Bartholomewtown

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NAACP Providence President Jim Vincent joins host Bill Bartholomew for a wide-ranging discussion on racism, policy and politics in Rhode Island.

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Barnaby Evans is the creator of WaterFire, a recurring public art installation that has become an iconic element of The City of Providence.  During a wide-ranging conversation, Mr. Evans, a Brown University graduate and multidisciplinary artist, described WaterFire's origins and mission, offered takes on Rhode Island economic development and politics, and put forth the facts that Roger Williams founded Providence as the first "sanctuary city."

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On this episode of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Bill Bartholomew presents several conversations with artists and organizers from this year's PVDFest.  Entering its 5th season, PVDFest is described as the "Creative Capital's" "signature arts festival."  In this episode, conversations include artists Becky Bass, Mike Gore of Extraordinary Rendition Band, Christopher Knott, keynote speaker Lars Jan, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Dorcas International's Lisa Limer.

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With major shifts in the southern New England media landscape, including The Boston Globe's foray into Rhode Island, and his own outlet's recent announcement of expansion into Newport and South County, RI, I circle back with an early B-TOWN guest and southern New England media mainstay, Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio (Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts' NPR affiliate).

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The Boston Globe recently announced that it was expanding to include more in-depth Rhode Island coverage, including the hiring of three prominent Rhode Island journalists: Dan McGowan, Amanda Milkovits and Edward Fitzpatrick.

On this episode of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Ed Fitzpatrick returns to The Loft to break down some of the coverage The Globe's Rhode Island team expects to provide and how the group plans to operate in covering the biggest news stories in the state.

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Mr. 401, Gene Valicenti

Gene Valicenti is a Rhode Island legend, a longtime media personality who serves as the 6 o’clock newscast anchor on the market’s television leader, WJAR NBC10, as well as the morning drive host on the region’s leading news/talk radio station, WPRO.

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Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee was the first political guest to appear on The Bartholomewtown Podcast, so I couldn’t think of a better guest to celebrate  episode 100 with than the honorable LG.

In the past year, McKee was engaged in a highly compelling Democratic primary with progressive former Representative Aaron Regunberg, a contest the LG ultimately won, and which served as a an interesting window into the strength of  both the progressive and moderate Democrats in RI.    

In his second term, LG McKee has continued to embrace his “39 Cities and Towns” approach to governance, and has been a statewide leader on issues ranging from utility company responsibility, Alzheimer’s and entrepreneurial incubation.

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Joe Polisina is a longstanding political figure from Johnston, Rhode Island, having served as a state Senator and since 2006, as the city’s mayor.

During our wide-ranging conversation Mayor Polisena expanded on his well-known perspective on recently passed municipal contract bills, that he along with many other mayors and town administrators have insisted is detrimental their municipalities long-term fiscal well-being.

He also indicated that he has been approached about running for a major statewide office in the 2022 elections, and discussed operating as a conservative Democrat, and his professional origins as a radio personality.

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A look at the juxtaposition of historic preservation and development in Rhode Island via The Nicholson House in Providence.

Situated behind a stone wall and layers of trees on Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, Rhode Island’s east side, The Nicholson House is often referred to as one of the last of the great estates that defined the neighborhood for much of the 20th century.  Some three acres in totality and boasting an impressive manor house and gardens, the property undoubtedly adds an element of charm and living history to the area.

However, in recent times, as the Nicholson family has moved to sell of the estate, questions about historic preservation, community member and private property owner rights city planning and zoning have come into play, as a vocal group of neighbors have actively attempted to stop a would-be 10 parcel development on the Nicholson site, arguing that such a development doesn’t adhere to the city’s Central Planning standards, and would disrupt the fabric of the east side.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Providence Ward two Councilwoman Helen Anthony and Brown University professor Matthew Turner, who each live in the area, and argue that the proposed development of the Nicholson site is inappropriate.

I also speak with Jim DeRentis, the buyer and seller agent on the project, who tells me that the proposed plan has already engaged in compromise, and given the evolution of housing demand and city planning, that the proposed development is perfectly within bounds.

This case applies broadly to an array of debates on a statewide level surrounding how to preserve historic and sentimental aspects of the Rhode Island’s identity, while also allowing for innovation unfold.

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Weenie Wizard is a Providence, RI-based artisanal hot dog stand, that offers a constantly shifting array of meat, veggie and carrot dogs with highly original and creative toppings.  Created by Michele Fryer and Luke Tabor, aka the Fantastical Food Group, ‘The Meat MAGICIANS”, as they are known, have expanded from speakeasy-esq DIY origins in 2014 to a fully licensed food provider today, providing their signature dogs at a variety of pop-up spaces and events.  Not a food truck, not a brick and mortar restaurant, Weenie Wizard’s innovative approach to food production borrows from guerilla-mainstream conversion tactics followed by many other forms of art.  Further, in transacting hot dogs, the wizard’s have a unique vantage point from which to observe and understand the wide array of patrons that frequent their stand.

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