EAST PROVIDENCE — Property owners be on alert, if you’re in arrears on your water bill the City of East Providence is aggressively seeking the money you owe.

Starting last week, the city’s Treasury Division, under the auspices of Finance Director Malcolm Moore, began sending out approximately 900 notices to those residential and business property owners who were significantly behind in their overdue water payments.

Acting City Manager Paul Lemont authorized the effort to collect some $2 million in past-due bills.

“We sent out the letters and ever since the phones have been ringing off the walls here at City Hall,” Mr. Lemont said. “We’ve come to an agreement with others and we’re working out payment plans with the rest. And we’ve already collected a goodly amount.”

Those who haven’t paid what they owe for the last several years received a letter demanding payment be made or face the consequences, which range from shut-off of service to a tax sale of their property to recover the fees.

The letters are aimed specifically towards those habitually delinquent in their payments, for instance a number of businesses whose bills have grown into the high five-figure range due to years of payment neglect or residents whose bills have reached a $1,000 or more.

“After reviewing the city’s overall finances, I felt it was absolutely incumbent upon me to have us go out and collect as much money as we possibly can,” Mr. Lemont explained.

Mr. Lemont admitted there are likely those in the system, the indigent or long-term unemployed as examples, who won’t be able to make good on their debt regardless of the city’s attempts to collect.

“We know there are some people who simply won’t have the means to pay. I guess we’re going to have to right that off as the price of doing business,” the manager said.

Mr. Lemont declined to name some of the worst offenders, saying he wasn’t trying to “shame” anyone. He did say, however, the act of actually shutting off water service to those who refuse to comply with the effort remained a distinct possibility.

“We don’t want to shut anyone off. You don’t want to shut off the family with three kids or the elderly woman living on the third floor,” Mr. Lemont said. “But if you owe a $1,000 and you’ve agreed to pay $500 then pay on a weekly or monthly basis and don’t follow through, we will do it. We don’t want to do that, but we will.”

In the end, the manager said he urges residents and property owners to understand they must pay into the system for it to work and be maintained properly.

“The message is, like your electric bill and your gas bill and your other bills, you’ve got to make paying your water and sewer bill a priority,” Mr. Lemont added.

EAST PROVIDENCE — An early morning house fire did significant damage to the structure, but no one was injured, according to an East Providence Fire Department spokesman.

EPFD Lieutenant James Bellamy reported the fire, at 560 Taunton Ave., was discovered at approximately 3 a.m. early Tuesday morning, March 11.

The single-family home suffered heavy damage. One person, a male, resided in the premisses, but was visiting his mother in Riverside and was not at home at the time of the incident.

Following an investigation, Lt. Bellamy noted the fire originated in the bedroom area of the home and was caused by an electrical event. The state fire marshals office assisted in the investigation with the EPFD and detectives from the East Providence Police Department.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Dolores J. Baker, R.N. of East Providence has been hired to serve as nurse manager for assisted living residents at Tockwotton on the Waterfront.

Baker has served as a registered nurse serving care for geriatric, Alzheimer’s, dementia and developmentally disabled adults for 19 years.  Most recently, she was with Eastgate Nursing and Rehab Center in East Providence where she served as unit manager and charge nurse, responsible for training new nurse hires and for ongoing oversight of the staff of certified nursing assistants.

A native and life-long resident of Riverside, Baker graduated from East Providence High School and the Community College of Rhode Island where she received her associate’s degree in nursing.

More Tockwotten notes

Debra T. Morais has been named to the board of directors of Tockwotton on the Waterfront.  This will be Morais second tenure on the board; she also served for four years from 1999 until 2003.

Morais was chosen for her commitment to the organization and its mission, and her strategic communications expertise.  “We are very fortunate that Deb has considered a second term on our board,” said Executive Director Kevin McKay.  “We’ve expanded our mission and our building since Deb last served.  We’re here to help a wider range of seniors and she has stepped forward to help us articulate that message to the community.”

As president and chief executive officer of Communications Works, Inc., Morais manages local, regional and national accounts for corporate, consumer, financial, industrial and public service clients, and is responsible for creative direction, production, and complete campaign execution.  With a 30-year track record as a successful communications professional, Morais has been recognized as Ad Person of the Year and SBDC’s Woman in Business Advocate of the Year.  She is a past president of both the Rhode Island Advertising Club and the Women’s Advertising Club of Rhode Island.

Judith A. Moorehead, R.N., has been hired to serve as resident care director for Tockwotton’s River’s Edge (assisted living) Apartments and the Courtyard Memory Care program.  In this position, Moorhead will oversee four nurse managers and a team of 40 medical professionals who plan and coordinate healthcare services for the 104 assisted living residents of Tockwotton on the Waterfront.  She reports directly to the executive director.

