EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence School Department announced mid-afternoon Monday, Feb. 3, that due to the current snowstorm all activities this evening have been postponed.

For more details on all closing affecting the city and the area click here…

A woman who had worked for decades at the Citizens Bank on Willett Avenue on the Riverside-Barrington line is facing police charges after she allegedly stole more than $100,000 from an elderly East Providence woman.

Police say that Sherry A. Blaydes Jarvis, 49, of Riverside, befriended a bank customer and, over the course of six or seven years, illegally drained money out of the woman’s bank accounts.

Barrington Police Det. Lt. Dino DeCrescenzo said a fraud investigator with Citizens Bank contacted the department earlier this year, shortly after the investigator discovered discrepancies with the customer’s accounts.

For months, police and bank officials studied the situation and on Friday, Jan. 31, officers arrested Ms. Blaydes Jarvis. Police charged her with three felonies — exploitation of an elder; larceny over $1,500; and obtaining money under false pretenses. Ms. Blaydes Jarvis turned herself into police on Friday, accompanied by her attorney, Paul DiMaio.

Police say the suspect was “let-go” from her employer shortly after they discovered the situation. Ms. Blaydes Jarvis reportedly worked for the local bank branch for approximately 20 years.

Det. Lt. DeCrescenzo said the victim was in her late 70s and was not “savvy” with her banking. “The elderly woman entrusted her (Ms. Blaydes Jarvis) so much that this woman took care of her everyday banking. She (the victim) didn’t really check her accounts,” he said.

Local police have seen quite a few similar cases, where people have taken advantage of older residents. Often times, the elderly victims are alone — this Riverside woman was a widow and had no family in the area.

“They need someone who can be trusted,” Det. Lt. DeCrescenzo said.

The detective added that the bank and its investigators were “extremely helpful” with the case.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Public Works Department is delaying the collection of trash in the city beginning with pick-ups scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, due to the overnight snowstorm expected to hit the area.

Upwards of six inches or more of snow is in the forecast, the storm anticipated to begin some time after midnight Wednesday.

Collections will resume Thursday, Feb. 6, with the remainder of the schedule for the week also delayed a day from its regular date.

In addition, Public Works and the East Providence Police Department announced a parking ban takes effect in East Providence as of midnight Wednesday, Feb. 5.

To track any potential closings due to the storm click here…

EAST PROVIDENCE — On the heels of earlier announcements by the city’s private and parochial schools, the East Providence School Department cancelled classes for Wednesday, Feb. 5, in anticipation of significant amounts of snow expected to fall in the overnight hours.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Mr. Frank DeVall, Principal of Martin Middle School, announces the Honor Roll for the 2013-14 second quarter marking period. Honors are as follows: 1st Honors, “Summa Cum Laude” (all A’s) 2nd Honors “Magna Cum Laude” (all A’s and B’s) and 3rd Honors “Cum Laude” (A’s, B’s and no more than one C). Students are listed last name, first and middle initial.

Summa Cum Laude


6th Grade


Abrams, Micah; Andrade, Daniel; Brito, MacKenna; Budnick, Samuel; Costa, Katie; Duff, China; Guertin, Vanessa; Jackson, Mia; Messier, Paige; Murphy, Stephanie; Pattie, Aaliyah; Ramsey, Holly; Rivera, Ethan; Spears, Hyacinth; Teixeira, Joseph; Vecchiarelli, Eliza; Wolfe, Stella.

7th Grade

Almaarrawi, Zainab; Aronhalt, Jillian; Babbitt, Vilette A; Campbell, Madison R; Cardoso Sequeira, Danira Diamantina; Carlson, Lily M; Costa, Sabrina V.; Cruz, Clara A; Foster, Maya R; Garcia, Jarod A; Heck, Taylor M; Kollett, Noah Michael; Kondon, Helen R; Martins, Tyler C; Matteson, Mariana E.; Mottur, Nathaniel H; Mulamba, Esther A; Osei, Jacqueline; Resto Bravo, Keysha Naneth; Rinaldi, Logan Elise; Soares, Olivia M; Solomito, Haley Nicole; Teodoro, Haley E; Vieira, Alyssa T.; Voll, John C; Yang, Amy

8th Grade

Abrams, Grace N; Alvernaz, Lucas; Chanthavong, Leann T; Cochran, Matthew M; Corrente, Noah J; Costa, Alexander J; Costa, Jessica L; Desmarais, Kyle R; Doval, Zoe T; Esposito-Russell, Kaleigh M; Flowers, Alexander J; Hazard, Shaniah S; Hendricks, Hannah V; Lawrence, Rose M.; Lethbridge, Andrew J; Medeiros, Zachary J; Messier, Ashlyn O; Monteiro, Sophia N; Placido, Hailey V; Shankar, Ashley A; St. Hilaire, Erin N; Strother, Daniel D; Tillman, Taliq K; Trowbridge, Blake; Turner, Madison R.

