EAST PROVIDENCE — The Martin Middle School Theatre Company performed “Arsenic and Old Lace” as its winter offering over two nights last week.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne chronicled one of the performances in the gallery below.

Actors in order of appearance are as follows:

1: Juliet Antonio as Martha Brewster (left) and Jillian Aronhalt as Abby Brewster make small talk with Kyle Desmarais as Mortimer Brewster.
2: Kyle Desmarais as Mortimer Brewster (right) finds out that his aunt Abby Brewster portrayed by Jillian Aronhalt (left) is poisoning elderly men.
3: Jillian Aronhalt as Abby Brewster (left) and Juliet Antonio as Martha Brewster welcome guests into their home.
4: Dean Hernandez as Teddy Brewster and Kyle Desmarais as Mortimer Brewster chat in the Brewster home.
5: Maddie Turner as Elaine Harper and her fiance Kyle Desmarais as Mortimer Brewster chat on the Brewster’s sofa.
6: Maddie Turner as Elaine Harper leans in for a kiss with her fiance Kyle Desmarais as Mortimer Brewster.
7: Danny Strother as Officer Klein (left) and Dean Hernandez as Teddy Brewster speak about Teddy’s love of travel.
8: Arianna Mimande as Officer Brophy has a snack in the Brewster household.
9: Jillian Aronhalt as Abby Brewster speaks with her nephew Dean Hernandez as Teddy Brewster.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Two members of the community who have taken to social media to criticize members of the Council, specifically in regard to their acceptance of healthcare benefits through the city, accepted an open invitation made to them to speak to the elected officials directly.

At the Tuesday night, Jan. 19, Council meeting, Scott Scienzo and Jason Desrosiers voiced their concerns in person in what was at times a tense and heated exchange between the parties.

Speaking separately — Mr. Scienzo during Public Comment and Mr. Desrosiers during Communications — each gentleman outlined his grievances with the Councilors who took up the offer of former City Manager Paul Lemont to receive healthcare at a total expense of slightly less than $50,000 in the current fiscal budget.

Mr. Scienzo began his remarks by saying he was not a “keyboard warrior” as Ward 2 Councilman Helder Cunha called some of his critics on the matter at the end of a joint meeting between the Council and School Committee the previous week. It was then that Ward 4 Councilman Tim Conley first addressed the topic of his receipt of city healthcare and challenged those in opposition to make their case personally, not electronically.

Though he did not cite it by name, Mr. Scienzo indirectly referred to a Facebook community called “For East Providence, By East Providence” where “over 2,000” members gather to share information about the goings-on in the city, many of whom also had questions about the legality and ethics of the Council receiving the benefits mid-term. He said it was his understanding by City Charter, sitting Council members could not vote to give themselves any type of increased compensation their current term.

Mr. Scienzo was most notably confused and dismayed by the Council’s vote on a resolution back in June of 2015 giving the City Manager the authority to reinstate any spending controls put into place by the former state-appointed Budget Commission. Their suspicions were raised with the appearance of two drafts, one rough and one final, which had differing language. The draft resolution included wording specific to the Council being offered benefits. The final version did not.

Mr. Scienzo continued to go through a litany of problems he found with other budgetary matters, including that of the Budget Reserve Fund often colloquially referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund,” before City Manager Richard Kirby engaged him on the pertinent items.

Mr. Kirby said his office and that of the City Solicitor did extensive research on benefits matter. He said there is no record going back as far as 1981 of an ordinance voted on by a Council to afford members access to city healthcare benefits. He noted it had apparently originated by a former manager around that time and continued to be customary until the Budget Commission ended the practice during its time overseeing the city’s expenses. However, the most recent “decision to reinstate the benefits was solely at the discretion of the city manager (Mr. Lemont).”

Mr. Lemont did so in May of 2015, or at least a month prior to the Council taking up the resolution at the heart of the conflict.

“The Council did not give itself benefits. They were provided by the city manager,” Mr. Kirby added.

Mr. Cunha, one of three members to accept city healthcare along with Mr. Conley and Ward 2’s Tommy Rose, was the most animated Tuesday of those politicians in the citizens’ crosshairs.

Mr. Cunha asked Mr. Scienzo, rhetorically, “Do you think we would actually put ourselves in that position if we knew were going to get in trouble?”

Questioning the tone of Mr. Scienzo’s comments, Mr. Cunha said, “Your delivery, the way you come up it makes us look like we’re crooks.”

He later added, the Councilors had “checked out” the legal and ethical questions surrounding the situation. Mr. Cunha did not elaborate, but presumably he meant with the State Ethics Commission and the Council’s legal advisors.

While there was an air of confrontation during Mr. Scienzo’s time at the podium, the discussion became much more intense when Mr. Desrosiers took the microphone.

He read off a list of several reservations and complaints about how the benefits were reinstated. Among them, he said he was “deeply concerned” that there were two versions of the June resolution and that he had “serious questions” about the Council taking increased compensation in the form of healthcare in the middle of their term in office.

Mr. Desrosiers said while it may have not been illegal to do so, he nonetheless felt it was a “violation of the spirit” of the City Charter and that by restoring “frivolous benefits” it could lead East Providence back towards previous poor spending practices.

In addition, Mr. Desrosiers said the Councilors each knew of the compensation package they would receive upon taking office and accepting healthcare was an “unethical decision” on the part of the members. He cautioned them that voters were likely to take the move into account when they next went to the polls.

It was at about that time when Mr. Cunha became even more agitated.

To Mr. Desrosiers, directly, he said, “You know what? I wish there were more of you to come up here and give a good speech like that about positive stuff, things we’ve actually been doing. That would be fantastic.

“But it’s week after week after week of the same people coming up here with negative stuff. It’s sickening. It’s sickening. Come up here with some positive stuff…You think we’re up here to steal. You think we’re up here to be crooks. It’s disgusting.”

