Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - March 13, 2020

HOT

401 Gives

United Way of Rhode Island is launching a new statewide giving campaign, 401Gives, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, with an ambitious goal to raise $1 million in one day. The campaign lifts up the essential contributions of more than 330 local nonprofits, while making it easy for Rhode Islanders to support them through an online donation platform.

“Every day, 18 percent of Rhode Island’s workforce goes to work in a nonprofit,” says Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, UWRI. “They keep our neighbors safe and warm, they protect our environment, care for our grandparents, educate our kids, shelter our pets, and organize community events that contribute to the rich quality of life here in Rhode Island. Our call to action on Wednesday, April 1 is simple: go to 401gives.org and choose the nonprofit(s) of your choice to show your support and donate.”

401Gives is powered by UWRI and supported by lead sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of RI and FM Global. The Rhode Island Foundation has stepped in to match the first $50,000 raised on April 1. Throughout the day on April 1, participating nonprofits will compete for additional prizes, thanks to the generosity of National Grid, Oak Street Health, Cox Communications, Centreville Bank, Brave River Solutions and Citrin Cooperman (as of March 3, 2020).

“Nonprofits are the boots on the ground in Rhode Island, providing direct service and community building throughout the state,” said Neil D. Steinberg, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. “We’re excited to support this effort to grow the culture of philanthropy in Rhode Island by raising awareness and funds to support their work.”

HOT

Governor Gina Raimondo

The initial response to coronavirus in the state was shaky, but over the past ten days, Governor Raimondo's response has developed.

Her firm and appropriate step are logical and welcomed. 

Critics should give a tip of the hat to Raimondo on this issue.

HOT

Dr. Michael Fine

Dr. Michael Fine has joined GoLocal LIVE each day since March 9th to offer critical updates and offer his expertise for best practices.

His daily updates on the coronavirus are a tremendous resource for Rhode Islanders.

Fine is a leading public health doctor, former director of Rhode Island Department of Health and an author.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Fine join our coverage of this critical public health issue. To date, we have been able to bring viewers and readers critical insights from top researchers at Brown University — Dr. Selim Suner, Dr. Kate Mason, and Dr. Phil Chan," said Josh Fenton, CEO and co-founder of GoLocalProv. 

"Rhode Islanders deserve the most critical up to date information so they can make decisions about the families, their workplace and their personal health," said Fenton.

In addition, top experts from Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical will continue to provide updates and explore critical trends and research on the virus.

GoLocal LIVE can be watched on GoLocalProv.com, on Facebook LIVE, on YouTube LIVE, on Livestream and on the YouTube Channel on Fios.

HOT

Former Vice President Joe Biden

Former Vice President Joe Biden continued his momentum in Democratic primaries across the country on Tuesday.

Biden scored a huge win over U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in Michigan by 16 points and won every county. Sanders had won the state four years earlier.

“Biden might be among the luckiest politicians in the country — there were a confluence of events that really helped him,” said UVA Professor Jennifer Lawless, noting the endorsement from Jim Clyburn in South Carolina could “not be underestimated.”

In Mississippi, Biden won more than 81% of the vote.

Biden also won Idaho and Missouri.

“Barring something unforeseen, Democrats now know that former vice president Joe Biden will be the party’s nominee to challenge President Trump in November,” writes the Washington Post.

HOT

Market Basket Coming to RI

Demoulas Super Markets announced on Tuesday that the company will be opening its first Market Basket supermarket in Rhode Island.

The new store to be located at 1300 Hartford Avenue in Johnston and the company says it is an integral component in Johnston’s redevelopment —  is tentatively scheduled to open in 2021.

“I am very happy and excited that Market Basket has decided to put their first store in Johnston. It is a perfect fit for the company and our great town,” said Mayor Polisena.

Market Basket is equally excited to be coming to Johnston.  “It is an honor to announce a new Market Basket supermarket to be built in Rhode Island and to introduce a “More for Your Dollar” shopping experience to our customers.  We appreciate the many Rhode Island shoppers who support our Market Basket stores located just over the Massachusetts border and are excited that now they will have a much more convenient location to shop and call their own,” said Arthur T. Demoulas, President & CEO of Demoulas Super Markets Inc.