Magna Cum Laude


6th Grade

Andrews, Matthew; Arruda, Anthony; Bah, Jionna; Bailey, Cameron; Bento, Zachary; Boyle, Ashton; Britto, Quinn; Cabral, Matthew; Caldeira, Talya; Calise, Sophia; Carlson, Karissa; Carroll, Samantha; Cassino-Henriquez, Ashley; Chartier, Jade; Colin, Susan; Costa, Mia; Cruz, Isabel; DaPonte, Emily; DeAndrade, Troy; Driscoll-Nicholaus, Simone; Dumapias, Dwyneth Rose; Ferreira, Alvaro; Foley, Kaylin; Gilmore, Jenna; Gomersall, Hailey; Good, Alexandra; Grover, Christian, Ibarra, Dayanna; Jessop IV, John; Kassed,   Jace; Labanca, Veronica; Melo, Tiago; Mingo, Shiyah, Monteiro, Melanie; Niblett, Tahjin; Oliveira, Victoria; Perdomo, Jeremy; Pina, Richard; Pinheiro, Justin; Ray, Derrick; Reid, Parker; Rodrigues ,Luana; Seagrave, Keegan; Sequeira, Danny; Soares, Evan; Souza, Kyliegh; Studley, Willow; Swanson, Sophia; Thornton, Terohn; Vargas, Luis; Zollo Jared.

7th Grade

Adamjan, Elizabeth; Alba, Alyssa J; Baez, Gianna; Barber, Jayden; Bartlett, Zachary N; Braga, Angela M; Brosco, Kaylee R; Callejas, Noah Maximus; Castano, Sofia; Cherry, Julianna Jazlyn; Cooley, Deonna M.; Dacier, Amaya Mercedes; Defontes, Mikayla; DosSantos, Tianna D.; Downes, Sarah E.; Drainville, Emily; Dumapias, Arman Royce P; Felix, Katherinne; Fernandes, Ryan; Freitas, Jake R.; Gamboa, Jelviana; Goncalo, Alexia; Grossi, Joseph A.; Harris, Kayla L; Heck, Trevor M; Jones, Kendall; Jorgenson, Hannah Marie; Landry, Jared; Langie, Kassidy E.; Macnie, Jennifer G; Martins, Sabrina M; Medeiros, Carolina Soares; Medeiros, Mikayla; Moniz, Melissa A; Pereira, Elisiah; Perry, Andrew Keith; Petion, Cedric A; Pires, Raquel C; Quaresma, Talia E; Randall, Yvonne; Rebollo, Christiana; Rivers, Hayleigh; Romero, Cameron L.; Salisbury, Sean; Sam, Lynette S; Santos, Isac N; Silva, Andrew Leite; Silverstein, Samuel C; Soares, Sabrina; Teixeira, Rose M; Viveiros, Brianna; Zakrzewski, Nikolai J

8th Grade

Acosta, Preston; Avedisian, Adam J; Braz-Gomes, Licinia; Coffey, Cole; Concepcion,; Christopher; Costa, Richard; DaPonte, Marco P; Del Savio, Lucas C; Feliciano, Joseph I; Flor, Shawn N; Gomes, Stephanie R; Goncalo, Justin A; Hanrahan, Richard Allen; Kiessling, Michael A; LaBadie, Nicholas; Lemos, Mya R; Lima, Jared M; Lopes, Edla D; Martins, Angelica V; Martins, Anthony M; McBride, Mary M; Mendillo, Kate F; Nolette, Sara E; O’Rourke, Logan Chevalier; Pinheiro, Helena C;Ramsey, Emily A; Rivet, Devin D; Silva, Adamary E; Silveira, Nicholas J; Smart, Rebecca Lynn; Tashdjian, Dylan John.

Cum Laude


6th Grade

Almeida, Kaleb; Bennett, Jasmine; Bettencourt, Bethany; Bettencourt, Nathan; Carranza, Miguel;  Chibante Sasha; Corey Kacie; Crombie, Rhiannon; DeCiantis Matthew; Fernandes, Chelsea; Ferro William; Fialho, Jayden; Francis Caislin; Gomes, Madisyn; Laughlin, Shayla; Mackey, Sarah; Malone, Ian; Mesa, Kathy; Monteiro, Viviana; Pereira, Teresa; Perkins, McKenzie; Pilon, Kyara; Robertson, Sidney; Robinson, Eric; Rodriguez, Tereso; Santos, Jalivia; Santos, Lianna; Williams, Ariana.