Mr. Rose chimed in with a comment regarding a purported $250 million in private development taking place or planned to be done in the city as a measure of the Council’s effectiveness. He specifically noted improvements on the Taunton Avenue corridor where rows of shops across from City Hall are expected to be upgraded and the renovation and expansion of two car dealerships, the Toyota and GMC showrooms, further west.

“A lot of that has to do with the Council voting on those things and people are coming here to do business,” Mr. Rose said, adding “each of these Council members have worked harder than any Council we’ve ever had.”

In response, Mr. Desrosiers said he was pleased to hear of those developments and he was also upbeat about comments made by Mr. Kirby earlier in the meeting as well of efforts being made by the city Planning Department, but that did not preclude him from remaining skeptical about the benefits matter.

The discussion then came to a close. Mr. Conley, who made his feelings known about the topic at the aforementioned joint meeting, did not speak about the issue.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Representatives from two of East Providence’s community populated boards spoke before the City Council at its meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 19, doing so from differing perspectives.

Arts Council Chairman Rick Lawson and Vice Chair Courtney Repoza approached the Council seeking its backing in pursuit of a Centennial Community Grant from the Rhode Island Foundation.

Mr. Lawson said the grants come in denominations of $5,000 to $15,000. The Arts Council would use that money to install a sculpture on a vacant piece of city-owned land at the intersection of Valley Street, Warren Avenue and Waterfront Drive with a view from above from the George Redman Linear Park on Interstate 195. The parcel cannot be developed.

City Planning Director Jeanne Boyle, a member of the Arts Council, is on board with the proposal, Mr. Lawson added. He said the Arts Council has already contacted a local non-profit arts organization, The Steel Yard, to create the  piece. And students from the East Providence Career and Tech Center would also be approached to contribute to the project.

Mr. Lawson explained being able to show formal support of the City Council would be significant going into the grant process. According to Foundation literature while not required, “proposals that demonstrate a local commitment will be considered more competitive for this grant program. Community commitment may be measured by a cash match, committed volunteer time, donated space, or other forms of in-kind contributions.”

In urging City Council support, Mr. Lawson said, “Let’s put something there. It’s better than having an overgrown parcel.”

The Councilors did not move on the matter Tuesday, but did signal their backing. An action item is likely to be placed on the agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2.

Still in its fledgling stages, having only been formed a mere two years prior, the Arts Council is in a period of significant growth. The Council sponsored a handful of events last year, including the very successful first offering of “The Looff” arts festival over the summer at the Crescent Park Carousel.

“We want to expand the brand,” Mr. Lawson said of “The Looff,” which was a one-day event. “We want it to be a regional thing.”

The chairman said the Arts Council is planning more events in 2016. The response from their previous offerings, he said, “show people enjoy” them and it meets one the group’s goals allowing local artists to “show the community their work.”

Mrs. Repoza called the arts in East Providence “an untapped resource,” adding the Arts Council “hopes to change that.” She said the arts can create civic pride, bring the community together and help educate children.

With that in mind, the Arts Council plans to pursue a permanent home base. Mr. Lawson, while noting communities such as Providence, Jamestown and Tiverton among other have arts centers, suggested one possible landing spot could be the former Union Primary School on Pawtucket Avenue. Regardless, the chairman said the Arts Council is in need of a “home for live performances and a place for artists to show their work.”

On the flip side of the Arts Council, East Providence Beautification Commission Chair Christine Pereira approached the Council hoping for an assist to add to its dwindling membership.

Mrs. Pereira said the Commission, which just recently worked with Exxon-Mobil to install a new welcome sign at the Riverside-Barrington border, was down to just four members from a high of 12. She asked the Councilors to approach any of their constituents who they think might have interest in serving on the Commission.

“We have some really good ideas up the pike,” Mrs. Pereira said. “We’re looking for bodies, people who to help us.”

The Beautification Commission meets once a month on the second Monday. Anyone interested in becoming a member can call City Hall at 435-7500 for more information.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Calling it a “very big issue,” City Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose at a meeting of his body on January 19 wondered aloud if the School Department was running a significant surplus and questioned how it was spending that money if indeed it was.

Mr. Rose claimed the schools were either “$5.4 or $5.6 million” in the black and has that amount available for use in the Fiscal Year 2015-16. He said he had heard those numbers being bandied about and received confirmation the surplus was in that neighborhood from Ward 2 School Committee representative Tony Ferreira.

“After hearing about the last School Committee meeting (on January 12) and about a bunch of contracts being approved, I started to do some more research,” Mr. Rose said last Tuesday. “I began hearing about a surplus and I had confirmation and now I want double confirmation as far as there being $5.4 million surplus on the School Committee side, which is being talked about for teachers’ contracts, being saved for their next contracts…That was never brought up at that meeting.”

The School Committee, at the recommendation of Superintendent Kathryn Crowley, approved a host of contracts for the district’s administrators and principals at its January 12 meeting. Most of those pacts were for three years in length.

Mr. Rose asked City Finance Director Malcolm Moore to delve deeper into the actual figures of the potential surplus. He then noted the district had held money to pay for retiree benefits, but said when the Council has similarly set aside  or spent cash to fulfill contractual obligations, it has faced heavy criticism.

Mr. Rose said it was time that both the City Council and School Committee “put all their cards on the table,” adding “not any one of them (School Committee members) have spoken about that (the surplus)” in their recent dealings together. He questioned why the schools needed an additional $800,000-plus from the city for their FY15-16 budget, which led to a 1.3 percent tax increase, if there was access to so much money.

“We’re trying to do our due diligence,” Mr. Rose said about budgetary matters. “We’re trying to work with the five-year plan,” he added, referencing the outline set forth by the former Budget Commission.

The money requested by the district from the city is supposed to earmarked towards some short-term infrastructure improvements as well as the hiring of maintenance staff among other items.

“I’d like to see those projects being done and if the money is being used correctly,” Mr. Rose added.

Reached for comment after the meeting, Mr. Rose’s counterpart on the district side, School Committee Chairman Charlie Tsonos, said the council president did not have a complete grasp of the facts.