Market Basket is recognized by Consumer Reports as the top supermarket operator in the Northeast and is known for its excellent service, quality, value, variety, and store cleanliness. As reported in Consumers’ Checkbook, a family that spends $150 a week on groceries can save $1400 annually at Market Basket when compared to other supermarkets.  “We know there are many very good local, regional, and national food retailers in Rhode Island and we are just pleased to have the opportunity to offer the community another option,” said Demoulas.

The Demoulas families' legacy goes back more than a century, "Athanasios and Efrosini Demoulas open a small food store in "The Acre" (affectionately known as "Acre-Acropolis") in an ethnically-diverse part of Lowell. This grocerette specialized in selling lamb, pork, and sausage."

The Return of the Fish Co.

The new owners of the Whiskey Republic in Providence are taking the waterfront bar and club back to its roots -- and renaming it Fish Co.

Owner Garry Williams made the announcement last Friday afternoon. 

"I'm happy to announce after 2 months of planning and listening to what every wanted we agree it's time for The Return of Fish Co!! 

This won't be exactly like the old The Fish Company Bar and Grill but more of our twist with a whole new look, new sound system, new lighting system, new food and cocktail menu, new stage for more of your favorite Bands, and come this summer a Brand New patio to enjoy your summer days and nights on the water!! 

We already have a huge lineup of live music and events planned for everyone starting on none other than St Patrick's Day 3.17.20 with Dirty Deeds!!  We keep the party going throughout the weekend"

Friday March 20th with The Wicked Petty Band 

Saturday March 21st with What Matters

Sunday March 22nd 90s Retro Brunch 

Please go follow us on IG/FB @FishCoPVD and keep with all our events on our website FishCoPVD.com 

Fish Co•Food•Music•Drink

HOT

Ocean Race Coming Back

Sail Newport and The Ocean Race announced Tuesday that for the third consecutive edition of the competition, The Ocean Race will make its only North American stopover in Newport, Rhode Island, in the spring of 2022. 

The race was previously known as the Volvo Ocean Race.

The Rhode Island stopover will be one of ten stops during the eight-month 38,000 nautical-mile race around the world, which begins in Alicante, Spain, in October of 2021 and finishes in Genoa, Italy in June of 2022.

The event has been a massive boost to the Rhode Island economy.

“This is terrific news for our state, again bringing global attention to Newport and Rhode Island as premier tourist destinations and promising to generate tens of millions of dollars in spending and economic impact,” says Governor Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of the State of Rhode Island.  

“I am grateful that The Ocean Race recognizes the value of coming back to the Ocean State and equally grateful to our partner and the official event host, Sail Newport, which has worked hard to ensure this successful event returns,” she adds.

The event had a wide-ranging economic and tourism impact on the community. Organizers released a detailed economic impact report that showed that the 2015 stopover generated an estimated $47.7* million to the Ocean State’s economy. 

Both events were huge draws for visitors, with over 137,000 people in the race village in 2015 and over 100,000 visitors in 2018. 

NOT

Brad Faxon

Reputation in peril.

GoLocal was first to report that a group of members of the Metacomet Golf Club have filed a lawsuit against Brad Faxon and his fellow investors as well as Marshall Development claiming fraud, breach of contract, misrepresentation and other charges.

The suit was filed in Rhode Island Superior Court on Monday on behalf of Metacomet members Joseph J. Rodger, III; Kekin A. Shah; William G. Cioffi; Dean E. Martins; Mark Welch; Louis Freselone; Scott Desilets; and Jason Kalin.

Faxon and his investment group named METACOMET PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC (MPC), and doing business as Metacomet Golf Club purchased the club for a reported $2.2 million in early 2019.

Faxon and investors made numerous promises when acquiring the Donald Ross-designed course.

