Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - April 9, 2021

HOT

Governor Dan McKee 

When he took office, Rhode Island's vaccination program was nearly the worst in the country in administering vaccines.

Now, Rhode Island is number two by percentage in those fully vaccinated.

HOT

Viola Davis

Just give her all the awards this year already.

Rhode Island native Viola Davis -- who already has an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards -- won the 2021 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture. 

She faced the following nominees in the award announced Sunday night. 

Amy Adams, Hillbilly Elegy
Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman
Frances McDormand, Nomadland
Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

The late Chadwick Boseman posthumously won Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. 

HOT

Rep. Williams is Right

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management should be focusing its tree program on where it will make the most environmental impact.

Want to read about the benefits of more trees? Click HERE.

Street trees have a tremendous value in reducing greenhouse gases, cooling urban homes in the summer and improving the aesthetics of streetscapes.

DEM's program is offering trees to folks in places like Richmond -- but not Providence, Central Falls, or Pawtucket.

Rhode Island State Representative Anastasia Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) on Wednesday called out RIDEM for not including the state's urban core in its four pick-up locations for free trees offered to Rhode Islanders. 

While Wiliams commended the effort by DEM to provide 1,000 free trees, she questioned the state agency for not providing a location more accessible to city residents. 

HOT

Vincent Mesolella

The Board of Commissioners of the Narragansett Bay Commission have voted unanimously to reaffirm its current slate of officers: Chairman Vincent Mesolella, Vice Chairman Angelo Rotella, and Treasurer Robert Andrade. 2021 marks Mesolella’s 30 years at the helm of the internationally recognized clean water agency.

“The accomplishments of the Narragansett Bay Commission and this Board is an extreme source of pride for me, as I know it is for all of us,” Mesolella said upon the vote. “I thank you, for the thirtieth time, for the confidence you have bestowed upon me. Together, this Board and this Commission has made Rhode Island a better place and we will continue on that mission.”

During Mesolella’s leadership, NBC has been named twice a Utility of the Future and received numerous national and regional awards for operational, managerial, and fiscal excellence as well as for community engagement and environmental education.

HOT

Flights Are Returning to T.F. Green

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines on Wednesday announced three new nonstop routes from T.F. Green Airport (PVD) to Atlanta, Myrtle Beach and Philadelphia beginning this summer. 

To celebrate the new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $29 -- sale price tickets need to be purchased by April 11. 

“We’re excited to expand our Providence service with new nonstop flights to three popular destinations: Atlanta, Myrtle Beach and Philadelphia,” said Tyri Squyres, Vice President of marketing, Frontier Airlines. 

“Summer is quickly approaching, and Frontier’s low fares and friendly flying experience offer a convenient option for families and friends who are looking to travel and explore new places," he added. 

HOT

The Old Canteen

The Old Canteen is celebrating 65 years on Federal Hill this year. 

Owner Sal Marzilli announced the anniversary — and honored his father, who opened the classic Italian eatery.

“We dedicate this week to the memory of my dad Joseph Marzilli who passed away 14 years ago,” said Marzilli. 

“He opened the Old Canteen in 1956 with a vision to serve exceptional Italian food, provide top notch service and do it all in a romantic and sophisticated setting here on Federal Hill,” said Marzilli.

“I think he would be proud that we have continued the traditions he started all those years ago,” he added. 

“In his memory we are honored to serve all our guests and provide you all with the experience he had envisioned 65 years ago.”

HOT

4th Annual Rhode Island Black Film Festival

The 4th Annual Rhode Island Black Film Festival (RIBFF) is taking place online from April 22-25. 

The title for this year’s festival is “Visions in Black Cinema for the 21st Century.”

RIBFF each day will feature live discussions with actors, filmmakers, and film industry leaders as they share their creative process in the art of filmmaking. 

“We look to cover every aspect of the art and business of storytelling through the platform of film,” says RIBFF. 

See films being featured HERE.

Categories include a short film competition, first-time feature, feature film, and digital cinema. 

NOT

Gorbea Won't Comment on Issues Outside of Her Office's "Purview"

The Rhode Island Secretary of State is term-limited from running for reelection and is fundraising like crazy to run for governor.

When asked about the State of Rhode Island's takeover of Providence public schools, her office claims she doesn't comment on issues outside her office's "purview." 

Gorbea is ducking and diving to avoid alienating powerful union interests -- read the story HERE.

NOT

Neil Steinberg

The Rhode Island Foundation boss received $1.1 million in compensation in 2019. 

“A community foundation provides a link between philanthropy and the needs of a place,” writes the Foundation.

Steinberg makes 30 times more than the average Rhode Islander. His compensation was $850,000 more than any of his co-workers.

READ MORE HERE