“There is $5.4 million, but that is part of our obligation. There is no surplus. All of that money is already spoken for,” Mr. Tsonos said, acknowledging payments the district owes its employees for ARC (Annual Retirement Contributions) and OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits).

“We need those funds to be distributed in order to stay current,” Mr. Tsonos continued. “It’s not like we have a choice in how to spend that money and it’s never been a secret either.”

With that in mind, Mr. Tsonos said the School Committee has tasked Deputy City Finance Director Linda Dykeman with formulating a comprehensive paper detailing how and where the money is being spent. While noting all of the information is already available, he said Mrs. Dykeman will formally present her findings to the Committee at its meeting on February 9, but that it should be entered into the public domain a bit sooner. Mr. Tsonos did not know whether Mrs. Dykeman would be asked to speak before the Council on the subject.

“If Mayor Rose wants to throws those kinds of figures out there, that’s his prerogative,” Mr. Tsonos added. “But rather than piecemeal things, we’re going to have all the information presented at one time… All of the questions will be answered.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department is asking for assistance with trying to locate Joseph Pinheiro, missing for over a week.

Mr. Pinheiro was last seen on January 11 at an ATM in Seekonk. He does have a past history of depression.

Mr. Pinheiro is described as a white male, 5’5” in height, approximately 150 lbs, and has a cast on his left wrist.

Anyone with information that may assist the East Providence Police Department are urged to contact the Detective Bureau at 401-435-7600.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Firefighters and rescues from about a half-dozen other area departments responded to a significant carbon monoxide incident Saturday evening, Jan. 23, at the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Club located at 51 North Phillips St.

EPFD Chief Oscar Elmasian reported some 25 party-goers at a private function became overwhelmed and began to take ill at approximately 9:30 p.m. The chief said there were no known fatalities and that he did not know the extent of the victims’ illnesses. He termed the situation a “mass casualty incident.”

“As soon as we got on scene we evacuated between 150 and 200 people from the premises,” Chief Elmasian explained. “We utilized outside rescue to rush approximately 25 people to hospital who were feeling ill.”

The chief said carbon monoxide gauges used by EPFD firefighters upon arrival were “off the charts.” He said he did not know the cause of the leak, but immediately the club’s heating system was the likely suspect. Chief Elmasian said National Grid was also on hand as the investigation got underway.

“Our main goal was to evacuate and transport the victims to hospital for treatment,” the chief added.

East Providence City Manager Richard Kirby, the city’s senior public safety officer, said he quickly reached the scene with City Highway Director Rob Walker. Mr. Kirby was gaining first-hand knowledge of how the department takes to cleaning roads during the initial significant snow storm since he took office back in September of last year.

“It was very impressive how professional our guys were, how all of them were,” Mr. Kirby said of the EPFD firefighters and those from other departments that assisted.

“They really know what they know. They don’t take anything for granted. They all did a great job,” he added.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — A faulty heating unit was at the root cause of a carbon monoxide leak at an East Providence club, which sent several patrons to hospital after taking ill.

East Providence Fire Department Chief Oscar Elmasian confirmed initial suspicions that a gap in the heating system at the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Club located on Phillips Street in city led to some two dozen party-goers to succumb to the fumes at an event Saturday evening, Jan. 23.

“The leak came from the boiler in the basement of the building,” Chief Elmasian said Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Operators of the club were working under the supervision of EPFD Captain Ken Botelho, the city’s fire marshal, to rectify the matter before the club will be allowed to reopen, according to the chief.

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PROVIDENCE — Both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly passed the “Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act” last night, Jan. 26, and Governor Gina Raimondo signed it into law the next day.

The State House of Representatives approved the Senate version of the bill (2016-S 2002) introduced by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick). The Senate likewise approved the House version (2016-H 7003) submitted by Rep. Robert E. Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown), known to residents locally as one of East Providence’s assistant city solicitors.

The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 would exempt from liability any person who administers an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone, to another person to prevent a drug overdose in an emergency situation. It would further provide immunity from certain drug charges and for related violations of probation and/or parole for those persons who in good faith, seek medical assistance for a person experiencing an overdose. Naloxone, commonly known as “Narcan,” is available over the counter at pharmacies.

The new act replaces the previous “Good Samaritan” legislation, the 2012 law which went without renewal when the General Assembly adjourned last July.

“Drug overdose is a public health crisis that cuts across every community in Rhode Island,” said Gov. Raimondo. “I applaud the General Assembly for passing these bills quickly. Their focus reflects my top priority on this issue: Save lives. By removing barriers to contacting emergency services during overdose situations, this law is an important part of our efforts to reduce opioid overdose deaths and help more people make it in Rhode Island.”

Gov. Raimondo plans to work with the General Assembly to secure funding for overdose prevention, addiction treatment and recovery support, and Medicaid funding to support and expand peer recovery coach programs.

At the bill signing, Gov. Raimondo also announced that the State will direct more than $40,000 in Google settlement funds to be used by the Rhode Island State Police and local police departments to purchase and distribute Naloxone in the communities hardest hit by drug overdose.

The bill, which is backed by public health advocates as a tool to combat the region’s opioid overdose epidemic, is meant to remove barriers that might stand in the way of someone calling 911 to help an overdosing person.

“First and foremost, we’re concerned with saving lives. If someone knows that calling 911 is probably going to result in their going to jail, they’re going to be very hesitant to do it. Nobody benefits from that situation,” said Sen. McCaffrey, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The enforcement of drug laws matters, but for real public safety, saving lives has to come first. No one should be afraid to make a phone call to save a life.”

Rep. Craven echoed that sentiment, adding, “Saving a life is much more important than a drug arrest. Ultimately, nothing should ever discourage someone from trying to provide assistance to someone who is dying.”

In supporting the legislation, Maria Montanaro, director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, said Rhode Island had more opioid deaths per capita last year than any state in the country.

