vote.ri.gov to change your party.
2. Download a voter registration form and submit it to your local board of canvassers by August 15th at 4:00p.m.
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La Secretaria Gorbea les Recuerda a los Habitantes de Rhode Island Sobre las Próximas Fechas Límites para las Inscripciones y Desafiliaciones de los Votantes
Providence, RI – La Secretaria de Estado Nellie M. Gorbea les recuerda a los habitantes de Rhode Island que tienen plazo hasta el domingo, 14 de agosto para inscribirse para votar o actualizar su información electoral para las Elecciones Primarias Estatales. Los habitantes de Rhode Island deben revisar el estado de sus registros electorales utilizando el Centro de Información del Votante del Departamento de Estado en vote.ri.gov.
Los habitantes elegibles para votar pueden inscribirse de las siguientes tres formas:
1. De forma virtual en vote.sos.ri.gov
2. Descargando un Formulario de Inscripción de Votante y entregándolo a su Junta Local de Elecciones a más tardar el 14 de agosto.
3. Depositando el Formulario de Inscripción de Votante en el lugar designado en su comunidad (comuníquese con su junta local de elecciones para localizar estos lugares).
“Estoy comprometida en involucrar y empoderar a todos los habitantes de Rhode Island a desempeñar un papel activo en el futuro de nuestro estado y el primer paso es votando”, dijo la Secretaria Gorbea. “Visite vote.ri.gov para inscribirse para votar y asegurar que su información se encuentre actualizada”.
Otra fecha importante que los votantes deben estar atentos es el día lunes 15 de agosto, la cual es la fecha límite para que los votantes registrados con un partido político puedan desafiliarse de ese partido político si es que desean votar por un partido político diferente en las Elecciones Primarias Estatales del 13 de septiembre.
Si usted está afiliado con un partido político, solo puede votar en las Elecciones Primarias de ese partido. Los votantes no afiliados – también conocidos como votantes independientes—pueden votar en las Elecciones Primarias de cualquier partido político. Sin embargo, votar por algún partido político en las Elecciones Primarias Estatales, los votantes serán automáticamente afiliados en dicho partido político de acuerdo a las Leyes de Rhode Island.
Existen dos formas para desafiliarse antes de las Elecciones Primarias Estatales:
1. Actualizando su registro de votantes en vote.ri.gov y cambiar su partido político.
2. Descargando un Formulario de Inscripción de Votante y entregarlo a su Junta Local de Elecciones con el cambio de partido político a más tardar el 15 de agosto a las 4:00 p.m.
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Election 2022: Endorsements … Endorsements … and more Endorsements

The primary election just a month away, candidates for several offices are working feverishly to gain an edge over their opponents, whether through paid advertisements, appearances at events, or endorsements. Here are some of the latest:  McKee wins Teamsters Local 251 endorsement Teamsters Local 251, which includes some 6,000 members, has announced it is endorsing […]

Posted inCity & Government

DEM seeks community survey reports of wild turkeys, deer, reptiles, and amphibians

PROVIDENCE, RI– The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking reports of wild turkeys, deer, reptiles, and amphibians from around the state. Three online wildlife surveys are currently accepting observations from the public through the Survey123 Field App: the herp observer, the wild turkey brood survey, and the summer deer surveys. All three surveys can be accessed through a smartphone or desktop computer. Simply take a photo of the animal, open the app, and follow the steps to submit your sighting. With the help of the community and this app, Rhode Island’s wildlife populations will continue to thrive long into the future.
HERP OBSERVER: (Year-round) Securely submit your sightings of frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, and turtles to RI’s State Herpetologist (reptile and amphibian biologist). Observations of species both common and rare are welcome. This survey will help biologists identify where these animals are in the state, and in turn, where they should focus conservation efforts for RI’s scaley and slimy critters! Click here for a direct link to report reptile and amphibian sightings.
WILD TURKEY BROOD SURVEY: (July 1 – August 31) Have you seen a turkey over the past few weeks? Your state biologists want to know! The goal of this survey is to collect a total of 300 sightings of turkey hens (females), toms (males), and poults (young). The data gathered from the community will provide insight into the health of RI’s turkey population. Click here for a direct link to report turkey sightings.
SUMMER DEER SURVEY: (August 1 – September 30) Community scientists are needed to help spot does (females), bucks (males), and fawns (young) across Rhode Island. These observations will help provide data on fawn to doe ratios and reproductive success. This information will help ensure that management decisions continue to support a healthy deer herd in the state. Photos are optional but recommended where possible. Click here for a direct link to report deer sightings. Tips while recording deer are as follows:
o Record deer observed from dawn to dusk (when headlights are not used for driving).
o Record all deer you see.
o Do not report multiple observations of the same deer, if you know you have reported it before.
o Do not include trail camera counts in your observations.
o Fawns don’t always have spots in September. They have a short snout compared to adults.
How to download the Survey123 app on your smartphone:
Step One: Navigate to the app store on your smartphone and download Survey123. (You will only need to download the app once).
Step Two: Once the app is installed, open the browser on your smartphone and navigate to www.dem.ri.gov/reportwildlife for further instructions. If viewing this document on your smartphone, you can simply click on the survey links listed below and, when prompted, select the option to “open in the Survey123 Field App”:
o Herp Observer: https://arcg.is/1P1X9r0
o Wild Turkey Brood Survey: http://arcg.is/0r48a50
o Summer Deer Survey: https://arcg.is/1SCKWi0
Step Three: The survey will automatically download and will remain in the Survey123 app from that point on, so you can enter future observations by simply opening the Survey123 app on your phone! Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each of the surveys to download all three into your Survey123 app to easily report all of your wildlife observations. To learn more, visit the DEM website.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