Moorehead joins the Tockwotton care team from Atria Bay Spring Village where she also served as resident services director.  Moorehead’s 35-year nursing career has included positions on staff at two hospitals and a six-year tenure as a case manager of Hospice of Nursing Placement.

A graduate of Central Maine Medical Center and the University of Maine, Moorehead has received numerous certifications, including arrhythmia interpretation, defibrillation and port-cath care.

CHICAGO, ILL. — NRC Realty & Capital Advisors, LLC (NRC) announced Wednesday, March 12, it has been retained again by Getty Realty Corp. to coordinate the divestiture of 16 gasoline stations, 29 commercial and retail properties formerly used as gas stations and two industrial sites in seven states, including two in East Providence.

Most of the 29 commercial and retail properties are improved with operating or closed gasoline stations. Many of the sites are currently being operated by licensees under month-to-month license agreements.

The sale consists of two industrial sites located Rhode Island one being on Massasoit Avenue in the Rumford section of the city and the other at 732 Willett Ave. in the Riverside section, both with potential redevelopment use. Both are former fuel distribution terminals. The 16 gasoline stations are located in a variety of urban and suburban markets in each of the eight states.

“These sites are very attractive for a variety of gasoline, automotive, retail and commercial and industrial uses,” said Evan Gladstone, NRC’s Executive Managing Director. “A majority of the sites are located on high-traffic corners in mature neighborhoods and in small towns. Investors will also be interested in bidding on many of the locations which have license agreements with operators,” added Gladstone.

The properties will be sold using NRC’s well-known “buy one, some or all” sealed bid sale process. Property Specific Packages (due diligence packages) are expected to be available in May, with a bid deadline of May 13.  Interested parties may view a complete site list and register online for sale updates at www.NRC.com/1401, or by calling the NRC Customer Service Center at 800-747-3342, extension 1401.

NRC will be coordinating property viewings on sites without tenants on scheduled viewing dates. Dates and times will be listed on the NRC website. Sites with licensees are open during normal business hours, and prospective bidders may view these sites as long as they do not disturb management or employees. Broker cooperation is encouraged, and a 3% broker co-op commission is being offered.

Photo courtesy EPFD Lt. James Bellamy
The mattress that caught fire due to an overheated computer battery lay in front of a home on White Avenue in Riverside after East Providence Firefighters controlled the blaze.

EAST PROVIDENCE — “Man’s best friend” proved true again early Wednesday morning, March 12, as a dog owner was jarred awake by his pet in time to help both escape a fire at 45 White Ave. along the waterfront in Riverside.

Liberty, a charcoal Weimaraner, woke his owner around 5 a.m. and alerted him to a fire that had started in his bed. According to East Providence Fire Department Lieutenant James Bellamy, the man’s laptop overheated, causing his mattress to catch fire.

Liberty, the lieutenant continued, was sleeping in the room with his owner, who had fallen asleep with the computer still running. The dog alerted the man, who immediately noticed his bedding and clothing were smoldering. The fire was sparked not by the computer itself, Lt. Bellamy added, but because of the battery.

“When a laptop is on a hard surface and the fan can circulate the air properly, it’s no problem,” Lt. Bellamy said. “But when it’s on a bed near sheets or clothing, the fan get smothered and can cause the battery to overheat and catch fire. It’s a real problem. You see that a lot. People should be aware of that.”

The man did not suffer any significant burns. He was treated by East Providence EMTs at the scene and will be staying with family. Liberty also was unharmed.

Lt. Bellamy said there was minor fire damage to the second floor bedroom where the fire started as well as water damage to both floors and the electrical feed needed to be cut. It took firefighters only about 10 to 15 minutes to first remove the mattress and put out the fire, the lieutenant added.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Kelsey Hayward, of Seekonk and formerly of St. Mary Academy-Bay View in East Providence, collected the first individual victory of her college playing career after she won the the Lonnie Barton Invitational held at the LPGA International Champions Course, March 10 and 11, for the Sacred Heart University women’s golf team.

Hayward, a junior for the Pioneers, opened the tournament with a 1-over par score of 73 to hold the lead. She faltered a bit in Round 2, shooting a 78 to finish regulation in a share of first place with Fairleigh Dickinson’s  Mariana Juaristi to force a playoff that Hayward eventually won on the first extra hole.

As a team, Sacred Heart tied with Saint Francis University (Pennsylvania) for second with scores of 640. Juaristi’s Fairleigh Dickinson side won the team title with a score of 628.

In her high school days, Hayward, a four-time All-Stater and an All–New England performer as a senior, was among the leaders of the first Bay View squad to ever earn entry into state team championship. Hayward began her collegiate career at Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland but left the school when the women’s golf program was cut at the end of the 2012-13 term.

Hayward is a History/Pre-Law major at Sacred Heart, located in Fairfield, Conn.

