Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 17, 2021

HOT

What a Resume

Champion kickboxer, East Providence Police Lieutenant, Trinity Rep, appeared in The Departed, Sopranos and so much more.

Read the profile of the amazing career of Armen Garo.

HOT

Makers Making It

Calling all Makers! We Make RI will be hosting its first-ever Maker Fair at our building in Cranston on October 23 from 11-3.

This is an opportunity to meet the community, share what you do, and sell your wares.

Old school maker joining up with innovators.

HOT

Why We Need to Learn About Tiny Sharks

The Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) announced Tuesday that they tagged eight great white sharks during the 2021 summer research season, along with research partner O’Seas Conservation Foundation (OCF). 

According to ASI, it’s the most white sharks that have been tagged in this study to date and will aid considerably in filling in some of the missing pieces for this iconic species of shark. In several parts of the world the great white shark is determined to be critically endangered and that makes this research all the more vital.

“The most important part of this research project is the age of these sharks”, shared Jon Dodd, the executive director of the ASI. “All eight we either young-of-the-year (newborns) or were juvenile white sharks, and they simply aren’t easy to find, catch or tag making each one extremely valuable to this study.”

Read more here. 

Rhode Island's Immense Creative Talent

Who knew Rhode Island College's Art faculty was so amazingly talented. Take a look at Micheal Rose's review of the faculty show at RIC.

Rhode Island is spoiled to have so many fine galleries affiliated with its various colleges and universities. At Rhode Island College (RIC) in Providence, the Bannister Gallery has been a fixture on the local cultural scene since 1978. Named for famed Rhode Island artist Edward Mitchell Bannister, the gallery recently reopened to the public with an exciting exhibition of work by the college’s art faculty who work in two dimensions.

READ MORE HERE

HOT

One of RI's Hottest Startups

Rhode Island native Sandy Chen appeared on GoLocal LIVE where he discussed the latest testing results for technology developed by his company Graphene Composites — and how it could impact the fight against coronavirus. 

According to Chen, a former investment banker, recent Independent Standard Organization (ISO) test results indicate that the company's "GC Ink" has a 99.8% virucidal efficacy against SARS CoV-2 over a two-hour span.

This particular ISO test is the internationally recognized standard for assessing virucidal efficacy on textiles including filters. The test results formally classify GC Ink as an antiviral agent. 

This new testing results come on top of successful results in research conducted in conjunction with Brown University. As GoLocal reported in February, GC had announced that independent testing conducted by Brown University showed its new technology to be 100% effective at neutralizing coronavirus and influenza viruses in under one minute.

Chen explained the technology — and how it was developed to stop the spread of coronavirus 

“What now seems to be the real risk is airborne [transmission] — when somebody’s breathing, someone who’s been infected is breathing coronavirus into the air, and it just passes through the classroom you’re in, or the building, or the theater — would we would like to do, what our filters could do, is trap and kill that coronavirus as it passes through [our] filter,” said Chen. 

Recently, the company announced it raised $2.5 from investors.

HOT

Is It Time to Expand the Airport... to Hold All the Trophies?

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation announced Tuesday that RI International Airport (PVD) was selected as one of the Top Three Domestic Airports in the Travel + Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. 

This is the latest award of excellence for Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport within the travel industry, which has been recognized by national reviewers seven times in the last five years including one of the “Best Small Airports” in the nation in USA Today’s “Ten Best” Readers’ Choice Awards for 2020 and 2021.

“I would like to congratulate the Rhode Island Airport Corporation family on an outstanding job achieving another recognition as one of the nation’s best airports,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “Happy passengers ultimately help increase the airport’s contributions to the travel and tourism economy of our great state.”

HOT

Physician, Community Leader, and Writer

Top GI doctor, former chair of the board of RI Hospital, and author (and weekly columnist for GoLocal) has been recognized by Providence College.

Personal Achievement Award – This award recognizes Providence College graduates that have attained an exceptionally high level of achievement in their respective career, chosen vocation, and/or in areas of human service.

HOT

John Chafee Award Winners

The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America are recognizing civic leadership of Buff Chace, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornish Associates and David Rampone, President of Hart Engineering Corp., at their 26th Annual Distinguished Citizens Award Luncheon.

The luncheon raised $350,000 in support of youth in the Council’s Scoutreach program, the largest fundraising total in the 26-year history of the event. 

“Strong leadership is seen all across the Scouting program; in our adult volunteers and in Scouts of all ages,” said Tim McCandless, Narragansett Council’s Scout Executive and CEO. “We were proud to honor Buff and David with a Distinguished Citizen Award because of their passion for making the Southeastern New England community a better place for all, especially children. They are great role models for thousands of Scouts across the Narragansett Council.”
 

HOT

Bristol, RI

One Rhode Island town has made a new list of America’s top 25 destinations to see fall foliage colors.

Reader’s Digest built the latest rankings.

“When it comes to fall activities, leaf-peeping ranks No. 1. From small towns in New England to Yellowstone National Park, the United States brims with picturesque places to soak in the majesty of the fall season," writes Reader's Digest. 

"There are colorful destinations that make great road trip pit stops and weekend getaways in every state," the publication continues. "Regardless of where you live, it’s borderline inevitable that exquisite fall foliage exists within driving distance. Seriously, we can all but promise that an amazing leaf-peeping locale is even closer than you realize!"

So who locally cracked the list of top leaf-peeping spots in the U.S.?

According to Reader's Digest...

Bristol, Rhode Island

Best for: Beach lovers and history buffs

Just 35 minutes from Newport, the quaint town of Bristol boasts historic architecture, a relaxed ambiance, and seasonal festivals. Foliage chasers will enjoy Colt State Park and the gardens at Blithewold.

Take a break from gawking at the gorgeous landscape to meander through the downtown area. Nearby, you’ll find a beach that’s even better in the fall.

Highlights:

The beauty of Blithewold’s mansion, gardens, and arboretum in the fall knows no bounds.
 

Hear about the British being intentionally misdirected to the Episcopal Church on a historic walking tour of Hope Street.

PHOTO: Scott Turner, GoLocal

NOT

Announcing You Are Going to Announce You Are Running for Office

Political consultants run amock.

I guess if you don't have any good reasons for running for office you pivot to announcing that you are going to announce for office.

Kudos to the politicos, as some media is stupid enough to do two nothing-burger stories on an announcement.

NOT

GOP

The Republicans were set to win the governorship of California, but instead of running a viable candidate - they ran a fringe talk radio show host who insulted almost every segment of voters.

They ran Larry Elder, a Brown grad who sounded Trumpian and got crushed. Will lessons be learned?