“To save lives, seeking help in a medical emergency has to be the priority,” said Ms. Montanaro “We deeply appreciate the swift passage of the Good Samaritan law and commend the General Assembly members and the many community advocates who contributed to advancing this legislation. This law is an essential component of the great work happening in Rhode Island to address substance use disorders and reduce overdose deaths, and we look forward to building on these efforts through the work of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force.”

From a law enforcement perspective, East Providence Police Chief Christopher Parella said it was a positive step for his and other departments across the state, though he did note it was unfortunate the initial “Good Samaritan” law was able to expire without renewal last year.

East Providence is one of several cities around the state, which has been besieged by marked increases in heroin overdoes, especially, over the last 12 months. Many of those ODs, however, have gone unreported since the previous incarnation of the law elapsed.

“I’m very, very pleased,” Chief Parella explained. “I was disappointed they (the Assembly) didn’t do it concurrently during the last session. But now that it has been restored, it will certainly help us because it really does save lives. Because people have been reluctant to call police when they know of an overdose. We’ve seen it in the last year. But now instead of being scared of being arrested, hopefully they’ll make that call. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about saving lives whether it’s from a law enforcement standpoint or a treatment standpoint.”

The ACLU of Rhode Island, which backed the legislation, issued the following statement on the passage of Good Samaritan bill: “We thank the House for moving to reinstate the Good Samaritan law. Today’s approval of this life-saving legislation puts the state on track to address drug use and addiction through treatment rather than criminal punishment.

“It is now critical that the House and Senate each promptly approve the opposite chamber’s identical version of this bill so it can be sent to the Governor and signed into law as soon as possible. The reinstated Good Samaritan law will save lives and reassure Rhode Islanders that their state values saving a life over making an arrest. We look forward to its speedy passage, and hope to work with lawmakers to expand its protections later this session.”

— With reports from the General Assembly Legislative Press Bureau

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EAST PROVIDENCE — “Buddy” Cianci’s omnipresence extended across the state and included East Providence where he conducted his daily WPRO radio show from the station’s studios on Wampanoag Trail to his seemingly unlikely friendship with renowned city resident Walter Miller.

Last summer, Mr. Cianci made a special appearance at “Walter Miller Day,” an afternoon celebrating Mr. Miller’s 80th birthday at the Crescent Park Carousel. Buddy, as he did throughout his public life, had the crowd in the palm of his hand, regaling them with stories and offering platitudes to his “buddy,” Mr. Miller.

We here at The Post chronicled the event through photos, which was well received at the time. And when Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci, passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 28, the paper’s Facebook page was inundated with readers who revisited those photos to post their condolences.

Immediately, there and in other reminiscences throughout the day, we were reminded of Mr. Cianci’s quixotic existence. How he became one of the state’s most formidable and forward-thinking politicians during his multiple terms as mayor of Providence, contrasted by his spectacular down-fall as a convicted felon.

Mr. Cianci will be remembered fondly by many and scornfully by the rest. Regardless, one of his biggest fans resides in East Providence — Walter Miller.

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HONOLULU, HAWAII — Petty Officer First Class Bruce Lambert of Riverside assisted in the presentation of players in the NFL Pro Bowl Draft Wednesday night, Jan. 27, in Hawaii, where he is stationed in the United States Coast Guard.

Officer Lambert was introduced to the national audience on ESPN2 by Monday Night Football host Mike Tirico, who noted he was a Green Bay Packers fan despite being from Rhode Island and in the heart of New England Patriots territory.

Officer Lambert posted the names of the NFL All Stars on a board once they were selected during the first half hour of the telecast.

Dallas Cowboy Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, serving as one of the Pro Bowl team captains along with fellow wide receiver great Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers, joked Officer Lambert was like their “Vanna White,” a reference to the famed letter turner on Wheel of Fortune.

The Pro Bowl Draft will be rebroadcast on the NFL Network on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 9 p.m. and in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 29, at 1 a.m.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Fatima T. Avila, Principal of Martin Middle School, recently announced the Honor Roll for the second quarter marking period. Honors are as follows: 1st Honors, “SummaCumLaude” (all A’s), and 2nd Honors, “MagnaCumLaude” (all A’s and B’s).

SummaCumLaude

6th Grade: Elijah Barber; Adam Berwick; Chelsea Bolarinho; Lily Budnick; Francesca Buono; Ella Cabral; Rheana Cappuccio; Britney Carlson; Samuel Clark; Darren Cumplido; Miles DeMacedo; Katherene Diaz Araujo; Michelle Diaz Araujo; Kyle Dunn; Logan Fournier; Mason Fox; Ryan Heatherton; Hayden LaRiviere; Skyla Marchand; Alexis Mason; Michelle Moniz; Miranda Moniz; Elizabeth Murphy; Jacob Palumbo; Adriana Peixoto; Ethan Perdomo; Sofia Quattrini; Avieana Rivera William Roche Matthew Rogers Mason Romero Brett Schwab Raissa Souma Megan Torres Chapman White; Kimberly Witherell.

7th Grade: Nathan Almeida; Asia Alves; Jonah Ashley-Friedman; George Benziger; Kylie Brito; Sarasvati Buchta; Jordan Butler; Abigail Caldeira; Cianna Camara; Eva Caron; Skylah Chakouian; Sabrina Claudino; Priscilla Constant; John Cox; Mccarty Cox; Meredith Crookes; Mattheus Ferreira; Nathalie Ferreira; Luke Flowers; Janell Gamboa; Andrew Langille; Neil Lilley; Derek Lima; Trinitie Lussier; Colin Monteiro; Andrew Mottur; Blake Palma; Thalia Pinto; Adrianna Plante; Jackson Ponte; Shannon Root; Natalie Salazar; Xavier Simpson; Delia Usenia; Emily Verdone-Doyle; Dakota Watjen; Kareem Williams; Maya Wolski.

