August 2020

 “Culture is the habits, the traditions, the preferences, and even the attractions that flow socially – not something that we get by instinct, but the actual culture socially. Usually we first learn it from our mothers, then our parents and social groups. This is how it works for us and the many other animals that […]

The following message was shared by Town Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, Aug. 19: Thank you to the many people who took the time to send the Town Council their thoughts and feelings on the moped issue. The comments received for Sunday’s emergency meeting are now on Clerkbase, attached to the August 16 agenda: https://clerkshq.com/NewShoreham-RI (then go

The following announcement from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was forwarded to The Block Island Times on Wednesday, Aug. 19: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds hikers, bike riders, horseback riders, and all other visitors that, for safety reasons, they must wear solid, daylight fluorescent orange when in state management

Mahogany Shoals, after being cited for non-compliance by the state Department of Business Regulations, was re-instated on Monday, Aug. 17 because the establishment “has satisfied the terms and conditions of” the original non-compliance order, which was posted by DBR on Aug. 14. Sands Payne, owner of Mahogany Shoals, voiced frustration over the state’s inspection program.

Island resident and activist Sarah Bacon, who recently founded the coalition #RespectBI for moped reform, spoke with The Block Island Times about an upcoming Zoom meeting she has organized regarding moped operations. The community discussion will commence on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Q: Hi Sarah! Thank you for reaching out to The Block

After about an hour and a half of a discussion that discussed a wide range of options about how to modify moped rentals, the Town Council approved a motion by Second Warden André Boudreau to reduce the amount of mopeds rented by each moped operator from “34 down to 25 mopeds, effected immediately.” The vote

Ahead of a Zoom meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 by a new group calling itself #RespectBI Coalition, which is asking for a comprehensive plan to ensure educated moped customers, a young man has started a petition on change.org to “create tighter restrictions around moped rentals on Block Island.” The creator of the petition, Lucien Menard, said

UPDATE: The temporary restraining order has been denied, according to First Warden Ken Lacoste. He said there was an indication in court today that a preliminary injunction may be requested by the plaintiffs, which may turn out to be unnecessary as dialogue between the town and business license holders is ongoing. Outdoor entertainment licenses are

UPDATE: Lacoste made an announcement in open session at 10:40 p.m. “that no votes were taken in closed session. I make a motion to continue the emergency meeting until 5 p.m. tomorrow.” The motion was seconded by Boudreau, and was carried unanimously by the council. Willi was recused from the motion. “We will talk to everyone

Did you know there are more than 100 edible wild seafood species in our local waters? Learn how our seafood choices can help sustain local fisheries with Kate Masury of Eating With The Ecosystem:“A Place Based Approach to Sustaining New England’s Wild Seafood” at 7 p.m., August 18th, BIMI’s third Tuesday Talk of the 2020