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$22.37 million federal RAISE grant will enable all Newport-based transit services to be electric

 The days of diesel-powered buses rolling along Aquidneck Island streets are numbered, thanks to a new federal RAISE grant to procure 25 new clean-energy electric buses and recharging infrastructure. Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced a new $22,370,800 federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & […]

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Governor McKee issues Statewide Drought Advisory

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee today has issued a statewide drought advisory, based on the recommendation of federal, state, and local experts that make up the state’s Drought Steering Committee. The Water Resources Board convenes the Drought Steering Committee when numerous water conditions indicate that the whole state may be entering an extended period of […]

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Truck driver acquitted in deaths of 7 motorcyclists in 2019

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) —A jury on Tuesday acquitted a commercial truck driver of causing the deaths of seven motorcyclists in a horrific head-on collision in northern New Hampshire that exposed fatal flaws in the processing of license revocations across states. Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, 26, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, was found innocent on seven counts of manslaughter, […]

Posted inReal Estate

Realtor.com July Housing Report: Inventory rises at record-breaking speed

The inventory recovery accelerated in July, as active listings increased at record-fast1 annual pace (+30.7%) for the third month in a row, according to the Realtor.com® Monthly Housing Trends Report released today. Although buyers had more for-sale home options in July, competition remained largely in sellers’ favor, with listing prices near all-time highs and homes selling more quickly […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Comic – Sour Grapes: Head Cold

Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes, enjoy! Tim Jones is the creator, artist and writer of the widely popular, self-syndicated comic strip, “SOUR GRAPES”; a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world. Sour Grapes is currently published in multiple newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, […]

Posted inArts & Culture, History

This Day in RI History: August 9, 1918 – Director Robert Aldrich born in Cranston

Award-winning Director, Producer, and Screenwriter Robert Aldrich was born on August 9, 1918 in Cranston, RI. Aldrich is best known for his films including Vera Cruz, The Dirty Dozen and The Longest Yard. Aldrich grew up in Cranston and attended the Moses Brown School and later the University of Virginia. Coming from a wealthy family […]

Posted inBusiness

Liquor store, Food Magazine, and other businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island

The latest listings on BizBuySell, LoopNet, and Kirby Properties show all kinds of businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island. Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business. The names and locations are generally left out, but there are occasional […]

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Rhode Island Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (August 6 – 13)

The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RITBA Weekly Lane Closure Updates August 7 – 13, 2022 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Left Lane Closure- 8/9 and 8/11- 7 […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee, State Officials announce $2.9 million in placemaking grants to support outdoor and public space capital improvement, event programming