8th Grade: Micah Abrams; Daniel Andrade; Yanis Benadouda; Mackenna Brito; Samuel Budnick; Karissa Carlson; Mia Costa; Isabel Cruz; Simone Driscoll-Nicholaus; Madisyn Gomes; Mia Jackson; Paige Messier; Stephanie Murphy; Aaliyah Pattie; Jeremy Perdomo; Holly Ramsey; Tereso Rodriguez; Keegan Seagrave; Hyacinth Spears; Eliza Vecchiarelli; Shelby Wilkerson; Stella Wolfe.

MagnaCumLaude

6th Grade: Arianna C Amaral; Ryan Amoroso; Abigail Bartlett; Maggie Boog-Quinn; Borges, Matthew; Zachary Ryan Botelho; Mackenzie Brogan; Francisco Carrion; Vianna Chamberlin; Arianna Cunha; Deshaun Davis; Mason Davis; Arron Cesar Dumapias; Hayden Duquette DeCristoforo; Kathy Faial; Benjamin Feeley; Kianis Feliciano; Vanessa Ferreira; Austin Fitzgerald; Tyler Fitzgerald; Michael Foster; Jillian Fraga; Gianna George; Trevor Germano; Selma Goncalves; Starr Goncalves; Damian Green; Tyresse Hazard; Rami Jamal Aldine; Kaylee Jannerelli; Hope Jessop; Gyanna Kirwin; Arianna Landry; Trevor Leduc; Abigail Leite; Tracey Leone; Briana Lopes; Nini Mai; Adam Marschat; Haley Massa; Drew Medeiros; Julia Medeiros; Lucas Melo; Sarina Mendonca; Zosia Mikolajczyk; Elijah Moniz; Hanna Nolan; Kaylee Olea; Noah Perez-Lopes; Aaron Pincince; Mackenzie Rivers; Julia Rocha; Parker Rush; Tabitha Russell; Austin Schiedler; Susana Soares; Maame Tabi; Owen Tellier; Alivia Urey; Gabriel Vargas Lantigua; Maraynah Vasconcelos; Kylie Vecchio; Jayvon Walmsley.

7th Grade: Mioshy Aguilar; Iana Almada; Brandon Almonte; Jordan Barth; Kayleigh Cahoon; Xavier Cornier; Alexandria Costa; Alexis DelRosso; Ashley DeOliveira; Larissa Desmarais; Kianu Duarte; Karen Engelhardt; Jazmin Ferreira; Nicole Flor; Nygel Gomes; Jazmya Harris; Kianna Hepburn; Alexandra Kollie; Quinlan Lambert; Francisco Leal; Aaron Levesque; Robert Lincoln; Erin Lopes; Raissa Luu; Edward Medeiros; Alyssa Miller; Camron Monteiro; Haylee Mota; Joshua O’Leary; Mary Penta; Thomas Pereira; Krystina Perry; Mya Perry; Griffin Poland; Amir-Hisham Rahmat; Adriana Ramos; Emily Raposo; Richard Rivera; Alexia Rodriguez; Shannon Root; Alexis Rosa; Christa Roy-Lachance; Cameron Seagrave; London Shattuck; Aryanna Silva; D’Ante Silva; Ayana Stokes; Amy Tewksbury; Jayla Toolin; Genesis Vargas Lantigua; Mayra Vaz; Alexia Vilela; Nyree Walrond; Emily Witherell.

8th Grade: Cameron Bailey; Jasmine Bennett; Nathan Bettencourt; Ashton Boyle; Quinn Britto; Talya Caldeira; Sophia Calise; Ashley Cassino-Henriquez; Jade Chartier; Sasha Chibante; Susan Colin; Katie Costa; Rhiannon Crombie; Emily DaPonte; Troy DeAndrade; Alyssa DeOliveira; Dwyneth Rose Dumapias; Sarah; Feitosa; Chelsea Fernandes; Alvaro Ferreira; Kaylin Foley; Steven Gallant; Angelina Gomes; Vanessa Guertin; John Jessop; Jace Kassed; Richard Maciel; Jacob Mastrostefano; Devonte Mauricio; Arianna Mimande; Chinh Nguyen; Tahjin Niblett; Victoria Oliveira; Justin Pinheiro; Parker Reid; Eric Robinson; Luana Rodrigues; Amya Ruiz; Jalivia Santos; Lianna Santos; Danny Sequeira; Airrid Stewart; Willow Studley; Sophia Swanson; Ashonte Symonds; Joseph Teixeira; Ariana Williams.

Note — The MMS second quarter honor roll will appear in an upcoming print edition of The East Providence Post.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Dr. Cheri Guerra, Principal, and Mr. Gregory McCarthy, Assistant Principal of Riverside Middle School have announced the Honor Roll for the 2015-2016 second quarter.  Honors are as follows:

FIRST HONORS:  (All A’s)

Grade 6:  Praneet Chilla, Alexander Crowley, Brenna Felix, Desiree Fernandes, Jaelyn  Freitas, Isabella Furtado, Kayla Hannon, Dylan Harris, Christopher Hess, Caroline Kramer, Hannah Lambert, Tessa Laroche, Brianna Lonergan, Hayley Lonergan, Nathan Medeiros, Bree Riel, Devon Rochette, John Vieira, Michael Wetmore, Katherine Whitaker, Grant Wosencroft

Grade 7:  Mollie Amaral, Kyleigh Anderson, Aileen Charron, Kayla Cox, Ashley Dias, Amaya Fiske, Laura Fox, Patrick Harrison, Darien Kane, Christa McCormick, Hailie Padula, Brian Petsch, Ella Rose, Evelyn Tracy

Grade 8: Aliyat Adeboye, Megan Amore , Christina-Marie Capobianco, ,Joshua Kauffman, Sofia Lamas, Christy Long, Kaylee Marasco, Madison Marcure, Cassidy Martins, Riley Mello, Angela Silva, Alexandra Wolski, Alessandra Woods

SECOND HONORS (All A’s and B’s)

