Chairman Louis P. DiPalma, Dale J. Venturini and Chairman Marvin L. Abney at the Preservation Society of Newport County's 2025 "Preservation Champions" award ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport. (via RI Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau) Credit: CAPITOL TV

The Preservation Society of Newport County recognized two key state legislators as Preservation Champions on Wednesday evening at Rosecliff Mansion.

House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma received the honor for their leadership and support of historic preservation and cultural tourism in Newport County.

The society said both chairmen have been instrumental in advancing its mission to protect, preserve, and present three centuries of American architecture and landscapes in one of the nation’s most historically significant cities.

“It’s humbling to be recognized by the Preservation Society because their efforts and work truly keep Newport one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” said Abney, D-Newport. “I look forward to working with them to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at Newport’s rich history and culture.”

DiPalma, D-Middletown, thanked the organization for the recognition.

“I am honored to receive this award from such a dedicated organization, and I thank them for their continued initiative to preserve and support Newport’s architectural and cultural beauty,” he said.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...