General Assembly passes bill to name media room at Amica Pavilion after late Journal columnist Bill Reynolds
STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today passed legislation (2024-S 2034, 2024-H 7221) introduced by Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) and Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich) that would name the media work room in the Amica Mutual Pavilion in honor of Bill Reynolds, the beloved Providence Journal columnist who died in July 2023.
“Bill’s column was a must-read for all Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Lombardi. “His contribution to sports reporting and his advocacy for high school sports has left an indelible mark on this state, and I’m glad and proud to introduce this legislation to memorialize a man who should be remembered for generations.”
Reynolds’ column, “For What It’s Worth,” which ran on Saturdays, dealt with topics that often strayed from sports to whatever happened to be on his mind, especially Rhode Island issues. He also authored several books, including “Hope: A School, A Team, A Dream,” “Fall River Dreams,” “Basketball Junkie” and “Born to Coach.”
“Rhode Island journalism lost a great treasure with the passing of Bill Reynolds,” said Representative Shanley. “With this gesture, his name will live on for a long time, as it does in the hearts of all those who knew him and read his column.”
The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