7th Grade

Couto, Lance J; Dorsey, Aaliyah M; Gonzalez, Felix Paul; Harney, Jack M; Head, Mamatahemotu L; Jefferson, Zayd Dean; LaBadie, Ronald; Legassey, Maximus J; Lopes, Jared A.; Massaroco, Mason C; Noresca, Mitchel T; Paiva, Colby M; Paquette, Mason S; Pedini, Connor Christopher; Reis, Dylan; Roman, Alexander G; Thomas, Nicoi Carol

8th Grade

Andrade, Kyle E; Badji, Hasna-Kaari; Botelho, Alexander P; Boyles, Jasmine L; Braga, Nathan N; Camara, Lexi L; Clifton, Jaysha Elaine; Costello, Jessica A; Fortes, Shiyenne M; Gilmore, Sarinna J; McBride, Molly C; Medeiros, Kyle A; Mendes, Treyvon A; Oliveira, Kianna L; Silva, Lexacy M; Vieira, Melissa C.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department will be starting a Citizens Police Academy Class this spring. The academy is a 12-week program of weekly 2 to 3 hour meetings. A tentative starting date is March 20, dependent upon recruitment.

All instructors are East Providence Police Officers who volunteer their time to educate the public on various aspects of law enforcement. Topics that are presented include criminal investigations, patrol operations, crime scene investigation, communications operations, and much more.

Academy members may participate in mock motor vehicle stops, mock building searches, and equipment demonstrations. The goal of the Academy is to enhance police-community relations by providing citizens with an in-depth look at law enforcement and the officers who execute their policing duties. This Academy has been very successful since its inception in 1996.

To participate in the Academy, one must be 18 years of age, a resident of the City of East Providence and have no criminal record. Class size is generally limited to 20 members.

The Academy culminates in a graduation ceremony where city officials, police officers, and the participants’ families are cordially invited to attend. A certificate, Citizens Police Academy pins and Citizens Police Academy mementos are presented to the Academy graduates.

Applications may be obtained at the Police Department headquarters located at 750 Waterman Avenue or by contacting Community Relations Officer Thomas Aguiar at 401-435-7600 Ext. 20191. The application may also be found on the City of East Providence web site www.eastprovidence.com. 

EAST PROVIDENCE (Updated, Feb. 10, 5 p.m.) — Residents from throughout the city and specifically those close by are urged to attend a Riverside Square neighborhood community meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Congregational Church, located at 15 Oak Ave.

The meeting centers on plans for the redevelopment of land that once housed the former VAMCO jewelry plant along with a pair of dilapidated homes on adjacent parcels on Bullocks Point Avenue just off Riverside Square.

After remediation of the land, a chain link fence has encased the property for the better part of the last year. The main question to be asked is “what do you think will replace the fence?…Shopping?…Housing?…Office space?…Or a little bit of everything?

East Providence Community Development Coordinator David Bachrach is expected to participate in the meeting to gain insight and ideas from the community.

“I will present a status of the site namely that it is almost cleaned to the point when it can be developed. I will then solicit ideas as to what the community would like to see developed. Lastly, I will broaden the discussion out to Riverside in general. I expect some discussion regarding affordable housing,” Mr. Bachrach said of his expectations for the meeting.

NORTH SCITUATE — Members of the Rhode Island State Police Detective Division arrested Andrew Silvestri, 19, of 21 Harris St., East Providence, Sunday, Feb. 9, for the alleged crimes of Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography, Major Todd Catlow, RISP Detective Commander, announced Monday, Feb. 10.

The Rhode Island Airport Police advised State Police Saturday, Feb. 8, that they had a 13-year-old female in protective custody that had just arrived at T. F. Green Airport on a flight from South Carolina.  The Airport Police were alerted to the juvenile by concerned passengers on the flight that learned she was traveling alone and was going to visit a male subject she met on the internet.   During the initial investigation the Airport Police learned that the male subject was in fact 19-year-old Andrew Silvestri, and at this point members of the Rhode Island State Police Detective Bureau responded to assist.

Detectives learned that the juvenile met Mr. Silvestri on the internet and the juvenile was led to believe that Mr. Silvestri was 17-years-old.  The investigation also revealed that Mr. Silvestri had allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to the juvenile on several occasions.  The juvenile’s mother was aware of the relationship and gave permission for the juvenile to fly to Rhode Island.

