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Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Moonstone Beach was known for sun and buns. A look back at the end of RI's last nude beach
It's unclear when exactly Moonstone Beach became a haven for nude sunbathers. According to various reports, the stretch of sandy beach located between the beaches in the South Kingstown villages of Matunuck and Green Hill gained popularity in the 1970s and remained so into the late 1980s. Then, by the end of the century, the sun and buns would start coming to a halt. It was no joke when on April 1, 1988, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began erecting a mile-long, 4-foot-high fence along Moonstone Beach to enclose nesting piping plovers and least terns until Aug. 31. According to Providence Journal archives, the fence closed off New England's only nude beach and South Kingstown's Town Beach during the nesting season. All that remained was a 50-foot right-of-way controlled by South Kingstown, and under the terms of the closing, which was announced earlier in 1988, the public still would be allowed on Moonstone Beach below the mean high water line – the average height of high tide – which is well below the sections of the beach where people sit. The fence left bathers with a narrow strip between the fence and the water. The decision to close most of the beach was made in the hopes of increasing the population of piping plovers by allowing them more room to nest and feed. Plovers, a shore bird that nests in the same soft sand that attracts sunbathers, became protected under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1986. Only two pairs of plovers had migrated from the south in 1985 to nest at Moonstone, and eight of their eggs were destroyed by predators drawn by refuse left by beach-goers, a representative of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. With the fence plan in place, the town also banned nudity within 200 feet of the town beach at Moonstone Beach in 1988. The efforts proved semi-successful, with seven baby plovers surviving at Moonstone during the summer of 1989. As the plan to protect the plovers was being hatched, nudists protested the decision, claiming at times that the Fish and Wildlife Service was overstepping its authority because it opposed nude sunbathing – a charge that was denied by service officials. A letter-writing effort in June 1988 appealed to reopen the beach. An attempt to challenge the fence through a court injunction that summer also failed. In fall 1989, members of the New England Naturist Association announced plans for sit-ins and other protest actions the following summer. In December 1989, fully clothed members of the New England Naturist Association picketed the local headquarters of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the hope that public pressure would force the agency to reopen the beach the following summer. While those efforts proved unsuccessful, the association was able to find some relief when, in 1990, they leased a 350-foot beach adjacent to Moonstone. Association President Joseph R. DiPippo said that since the beach opened that July, they had averaged 150 people a day during the week and 250 to 300 people a day on the weekend. That beach would remain in use until 1992. In 1993, the association purchased property in South Kingstown near the Charlestown border. That move came after another effort in 1993 by the association to lease a 32-acre peninsula on the Ninigret Pond side of the Ninigret State Conservation Area for nude sunbathing, but it was unable to get a local zoning permit. That would remain in use for two summers until the Rhode Island Supreme Court dealt a blow to the New England Naturist Association when it ruled that the clothing-optional beach violated the town's zoning regulations. The court's ruling had nothing to do with issues of nudity, but rather with a local law requiring that the beach, as a recreational facility, receive a special exception from the town's Zoning Board to operate. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown was New England's last nude beach
Eater
21-05-2025
- Business
- Eater
An Iconic New England Oyster Bar Suffers Devastating Fire
