Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - March 20, 2020

HOT

Rhode Islanders

Way back in 1772, a bunch of Rhode Islanders took on the most powerful empire in the world. It was a year before the Boston Tea Party.

We torched the British schooner Gaspee, which as much as any event set forth the creation of America.

We are a feisty lot and can take on most anyone, even a nasty virus. Let's all do our part and win this battle -- together. 

HOT

Governor Gina Raimondo

Gina Raimondo has instilled a sense of community and calm during a difficult time.

She had a slow start, but has been clear and concise over the past couple of weeks.

It is an unpredictable time, but she is leading with a strong sense of command. 

HOT

Friars' Transfer

Former St. Andrew’s star and New Bedford native Brycen Goodine announced that he is leaving Syracuse and transferring Providence College.

Goodine made the announcement on Twitter on Monday.

“I’m excited to announce I will be closer to home to play for Providence College and coach Cooley, in front of my family and friends. All while trying to accomplish my dream of winning a national championship. Friar town, I’m on my way,” said Goodine in a tweet.

Goodine joins Providence with three years of eligibility left.  

He could take the court as soon as next season if the NCAA waives the one-year waiting period that transfers must sit for when changing schools. 

PHOTO: Syracuse Athletics

HOT

Helping Each Other

United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) is teaming with the Rhode Island Foundation to establish the Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund to support local nonprofits.

The fund has already raised nearly $3 million.

MAKE A DONATION HERE

“We are in the midst of an epidemic that has put tremendous strain on the nonprofits whose work puts them on the frontline to meet the most critical of needs of our neighbors. This is a time for us all to unite, because we know that when Rhode Islanders join together to help each other, we can overcome anything,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, UWRI.

Community members can support the COVID-19 Response Fund at United Way of Rhode Island by making gifts online.

The Fund

According to United Way, the fund has been created to assist the nonprofit organizations most impacted by the current health crisis, and to provide resources to meet the most urgent needs.

UWRI and the CVS Health Foundation have each contributed lead gifts, and other corporate leaders have made significant gifts.

As the crisis’ full implication to the state’s nonprofit community is unknown, additional contributions are needed and can be made directly to either United Way of Rhode Island or The Rhode Island Foundation.

2-1-1 Call Center Operational

As part of its statewide role during times of emergency, United Way of Rhode Island’s 2-1-1 Call Center continues to assist the Rhode Island Department of Health with call center support, and remains in constant communication with the RI Emergency Management Agency and the Governor’s Office.

UWRI 2-1-1 handled more than 1,000 calls from Rhode Islanders during the first week of the coronavirus.

HOT

Join GoLocal Sunday Night for a LIVE Performance

This Sunday, March 22 at 7 p.m., enjoy a performance by The Wilbury Theatre Group streamed LIVE on GoLocal.

The production is "Invoice for Emotional Labor" by Christopher Johnson.

The staged-reading of this new work-in-development is the upcoming multi-discipline solo performance that answers the asked -- and not so obvious unasked questions -- about race and racism from the perspective of poet and 2018 McColl Johnson finalist and RISCA Playwright fellow Christopher Johnson.
 

HOT

Rick Pitino

Hall of Fame Coach Rick Pitino this week named head basketball coach of Iona College -- a surprise pick as Bryant University coach Jared Grasso was considered the front-runner.

Pitino, who has taken four different programs to the NCAA tournament and coached two national championship teams, takes over for Coach Tim Cluess, who stepped down as head coach after ten years due to health concerns.  Coach Cluess will serve as an advisor to the basketball program moving forward.

Pitino coaches the Providence College Friars to 1987 Final Four.

"I am delighted to welcome Rick Pitino to Gael Nation," said Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski.  "Rick is a Hall of Fame coach who has won at the highest levels and he is committed to leading our student-athletes and our program to national prominence.  He brings passion and energy and shares our desire to build a winning program that will make our community proud."

HOT

Staying Healthy

Local fitness experts weighed in with GoLocal, including GoLocal’s Matt Espeut, who writes “Fit for Life” weekly on GoLocal. 

“Now more than ever you must make your health a top priority. There is ample scientific proof that three things are necessary to support a strong and healthy immune system, to reduce stress and to keep a positive mindset in the face of adversity,” said Espeut, of Fit Body Boot Camp in Providence. 

READ ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS HERE

Espeut offered the following advice:

1. You MUST exercise.
2. You MUST eat a nutritious diet.
3. You MUST devote yourself to personal growth.

So whether it is getting out to run or walk — or find inspiration to do a workout at home, GoLocal has complied resources for all ages and abilities.
 

NOT

ICUs 

Rhode Island does not have enough ICU beds or ventilators to deal with a surge of coronavirus patients.

It is difficult to see the urgency in the response to expand the number of ICU beds and available ventilators.

Where are they?

While the lack of equipment -- and facilities are not hot, the men and women on the front lines in Rhode Island -- doing what they can in the face of tremendous pressure -- are most definitely "hot," and need our support. 

NOT

Layoffs

In ten days, 26,000 Rhode Islanders lost their jobs.

This has crushing implications for tens of thousands of lives and the state's economy.

So far the layoffs have hit the travel and hospitality industries first and the hardest. Other industries will begin to feel the pain soon. 

NOT

Politicians Chasing Cameras

Some politicians seem to be chasing cameras but can't answer the phone.

Providence City Council President Sabina Matos's office sent out a plethora of emails to the media about how she can be watched on Zoom. Matos should focus on answering basic questions.

This, coming from a politician who rarely returns reporters' phone calls.

Guess who is running for mayor?