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor McKee continued his #RIMomentum Tour on Federal Hill joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, members of the General Assembly, Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner, Executive Director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association Rick Simone, and members of the business and arts communities to announce $2.9 million in grants to support the tourism, hospitality, and events industries in Rhode Island with a focus on developing outdoor and public space capital improvements or event programming.
The RI Rebounds Placemaking Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Placemaking initiative builds upon another RI Rebounds program, HTE direct grant program, which has disbursed more than $6 million in grants to more than 150 severely impacted businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and events industries.
“We’re building on Rhode Island’s momentum by making strategic investments in the tourism, hospitality and events industries by supporting projects that draw visitors to communities and businesses that were impacted by the pandemic,” said Governor McKee. “It’s all about bringing people back together in places that are meant to serve as hubs of activity. In a state like Rhode Island, our size is to our advantage – you can be at the beaches of South County in the morning and on Federal Hill for dinner by the evening. We want people to capitalize on the fact that you can be anywhere in Rhode Island in just about an hour. It’s an attractive destination that offers so much to do in not just a weekend, but a day.”
Placemaking, event programming, and outdoor and public space capital improvements under this initiative include activities designed to draw visitors to impacted districts and support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries which have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of projects include public art installations, public or co-shared outdoor space, maintenance/improvements to public outdoor performances/event venues. Additionally included as examples under this program are catalytic events and maintaining/improving public parks, plazas, and/or recreational areas, and updating relevant signage promoting outdoor public spaces in tourist regions.
“Our public spaces are the heart of our cities and towns, and businesses and residents alike need them to be vibrant,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “These grants will help restore and improve parks, beaches, and main streets across Rhode Island. I am already looking forward to joining our neighbors at the celebrations that these grants will make possible.
“As Rhode Island continues to recover from the economic effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, the Placemaking Program will bring needed support to the hospitality, tourism, and events industries in Rhode Island”, said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Today we celebrate 32 creative proposals from municipalities improving public infrastructure to festivals, events, and concerts to outdoor Salsa Nights, and holiday celebrations. There is something here for every Rhode Islander to enjoy.”
Eligible applicants to this program include nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, business cooperatives, tourism regions, and arts/cultural institutions. To be eligible under this program, an organization must demonstrate the manner in which its proposal will aid the tourism and hospitality industries that have been negative impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following projects were funded:
OUTDOOR AND PUBLIC SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Town of Smithfield – To construct an outdoor amphitheater, stage, electrical work, landscaping, a restroom facility, and garbage receptacles in addition to family friendly summer and early fall programming.
– Grant amount: $150,000
City of East Providence – To implement the recently completed citywide interpretive signage plan for the City’s 31 historic resources. Funding would support research, writing, image acquisition and graphic production for signage.
– Grant amount: $75,000
City of East Providence – For the capital investment of lighting including receptacles along the East Bay Bike Path to enable small and large events to be held in the evening hours. This request is also for the procurement of a portable stage, portable audio system, and two pop-up Canopies. These elements can also be used throughout the City to support additional events that will bring tourism and revenue to support other local establishments.
– Grant amount: $75,000
City of Cranston – To finalize construction drawings and construct an ADA accessible gazebo in Knightsville Pocket Park.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Cumberland – To improve Diamond Hill Park amphitheater purchase lighting and sound equipment and create a portable stage.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Glocester – To construct a large, covered picnic area with tables for outdoor seating to supplement restaurant outdoor dining and a small parking area to facilitate accessibility and wayfinding signage.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Bristol – To support the design and construction of an outdoor performance stage at Bristol’s Town Beach and Sports Complex.
– Grant amount: $150,000
City of Woonsocket – To demolish and rebuild the existing stage that is located at World War II Memorial Park.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Friends of Linden Place Mansion – For lights to expand outdoor programming. Funding request also includes benches for outdoor spaces, project management, audio tour creation of the gardens and grounds, audio tour script development, and installation of power throughout the gardens.
– Grant amount: $34,536.38
PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS
Town of South Kingstown – For design, installation, and future maintenance of an outdoor public art piece in conjunction with the Town’s 300th Anniversary Celebration.
– Grant amount: $150,000
The City of Providence Department of Art Culture & Tourism (ACT) – To create three immersive cultural heritage installations along Broad Street in Providence.
– Grant amount: $75,000
Partnership for Providence Parks, Recreation Centers, and Streetscapes – To build ARTCarts that will promote creativity and facilitate placemaking by attracting residents of Providence back into the public spaces, neighborhoods, and businesses around them.
– Grant amount: $61,691.10
The Avenue Concept – For temporary lighting events , permanent public art light in downtown Providence, as part of the Three Nights of Light Providence experience.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau and WaterFire Arts Center.
– Grant amount: $152,500
South County Tourism Council – To create public art trail, with art focused on sustainability set up in rural locations near Blackstone Valley throughout South County.
– Grant amount: $50,000
EVENT PROGRAMMING
City of Central Falls-Blackstone Valley Tourism – For funding of a food truck festival, salsa dance night, 4th of July celebration, a river cleanup program, car show.
– Grant amount: $42,150
Town of North Providence – To expand their Centredale Village Festival, successfully hosted in 2021, a three-day festival that attracted a crowd of approximately 500 each day to the Smith Street corridor.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Lincoln -To improve and expand programming amenities at Chase Farm and to expand public event programming to consist of outdoor events throughout the year. Expanded events include second annual Memorial Day Parade and Post-Parade, a weekend Farmer’s Market, Fall Festival, and Holiday Tree Decoration and Lighting Festival.
– Grant amount: $26,423
WaterFire Arts Center – For 3 nights of light to take place December 1-3, 2022. Funding would support activation of basin for 3 nights of WaterFire and additional illumination/activation of the State House.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau and Avenue Concept.
– Grant amount: $86,250
Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau – To develop citywide Three Nights of Lights to take place from Dec 1-3, 2022 in partnership with WaterFire (also Placemaking applicant) and The Avenue Concept (also Placemaking applicant). Funding request is for advertising, collateral production, and public relations.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Avenue Concept and WaterFire Arts Center.
– Grant amount: $40,000
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley – To expand Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series, now entering its 5th season. The initiative will expand the 10 weeks of diverse, free, live music, to include extensive food offerings, a vendor fair, cultural activities, youth activities, and other opportunities to engage small businesses.
– Grant amount: $15,000
Federal Hill Commerce Association – For Christmas on the Hill event spanning December 1-31, 2022, with the aim of expanded dining and retail footprint for restaurants and retailers in a month that is vital to closing out the calendar year in a positive way. Request includes staffing, production, performers and other equipment, trolleys, signage, and marketing.
– Grant amount: $133,200
Wilbury Theatre Group – To support the production of outdoor performances at the 9th annual Providence Fringe Festival, July 17-30, 2022.
– Grant amount: $59,235.78
Grow Smart RI -To develop and present a series of professional and community education workshops, events, and materials that will increase the capacity of local organizations and individuals to implement a variety of placemaking strategies in traditional commercial districts that support Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality industries.
– Grant amount: $36,206
Dirt Palace Public Projects – To create Post Pandemic Picnics, which will focus on public art, preservation, poetry, and music.
– Grant amount: $87,492
East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce – For a series of outdoor events (new and proposed enhanced existing) as an extension of the work that the Chamber has done for many years, particularly during 2020 and 2021 to enhance the East Greenwich business community.
– Grant amount: $44,840
Newport County Development Council – To deliver a range of one-day to series events including hosting the Aquidneck Growers Market, Broadway Street Fair, and Outdoor Art Biennial Exhibition.
– Grant amount: $88,358.64
Rhode Island Zoological Society (Roger Williams Park Zoo) – To enhance outdoor Holiday Light Spectacular (HOLS) event for 2022 and beyond, all designed to attract additional new visitors to the zoo’s HOLS event from Rhode Island and visiting states.
– Grant amount: $59,989.95
Firstworks – For two Urban Carnevale projects to activate Providence public spaces, the bandstand at Roger Williams Park and Downton Providence (via video projections).
– Grant amount: $138,338
Island Moving Company – To expand reach and help to produce the Newport Dance Festival.
– Grant amount: $77,280
COMBINATION OF EVENTS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Hope Street Merchant Association – To continue beautification projects and to bring back revenue generating events including landscaping, outdoor pop-up spaces, small business Saturday valet parking, marketing and public relations, neighborhood decorative initiative, and a holiday winter stroll.
– Grant amount: $96,600
The Providence Foundation – For an initiative focused on activating 8 parks in downtown Providence and creating planned programming in those spaces.
– Grant amount: $132,000
Woonsaquatucket River Watershed Council – For pocket parks, greenspace amenities, public art tours, and river based events.
– Grant amount: $75,000
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Posted inArts & Culture

