This week's weather may justify a "cooler & warmer" slogan for Rhode Island, but our readers continue to answer our query: "Think you can do better?"
More than four dozen recommendations, some accompanied with art and explanations, were mailed to the Providence Journal's headquarters downtown as Governor Raimondo listened to numerous complaints and ultimately ditched the tourism and branding tagline unveiled at a Commerce Corporation meeting more than a week ago.
The sent-by-post suggestions are in addition to several online submissions already received, such as "Anchor Here" and "Rhode Island: An Ocean of Possibilities."
Many took the state's beautiful waters, beaches and coastline into consideration when sharing their motto.
East Greenwich resident Michael J. Hayes offers "Rhode Island: Shore Beautiful," "Rhode Island: A Shore Thing" and "Rhode Island: Shore Nice."
In submitting "Oceans of Fun & Recreation," Johnston's Richard Lobello explains, "This is direct, to-the-point attracting tourism and blends in Rhode Island being the Ocean State."
A lifelong resident and Vietnam War veteran, Coventry's Ray Chamberland chose: "Sea the Ocean State."
Warwick's Darlene McCall suggests "Coast with the Most" while East Providence resident Jim Kinder also rhymes with his idea, "A Beach Within Reach."
"Rhode Island has more to offer than just its ocean beaches," says Regina M. Cabral, of Smithfield. "Beauty can be found in architecture, mansions, cathedrals, bridges, historical sites and farmlands."
She continues, "There is beauty in its zoos, wildlife refuges, festivals, parades, regattas, polo matches, forts, taverns, ocean drives and WaterFires. Let's not forget the beautiful minds that attend our wonderful colleges and universities, nor the customs and cultures that have created such diversity in Rhode Island restaurants."
Cabral sums up her sentiments with this motto: "Rhode Island: Beauty and the Beach."
In agreement, others tried to capture more of what Little Rhody has to give potential tourists.
Barrington resident Wendy Wing gives, "Small and Salty."
Providence resident George J. Coleman, uses Latin in one of his ideas: "Rhode Island: Multum in Parvo," which translates into "Much in Little." He also gave "Small Scale & Smart Sized," "The Substance of Things Hoped For" and "Rhode Island is Treasure Island."
Saunderstown resident Clarice D. Anderes writes, "For a slogan, Rhode Island Old & New, says it better in my opinion. It can conjure up our beginnings with Roger Williams, the burning of the Gaspee, Touro Synagogue, Newport mansions... We can save money and keep the signs on the highways because Beautiful Rhode Island, old and new, welcomes you."
Warwick's Anne F. Wolfe, also tapped into the state's past with two of her three suggestions: "Historic & Quaint" & "History & Discovery."
A few couldn't help tying a slogan to Rhode Island's designation as the smallest state in the country.
Pawtucket's Louis Tetreault suggests, "The Smallest has the Greatest..."
Providence resident Morton Paige used state logos elsewhere for his inspiration: "New York has 'I Love NY,' Virginia has 'Virginia for Lovers.' For RI, may I suggest the 'We Love You' state or 'R.I. Loves You.'"
In his love for his state, North Kingstown's David S. Nicholson simply suggests: "Rhode Island Rocks."
"Other than politics," he writes, "we really do rock. Think of the possibilities."
(c)2016 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.)