Detectives examined the juvenile’s cell phone and observed numerous text messages and pictures between Mr. Silvestri and the juvenile, some of which were inappropriate.  The relationship between Mr. Silvestri and the juvenile continued through Facebook, Skype, text messages, and telephone conversations during the month of December 2013, and January 2014.  The juvenile is currently in the custody of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Sunday, members of the State Police Detective Bureau, Uniformed Division, Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and East Providence Police executed a court authorized search warrant at Andrew Silvestri’s residence at 21 Harris St., East Providence.  As the result of this search, Mr. Silvestri’s cellular telephone was seized and examined by a Forensic Analyst from the ICAC Task Force, who identified alleged pornographic pictures of the juvenile.

Mr. Silvestri was taken into custody, processed at State Police Headquarters, arraigned before Justice of the Peace Raspallo, and released on $10,000 personal recognizance with the special bail conditions of no contact with minors and no internet use.

The Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force actively engages in investigative efforts to identify subjects involved in child exploitation-related activities.

The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force Program is administered by the Rhode Island State Police and supports a national network of multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task forces engaged in investigations, forensic examinations, and prosecutions related to Internet crimes against children and technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation.

The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Coventry Police Department, Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, North Kingstown Police Department, Jamestown Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Bristol Police Department; and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and United States Postal Inspection Services (USPS).

EAST PROVIDENCE — Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation (CSF) of East Providence announces that applications for scholarships for seniors in high school and for undergraduate students enrolled in college, technical or career schools are now available. To be eligible, you must be a resident of the City of East Providence and demonstrate merit and financial need. By filling out one application, students are eligible for more than 150 scholarships.

Susan Jordan, Senior Awards Chair, presents checks to some of the 142 recipients of 2013 scholarships from Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of East Providence. Recipients, left to right, are Craig Fitzpatrick, a senior at Roger Williams University; Rachel Costa, a junior at Moore College of Art and Design; Alyssa Martins, a sophomore at Rhode Island College; and Kelly Cribari, a freshman at Roger Williams University.

PROVIDENCE — Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced Wednesday, Feb. 12, that Raymond Grundy, 38, with a last known address of Fifth Street in East Providence, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Justice Susan E. McGuirl for the Christmas 2010 murder of Staria Silva in her East Providence apartment.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, which was approved by the victim’s family, Mr. Grundy was sentenced to 60 years with 40 to serve for second degree murder.

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on December 25, 2010, Staria Silva was found slain in her apartment by her mother. Her twin daughters, who were nine months old at the time, were found unharmed crying in their cribs.

“Domestic violence is not bound by geography or demographics.  It is a crime that takes place every day in our neighborhoods throughout our state.  This case shines a dark light on the realities of domestic violence.  We, as a community, must continue to work together to do more to protect victims from domestic violence,” said Attorney General Kilmartin.

An autopsy by the medical examiner ruled Ms. Silva’s death a homicide and determined the cause to be asphyxia and sharp force injury. Ms. Silva’s former boyfriend and the father of her twins, Mr. Grundy, was developed as a suspect.

The East Providence Police conducted an exhaustive investigation and built its case against Mr. Grundy through witness statements and phone records that led police to place Mr. Grundy at the crime scene at the time of the murder.

Detective Michael Petow of the East Providence Police led the investigation and Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato and Special Assistant Attorney General Kurt Mutter prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.

All the East Bay public schools, from East Providence through Aquidneck Island, are closed today due to the winter storm.

For a complete listing of closings and cancellations click here…

To the editor:

There’s an interesting and infuriating Political Scene article in the Monday, Feb. 9, ProJo (Providence Journal) entitled “Big paychecks, new titles for dozens at State House.” The article begins: “The start of the new legislative session sparked raises of up to 22% for more than two dozen General Assembly staffers….” The story went on to detail raise after raise for 27 staffers “as part of the reorganization of staff…” and compensation adjustments “based on new titles, meritorious service and additional duties.”

Rhode Island ranks No. 1 in unemployment, No. 1 in “spreading the wealth” (according to 247wallst.com), and last or close to it by almost any other measure by which Rhode Island is compared to the rest of the nation. Our state—which should be thriving on its abundance of natural resources, tourist meccas, prestigious colleges and universities, arts and restaurants—is mired in economic misery.

And these folks in the General Assembly think it’s a good idea to give promotions and hefty raises to their staffers in part because of their meritorious service and additional duties? How many workers in the private sector have had to shoulder the burden of additional duties when their co-workers were laid off and not replaced?