The Gottabees bring ‘Go Home Tiny Monster’ to Theatre By The Sea on August 12

In celebration of 89 Years of Theatre By The Sea (TBTS), owner and producer Bill Hanney is proud to welcome The Gottabees and their delightful production of Go Home Tiny Monster to Theatre by The Sea on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00 am and 12 noon. The Gottabees will be appearing at Theatre By The Sea as part of the 2022 Children’s Festival sponsored by The Original […]

Posted inNews

Election 2022: Treasurer’s race: Diossa racks up endorsements, while Pryor has big fundraising quarter

Diossa receives several endorsements Former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa has received endorsements from several current officeholders, plus the Sierra Club Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza became the seventh Rhode Island mayor to endorse Diossa, all pointing to the former mayor’s fiscal achievements while mayor of Central Falls. House Finance Chair Marvin Abney, D-Newport and Middletown, […]

Posted inCity & Government

R.I. Board of Elections finds campaign finance violations committed by Rep. Ramon Perez

CRANSTON, R.I. – At yesterday’s meeting of the Rhode Island Board of Elections, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Audit Report and Consent Order executed in the matter of State Representative Ramon A. Perez.
Mr. Perez was fined $6,000 for campaign finance violations and ordered to reimburse his campaign bank account $1,072.49 for personal use of campaign funds.
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Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee, Rhode Island Department of Health announces expansion of Monkeypox Vaccination Campaign

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)’s Monkeypox Task Force today announced an expansion of the state’s monkeypox vaccination efforts this week by opening vaccine eligibility to additional at-risk populations and scheduling two community clinics. These clinics will be for eligible people who cannot be vaccinated at one of the healthcare facilities that will be vaccinating patients in Rhode Island. Today’s news comes as Rhode Island is receiving additional vaccine doses following a request Governor McKee made on a recent call with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“At this time, the risk of monkeypox for most Rhode Islanders continues to be low. However, we are taking this global outbreak very seriously,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I want to thank our task force and our local partners on the ground who will be operating clinics and vaccinating individuals. We will also continue to advocate for more vaccine doses so we can meet the demand.”
“While we are making monkeypox vaccine available as soon as it comes into the state, there is still more demand than supply right now in Rhode Island and across the country. Additional prevention measures are very important for people at elevated risk, including for people who have started the monkeypox vaccine series,” said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. “Our vaccination campaign is just one component of our far-reaching response, which also includes broad community engagement about many of these prevention measures, close coordination with healthcare providers throughout the state, case interviews and contact identification, and a comprehensive approach to testing.”
National and local health officials are currently responding to a global outbreak of monkeypox. To date, 25 cases of monkeypox have been identified in Rhode Island. More than 5,100 cases have been identified in the United States. There is a vaccine to help prevent monkeypox virus infection. However, this vaccine is in short supply nationally. Rhode Island’s vaccination campaign is expanding because of a limited supply of additional vaccine received from the federal government this week.
Vaccine eligibility
CDC is using a very specific formula to allocate monkeypox vaccine to states, considering factors such as population size, current monkeypox case counts, and historical data on sexually transmitted infections. To date, Rhode Island had only been vaccinating people identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for monkeypox. Rhode Island’s expanded vaccine eligibility now includes:
People who are identified through a case investigation as close contacts of an individual with confirmed monkeypox, and
Rhode Island residents who:
Are 18 years of age or older, and
Are men who identify as gay, bisexual, queer, or who have sex with men and/or transgender individuals, and
Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 30 days.
Vaccination sites
Open Door Health, the Miriam Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic, and Thundermist Health Center have received limited amounts of monkeypox vaccine. These clinics regularly provide care to people who are at elevated risk for monkeypox. Using the clinical judgement of staff and eligibility guidance from RIDOH, these sites will be contacting existing patients about vaccination.
RIDOH will be operating two community clinics or people who are clinically eligible for vaccine but are not able to get an appointment to be vaccinated through Open Door Health, the Miriam Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic, or Thundermist Health Center.
Friday, August 5th – Rhode Island College, Alger Hall (Room 110), 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 6th – Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School, 375 Adelaide Avenue, Providence, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for these clinics. People who are not pre-registered will not be vaccinated at these clinics. People can pre-register for these clinics at health.ri.gov/monkeypox. (People who cannot register online can call 401-222-5960.) People should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments.
People being vaccinated in Rhode Island are receiving the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series. People who are vaccinated at these community clinics will receive information about where and when to receive their second doses, roughly 28 days later.
In addition to being able to make appointments, people will have the ability to submit their information to RIDOH and/or Open Door Health. People will be contacted when additional vaccine is available. (The Open Door Health list is for people who are and are not Open Door Health patients.) Visit odhpvd.org to submit information to Open Door Health. Visit health.ri.gov/monkeypox to submit information to RIDOH.
An additional shipment of 900 doses of vaccine from the federal government this week is supporting the expansion of Rhode Island’s vaccination campaign. RIDOH is working with community organizations to host additional community vaccination events as more vaccine becomes available.
Monkeypox transmission
An individual becomes contagious when symptoms first appear. (Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.) Transmission occurs through close physical contact with body fluids, monkeypox lesions, items that have been contaminated with fluids or lesion materials (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. The infectious period ends when all skin sores have crusted over. This may take between two and four weeks.
Nationally, many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with other men have been diagnosed with monkeypox, especially those who have reported multiple or anonymous sexual partners. However, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected with monkeypox.
Monkeypox prevention
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other prevention measures that people can take. Before having close, physical contact with others, talk to your partners about their health and any recent rashes or sores. Additionally, if you have symptoms, particularly a rash consistent with monkeypox (even if you do not think you were in contact with anyone with monkeypox), or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox:
– Stay home and isolate from household members
– Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation
– Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including sexual contact
– Inform sex partners about any symptoms you are experiencing
– Cover the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing
– If contacted by public health officials, answer their questions to help protect others who may have been exposed
More information
More information about monkeypox is available at health.ri.gov/monkeypox. RIDOH has additional prevention information on its webpage Sexual Health Information for Gay/Bisexual Men and Gender Diverse People.
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Posted inCity & Government