Grade 6:  Alivia Amaral,  John Anderson,  Michael Bobola, Hailey Borges, Johnny Bowler, Caleb Cady, Coen Chace, Kael Conaty, Aaliyah Couto, Haylee Cox, Kaylee Davenport, Matthew Duckworth, Vincent Enright, Mia Faria, Justin Fiore, Sasha Gluchacki, Jarrid Gomes, Hailey Kaiser, Ho Un Kim, Jared Leite, Denzel MacDonald Abreu, Shawn Mangum, Christian Marion, Madison Marshall, Ethan Martins, Paul Mendence, Mason Moniz, Nicholas Morrison, Cameron Nichols, Lucas Nicini, Jesenia O’Malley, Lily Patterson, Jordyn Pereira, Autumn Plouff, Jack Poland, Vanessa Rego, Derin Sahin, Collin Silva, Makenna Silva, Brody Skog, Antonio Soares, Ali Souza, Riley Tirrell, Kaylee Trask, Maraida Veiga, Olivia Williams

Grade 7:  Sofia Almeida, Timothy Amaral, David Capobianco, Jeremy Carlson, Annalee Carolan, Anna Coelho, Brooklynne Costa, Linnea Costa, Justin Couto, Jamie Cunha, Bailey Drury, Kyle Duggan, Daynah Guyton, Jericka Lavin, Gianna Loccisano, Alexis Munro, Colby Nelson, Zoey Olson, Cassidy Pereira, Alex Pinheiro, Alexander Proulx, Sydney Ribeiro, Michael Sabourin, Marisa Silva, Jeremy Silvia, Sierra Tanzi

Grade 8:  Dylan Berger, Owen Charron, Emily Conley, Shawn D’Arezzo, Skylar DeBlois, Miranda DeLaCruz, Michaela Discuillo, Matthew DosSantos, Danielle Durfee, Jordan Durfee, Madison Durfee, Savannah Feola, Chantel Ferreira, Paige Francis, Mya Graham, Noah Hawkins, Amy Hurst, Ashanti Jackson, Khadija Jana, Quinn Lambert, Caitlin Lonergan, Eric Long, Brittany Manteiga, Korey Medeiros, Thomas Mello, Cole Melo, Isabela Monteiro, Brandon Motta, Isabelle Narciso, Meagan Newton, Brenden Nichols, Michelle Northup, Ashley Paolo, Douglas Perron, Aidan Schwab, Alexis Silva, Myiah Souza, Emma Tellier, Joseph Vieira, Sabrina Vieira

THIRD HONORS (All A’s, B’s, and one C)

Grade 6:  Gavin Bell,  Sallie Brennan, Elizabeth Brierley, Brandon Church, David Costa, Riley Feeney, Kassidy Fournier, Elke Jones, Austin Lake, Madison McCarthy, Desiree Morales, John Pagano, Dylan Palombo, Emma Quattrucci, Racquel Raphael, Alexander Rebelo, Nicholas Rekaris, Leilana Rudolph, Devin Ruggieri, Jonathan Sorrentino, Mackenzie Thimas, Dominic Thomas, Michael Zalomski

Grade 7:  Peter Bernard, Brandon Charette, Carly Corbett, Evete Craveiro, Nathaniel Eisel, Sierra Flowers, Zoe Jones, Savannah Litteral, Ariyana Medas, Sabrina Pereira, Kailyn Perry, Laura Rejto, Julia Van Dale

Grade 8:  Jashaun Benalfew, Jenna Bergeron, Alexandra Carroll, Jeffrey Clark, Katarina Correia, Mykel DeJesus, Taylor Donnelly, Dimitri Graca, Ian Hassel, Alison Hughett, Anthony Lopez, Maria Lopez, Ryan Moniz, Justin Pena, Maryellen Pinson, Isabella Quattrucci, Andrew Soares, Hailey Souza, Sean Sullivan, Nayelie Viera, Neiko Ward, Kyle Xavier.

Note — The RMS second quarter honor roll will appear in an upcoming print edition of The East Providence Post.

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PROVIDENCE — During an event Monday previewing her overall jobs plan for residents throughout the state, Governor Gina M. Raimondo told students at Smithfield High School one of her priorities is making the SAT and PSAT free for public high school students.

“This is about leveling the playing field and increasing access to opportunities to help Rhode Island’s kids succeed,” Gov. Raimondo said. “Providing these tests for free is about equity – this ensures that all students, regardless of economic circumstances, can use these tests to consider higher education opportunities. We need more students to be college and career ready. The SAT and PSAT set an appropriately high standard and are good tools to help close our skills gap.”

Gov. Raimondo’s proposal would provide all 10th and 11th grade Rhode Island public high school students with free SAT and PSAT tests and will be included as part of her Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Previously, students paid up to $54 to take the SAT and $15 to take the PSAT and often had to take the test on a Saturday.

In the 2014-2015 school year, less than 60 percent of public high school students took the SAT and approximately 38 percent took the PSAT.

Under Gov. Raimondo’s proposal, students will be able to take the test during the school day. Based on enrollment data, around 20,000 public high school students will benefit from this plan.

Research shows that SAT school day administration results in higher college-going rates, particularly among first-generation students. Experts predict that by 2020, 71 percent of jobs in Rhode Island will require some form of post-secondary education. Today, only about 44 percent of Rhode Islanders have a post-secondary degree or credential. That has to change.

Among those administrators and elected officials to back the plan were Education Commissioner Ken Wagner, Representative Joseph McNamara and Senator Hanna M. Gallo.

“Students who take the SAT exams are engaged in thinking about Postsecondary education,” said Commissioner Wagner. “Providing our students with the opportunity to take this assessment at no cost will encourage more Rhode Islanders to recognize that they can pursue a pathway that could lead them to Postsecondary education and to a challenging career.”

“The SAT is a highly-valued assessment that offers opportunities for students who may underestimate their academic abilities,” said Rep. McNamara, chairman of the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee. “As a retired school administrator, I have personally observed the motivational difference that the SAT makes in the success of a student. I am a strong believer that the SAT should be free and accessible to all.”