The champion St. Martha Church boys’ Cadet Division state championship team and coaches.

St. Martha was paced by 13 points from Tommy Lopes and 11 from Kyle Vieira. Marcus McCarthy had 8 points and played a solid game at the point for St. Martha. Brandon Thomas also had eight, including two 3s. Zecaree Veiga, Cameron Almeida and David Oguinronbi played outstanding defense underneath. Jacob Melo gave the team some valuable minutes off the bench.

In the first half of the title game, Derek Geiger hit two 3-point shots to give St. Martha the early lead. The locals stretched their edge to 11 in the second half before Holy Apostles cut it to four (38-34) with a 7-0 run. Vieira then hit two 3s as St. Martha outscored Holy Apostles 13-4 down the stretch to secure the victory.

In the semifinals St. Martha defeated St. Benedict, 63-38. Veiga had 17, Lopes 15, Thomas 13 and Almeida 10. St. Martha finished tied for first with Holy Apostles during the regular season, each team compiling a record of 11-1. St. Martha was given the No. 1 seed in the playoffs by virtue of their win at Holy Apostles. St. Martha did not lose a game on the court but was forced to forfeit a game when eight of its nine players could not play in a game due to conflicts with the Rhode Island high school junior varsity layoffs.

Previously, St. Martha also won the Team Providence Athletics Holiday Classic for the second year in a row. Over the span of two seasons St. Martha’s won 34 of its last 35 games played, with two 17-game winning streaks bookending a loss to an AAU team in a the finals of a postseason tournament last year.

Of the St. Martha’s players, McCarthy was the starting point guard on the La Salle Academy JV team and Lopes and Veiga were starters for the East Providence High School JV team. Almeida, Geiger, Oguinronbi, Thomas and Vieira also played for the EPHS JV. DeVante Rose played on the team until he was called up to varsity at E.P. Jarron Santos left the team early in the season due to an injury and was also called up to varsity during the season.

PROVIDENCE — City resident Geoffrey Lanez, is one of four young cooks from across the Northeast preparing to battle for the title of 2014 American Culinary Federation (ACF) Northeast Region Student Chef of the Year.

The competition takes place at Johnson & Wales University, Providence during the 2014 ACF Northeast Regional Conference held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings, Warwick, April 11-14. The student chef contest takes place on April 12.

Mr. Lanez, of Rumford, is a management development participant at Johnson & Wales. He is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at JWU. Last year, Mr. Lanez was captain of his school’s competition team, which received a silver medal at the 2013 ACF National Student Team Championship.

In 2013, he was awarded Student Chef of the Year by ACF Rhode Island Chapter. The year before, Mr. Lanez was chosen as the apprentice for ACF Culinary Team USA at the 2012 Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung, commonly referred to as the “culinary Olympics,” in Erfurt, Germany. Mr. Lanez is currently a part-time cook at Somerset Club in Boston and hopes to become a certified master chef, compete at the “culinary Olympics” and earn the title of USA’s Chef of the Year.

The four cooks are competing for a chance to represent the ACF Northeast region in the national competition held July 25-29 in Kansas City, Mo., during ACF’s national convention. At the regional competition, competitors will prepare two portions of a main dish that incorporates a whole bone-in chicken for a panel of judges in 1 hour, 40 minutes. The regional winner receives bragging rights, travel expenses and a complimentary registration to the national competition. The national winner receives $1,000 and the title of 2014 ACF Student Chef of the Year.

Sponsored by Custom Culinary, Inc., the ACF Student Chef of the Year Award recognizes an up-and-coming student who possesses a high degree of professionalism, culinary skill and passion for culinary arts.

Photos by Rich Dionne
Dr. Chris Vanderpool works on Sarah Carolan, 7, of East Providence with dental assistant, Pam Lavoie during “Give Kids a Smile” day.

The event, sponsored by the American Dental Association, was established to provide free dental care to children in the community, ages 4-18, who might not otherwise have access to treatment.

Dr. Daft was joined by Dr. Chris Vanderpool, Dr. John Balamas and office staff. The day was a huge success. The doctors saw 24 children of varied ages and when finished, had donated over $18,000 in time, materials and service.

“It was a great day of dentistry and a rewarding experience for all involved,” Dr. Daft said. “I’m looking forward to participating in the event next year and would like to thank all who helped make the first ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’ a success, especially the many young children who were a pleasure to take care of that day. Their smiles made the day perfect.”

Photos by Rich Dionne
Hasbro toy designer Lily Damota holds up figures that she worked on during a presentation to Riverside Middle School students.

The speakers ran the gamut of occupations and also included members from the school department’s central administration and political figures from within the district and city.