State, municipal beach lifeguards square off in “Guard Games” competition through August 6

PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) state beach lifeguards are competing against their counterparts who protect municipal beaches in the annual, weeklong Guard Games competition that began Monday. The tournament encourages competition, camaraderie, and professionalism among Rhode Island lifeguards.
For over 50 summers, lifeguards from state and town beaches have formed teams and trained to compete against each other in various events. Each night is broken into separate swimming, rowing, paddle, or running events at different beaches and attendance is free after 6PM. East Matunuck, Misquamicut, Roger Wheeler, and Scarborough are the state beaches with participating surf rescue teams. Municipal beach surf rescue teams participating are Charlestown, Easton’s (First) beach Newport, Middletown Second, Narragansett Town Beach, and Westerly Town. A self-described “Old Timers” alumni team consisting of retired lifeguards also will participate.
“We are excited and wish our state beach lifeguards good luck as they compete with some of the top athletes in Rhode Island in the Guard Games,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The experience of lifeguarding creates camaraderie and close friendships that last a lifetime. Lifeguards are DEM’s first responders at state beaches and the games are a perfect way to showcase their talent and professionalism while highlighting to the public how lucky we are to have great lifeguards. Hopefully, this year’s games will inspire the next generation of lifeguards. Good luck to all competitors!”
“Having been involved in this tournament across four decades, it is great to see the tradition flourishing,” said RI Lifeguard Tournament Director Brian Guadagno. “This is the week lifeguard teams get to showcase all their training and dedication. There is competitive pride for the beaches they represent but also a palpable lifesaving camaraderie that has no boundaries.”
“The races are a great way to showcase to your community the skills you have learned throughout the summer in a highly competitive week of lifeguarding events,” said Narragansett Town Beach Waterfront Director Mike Florio.
“Westerly Town Surf Rescue is extremely excited for another year of the Rhode Island Lifeguard Tournament,” said Westerly Town Beach Supervisor Brian Skorupski. “This is also a special time of year for lifeguards to either meet for the first time or rekindle a friendship from last year’s tournament. At the end of the day, the tournament is about creating awareness that lifeguarding in Rhode Island is still alive and well. Hopefully, spectators that are watching will see this and maybe get inspired to come lifeguard either next year or in the future.”
“Second Beach is fired up and ready to compete this week!” said Second Beach Captain Katie Mangano. “The guards are very motivated after tying Narragansett last summer and will be giving it their all again this year. However, it’s not all about winning or losing at the games, it’s about having fun and sharing good vibes with our fellow guards around the state. I started competing back in 2007 and I love seeing this tradition carry on to the next generation. The tournament is an annual way to reconnect with old friends and competitors from every beach. We all share the same passion for ocean safety and it’s a great week to come together on that.”
Here is the schedule for the remaining events of the Rhode Island Lifeguard Tournament:
Wednesday, Aug. 3: Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett, 6:30 PM
Thursday, Aug. 4: Second Beach, Middletown, 6:30 PM
Friday, Aug. 5: East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown, 6:30 PM
Saturday, Aug. 6: Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett, 6:30 PM
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

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