Put this together with whatever secret negotiations have been going on regarding the state’s pension plan; the GA’s decision to saddle the taxpayers with the $75M+ burden from the 38 Studios disaster—despite the fact that the people of Rhode Island did not vote for this measure and that the investors were fully aware that the bond was not backed by the full faith and credit of the state of Rhode Island; and throw in the fact that the leadership of the GA has so far refused to allow an up-or-down vote on the elimination of the master lever. And what do you get? A body of lawmakers who seem tone-deaf to the plight of the citizenry.

I know several of our legislators from the East Providence area. I know them to be good and decent individuals who seem to be motivated to do their best. But, put them in a pack with lead dogs Speaker Fox and Senate President Paiva-Weed, and they seem to forget that there’s a real world out here, outside the confines of the State House and the ministrations of lobbyists and union officials, who are often one and the same.

We’re so far in the hole, I don’t honestly know how we’ll drag ourselves out. But, for one, let’s stop digging the hole. Then, let’s abolish the master lever and take it from there.

Candy Seel

East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE — The first of his counterparts to do so formally, Mayor Jim Briden has announced his intention to seek re-election to the East Providence City Council from Ward 1 in the fall of 2014.

Mr. Briden, the Council President and former City Solicitor, cruised into office as a first-time candidate in the 2012 General Election, defeating long-time pol Ed Lynch for the Council spot representing the Rumford section of the city.

“I believe that I have remained true to the objectives that I enumerated during the last election. This has included keeping property taxes down, freezing the phasing out of the homestead exemption, and adhering to the city’s multi-year budget plan,” Mr. Briden said.

Upon taking office, Mr. Briden was chosen Council President/Mayor by his peers, gaining the gavel and the then spot on the state appointed Budget Commission. He served on the Commission for the last 10 months of what became its 21-month stay guiding the city out of financial duress.

“Our city has achieved fiscal stability. In 2013, Standard & Poor’s increased the city’s bond rating five levels higher from ‘BB+ to ‘A’. This means that the City of East Providence now has an investment grade credit rating. During this same period, there has also been significant capital investment in our city,” Mr. Briden said.

He continued, “As Mayor, I have strived to improve the image of our governing body by prioritizing in a way that results in the Council devoting more time to the most important issues and by promoting an environment of greater civility and professionalism.”

The 2014 election will be the first in which Councilors are elected to serve four-year terms, per a Charter change approved by voters in 2012. In addition, it’s possible the current Council could propose another significant Charter change for the November ballot, a switch to a strong mayor form of government from East Providence’s current manager system.

“Saying less, listening more, relaxing the rules a bit, and rarely using the gavel creates a more relaxed environment where there is better discussion and flow of ideas. I try to be a resource to other members of the Council in a way that exemplifies a real team effort and serves our city well,” Mr. Briden concluded. “Notwithstanding the very important issues that we must work on in 2014, the City of East Providence is moving in the right direction.”

While being the first to do so with a formal statement, Mr. Briden is not alone in running for re-election. During a recent Council meeting, Ward 4 representative Chrissy Rossi noted her intention to again seek office.

NORTH SCITUATE — An East Providence man was among seven people arrested on drug distribution charges by members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Smithfield Police Department and the West Warwick Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police announced Friday, Feb. 14.

City resident Harry Gyuleseryan was arrested by police at the Star Petrol location on 173 Danielson Pike in Foster as members of the State Police HIDTA Task Force, Smithfield Police Department, West Warwick Police Department and the Foster Police Department executed court authorized search warrants at theses locations as well: Twin River Mini Mart, 151 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Convenience Plus, 177 Legris Avenue, West Warwick and Shell Fuel Station, 6 Providence Street, West Warwick

The arrests are the result of a coordinated effort to attack the prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids, a substance often referred to or marketed as “synthetic pot,” “herbal incense,” “spice” and “bath salts.”  These drugs are much more dangerous than their naturally occurring counterparts. Unlike the drugs they try to mimic, synthetic  cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones have been known to cause people to become violent or delirious, and can also cause high blood pressure, vomiting, and a number of deadly health complications.

The search warrants resulted in the seizure of over 1,200 packets of synthetic marijuana and over $21,000 in United States currency.

The complete list of those who were arrested as a result of this continuing investigation is as follows:

Hassen Badshah Khan, age 55, of 33 Prospect Street, Apartment 401, Fall River, Massachusetts was arrested related to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Twin River Mini Mart, 151 Douglas Pike, Smithfield.  He will be arraigned for seven (7) counts of Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic with Intent to Deliver in Third Division District Court later today.