This year’s RMS Career Day consisted of 50 speakers from the six career clusters:  Arts, Science & Technology, Technical, Social Services, Business Operations, Administration & Sales. Speakers were parents, local and Rhode Island, East Bay businesses.

East Providence Policmen Lt. Barry Ramer (left) and Sgt. Andy Benoit (right) speak to middle school students about police work during Career Day on Friday.

In the Arts Career Cluster representatives from RISD in Apparel Design, Alex and Ani Jewelry Designers,Hasbro Toy Engineers and Photographer presented.

Social Services included the United States Marines, a Lawyer, Registered Nurse, FCCP Worker, Cosmetology, Physical Therapist, Veterinarians, FBI, Fire, College Professor and a Project Coordinator.

The Business Operations welcomed a Telecommunications Company and a Loan Officer.

In Administration & Sales, a Lending and Sales and an International Jewelry Company, Dentsply International, representatives spoke.

Science & Technology included a DOT Engineer, East Providence High School Career and Tech Center students and teachers, CVS Pharmacist, Software Manager, Info Technology.

And the Technical cluster included Construction, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning from the firm of Baker, Welder.

Photos by Rich Dionne
Providence student Arianna Mazariegos is tested on the press by Roger Hopkins of Meridian Printing.

Graphic Communications entails the following:
Digital Press – using a Ricoh Digital Press and or other available devices, the student will set up the machine for proper file transfer, creating a finished product that may consist of variable data and or inline finishing along with completing a short written test;
Digital Workflow – the student accesses files and follows instructions to perform preflight operations, reviewing and making corrections as needed for correct output;
Electronic Prepress – the student creates a file using Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator on an Apple computer, following instructions to create a file that matches a provided sample;
Finishing – the student operates a Baumcut programmable cutter, properly trimming down a sheet to its finished size, set up a table top Baumfolder for a tri-fold and a half-fold and complete a short written test;
Offset Press Operations – using a Heidelberg Printmaster 46-2, the student will set up the feeder and delivery, mount and adjust plates, print two colors on a preprinted two color sheet creating a 4-color finished job;
Oral Professional Assessment – the student participates in an interview exercise;
Production Planning – the student will solve a production estimating problem relating to the cost justification of printing a job on a digital press verses an offset press. This area of the contest will be in conjunction with the Digital Press contest;
Technical Knowledge Test – the student completes a general technical knowledge test developed using competencies from the introduction to graphic Communications accreditation area of PRINT-ED.

Winners from the state level advance to compete in the SkillsUSA TECHSPO in Kansas City, Mo., June 24-26.
More than 16,000 high school and college students, their teachers and school administrators from training programs in technical, skilled and service occupations gather there at was is billed as the largest trade show for technical education.

Photos by Rich Dionne
Eagles forwards Grecia Restituyo (mid-left) and Maura Kelty embrace surrounded by their teammates after Barrington’s emotional, 43-42, victory over St. Mary Academy Bay View at Rhode Island College on Tuesday night.

A Maura Kelty free throw with less than a second remaining in the game after she was fouled on an inbounds play moments earlier provided the difference in the contest, which the Eagles led throughout only to fend off the Bengals in the final minute. The made free throw came on Kelty’s second attempt, having missed the first in the double-bonus situation.

Bay View sophomore Dyamond Azakpo guards Eagles forward Maura Kelty as she drives to the basket.

Pederzani actually knotted the score at 42 with a 3-pointer and layup moments before Kelty was fouled. Dakota Grenier added eight and Francesca Corsinetti seven for the Bengals.

Barrington (17-3 in D-I) advances to the state title game Saturday, March 22, at the University of Rhode Island’s Ryan Center where the Eagles will face North Kingstown. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. The second-seeded Skippers (17-3) defeated third-seeded and defending champs LaSalle in Tuesday’s other semi, 52-49. N.K. ended the Rams’ three-year reign as champions. LaSalle battered Barrington a year ago in the title tilt, 62-29.

The Barrington-North Kingstown matchup is the first state championship meeting between two public schools since the Skippers defeated East Greenwich, 50-35, for the title at the end of the 2004-05 campaign. Either LaSalle or Bay View has played for the championship during the intermitting seasons.

The Bengals, who were seeking their second trip to the final in the last three years and their first title since 2006, saw their superb season came to a close with a 19-1 record in league games. As is so often the case in these situations, Bay View had beaten Barrington twice during the regular season (65-57 and 44-37), but found it difficult to get past the Eagles for a third time.

Bay View teammates look on as the Eagles celebrate after the game.

Bay View’s Pederzani nearly changed the Eagles’ fortunes in the last 60 seconds Tuesday.

Barrington’s Restituyo hit two free-throws to give the Eagles a 42-35 lead with 1:10 to go, but that’s when Pederzani went into action. She rolled the ball up the court and when an Eagle went in for the steal, the stealthy point guard quickly picked it off the floor, dribbled around her and hit a 3.

