Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - November 22, 2019

HOT

Ray Rickman

The former State Representative, former Deputy Secretary of State -- who founded and now heads up the nonprofit Stages of Freedom -- is being recognized as Rhode Island's Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen at this year's National Philanthropy Day awards.

Now that is hot!

HOT

Al Saccoccia and Sophia Loren

It could be a movie. Kate Nagle's story on the budding friendship between Cranston's Al Saccoccia and international movie icon Sophia Loren is simple bliss.

Cranston resident Al Saccoccia was only supposed to drive Sophia Loren for a few days in Providence, when she came to Rhode Island for "An Evening with Sophia Loren" at the Convention Center.

A week and a half later, Saccoccia found himself having chauffeured the iconic actress down to New York, around the city, and then to Washington D.C., all at her request. 

"I'm usually pretty under the radar, but this is what it is," said Saccoccia, who said he asked Loren if he could share photos and tidbits of their time together and got her permission. 

"She couldn't have been more gracious, she couldn't have been more sweet," said Saccoccia of driving hundreds of miles with Loren. 

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

HOT

Benny's Reinvented

The new plan by Carpionato group to rehab and transform the old Benny's site on Branch Avenue is a win. The old Dryden Mill building will be transformed too.

Jobs, tax revenue and new life. The only question is, will they be able to preserve the Benny's window that featured a bike sale -- for 30 plus years?

READ MORE HERE

HOT

Brown Women's Soccer NCAA Run

On Friday, the Brown women play in the second round of the NCAA tourney against the #1 seed and defending national champions Florida St. -- we smell an upset.

Go Bruno!

HOT

Bob Burke

Restauranteur Bob Burke has created and sustained one of the best dining experiences in Providence for decades -- Pot au Feu -- and he has done so much more. This week he hosted his 33rd annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival.

Burke has been a leader in hospitality, business, and commerce for years. While others come and go -- Burke continues to host one of the best restaurants in the city. 

NOT

Jorge Elorza's Math

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza sent out a press release crowing about a $20 million surplus while the city has unfunded healthcare and pension obligations of $2 billion.

Not much more you need to write here.

NOT

State Police

More and more information is being unveiled in a GoLocal investigative series, including serious charges of potential crimes and cover-ups in the agency.

Rhode Islanders depend on the Rhode Island State Police.

For more than a century it has been a critical pillar.

Hopefully, this vetting will lead to a better agency. Right now, there are many questions and not many answers.

NOT

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The 2019 Victoria’s Secret fashion show has been canceled, announced Stuart Burgdoerfer, the executive Vice President of L Brands, which owns Victoria’s Secret, on Thursday during a conference call.

“We will be communicating to customers, but nothing similar in magnitude to the fashion show,” said Burgdoerfer on the call. 

The brand did not specify if the cancellation is just temporary, or if the show is done for good.

NOT

Targeted Racism by City of Providence Employees

The targeting of a minority co-worker with a noose by two Department of Public Works employees is a crime.

The city was correct to fire them, but this is a hate crime and should be referred to the Justice Department for review and potential prosecution.