Added his counterpart across hall, Sen. Gallo, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Education, “These assessments open the college gates for our students. It is important that we remove any financial barriers so that all Rhode Island students have access to this opportunity.”

East Providence High School is slightly ahead of the curve on this matter, having administered the PSAT during the school day for the first time earlier this term. Students paid to take the exam.

EPHS Principal Shani Wallace enthusiastically embraced the notion of not only doing the same for the SAT but also affording students to chance take each test at no charge.

“We had great results on the PSAT we ran in mid-October that took place during the school day,” Ms. Wallace said. “And if the SAT and PSAT were offered free, I think we’d have even more kids participate for sure.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — (Updated, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.) A high-level administrator in city government has filed complaints against three other top past and present East Providence officials.

According to sources with first-hand knowledge of the document, initial reports about the content of the complaints from another media outlet were incorrect.

Those same sources indicated East Providence’s Director of Human Resources on the city side Kathleen Waterbury has filed with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights a sexual harassment claim against former City Manager Paul Lemont and a hostile work environment complaint against East Providence Fire Department Chief Oscar Elmasian.

Ms. Waterbury, hired by the former Budget Commission to what was the consolidated post at the time in January of 2013, claims Mr. Lemont made ill-timed and unsolicited comments of a sexual nature to her on multiple occasions during work hours in City Hall where both maintain an office.

Mr. Lemont, who took over as city manager on an interim basis in November 2013, was replaced in the position in September of 2015. The Human Resources director position was deconsolidated at about the same time, Ms. Waterbury keeping her part on the city side and Cheryl Silvia hired to take over HR for East Providence schools.

Ms. Waterbury’s complaint against Chief Elmasian alleges at least two incidents. One purports the chief conspiring with a firefighter union representative in an attempt to remove her from her position and the other instance being his use of explicit derogatory language about her to another upper-level member of city management.

An attempt to reach Chief Elmasian by phone Monday, Feb. 1, afternoon was unsuccessful.

Reached for comment later Monday current East Providence City Manager Richard Kirby said neither he nor City Solicitor Tim Chapman had received a copy of Ms. Waterbury’s formal complaint from the Commission via traditional mail. He said Mr. Chapman had asked the Commission send over a version by email, but did not know if that request had been met.

The news of the complaint, however, was not a surprise to the manager. Mr. Kirby acknowledged his office had received a letter from an attorney representing an employee last month indicating an intent to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights. Mr. Kirby, though, declined to state if the attorney was representing Ms. Waterbury.

“It was on behalf of a specific person. It was not anonymous,” Mr. Kirby said. “But I’m not sure I should comment on the content of the letter at this time.”

The manager added he passed the information on to the City Council and to the solicitor’s office.

UPDATE: Television station WJAR10 reported during its 6 p.m. newscast Monday it had obtained an actual copy of the document and that Mr. Kirby was also included in the complaint.

The station reported Ms. Waterbury claimed Mr. Kirby failed to investigate her initial complaint.

Reached for further comment Monday evening, Mr. Kirby acknowledged he was a party to the complaint but declined to comment any further.

UPDATE 2: Chief Elmasian answered an earlier inquiry on the matter via telephone late Monday evening.

The chief said he had hired noted local attorney Thomas McAndrew to serve as his legal adviser. Mr. McAndrew is to many locally as the lawyer for numerous successful complainants in past cases against the city.

Chief Elmasian declined to respond to Ms. Waterbury’s charges, saying he has been “advised by legal counsel not to comment at this time.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Through an Access to Public Records Act (APRA) request made previously to the City Solicitor’s office, a copy of the complaint filed with the state Commission for Human Rights Matter by East Providence City Human Resources Kathleen T. Waterbury against the City of East Providence, Richard Kirby, Paul Lemont and Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian was made public Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 2.

In it, Ms. Waterbury, who assumed the role of consolidated HR director back in January 2013, lays out her charges against Mr. Lemont, the former city manager, Mr. Kirby, the current city manager as of September 2015, and Chief Elmasian.

The claims against Mr. Lemont, who for a second time served East Providence as city manager on an interim basis from November 2013 to September 2015, are most explosive.

According to Ms. Waterbury’s account, “when I came to his office to speak about City business, he would ask me to twirl around so he could look me over.” Also, “Paul Lemont also has made repeated comments about the Town Clerk’s physical attributes (City Clerk Kim Casci-Palangio).”

Ms. Waterbury also claimed the following, “From the time Mr. Lemont came on board in East Providence, his interactions with me have been highly inappropriate. In each instance when Mr. Lemont would see me, he would ask me if we could take a shower together.”

And in addition, Ms. Waterbury claimed, “Mr. Lemont had a City iPad in which he accessed pictures of naked women and showed them to both me and the IT Director, Ms. Kelly Ahrens.”

Ms. Waterbury states upon his hiring last fall, Mr. Kirby failed to act on any of her complaints. Her statement reads, “Mr. Kirby did not investigate my complaints. Referring to Paul Lemont, Mr. Kirby said ‘That “75~year old man No way.'”

Also, she states, “Mr. Kirby has advised other City officials that he plans to. terminate me at the beginning of the new year.”

Her complaint against Chief Elmasian contains mostly second-hand material. Ms. Waterbury calls the chief “a protege” Mr. Lemont and that ” has made it clear that he is ‘out to get’ me.”

Mr. Waterbury further states, “The President of the Fire Fighters Union, Dave DeFonseca, in July, 2015, warned me that Chief Elmasian was ‘out to get’ me.” And “at the time, the Fire Chief offered that if the Union President would help him get rid of me, then Chief Elmasian would go easy on the Union men.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The City Council has a called a special meeting for Wednesday night, Feb. 3, where the body is expected to discuss the recent workplace complaint filed by a high level employee and the corresponding actions of the sitting manager.

It begins with an executive session at 7 p.m. On the docket are a discussion of the Human Rights complaint filed by HR Director Kathleen Waterbury and a performance review of City Manager Richard Kirby. An open session follows at 7:30 p.m.