Barrington next missed two free throws, giving Pederzani a chance at some more heroics. This time, Bay View’s 5-foot-6 guard pulled down the rebound, dribbled the full length of the court past the Eagles’ defense and sank nifty layup to tie the score with six seconds left in the game.

The Eagles quickly attempted an inbounds the pass to Kelty, but instead of letting her dribble up the court, Bay View made a costly mistake and fouled.

Groans and cheers exploded from the large crowd as Kelty made her way to the free-throw line. The quiet gym exploded again as Bay View fans tried to shake the Eagles’ captain. After missing her first attempt, she blew out a deep breath when the throw clanged off the rim. Kelty, though, bounced the ball in front of her to collect herself then sank the shot that sends Barrington back to the finals.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Embattled East Bay Tavern is set to reopen the doors of its Lyon Avenue location after the State Department of Business Regulation granted a conditional stay to a decision made by the East Providence City Council revoking the bar’s license to serve alcohol, the Council learned at its meeting on Tuesday night, March 18.

City attorney William C. Maaia, representing the owner of the Tavern, appealed the March 4 ruling by the Council, which serves as the liquor board for East Providence, to the DBR eight days later. Louis A. DeQuattro, Esq., the Deputy Director for Division of Regulatory Standards, Compliance and Enforcement and the Hearing Officer for the appeal, rendered his decision on Friday, March 14. Assistant Solicitor Robert Craven represented the city.

Mr. DeQuattro noted the Tavern’s inability to operate during the appeal could cause “irreparable” financial harm to the owner as one of the factors in his decision. Another was the period of time between when the Council acted and the alleged stabbing incident that occurred at the Tavern in February, which precipitated the former’s decision to revoke the license.

Mr. DeQuattro wrote, “while the alleged incidences occurred on February 6, 2014, the City did not render its decision until March 5, 2014. This delay, coupled with the fact that the City did not invoke its emergency powers, can be reasonably construed as evidencing that immediate closure is not necessary to protect the public interest. Furthermore, it seems that the ten days that have elapsed since the  written revocation decision was issued would have served as a ‘cool down’ period to mitigate any risk of a retaliation event.”

In his recommendation Mr. DeQuattro concluded, “Based on the forgoing, the undersigned recommends granting a stay on the Class B liquor license of the Appellant (East Bay Tavern) so that the Appellant can remain open pending final decision in this matter on the following condition: The Appellant shall be prohibited from providing live entertainment on the premises during the stay unless the Appellant complies with written instructions from the Chief of Police for appropriate security personnel, detail officers, and/or police surveillance.”

What this means for the Tavern is that it can serve alcohol and present entertainment despite the Council’s strong, 5-0 rebuke two weeks ago following a lengthy three-hour public hearing.

The Tavern must, however, reach a formal agreement with East Providence Police Chief Joseph Tavares regarding the parameters surrounding the entertainment it offers, specifically what types of increased security measures it plans to put in place following the alleged stabbing incident that was at the heart of the Council’s vote to close the business down.

The conditional stay means the Tavern can remain open, free of any additional incidents with police, through the appellate process. Mr. Maaia told the Council he expects to have all the necessary paperwork ready to submit so the DBR can render its final decision on the matter in a timely fashion. The bar has been closed since the Council made its ruling two weeks ago.

Mr. Maaia said Tuesday his client has plans to reopen sometime this week and would like to offer entertainment. He said the Tavern owner is willing to meet with Chief Tavares and adhere to any arrangement.

City Solicitor Tim Chapman told the Council he would expect the final hearing on the appeal to take place in the “next week or two” once the DBR has all the pertinent evidence.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence, Office of the City Clerk, in conjunction with the East Providence Animal Shelter and the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association will be hosting a Rabies Clinic on Sunday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Breed Hall, 610 Waterman Ave.

Appointments in advance are not required. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers.

Many residents are finding it difficult to cover the cost of a veterinary visit and vaccination for their companion animal.  However, rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats are required by State Law. To help residents comply with the law, the cost for obtaining a rabies vaccination for a dog or cat is just $10 per companion animal. In order for a dog or cat to receive a three year vaccination, human companions must present proof of previous vaccination, a copy of their previous rabies certificate, dated within the last two years is required, otherwise the companion animal will receive a one year vaccination only.

In addition, dog licenses will be available at the Clinic. The City of East Providence requires dogs to be licensed, a license fee with proof of the companion animals spay or neuter is just $13 per dog, $5 for senior citizens. If the dog is unaltered the cost is $33, $15 for senior citizens.

For vaccinations, residents will need to pay in cash only, checks, credit and debit cards will not be accepted. For Dog Licensing, residents may pay by cash or check, credit and debit cards will not be accepted. For questions contact the East Providence City Clerk’s Office at 435-7596.