A fire broke out at iconic New England destination Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, early on Tuesday, May 20, and caused massive damage to the award-winning restaurant. No injuries were reported, but the restaurant is closed and likely a total loss, according to NBC 10. The Providence Journal reports that a large amount of fire was coming from the two-and-a-half-story building when firefighters responded to calls before 3 a.m. Initially fueled by strong winds, the fire was under control in about an hour and a half, firefighters told the Journal . The cause of the devastating fire is unknown at this time. Owner Perry Rase said in a statement to local media that he is thankful for local support and is determined to get back to business soon. 'We are humbled and grateful for what Matunuck Oyster Bar represents to so many people,' Raso said. 'While we are heartbroken that our doors will be temporarily closed, we are committed to opening them back up and welcoming guests back to our tables as soon as possible.' A GoFundMe has been established to help employees bridge the gap while the restaurant is closed and to help with rebuilding. In April, USA Today named Matunuck Oyster Bar to its 25 Best Restaurants of 2025 list, writing that the restaurant, sitting on Potter Pond, offered the chance to watch oysters being harvested and shucked while dining. That experience of a seafood restaurant overlooking where much of what's on the tables is harvested is part of what makes Matunuck Oyster Bar so special. Kate Masury, executive director of the New England-based nonprofit Eating With the Ecosystem, tells Eater that the oyster bar epitomizes what it means to serve seafood straight from the source. 'They don't just use local ingredients, they celebrate them,' says Masury. 'From clams, oysters, and lobsters to Jonah crab, bay scallops, and Black Sea bass, the menu reflects the incredible diversity of our local waters.' Matunuck's specials often highlight underutilized species, such as monkfish, which helps to introduce hungry diners to new flavors and supports local harvesters. Raso has been a longtime advocate for sustainable aquaculture in New England, and the restaurant was built with pond-to-plate as its backbone. In 2002, Raso founded Matunuck Oyster Farm, a wading-depth aquaculture farm, and by 2008, the oyster farm was selling oysters across the country. He then purchased an old restaurant located on the pond, says David Dadekian of the culinary media group Eat Drink Rhode Island. At the time, there weren't a lot of people farming oysters in New England, according to Dadekian, and Raso had made a big splash with the farm. 'Perry figured the place would be seasonal – a little spot to sell some seafood – and he never saw himself running a restaurant,' Dadekian says. However, the restaurant was a hit and has become a dining destination for hundreds of thousands of people year-round. The New York Times named the restaurant's littlenecks and chouriço dish as one of the best meals tasted in the country in 2023, and it won numerous Wine Spectator awards over the years. Reservations are a must, even on Christmas Eve (an annual tradition for many, this writer included). Matunuck has many fans among Boston chefs, including Bistro du Midi and the Banks Seafood and Steak executive chef Robert Sisca. 'The Matunuck Oyster Bar was somewhere I went about three or four times a year,' Sisca tells Eater. 'I met my friend, who is a chef in Connecticut, there, and it was our halfway point. We love it there because it has the best quality and best value for a seafood restaurant. It is a really special place.' The restaurant also serves organic vegetables from its farm near the pond, has recently opened a shellfish hatchery, and offers educational, family-friendly oyster farm tours. While this summer won't be quite the same without Matunuck Oyster Bar, fans are eagerly awaiting its return. 'Knowing Perry's tenacity, resourcefulness, and business acumen, I would expect to dine at MOB again one day,' Dadekian says. 'Is there a shellfish equivalent to a phoenix?' Disclosure: The author of this story, Tanya Edwards, is an Eating With the Ecosystem board member. Sign up for our newsletter.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McKee wants to give raises to 11 state department heads. Not so fast, Shekarchi says.