But, a spokesman for Faxon and the other investors told GoLocal that the lawsuit is without merit. “Today, we were made aware of a frivolous legal action by several members of Metacomet Country Club. We believe the allegations are wholly without merit and we will defend against it vigorously," said Dante Bellini, spokesman for MPC.

Fraud Claim

In the lawsuit's fraud claim, the Metacomet members assert, “During the Meeting, and as a result of the November 27th Correspondence, MPC, by and through its Principals, made certain specific statements and/or representations, as well as gave certain assurances to the Members, as detailed hereinabove, with regard to the operation of the Club and the golf course for the 2020 golf season.”

Further, the suit claims, “The Members, and each of them, reasonably relied upon MPC’s intentionally misleading and/or fraudulent statements to their respective detriment in performing pursuant to their contract with MPC.”

The lawsuit claims that “inherent in every contractual relationship is the parties' obligation and duty of good faith and fair dealing with each other. MPC breached its duty of good faith and fair dealing with the Members, and each of them.”

The club members are seeking a temporary restraining order aganist Faxon's MPC.

Documents previously secured by GoLocalProv.com unveil that Faxon and his team of high profile investors including a partner of Governor Gina Raimondo in Point Judith Capital promised to invest millions into the Donald Ross-designed Metacomet Golf Course.

Specifically, the investors assured the club members when purchasing the club in 2019, that the PGA’s Faxon -- a Rhode Island icon -- was dedicated to the “unique love for Metacomet’s fabulous history.”

Further, the investment team promised to put millions into improving the facilities and not to develop the property."We would not expect to do any major alterations to the course related to Real Estate Development in any way for 18-24 months,” said Faxon and his team.

NOT

Commissioner Paré Face Ethics Investigation

The Providence Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to open an investigation into a complaint lodged against Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré by City Councilman James Taylor. 

Taylor alleged Paré demanded a “quid pro quo” in telling the City Council that his salary had to be fully restored, after being cut, in order to hire a fire chief for the vacant position.

“I was impressed by the courage and integrity of the members of the Providence Ethics Commission who voted that there was sufficient information to move forward with an ethics investigation into Steven Paré, Commissioner of Public Safety,” said Taylor in a statement. 

“They met this evening and refused to allow a whitewash predetermined investigation, and were outraged by the same. I will continue to monitor this matter closely and express my opinions,” he said. 

WATCH:  Prov. Councilman Taylor Pressing on Ethics Complaint Against Pare Alleging Quid Pro Quo

Taylor said he had been led to believe the Commission would not proceed, after an attorney hired by the City of Providence informed him there “was not enough evidence” to move forward.

On Wednesday, the Commission intervened and questioned the process of a de-facto investigation having been purportedly conducted prior to their authorization. 

Commission Moves Forward

Commission member Zach Mezera said Wednesday night the process has been “convoluted” and that the Commission is seeking answers on how to proceed. 

“I can’t speak on behalf of the commission, but I feel that it was a surprise for us that an investigation had progressed further than it should have gone. We followed the regulations the best as we could,” said Mezera. 

“We want to know why they did this [this way]. We didn’t have the results of this [city] investigation, even if we had been given them we wouldn’t have read them,” said Mezera. “We stuck to our rules.”

 “We need to look at what has been done and if it is sufficient. It could have been thorough, it could have been not,” said Mezera. “We’ll need to make a decision that the investigation meets the standard of what our investigation [requires].”

Pare said he had “no comment” when reached Tuesday evening.

NOT

Jamie Bova

The Newport City Council President flipped and flopped.

Despite receiving a recommendation by the RI Department of Health to cancel or postpone the St. Patrick's Day Parade she succumbed to pressure from bar owners.

Finally, she flipped again when Governor Gina Raimondo urged the cancellation. 

NOT

RI Interscholastic League

The organizing body of high school sports in Rhode Island seems to have forgotten that their number one priority is keeping children safe.

While pro and colleges have shutdown games for a few weeks, RIIL continues to keep the games and the exposure going.