PROVIDENCE — Caught up in the political crossfire of the last few days, East Providence Representative Helio Melo (D-Dist. 64) has likely lost his perch as chairman of the House Finance Committee. Rep. Melo confirmed the information via text message Sunday night, March 23.

Rep. Melo, part of the leadership team under former Speaker Gordon Fox’s regime, was ousted during a power struggle that took place over the weekend, ending Sunday following separate meetings of the House Democrats in Johnston and Providence and leaving Cranston’s Nicholas Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) the current House Majority Leader, as the likely new speaker barring any last-minute breakdown.

Rep. Fox (D-Dist. 4, Providence) resigned the speakership and announced he would not seek re-election in the fall following a raid of both his Providence home and his office in the State House by State Police and the FBI Friday, March 21. He made his resignation official the next day.

Leader Mattiello, almost immediately lay claim to the speakership Friday, following the actions of law enforcement. He called a caucus of Democrats to Providence that evening, and left believing he had the necessary votes among the 69 members of his party to take over the top spot.

In various published reports Saturday, March 22, Leader Mattiello continued to proclaim enough support to do so. After another lenghty caucus Sunday, it appears he will be elected the next Speaker of the House when the session resumes Tuesday, March 25. The indication is Leader Mattiello won out after a brief struggle against House Oversight Chairman Michael Marcello (D-Dist. 41, Scituate and Cranston) and his backers.

The six Republican members of the House will also cast votes. As of Sunday evening, Leader Mattiello was claiming 41 solid votes while Chairman Marcello claimed some 33. One of the two prospective candidates for the speakership needs at least 38 votes, one more than half of the 75-member body, to secure the position.

For Rep. Melo, his tenure as the House Committee on Finance chairman comes to an immediate and inauspicious end after just over three years with the gavel and dead in the middle of the 2014 session with work on the Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget well underway.

Early indications are Rep. Joseph McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick and Cranston) will take over as the Finance chair as of Tuesday when and if Leader Mattiello is elected speaker.

PROVIDENCE — The office of Attorney General Peter Kilmartin announced Tuesday, March 25, a Providence County Grand Jury reported out an indictment charging Andrew Jett with one count of murder in the 2012 death of Michelle Busby.

According to the Grand Jury report, it is alleged that on or about dates between August 21, 2012 and August 24, 2012, Mr. Jett murdered Ms. Busby in the home they once shared on Metacomet Avenue in city.

The East Providence Police conducted the investigation. Mr. Jett, 55, is scheduled to be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on April 16, 2014.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The local Team No-Filter will hold a fundraiser as part of the Autism Project’s Community Challenge with a goal of raising $10,000. The event, a “Not-so-Silent” auction, takes place Sunday, March 30, at the American Legion Post 10, 830 Willett Ave, Riverside.

It begins at 3 p.m. Tickets, which include food and door prizes, are $10 at the door.
The event includes music by Vista Cruisers, None the Wiser and Dan Lilley & The Keepers and features a special appearance by members of Rock-A-Blues.

Auction items up for bid include passes to various family fun activity centers, restaurant and wine-tasting gift certificates, ski lift passes, AAA membership and much more.

All proceeds to benefit the Autism Project of Rhode Island. For more information contact mafournier4@verizon.net. Find the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamNoFilterEP

According to local Team No-Filter member Amanda Fournier, the group consists of “awesome moms and teachers who live with Autism every day. We have taken the Autism Project’s Community Challenge to raise $10,000 and we are about half way there.”

Once Team No-Filter reaches its goal of $10,000, the Autism Project will come to the East Providence School District and train 30 teachers and support staff using its 18-hour “A Starting Point” course.

In addition to the auction, April is Autism Awareness Month. As a means of recognition, members of the school department will participate in a “Wear Blue” event for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Having sufficient time to digest the goings-on of the last several days, Representative Helio Melo (D-Dist. 64, East Providence) earlier this week offered up his first public comments on the happenings that led him to step away from his lofty position as the Rhode Island House Committee on Finance chairman, a move spurred by the surprising raid and subsequent resignation of Gordon Fox as Speaker of the House.

The Rhode Island State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigations seized alleged evidence at the home and State House office of Rep. Fox (D-Dist. 4, Providence) on Friday, March 21. The incident sparked a dizzying few days of political maneuvering, which ultimately led to the rise of House Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) to the speakership by Tuesday, March 25.

“The events of March 21 were a sad day for the State of Rhode Island. On Saturday, March 22, as everyone now knows, the speaker (Rep. Fox) resigned, so we knew a new speaker needed to be put in place. It was a difficult process, but one that needed to be done,” Rep. Melo said.

