September 2, 2015

RI Pride honors Steve Ahlquist, Kate Monteiro

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At its annual gala, Rhode Island Pride will recognize Kate Monteiro, a gay rights activist, and Steve Ahlquist, a progressive journalist, for their contributions to the LGBT community. The event is Sunday, September 13, 6:30 at the Providence Marriott.

Monteiro, who has been on the front lines of the fight for gay rights in Rhode Island for decades, will be presented with the prestigious “Pyramid of Pride” award.

“Kate’s tireless advocacy for the state’s LGBT community dates back more than 30 years and while no one individual could ever be said to be the single leading light of the struggle for gay rights in Rhode Island, her name would unquestionably come up for consideration in any such discussion,” RI Pride said in a press release. “In 2015, the year that has seen nationwide legalization of gay marriage, it is only fitting that the Pyramid of Pride award should go to Kate Monteiro.”

Monteiro said of the honor,”It sounds like cliche to say I stand on the shoulders of giants. But the truth is I have been blessed to have been born and raised in this time and place – to be witness to such great changes, and to have worked shoulder to shoulder with so many great RI activists – a great number of the straight allies who took our cause as their own. You can’t ask for a better place to raise some hell than the Greatest Little State!”

Ahlquist, a journalist for RI Future and a well-respected community activist, is being honored with the “Spirit of Pride” award.

“Steve has tirelessly covered any and all LGBT events from marriage equality testimony in the Statehouse to rallies against hate crimes and efforts to promote transgender health,” said RI Pride of Ahlquist. “His activism is by no means limited to the gay community as he also advocates workers’ rights, efforts against homelessness, and other social justice issues including those that affect women, racial minorities, and any other marginalized groups in the state. Steve is primarily known as one of the founders of the Humanists of Rhode Island and was honored as their Humanist of the Year in 2014. Rhode Island Pride takes great pleasure in following the Humanists and designating Steve Ahlquist as the recipient of the Spirit of Pride Award in 2015.”

Ahlquist said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by RI PRIDE. I will treasure this award and let it remind me every day that there are countless people without voice seeking liberation and equality. I see it it as my duty, as a journalist, not to provide the voice, but to provide the microphone, the amplifier, through which these voices can be heard. I won’t stop.”

The gala will also feature food and live music. Click on the image for more information:

September 2, 2015August 9, 2016

Labor reactions to Raimondo’s Workplace Fraud Unit settlement with Cardoso Construction

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Labor leaders and activists reacted positively to Governor Gina Raimondo‘s announcement yesterday that a “new Workplace Fraud Unit within the Department of Labor and Training‘s (DLT) Workplace Regulation and Safety division recently reached a settlement with a company that admitted to violating worker protection laws. Cardoso Construction LLC agreed to pay more than $730,000 in back wages, interest and penalties. This is the first significant action of this new unit.”

According to the press release, “DLT officials found the violation on a drywall job at the University of Rhode Island. After investigating, they determined that the company should have characterized the workers as ’employees,’ but they were mischaracterized as ‘independent contractors.'”

Cardoso Construction will, “pay a total of $351,812 in back wages to the workers, pay DLT an identical penalty of $351,812, and pay a fine of $27,000 – $1,000 per worker – for violating the state misclassification law.”

In a statement, the RI AFL-CIO wrote, “Big News and a very important step forward with a clear and strong message from Governor Gina Raimondo and DLT Director Scott Jensen that employers perpetuating fraud and deception will not be tolerated in the State of Rhode Island any longer.”

Jesse Strecker, executive director of RI Jobs With Justice, told me, “Seems to be a great step forward as far as I can tell. The DLT has definitely suffered from underfunding in the past, and it’s great to see some more resources being directed to wage and hour violations and miss-classification, all of which are hugely pervasive problems.”

Wage theft allegations have been made against several local restaurants in Rhode Island. Fuerza Laboral has protested outside Gourmet Heaven several times over the last year and protested outside the home of Cafe Atlantic owner Juan Noboa.

In the Governor’s press release, the seriousness of misclassification was outlined:

When employers misclassify employees as independent contractors, they harm workers, hurt other companies that play by the rules, and cheat taxpayers. By misclassifying workers, companies:

• Deny employees access to critical benefits such as Unemployment Insurance (UI), workers’ compensation insurance, overtime pay, and family and medical leave;

• Hurt law-abiding employers who play by the rules but are unfairly under-bid for work; and

• Cheat taxpayers by lowering tax revenues and robbing UI and workers’ compensation funds of much-needed dollars.

To combat this, the Governor has outlined a “four-point action plan”:

1. Using existing funding to create a new Workplace Fraud Unit to focus DLT’s efforts on dishonest companies

2. Coordinating state agency efforts and pooling resources to conduct investigations and bring enforcement actions with maximum impact

3. Enforcing worker protection laws to the fullest extent and spotlighting businesses that cheat

4. Fostering compliance with the law through employer outreach and education

From the Governor’s press release:

“It’s only fair to repay the employees who were underpaid for months on the job, and this agreement will achieve that,” said Raimondo. “Everyone must compete by the same rules on public projects in Rhode Island, and this settlement is sending the clear message that we will be cracking down on abuse.”

“Following the same rules as everyone else is not a barrier to success,” said DLT Director Scott Jensen. “We will continue to protect our community’s investment in our workforce, and we remain committed to helping Rhode Island companies grow their businesses and play by the rules. I also applaud the work of the Joint Task Force on the Underground Economy and Employee Misclassification, who along with the new Workplace Fraud unit, moved this case forward.”

The DLT Director leads this Task Force, which was established in 2014, and consists of DLT, the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Taxation, Department of Business Regulation, Department of Public Safety and Workers’ Compensation Court.

