The perils of working in a family-owned business – Mary T. O’Sullivan

Businessman giving a presentation to a group of people in a meeting room.

By Mary T. O’Sullivan, MSOL “The employment of relatives in the same area of an organization can cause serious conflicts and problems with favoritism and employee morale.” – The HR Specialist The operations manager of a large family-owned bakery sends out cookies for Christmas with cracked and crumb filled trays. A salesman hired from the…

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Homeless in RI: The Dignity Bus was on its way to help – until it wasn’t

Two women standing in front of a bus.

Photo: Dignity Bus and volunteers from The Source, Florida This story is updated from May 12th story which can be accessed here: (https://rinewstoday.com/homeless-in-ri-no-dignity-bus-for-us-vendor-blames-state-for-how-they-do-business/) There was a new, creative idea in the works at the time homeless people were camped outside of the Rhode Island State House that only those “at the top” knew anything about.…

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Rhode Island Weather for May 15, 2023 – John Donnelly

A map showing the current weather conditions in massachusetts.

by John Donnelly, meteorologist High pressure largely in control of our weather with some afternoon high cloud cover brushing by around low pressure sitting over eastern Canada. Afternoon highs settle in the low 70’s after morning lows in the upper 40’s with a gusty westerly breeze. An “A-” day! ___ Follow John’s weather forecasts, here:…

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Can AI create an “Authentic” Commencement Address? – Herb Weiss

An image of a blue circle on a black background.

 By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues It’s May and Rhode Island’s college seniors are graduating from colleagues and universities, ready to go out and make their mark on the world. According to the Education Data Initiative, this year there is an estimated 19,782 graduating seniors who will sit through commencement ceremonies with their families…

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In the Arena: Julie Sullivan, Social Enterprise Greenhouse

A smiling woman in a black turtleneck sitting in front of a potted plant at Social Enterprise Greenhouse.

This week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews Julie Sullivan the CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse. They talk about the agency’s mission and goals for small business owners, with a network of volunteers who work to support those in their ecosystem. They talk about helping to connect all the resources available to entrepreneurs, and the breaking down…

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Mickey Decesare turns 80 in style – Brendan Higgins

Mickey Decesare is holding a microphone.

by Brendan Higgins, contributing writer When I arrived at the Arigna Irish Pub in North Providence, I knew right away something special was going on inside. People were waiting in line to get in the front door. It didn’t take long to realize who this gathering was for. There was a box truck with a…

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Gimme’ Shelter: Aibileen at Providence Animal Control Center

A cute cat in a cage looking at the camera, ready for adoption.

Hi! I am the sweetest, but shy, kitty left behind after an eviction. The upstairs tenant was caring for me but I was too scared to come to her. The landlord then tossed me out into the hallway along with my human’s belongings, and my stuff too, and said to leave the door open and…

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Rhode Island Weather for May 14, 2023 – John Donnelly

A map displaying the weather forecast for Saturday in Massachusetts with a focus on Rhode Island weather.

by John Donnelly, meteorologist High pressure settles in with cooler Canadian air filtering in during the day with afternoon highs only reaching the upper 60’s under a mostly sunny sky after morning lows in the low 50’s with a light north-northwesterly breeze. An A- day! ___ Follow John’s weather forecasts, here: WEATHER WITH JOHN DONNELLY…

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LOST Providence: Lost, regained, part IV – David Brussat

An image of a city with a large building in the background.

by David Brussat, Architecture Here and There, contributing writer Photo, top: R.I. State House plays Providence City Hall in 2007 film “Underdog.” Editor’s note: This is the final segment of the epilogue of my book, Lost Providence, entitled “Providence Lost, Providence Regained.” Published in 2017, the book is a history of the design of the…

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