Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 23, 2022
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 23, 2022
This week's list includes no more Pal's, Crypto or Pet Rock, and Kelly's Climb to the top.
Now, we are expanding the list, the political perspectives, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
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Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 23, 2022
HOT
You Can't Keep Kelly Bates Down
In September of 2021, Kelly Bates made national news when WJAR 10 pushed the weekend weather personality out the door.
WJAR is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, the national media conglomerate that had close ties to the Trump administration. Sinclair announced cuts, and soon Bates became the face of corporate downsizing.
Within a few months, she was picked up by ABC6 for weekend coverage. She rebounded and became a community icon, including becoming the emcee for Rhode Island PrideFest.
When she joined ABC in June, the affiliate already had three meteorologists — Chelsea Priest, Jeff Desnoyers, and Tim Studebaker.
All three have left ABC6 over the past few months.
Big Announcement
On Thursday, she took to Twitter and announced the big news that she is now the lead meteorologist for the station.
"Hey everyone! I realized I forgot to tell you I’m now on weeknights at 4,5,6 & 11 on @ABC6#movingonup," she Twitted
Bates’ promotion is just part of the ongoing shakeup at ABC6.
Anchor Doreen Scanlon is leaving the station.
Then, reporter Olivia DaRocha, announced that she was leaving the station at the end of December. "After 3+ years, I’ve made the decision to step away from news. It’s been rewarding and exhilarating- but also difficult and mentally exhausting. This will be my last weekend anchoring on @ABC6 and my last day on air will be December 27th," she Tweeted.
HOT
The President of Ukraine
Many historians have likened Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Winston Churchill's speech in the U.S. Senate chamber in 1941.
They are right.
Both Zelensky and Churchill were America's firewall against tyrants.
HOT
Bryce Hopkins
The Providence College sophomore is emerging as a Friar legend.
The Friars have won their first two Big East games and Hopkins has been a dominant factor.
His 29 points and 23 rebounds in the 2OT win over #24 ranked Marquette was a Friar performance for the scrapbook.
HOT
RI's Newest Founder
Accomplished fashion and merchandising industry executive Jennifer Cassara wants to help change women’s lives by helping them to create not just timeless, effortless wardrobes, but “GoodRobes.”
Cassara, who moved to Providence with her husband Chris two years ago, just launched “GoodRobe & Co,” to make it easy for women to look their best and feel confident, with styles that are created to “mix and match for endless and effortless wardrobe options.”
A native New Yorker, Cassara has had a wide-ranging career, but always had in the back of her head the concept for GoodRobe.
“Growing up, when most girls would have dozens of Barbies, I had one Barbie — and a trunk full of clothes for her,” said Cassara. “I’d take a blanket and lay out dozens of outfits for her, but each outfit had to incorporate a piece of the previous outfit.”
In a career that took her from New York, to Boston, to Washington, DC, and finally, to Providence, Cassara says she could not be more thrilled with landing in Rhode Island, working for both a family-owned jewelry company by day as well as on her passion project GoodRobe.
“I love it here. I love downtown Providence. I love the people,” said Cassara. “There’s just something about Providence that clicks with me personally.”
But before she got here — it was a long and winding journey to where she is now.
And one of her career highlights? Flagging the meteoric trajectory of Rhode Island jewelry behemoth Alex & Ani as it had just begun its ascent, in what Cassara calls a “Tom Brady” moment of her career.
HOT/NOT
The Quote is HOT, but the Reality is NOT
"Crypto is not a currency…it’s an electronic Pet Rock,’ said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA).
NOT
Elon Musk
He challenged Twitter users to decide if he should continue as CEO of the company.
They voted him off the island.
Before he bought Twitter, Musk was the richest man in the world and was considered a genius CEO.
He no longer holds either of those titles.
NOT
Another One Bites the Dust
It is officially the end of an era.
Pal’s Restaurant, which had stood at 43 Division Street in East Greenwich for decades, has been torn down this week.
Known for its veal, chicken, and pasta dishes, Pal’s boasted just over a four-star rating on Facebook from fans of the classic Italian-American cuisine.
"You knew you were coming of age when, instead of ordering a turkey club or meatball torpedo, you got the filet mignon (rare) with potato croquettes or the baked stuffed shrimp," said longtime customer Jeff Stevens.
The restaurant had closed last year.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the pending closing of Pal's Restaurant, for reasons beyond our control,” Pal’s announced in June of 2021.
“It has been a great ride," they added.
The demolition is reportedly to make way for housing.
PHOTO: Jeff Stevens