September 2, 2015

Tuesday to Tuesday arts and entertainment calendar

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It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare. As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks. Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

9/1
Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free
Why not? It is a skill that helps bring people together and form bonds well beyond the thread.
9/2
Paper Theatre by Great Small Works and Facto Teatro at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $15
It may be a bit costly, but a paper-doll puppet show is worth your time.
9/3
Movies on the Block: GANGS OF NEW YORK at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
It’s not the best of Scorsese’s work, but it is still an amazing work.
9/4
SwapDrobe: Co-Ed Wardrobe & Accessories Swap at Green Envy Eco Boutique, 5 pm, $5
A great opportunity to engage in the ethics of green living, something we all need to be taught about.
9/5
Grungy Garage – a DIY Trunk Sale Event at Jimmy’s Saloon, 2 pm, $10 (21+)
The adventures that can be found just beg for you to attend.
9/6
From Scratch: A Works in Process Night at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $7
Come out to see some of the exciting work coming soon to a venue near you!
9/7
Romp of Otters’ Season Launch Party at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free
It’s a holiday, sorry folks. Please send some tips my way so we can get this calendar to grow!
9/8
Cross-Armed Calculator (PVD), Incircles (NY) and Tape-Eater (MA) at Dusk, 9 pm, $6 (18+)
Come see a gathering of bands from three states together at a great venue!

9/1
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

“I Do, I Do” Exhibit at Linden Place Mansion, 10 am, $8/$6 seniors

Songs to Drive Cars, Baggie Rajwah, Valley Reverse and Mic P at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 PM, $6

Open Sewing Circle at AS220, 9 pm, Free

9/2
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Clothing Optional: A Figurative Show at ArtProv, 11 am, Free

Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition (RI BIKE) Speaker Series at AS220 Main Stage, 6 pm, Free

Paper Theatre by Great Small Works and Facto Teatro at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $15

Voodoo Cuisine, Deceiving Texture, Hombres Del Mar, and ThunderBug at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

9/3
Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15 pm, $13 per class; $60 for 6 classes

Movies on the Block: GANGS OF NEW YORK at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

2015 Burnside Music Series: Javelin + Preshow sounds by Analog Underground! at Kennedy Plaza, 4:30 pm, Free

LAST SHOW! ALEX AND ANI Summer Concert Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, 6 pm, $10 per car

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Free Speech Thursdays Presents: Providence Poetry Slam at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $4

Sayings, Actor Observer, In Depths and Tides, This Side of Paradise, and Patrick Cowley at The Met, 7 pm, $10 Adv/$12 Day Of

9/4
Friday Night Live, Open Stage, and Lemonade at Everett Stage, 6:30 pm, $5

Opening Reception for Inspiration at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, 5 pm, Free

SwapDrobe: Co-Ed Wardrobe & Accessories Swap at Green Envy Eco Boutique, 5 pm, $5

Encaustic paintings by Anne Marie Rossi at Imago August, Noon, Free

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Spitehouse, Kyoty, Land Of Fires and Casino Hunks @ AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Live Bait: Race at 95 Empire Black Box, 10 pm, $7

Natur and Balam at The Parlor, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

Color Me Badd, Rob Base, The Original and TKA at Lupo’s, 8 pm, $60/$50/$30/$25

The Dead LA, Truth In Soul, and Brother Moon Music at Lupo’s, 8 pm, $8

9/5
Grungy Garage – a DIY Trunk Sale Event at Jimmy’s Saloon, 2 pm, $10 (21+)

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4 pm, Free

Hoop-la! at Providence Children’s Museum, 9 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

LAST DAY! Summer Work at Hera Gallery, 10 am, Free

And then That Happened….Again! featuring Christopher Johnson at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $10 (Free for Brown/RISD Students)

Whenskiesaregray, Terror Eyes, There is Nothing Wrong With Your Television Set and Ember Wreath at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $6

Improv Jones at AS220 Black Box, 10 pm, $5

The Wishing, The Wolf Hongos, Steve Donovan & The IRS, and Warbler Roost at The Parlour, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

Where The Wild Things Are Julians & Allagash Beer Dinner at the Steel Yard, 6:30 pm, $99

The J. Geils Band at India Point Park, 6:30 pm, $69

The Wishing, The Wolf Hongos, Steve Donovan & The IRS and Warbler Roost @ The Parlour, 9 pm, $5 (21+)

9/6
Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet w/ Stephanie Albanese at 95 Empire Dance Studio, Noon, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

2nd Annual Live Happy Live Healthy Live Green Expo at River Island Park, 10 am, Free

Hoop-la! at Providence Children’s Museum, 9 am, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

LAST DAY! “Island Time” at the Bristol Art Museum, 1 pm, $2

From Scratch: A Works in Process Night at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $7

The Empire Revue Presents: The Surprise Show! at AS220 Main Stage, 8 pm, $10

Rager In A Box: Headband (Blt) Charles Dube (Blt) Multinerango Sun (Oak) Gyna Bootleg, Time-Based Corrector Thorn at AS220’s Blackbox, 10 pm, $5

Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Mega Show at The Scurvy Dog, 2 pm, Free

G-Eazy at Lupo’s, 6 pm, $38/$42

9/7
Romp of Otters’ Season Launch Party at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, Free

9/8
Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Brian 4 Ever, Mike Mountain, Invisible Robot Hands at Psychic Readings, 9 pm, $5

Black Wool, Auvn, The Conversation, and Antonio Forte at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm, $6

Cross-Armed Calculator (PVD), Incircles (NY) and Tape-Eater (MA) at Dusk, 9 pm, $6 (18+)