Under Gov. Dan McKee's proposal, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr., shown entering the House chamber for McKee's State of the State on Jan. 14, 2025, would receive a 2% pay raise, bringing his base salary to $192,000 a year. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Gov. Dan McKee's pitch to raise salaries for 11 state cabinet members is not getting the typical stamp of approval by state lawmakers. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi in an interview with Tara Granahan on WPRO on Monday expressed reservations with McKee's proposed pay hikes, noting the projected $250 million budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts July 1. 'We simply don't have that money,' Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, told Granahan. Of McKee's pay raises, Shekarchi said, 'It's a different message than what I am saying to every single advocacy group that comes to see me that wants funding.' Shekarchi also revealed he was not given any advanced notice of the governor's proposed pay bumps prior to reading about them in the Providence Journal. The Journal first reported on the annual salary increases last Friday, based on a public hearing notice filed by the Rhode Island Department of Administration. A public hearing on the pay increases for 11 cabinet heads will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the William E. Powers Department of Administration building, with an option for remote participation. It's not uncommon for some or all state cabinet directors to get an annual pay bump; state law allows for a vetting of department leaders each year in March. Proposed pay raises automatically take effect within 30 days of being referred to the Rhode Island General Assembly unless both chambers of the legislature reject them. Last year's raises were adopted without pushback from lawmakers. The 2024 pay hikes included a 42% raise for the vacant state health director post, which was subsequently filled by Dr. Jerry Larkin. This year, McKee has proposed 5% raises for nine cabinet heads. Another two positions heading the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety would see raises of 2% and 0.5%, respectively. McKee's office and the Department of Administration did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment Tuesday. However, Karen Greco, a spokesperson for DOA, told the Providence Journal the proposed salary increases were intended to keep Rhode Island competitive with neighboring states. Nine of the 11 cabinet positions slated to see increases in their 'base salary' levels — which does not account for overtime or other compensation and benefits — also received pay bumps in 2024. All of the cabinet heads set to receive a second year of consecutive salary raises are men, except for Ashley Deckert, director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Also in line for a salary increase: Rhode Island Department of Public Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr., who remains under close public scrutiny over his department's handling of the Washington Bridge closure and rebuild. Alviti's 2% raise, if approved, would bring his base salary to $192,000 a year. Alviti was appointed by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo in 2015; and is the longest-serving state cabinet member. DOA Director Jonathan Womer, who also got a raise last year, would see the largest dollar increase this year, from $185,590 to $194,880, under McKee's proposal, equal to 5%. Col. Darnell Weaver, Rhode Island State Police superintendent and director of the public safety department, would have the highest base pay of the 11 department heads proposed to receive increases; however, his $196,000 salary reflects only a 0.5% bump over the prior year. Other cabinet positions slated to receive raises for a second consecutive year include director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals; director of the Department of Corrections; director of the Department of Environmental Management; director of the Department of Labor and Training; and the director of the Department of Revenue. Two of the 11 cabinet positions up for raises this year did not receive them last year, both of which are held by women. Department of Business Regulation Director Elizabeth Dwyer and Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito were both appointed to their positions by McKee in 2023. Shekarchi told Granahan Monday that lawmakers are already hearing from constituents who are 'reacting very strongly' to the proposed salary increases this year. He did not specify whether certain positions were subject to more public scrutiny. Rep. Enrique Sanchez, a Providence Democrat, blasted the proposed increases as 'ridiculous' in a post on X on Monday night. 'Governor McKee is out of his mind if he thinks raising the salaries of Director Alviti and other cabinet members is a good idea,' Sanchez wrote. In 2022, McKee walked back his initial salary increases, spreading out pay bumps over two years amid pushback from the legislature. In 2013, former Gov. Lincoln Chafee in 2013 withdrew his proposed 6% raises for cabinet heads due to concern from legislative leaders of both parties, according to news reports. However, there's no record of lawmakers exercising their powers to reject pay raises through formal legislative action, according to Larry Berman, a spokesperson for Shekarchi. State law requires both chambers 'act concurrently' to take formal action to reject the proposed raises within 30 days. Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio in a joint statement Tuesday said they plan to discuss the proposed pay bumps with the governor this week and monitor the public hearing. They have not yet come out with plans to veto the pay increases. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Yahoo
A kidney doctor who trained at Ohio State was deported despite a valid visa.