Harry Gyuleseryan, age 24, of 17 Roma Street, East Providence, relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Star Petrol, 173 Danielson Pike, Foster.  He will be charged with Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

Paul Gyuleseryan, age 26, of 180 Cardinal Street, Cranston relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Star Petrol, 173 Danielson Pike, Foster.   He will be charged with Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

Daniel Squires, age 29, of 180 Cardinal Street, Cranston relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Star Petrol, 173 Danielson Pike, Foster.   He will be charged with Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

Karuna Mehta, age 43, of 205 Douglas Pike, North Smithfield, relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Convenience Plus, 177 Legris Avenue, West Warwick.  She will be charged with Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, age 37, of 74 Lambert St, Apt. 101, Cranston  relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at Convenience Plus, 177 Legris Avenue, West Warwick.  He will be charged with Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

Mian Saleen, age 29, of 128 Patriot Way, West Greenwich, relating to the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at the Shell Fuel Station, 6 Providence Street, West Warwick.  He will be charged with of Delivery of a Schedule I Narcotic to an Undercover Police Officer in Third Division District Court later today.

PROVIDENCE — Two individual wins by city resident Jack Salisbury helped the LaSalle Academy boys capture the 2014 state indoor track and field team championship Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Providence Career & Tech Academy Field House.

Jack Salisbury closes in on his win in the 1,500 meter race Saturday for LaSalle in the state meet.

Salisbury won the 1,000 in a time of 2 minutes, 36.32 seconds, edging out North Kingstown’s Joseph Craven in second with a time of 2:36.63. Salisbury likewise dueled with teammate Dan Paiva in the 1,500, winning in 4:04.51. Paiva was the runner-up in 4:05.28.

Salisbury’s two victories mirrored those of LaSalle together on the afternoon. Not only did the boys win with 81 points, 12 better than second-place Classical, but the Rams were also the girls’ team titleists with 83 points, five better than Classical as well.

The championship was the first for the LaSalle boys in 43 years, but the 21st all time for the Rams. The girls’ title was the eighth in a row and all time for the Lady Rams. It was their seventh outright, having shared the championship a year ago with Classical.

Another note of city interest, LaSalle boys’ head coach Vin McGinn is also an East Providence native, having grown up in Rumford and attended St. Maragaret School and Church.

Locally, the East Providence boys mustered four points and the girls one to share 16th and 20th place, respectively, in the team standings.

Trystan Casey accounted for two of the Townies’ points on the boys’ side with his fifth-place effort in the long jump, covering 21 feet, 1.5 inches. Lee Moses of Hendricken won the event with a distance of 22’7.75.”

The E.P. quartet of Chris Santos, Alex Gorman, Ryan Vieira and Mike Monagle earned a point for their sixth-place run in the 4×800 meter relay, 8:33.65. LaSalle won the race in 8:11.7. The Townies’ other point also came in a relay, a sixth-place time of 1:36.13 by Jayden Chase, Ryan Williams, Casey and Al Duarte in the 4×200. Classical won the event in 1:33.82.

The relay is where the EPHS girls’ team picked up its point as the group including Sierra Cunningham, Rachael Finn, Tayla Carnevale and Kaitlyn Bellamy ran sixth in 1:51.48. Hope won the race in 1:46 flat.

One last girls’ note, former Gordon School student in city and Classical superstar Maddy Berkson ended her career in state meets with a few more wins, the senior running a leg of the Purple’s victorious 4×400 relay (4:04.55) while sweeping the distance races with victories in the 1,000 (2:56.85), the 1,500 (4:43.17) and the 3,000 (10:17.36).

The four point performance was slightly disappointing for the EPHS boys, that returned several key performers from last summer’s state outdoor title team.

“Trystan Casey jumped well and placed fifth in long jump. The 4×800 ran well, shaved six seconds off our best time this season and placed sixth. It was a bad day today but effort was great. I’m still proud of my team,” said E.P. boys’ head coach Bob Lyons, noting injuries to star sprinter Williams hindered his performance Saturday.

To view the complete results from the 2014 state indoor track and field meet click here…

— Photos by Richard W. Dionne Jr.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The prospects of Sparky’s Coney Island System restaurant, located in city at the corner of Taunton Avenue and Vine Street, celebrating its 100th birthday next year got a bit better for sure over the last week.

The renowned and revered local eatery, known to many in East Providence as the late night wiener joint of choice, has hit hard times, much like other small businesses in the city, state and throughout the country still attempting to rally from the Great Recession of 2008.

Spurred on by a vocal and loyal base of clientele as well as a televised report last weekend by WJAR 10, Sparky’s has enjoyed a sudden and much-needed resurgence.

Owner George Watts welcomed dozens of patrons to his restaurant Saturday, an occasion spurred on by Facebook and Ed Doyle, of Johnston who is seeking a seat in the Rhode Island State House Representatives this fall.