In between March 21 and 25, several meetings were held among the various Democratic factions from Smith Hill, including those who supported the candidacy of Rep. Michael Marcello (D-Dist. 41, Cranston and Scituate) of which Rep. Melo was one.

It became clear by the end of the weekend, however, that Rep. Marcello did not have the requisite votes to challenge the charge of Leader Mattiello. Rep. Melo refused to comment specifically on what happened to Rep. Marcello’s quest for speaker, though he did say the support of Leader Mattiello by five of the six House Republican members was one of the key contributing factors to its ultimate failure.

On the losing side of the race, Rep. Melo, who eventually joined most of Rep. Marcello’s backers in voting for Leader Mattiello as speaker, opted to resign as House Finance chairman early Tuesday, March 25.

In doing so, Rep. Melo acknowledged it would have been a less than ideal situation for him to remain on the Finance Committee under the circumstances, opting instead to step away from the group he had chaired for the last three-plus years.

Rep. Raymond Gallison (D-Dist. 69, Bristol and Portsmouth), an existing member of the committee, was chosen by Speaker Mattiello as the new chairman of Finance. On a side note, as of the start of the House session this week, Rep. Melo said he had yet to receive a new committee assignment.

“I understand the speaker can and will appoint his own people to certain positions. That’s his prerogative. That’s part of the process,” Rep. Melo said. “But from my perspective there are way too many pressing issues in this state to let politics get in the way.”

From his Finance chair perch Rep. Melo said he knows better than most the difficult financial straits the state still must tread and that he remains committed to working towards finding solutions even though his direct influence on matters is now limited.

“One thing I can say, in my opinion, is that there is no one in that building (the State House) that knows more about the short and long term problems that the State of Rhode Island faces better than I do, and I will not let politics get in the way of us trying to correct those problems,” Rep. Melo added.

Politics, of course, are likely to be part of any maneuvers made in the House, but results will be the key to the future success of the body and specifically the new speaker, who has made the economy, jobs and inclusion of disparate views the cornerstones of his revised leadership plan.

“This is only the beginning,” Rep. Melo said. “Speaker Mattiello now has to prove to be a man of his word, not only to his colleagues but to the people of the State of Rhode Island. He needs to show he can do what he needs to do about the most importance issues we face, which are the economy and jobs. It’s going to be difficult. He has a very small window to do it.”

The House session ends on June 30, meaning Speaker Mattiello will have had a little over three months to initiate and implement his budgetary plans.

As for his own future, Rep. Melo said he remains steadfast in his position and will once again put his name on the November ballot in search of a fifth term as the representative from District 64 in the center section of the city.

“I have every intention to run for re-election. I still consider it an honor to represent the great people of the City of East Providence and District 64. We still have plenty of work to do,” Rep. Melo said.

And beyond the general election, Rep. Melo said he will keep a close eye on what could be another challenge for speaker once the House gathers for its next session in January of 2015.

“Once we have the election in November, there’s going to be a whole new race for speaker,” Rep. Melo added. “Speaker Mattiello has to prove his worth. He has to show he can get things done or else we’ll be doing this again.”

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island moved one step closer to joining a host of other states which allow drivers to replace their hard copy insurance cards with their mobile devices.

The State Senate passed legislation Thursday, April 3, to do just that. The bill’s lead sponsor is Sen. William Conley (D-Dist. 18), the city native who represents East Providence and Pawtucket. His legislation comes on the heels of a similar bill passed in the House, spearheaded by local Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).

If enacted, which seems likely, proof of financial responsibility could be provided to a law enforcement officer in the case of a traffic stop or an accident by using a customer’s smartphone, tablet or other mobile electronics. The Senate passed the bill in a 33-0 vote.

Rhode Island would become the 32nd state to allow drivers to use a digital platform, following the most recent previous like legislation passed in South Carolina in early March of this year.

“There are an abundance of auto insurance customers who own electronic devices – especially smartphones – and would like to be able to use their digital insurance cards as a matter of convenience,” said Sen. Conley said of the bill (2014-S 2444).

He continued, “Obviously, cutting down on the number of paper cards is also beneficial to the environment. But mostly, this bill is about keeping up with the times and providing for a more efficient process.”

Sen. Conley’s legislation includes a provision that prohibits police officers from viewing any other content on those devices, thus protecting individuals’ right to privacy. Both the insurance industry and the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) support the potential change in state law.

The House versions of the bill (2014-H 7098, 2014-H 7125A) – sponsored by Rep. Amore and Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) respectively – have passed through the House chamber and are awaiting Senate approval. At least one bill must pass through both chambers in order to be transferred to the governor’s desk for a signature into law.

Sen. David E. Bates (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) sponsored a similar version of the legislation (2014-S 2055) as well.