A doctor with previous connections to Columbus has been deported after visiting family in Lebanon, despite having a legal visa and passport. Dr. Rasha Alawieh is a kidney specialist who did a fellowship at the Ohio State University's medical school from 2018-20. Alawieh hds been working at Brown University in Providence since July, according to the Providence Journal, a USA Today Network newspaper in Rhode Island. Alawieh recently obtained another visa and was returning from a two-week trip to see family in Lebanon Thursday when customs officials at Boston Logan International Airport detained her. Federal authorities deported Alawieh on Friday evening — despite a federal court order to delay her deportation flight for at least 48 hours. The Providence Journal reported that Alawieh, 34, worked at Rhode Island Hospital with kidney transplant recipients, evaluating patients at multiple stages of their procedures. She had recently attained from the American consulate in Lebanon an H-1B visa, a category for foreign nationals with extensive training in specialty fields that allowed her to be in the U.S. through mid-2027. That's according to one of her colleagues and Thomas S. Brown, an attorney who handles immigration and visa issues for doctors affiliated with Brown Medicine who spoke with the Providence Journal. Attorney Brown said Alawieh had the correct visa and passport: 'She was clear to return,' he told the Providence Journal. Alawieh first came to the United States in 2018 to complete a two-year fellowship at Ohio State University in nephrology, the medical specialty of kidney diseases, according to a complaint her cousin Yara Chehab filed in Massachusetts-based federal court. Alawieh is listed on an OSU website as a past fellow who finished her fellowship in 2020. Alawieh also did a transplant nephrology fellowship at the University of Washington and a residency at Yale University. She had a J-1 student visa for her first years in the United States, but the H-1B visa is more appropriate for teaching jobs, according to the court complaint. Despite delays in getting her visa while visiting Lebanon in February, her visa was issued on March 11, the complaint states. The Trump administration is reportedly considering travel bans on people from up to 43 countries, the New York Times reported Friday. Lebanon is not on the list, which is subject to change. awinfrey@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who trained at OSU, deported after Lebanon visit
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Jury convicts Cranston woman in fatal hit-and-run. Here's how long she could spend in prison
WARWICK – A Cranston woman is facing two to a maximum of 25 years in prison after a jury found her guilty on two charges for a fatal hit-and-run in 2020. On Wednesday, a jury found Skyla Gilroy, 24, guilty on one count each of driving to endanger resulting in death and failure to stop after being involved in an accident that resulted in death, according to online court dockets. Gilroy is set to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on May 23 by Superior Court Judge Luis Matos. Warwick police said at the time that Gilroy was driving the 2008 Nissan Rogue on Dec. 22, 2020, that struck and dragged Donald L. Boss, 51, of West Warwick, near the Speedway Gas Station, and Gilroy "immediately left the scene." Police found him in the road and he was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In a news release, attorney general's office spokesman Tim Rondeau wrote that police responded to a report of a man hit by a car. Boss and two other people had gone there to buy drugs, Rondeau wrote, citing witness testimony. "When the seller arrived, Donald approached the vehicle, and after a brief argument, the driver (the defendant) began to exit the parking lot with the victim still hanging on to the vehicle," Rondeau wrote. "As the vehicle quickly accelerated, Donald fell to the ground and later passed away from his injuries." Gilroy was both the driver and the girlfriend of the person who was selling the drugs, he wrote. Video surveillance from the area showed a blue Nissan Rogue with three people inside, which police later confirmed was Gilroy's car. In the news release, Attorney General Peter Neronha wrote that had Gilroy reported the incident, "the outcome may have been different." "Instead, she will undoubtedly serve a significant sentence for her crimes," Neronha wrote. U.S. Marshals in Arizona arrested Gilroy on the Warwick arrest warrant in February 2021, and she was extradited back to Rhode Island. Gilroy faces a potential sentence of two to 25 years. The driving to endanger resulting in death charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, with no minimum. The failure to stop after being involved in an accident that resulted in death charge carries a minimum sentence of two years and a maximum of 15. In January, Matos sentenced a 33-year-old man to 17 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run in 2022. In that case, Aramis Segura hit 17-year-old Olivia Passaretti's car while driving an estimated 100 mph, then fled with his girlfriend's help. A jury convicted Segura on the same two counts Gilroy was convicted on, driving to endanger resulting in death and failure to stop after being involved in an accident that resulted in death. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. . Staff writers Jack Perry and Katie Mulvaney contributed to this story. Follow Wheeler Cowperthwaite on X, @WheelerReporter, or reach him by email at wcowperthwaite@ This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Skyla Gilroy convicted in deadly hit-and-run in Warwick in 2020