“The basis of business in Rhode Island are small business men like George,” Mr. Doyle told WJAR.

Those who attended Saturday’s event saw some of the small improvements Mr. Watts has made to Sparky’s in just the last week, including a new paint scheme on the walls in Townie white and red, the colors of East Providence High School and the unofficial pallet of the city itself.

He has also added menu items for his “health conscious” clients and has expanded his pastry and dessert offerings.

The day, the faces and festive atmosphere left Mr. Watts quite emotional.

“The support has been unbelievable. People are great,” Mr. Watts said with a tear in his eye.

Those wishing to donate to the cause can do so by stopping during regular business hours, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily. For more information on Sparky’s visit its Facebook page here…

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Department of Public Works has announced despite changes to holiday collections throughout the year rubbish will be collected on its regular schedule Presidents Day and the rest of the week.

Residents are told to have their trash streetside by 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17. Trash will then be collected as usual the remainder of the week as well.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The sobering news here in city matched the chilling numbers reported late last week by the State Police and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Thirty-eight people have died as a result of drug overdoses across Rhode Island since the first of the year, one of those being a 25-year-old East Providence man.

According to East Providence Police Chief Joseph Tavares and EPPD Vice Sergeant Diogo Mello, the death locally last month was one of 10 cases of heroin related overdoses to take place in the city so far since January 1.

Internationally, Philip Seymour Hoffman became the latest star-crossed face of heroin addiction, the 48-year-old award-winning actor succumbing to an overdose on Sunday, Feb. 2. The tragedy of Mr. Hoffman follows innumerable other deaths and near-deaths of high-profile heroin addicts.

Several recent stories in the national media about Mr. Hoffman’s death cited some jarring governmental statistics heretofore not overly publicized since their release some two years ago.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration the number of heroin users in the United States nearly doubled over a five-year period, to 669,000 in 2012 from 373,000 in 2007. Figures from the same agency noted those who abused or grew dependent on heroin more than doubled in 10-year span to 467,000 in 2012 from 214,000 in 2002.

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on drug-related deaths released in November of last year reinforced those numbers. The reported stated “deaths from drug overdose have increased sharply in the past decade,” claiming 40,393 alone in 2010.

Since the first of this year locally, East Providence Police have answered those 10 calls of overdose cases, more in the first six weeks of 2014 than for all of 2013, according to Sgt. Mello, who led the department’s much-heralded “Operation Blindside” drug interdiction effort last year.

The focus of “Blindside” was ridding the city of dealers. A success to a significant degree, many of those taken in were peddling cocaine and prescription pills. In just the last several months alone, however, heroin distribution has surged somewhat unexpectedly, the vice sergeant admitted.

“We made some arrests during ‘Blindside,’ but this just kind of snuck up on us,” Sgt. Mello said. “We knew there was a problem, and that we needed to get a handle on it. But now we’re playing catch-up. Everyone knows about ‘Heroin Highway.’ We’ve dealt with it in the past, but that was when it was going through the city. Now, it’s staying here. We’ve tried to send a message. We’ve put in the resources. We’ve had high visibility, but lo and behold here we are.”

Many of those who have become hooked on the drug do not fit the stereotypical mold of an addict. They’re lawyers, doctors, nurses, law enforcement and public safety personnel, plumbers, carpenters, electricians. In other words, they’re your average everyday citizen.

“From what we’ve seen, a lot of them are people who have gotten injured on the job,” Sgt. Mello said. “They’re prescribed percoset or some other pain medication. They get addicted. They run out of scripts and turn to heroin because it’s cheaper and easier to get. The next thing you know, they’re in a place they can’t get back from. It’s terrible. It’s really, really bad. It’s sad because most addicts don’t want to be addicts.”

“This isn’t just an East Providence problem. It’s not isolated to the state. It’s a nation-wide problem,” said EPPD Chief Joseph Tavares. “The Hoffman death put a spotlight on the situation. It showed it’s not just the ‘junkie’ who is dying because of this. Heroin doesn’t discriminate because of race, gender, religion or what have you. The public has to understand, the families and friends, this is an epidemic.”

In city, Chief Tavares has assigned two additional officers to the Vice Unit in an attempt to corral the matter. He said the department is strictly adhering to the “Good Samaritan” legislation passed recently, which mandates law enforcement and criminal justice arms assist in getting victims help rather than just arrest and prosecute. In addition, the EPPD is working closely with the East Providence Prevention Coalition to make the community aware of what is transpiring in their neighborhoods.

“We’re taking a comprehensive approach,” Chief Tavares added. “There are a lot of stakeholders in this effort.”

