Columns | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Commentary: '40,000 Headmen'

Originating in the (aptly named) rainforest’s hills, a heavy nighttime downpour sluiced palm fronds, bamboo and other plant life into the sea. In the dawn, coconuts sporting long hairlike … more

By Rick Massie | 3/18/25

Commentary: This place, East Providence, has long been my professional, personal muse

First time I taught a class, it was shortly after mid-century, at the corner of James Street and Taunton Avenue, high up a steep stairway. And it was a French class. I had studied, at Harvard, under … more

By Mike Fink | 2/23/23

Commentary: Recollecting on the hits and misses with those revered and renowned

I have finally, at long last, figured out how to travel...from Providence to East Providence. My lifelong habit was to cross a little red bridge and voila! There I was, decade after … more

By Mike Fink | 1/20/23

The writer’s uncle, Herb, with Herb's daughter, Sarah, and his sketches on the wall.

Commentary: Uncle Herb...wounded warrior, proud pirate, devoted dad, awesome artist

The end of an era…I have to close the door to my office/salon for the final farewell to a record-breaking career. Here's the history of my project and my prospect. My youngest uncle, who … more

By Mike Fink | 12/23/22

Commentary: Thank you ‘Townie Nation’ for sharing in a lifetime of memories

On January 3, I will humbly take the oath of office and become Rhode Island’s 13th Secretary of State. That will officially conclude my 32-plus years as an educator, coach and athletic director … more

By Gregg Amore | 12/22/22

Commentary: RIMEA applauds strengthening of Arts Education in new graduation requirements

Following months of debate and collaboration with the Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA) and other RI arts education groups, the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Council on … more

By David Neves | 12/9/22

The writer...ehem "candidate"... (center, right holding sign) with his family after last week's election.

Column: My ambition to fight for freedom hasn’t faded, it's just postponed

I ran for a public office..as an independent. And lost. Everybody thinks of victory, like vengeance, as sweet. A car that doesn't work well is called a lemon. If you don't reap a reward, you call … more

By Mike Fink | 11/17/22

Commentary: The horseless carriage is a necessity, but a simple stroll will do, too

We drove east — and south and north? — from East Providence to pay a late autumn visit to the Cape…”Cod," of course. We took over a beach dwelling, like the literary … more

By Mike Fink | 11/14/22

Commentary: Asking voters to once again support school construction bond referenda items

I am so pleased to once again be able to write to the people of East Providence. And I am once again asking you to vote in the upcoming elections. I ask this for a couple of reasons. Voting is … more

By Kathryn M. Crowley | 10/20/22

Commentary: Let’s listen and speak to each other instead of being against our neighbors

The Harvest Moon holds appeal for people from a global range of cultures. We celebrate here at Thanksgiving and like to think we are thanking the indigenous tribes for helping us to prepare the local … more

By Mike Fink | 10/13/22

Commentary: Put your cell phone away for a minute...enjoy the beauty of nature in the fall

Look up from your cell phone. Please. The sky is on fire. Don’t miss it. Foliage is transitioning to flame and to tangerine and to ochre. These colors, hidden in summer, are becoming visible as … more

By Betsy Shea-Taylor | 10/13/22

Commentary: Labor Day 2022...America’s workforce is stronger than ever

On Labor Day we honor the achievements of America’s workers, and in 2022 we have a historic victory to celebrate. Our nation’s working people have come all the way back from the depths of … more

By Marty Walsh | 9/1/22

Column: Why I voted against East Providence's FY22 budget

When elected by the residents of Ward 4 and entrusted to represent our taxpayers, I made a promise to be the voice of our residents, YOU. I believe the budget process is not a spectator event. The … more

By Ricardo Mourato | 10/10/21

Commentary: I miss my dad each Father’s Day and salute him for days and weeks beyond

He was born in London, the Edwardian early 20th century, when Britain still ruled the world's waves. But shortly after the death of his younger brother, their mother died and he was sent to New York … more

By Mike Fink | 6/18/20

Commentary: Underage drinking during COVID-19

EAST BAY — Today we face a national crisis in the form of a deadly pandemic. However, we at the East Bay Regional Coalition remind all there is a hidden link between COVID-19 and other national … more

5/21/20

Commentary: Saddened masterpiece ‘Superman’ building is being thrown into the dustbin

Paris is endeavoring to repair and restore Notre Dame Cathedral. We here in Providence have neglected our only Skyscraper, the most poetic and "philosophical" structure in our downtown. It saddens me … more

By Mike Fink | 2/14/20