Sen. Conley’s bill will be submitted to the House for approval. If and when it passes, the final version will be submitted to Gov. Lincoln Chafee for his signature into law.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Providence Country Day School has recognized the following for second trimester scholarship and achievement. Students are listed by grade, name and hometown.

8, Michael Bloom Attleboro, Honors
12, Kyle Salgueiro Barrington, High Honors; 8, Anthony Maio Barrington, Honors; 9, Maxon Quas Barrington, Honors
12, Bailey Crespi, Berkley, Honors
7, Alison Carranza Cranston, High Honors; 10, Dante Diwan Cranston, High Honors; 12, Alexander Diwan Cranston, High Honors; 11, Christopher Petronio Cranston, High Honors; 7, Lola Rael Cranston, Honors; 10, Aliya Thaler Cranston, Honors
11, Emily Gnys Cumberland, Honors; 12, Laurie Mazza Cumberland, Honors
12, Amalia Amburn Dayville, Conn., Honors
9, Austin Robins East Greenwich, Honors
9, John Shamgochian East Providence, High Honors; 10, Janaja Santos East Providence, Honors
10, Max Liebhauser Jamestown, High Honors; 10, Gabriel Zelaya-Rincon Jamestown, Honors
11, Alexandra Garcia Kingston, Honors
11, Jake Walker Lincoln, High Honors; 10, Alexander Azar Lincoln, Honors; 11, Matthew Galleshaw Lincoln, Honors; 7, Zachary Jawharjian Lincoln, Honors
10, Briggs Craig Little Compton, Honors
11, Justin LaRose Mansfield, Honors
12, Maya Montoya-Pimolwatana, Middletown, Honors
10, Max Press N. Providence, High Honors
7, Paige Franklin, New Bedford, Honors; 12, Eli Kanter, New Bedford, Honors
12, Bryan Cloherty, North Attleboro, High Honors; 12, Derek Safford, North Attleboro, Honors
10, Mark Gall North Providence, High Honors; 11, Robert Lough North Providence, Honors
6, Leo Farrelly Norton, High Honors; 7, Michael Tetreault Norton, High Honors
12, Elizabeth Weiner Pawtucket, High Honors; 9, Lucy Ehrlich Pawtucket, Honors; 10, Sebastian Gallego Acosta Pawtucket, Honors; 8, Alexandra Guzman Pawtucket, Honors; 9, Zachary Odessa Pawtucket, Honors
12, Abigail Spiro Portsmouth, High Honors; 9, Tucker Wray Portsmouth, High Honors
12, Esther Bharier Providence, High Honors; 11, Omri Galor Providence, High Honors; 7, Henry Schaefer Providence, High Honors; 8, Peder Schaefer Providence, High Honors; 9, Di Wu Providence, High Honors; 11, Fan Wu Providence, High Honors; 6, Sonya Crucey Providence, Honors; 7, Nathan Disandro Providence, Honors; 10, Nellie Harvey Providence, Honors; 6, Liana Littell Providence, Honors
9, David Bauman, Rehoboth, High Honors; 12, Huntter McGonigle, Rehoboth, High Honors; 7, William Musto, Rehoboth, High Honors; 11, Isabelle Bauman, Rehoboth, Honors; 7, Catherine McLaughlin, Rehoboth, Honors; 12, David Tschirch, Rehoboth, Honors
6, Elliott Trendell Riverside, High Honors; 9, Sean Feeney Riverside, Honors; 10, Aquila Harper Riverside, Honors
11, Moira Anderson Rumford, High Honors; 10, Isabel Britto Rumford, High Honors; 10, Beibhinn Anderson Rumford, Honors; 6, Illianna Britto Rumford, Honors; 7, Isaiah Britto Rumford, Honors; 6, Alexander Moubayed Rumford, Honors; 6, Paul Moura Rumford, Honors
12, Nicholas DeBlasio Saunderstown, Honors
12, Ryan D’ Alessandro Scituate, Honors
11, John Greene, Seekonk, High Honors; 10, Fangxi Shang, Seekonk, High Honors
11, Sofia Mongeon Smithfield, Honors
9, Alexandra Pope, South Dartmouth, Honors
12, Bailey Partridge Swansea, Honors; 9, Elizabeth Perkowski Swansea, Honors; 10, Stephanie Spiegel Swansea, Honors
12, Julia Christman Tiverton, High Honors; 12, Elias Dowling-Huppert Tiverton, Honors
12, Alexa Bullard Warren, High Honors; 10, Benoit Le Gallo Warren, High Honors; 12, Nicholas Pearson Warren, High Honors
6, Gregory Demetrakas Warwick, High Honors; 9, Henry Viall Warwick, High Honors; 12, Sarah Benjamin Warwick, Honors
9, Elijah Byrnes, Westport, High Honors; 11, Alanna Horton, Westport, High Honors