The chief pointed to a recent car accident in city where three people were injured by a driver alleged to have been under the influence of heroin. Many of the breaking-and-entering and shoplifting crimes in East Providence are also drug related. Ultimately, he said it’s incumbent upon those who are aware of addicts to persuade them to seek help before they hurt themselves or others.

“We’re putting as many resources as we can on this matter,” the chief added. “It’s one of the top priorities of this department at this point.

Editor’s note: This is the first in an upcoming week-long series of stories highlighting the emerging heroin epidemic locally and nationally.

Part Two, Tuesday, Feb. 18…Heroin’s growing potency

EAST PROVIDENCE — Within the last two weeks, city pols Representative Helio Melo and Senator Daniel DaPonte have submitted legislation in their respective chambers that would clear the way for East Providence and other like communities to utilize the Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Loan Fund this year.

Most notably, East Providence and Pawtucket, among the others, wouldn’t have had access to the $6.5 million in funds available in a timely manner because of City Charter restrictions, which deem such expenditures must face a vote of the general public for final approval.

Not looking to supersede local law, the proposals in front of both chambers are meant to be used one-time only, according to Rep. Melo, who like Sen. DaPonte chairs his respective Finance Committee.

“This legislation is for those cities and towns who fall under that category. It’s meant to bypass any Charter ordinances for this year and this year only,” Rep. Melo explained. “After the review by the Department of Transportation we decided this needed to be done because in this particular case municipalities, including East Providence, would not be able to take advantage of this opportunity during this year’s construction season.”

East Providence had four of the top five priority projects on the list developed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation late last year. The projects totaled $1,215,000. Only the Broadway streetscape improvement plan submitted by Newport was listed higher. That project came in with an approximated total of $1 million.

In city, the Forbes Street roadway and sidewalk plan is considered the most expensive at $450,000. The same work plan for Crescent View Avenue would run $315,000. Refurbishing the road surface and sidewalks of Commercial Way is approximated at $270,000. And North Broadway roadway and sidewalk improvements are estimated to cost $180,000.

“In total, these are very small amounts of money for cities and towns to borrow and we do not feel as though it will put them in any financial jeopardy,” Rep. Melo added. “I, personally, also think the residents of these municipalities will appreciate having their roads fixed and also have the ability to borrow money at a much lower rate of interest (2-2.25 percent) than they normally could. The fund will save cities and towns thousands of dollars in interest.”

In total, 14 communities submitted 23 project applications to gain access to the 2014 Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Loan Fund, totaling $29.7 million in requests. However, only $6.5 million was approved to initiate the fund by the General Assembly during the 2013 session.

Rep. Melo said he expects both chambers to take up the legislation and pass it sometime during the week of February 24. The bill would then go to Governor Lincoln Chafee’s desk for his signature and proceed to the Clean Water Finance Authority, which is backing and managing the fund, for final approval of individual projects. Rep. Melo said he hopes construction in municipalities will be able to start by early spring.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Various reports on the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman due to a heroin overdose noted what seemed to be an exorbitant number of used and unused bags of the drug found by investigators in his New York City apartment. However, that quantity, according to law enforcement personnel, shouldn’t come as a surprise. It takes large amounts of heroin for addicts to reach a high.

“If you’re doing two or three grams a day, that’s between 100 and 150 bags. It just goes to show the amount of tolerance addicts have built up over years of use. The more you do it, you have to take more and more of it to get off,” said East Providence Police Vice Sergeant Diogo Mello.

Recently, Sgt. Mello and others who are keenly aware of the emerging heroin epidemic locally and nationally, have seen the amount of the drug leading to overdoses is falling, likely meaning the potency of the drug is getting stronger.

“We found out four of the people OD’d on just .25 grams. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) is being very aggressive in trying to find out what this latest batch of heroin is being cut with. They’re expediting the testing process. We’ve submitted a lot of what we’ve seized for analysis.”

Sgt. Mello hypothesizes the presence of fentanyl, a high-powered painkiller given to cancer patients, may be the key agent being “cut” or mixed in with heroin.

“We know that ‘super labs’ in Mexico have used fentanyl, but we’re not sure,” he added. “It’s a painkiller that’s 60 times more powerful than heroin alone, and it could be one of the reasons why the stuff out there is so strong.”

The quest to get the money and the product necessary to feed a heroin addiction has several ancillary effects as well, reaching deep into communities.

“You’re talking about a $1,400, $1,500 a week habit. And that leads to other crimes, like B&Es, shoplifting. It’s really bad,” said Sgt. Mello.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a week-long look at the growing heroin epidemic gripping East Providence, the state and the nation. Read part one here.

Part Three, Wednesday, drugs and terminology