According to City Charter, Mr. Kirby or any city manager has the option to hold their review in a public forum, which he is expected to do. Of note, the manager has retained a lawyer to be present on his behalf.

Speculation about the performance review centers around the possible suspension of Mr. Kirby for his actions, and in some instances inaction, in the city’s response Ms. Waterbury’s complaint.

Among his purported moves at issue was the retention of outside legal counsel to augment the city solictor’s office at a cost of $7,500. This was supposedly done in the event of any potential conflicts involving Solicitor Tim Chapman in the case. There is allegedly a dispute about whether or nor Mr. Kirby notified the Council and Mr. Chapman of the move in a timely fashion.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department continues to seek assistance from the public in an effort to track down a missing city man.

Joseph Pinheiro was last seen on January 11, 2016 at an ATM in Seekonk. Mr. Pinheiro does have a past history of depression. Mr. Pinheiro is described as a white male, 5-feet-5 in height, approximately 150 pound and has a cast on his left wrist.

According to family members, he may be traveling south in an effort to find employment. When he’s dealt with fits of depression in the past and when he has failed to take medication, he has shown a tendency to move about without notice.

The EPPD issued a second “BOLO” seeking help on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Investigators issued an initial “BOLO,” (be on the lookout) announcement on January 22 in an attempt to glean the whereabouts of Mr. Pinheiro.

The BOLO asked for assistance with trying to locate Mr. Pinheiro, 48, and a resident from the center of the city.
His whereabouts was last captured on surveillance cameras as he was walking through an exterior ATM machine.

Mr. Pinheiro is on medication, however he was believed to have not taken his prescription for quite some time. At the time of his disappearance Mr. Pinheiro also a bag of clothes. The last thing he told family members was that he was going to the laundry mat. He has his wallet and access to cash.

Anyone with information that may assist the East Providence Police Department are urged to contact the Detective Bureau at 401-435-7600.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The special session of the City Council called for Wednesday night, Feb. 3, where the body was expected to discuss the recent workplace complaint filed by a high level employee and the corresponding actions of the sitting manager, has been canceled.

According to sources, an attorney involved in the matter was unable to attend to personal reasons.

An executive session was on the docket were a discussion of the Human Rights complaint filed by HR Director Kathleen Waterbury and a performance review of City Manager Richard Kirby was supposed to occur.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The actions of various city departments likely saved numerous victims of a recent accident from even more serious illness, according to East Providence Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian.

Chief Elmasian was effusive in praising the efforts of his firefighters as well as those from a host of other departments that assisted during the carbon monoxide leak that took place Saturday evening, Jan. 23, at the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Club located on Phillips Street.

A faulty heating unit was at the root cause of the leak, which occurred as patrons to the establishment attended a private function during what was the first significant snowstorm to hit the area this winter.

In addition to the 17 pieces of apparatus used by firefighters during the event from 13 different departments, Chief Elmasian lauded the performance of the East Providence Public Works and Police Departments.

“If the streets weren’t cleared the way they did, it would have been a mess for us and the outside companies,” Chief Elmasian said.

He also acknowledged the work of EPFD Lieutenant Steven Mastriano, of Engine Co. 2 Group 3, who was tasked recently with procuring new and improved carbon monoxide detectors for the department. Those new gauges greatly aided the evaluation of the situation on site the evening of the incident.

“This city has dynamic departments serving the residents and they all did an excellent job,” the chief added.

In review of the event, Chief Elmasian told the Council rescues from 11 departments — three from East Providence, two each from Providence and Pawtucket, one each from Barrington, Cranston, North Providence, Warren, Warwick and Seekonk — transported 26 patrons directly from the HGBB Club to hospital. Later, four other patrons who succumbed to the gases were transported for treatment from their private residences by Bristol, Lincoln, Attleboro and Central Falls rescue.

The chief said in response to the incident members of the General Assembly, including some local representatives, as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office are considering submitting legislation requiring establishments like the HGBB Club to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The chief tempered the talk by saying, “we need to get (the law) right” and that there shouldn’t be a “knee-jerk” reaction to the matter.

Also, the chief said the leak “could have happened anywhere” at a similar business as that of the HGBB Club regardless, adding it can and has occurred at older establishments and as well as newer ones.

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By Nick Friend

EAST PROVIDENCE — Jim Hibbert is currently in his 51st year of coaching youth basketball in city and every single minute of that has been spent at one place, as he is continues along season after season from where his father left off.

A member of his family has been coaching hoops at Haven Methodist Church since 1950 when his father Al took to the sideline. Jim Hibbert began coaching in 1965, a place you can still find him today guiding a 14-and-under team in the East Providence Church and Sunday School Basketball League.

“My father was a coach for like 15 years and one day he just said, ‘I am not going to coach any more. My son is going to do it,’” Mr. Hibbert said with a laugh before continuing.  “He never asked me or anything. I helped him a little, but minor. I coached liked two games in a pinch.”

Right away the younger Mr. Hibbert, 19 years old at the time, fell in love with coaching.

“I liked it from the beginning and for some reason over the years I haven’t lost the interest or the passion,” Mr. Hibbert said. “When I started coaching I was 19 and the kids were like 14 so they were not that much younger than me.”

The church’s dedication to the youth of the city has long been at the heart of the Hibberts’ motivation to remain active. Mr. Hibbert cited a brochure produced in 1930 after the original Haven Methodist structure was burned in a fire.

The reconstruction effort specifically called for the “building of a gymnasium for the children of the community.”

“That gym is used almost seven days a week. We use it. There are men’s leagues and other activities ,” Mr. Hibbert said. “A lot of people have played in that gym. It’s served the city well. The key is that someone back in 1930 had a vision to have a gym for the kids.”

During Mr. Hibbert’s time on the sideline, which included the coaching of his three children, he has mentored youngsters ages eight to 18 through both the myriad of changes in society and the sport of basketball itself.

“Over the years we have had more teams, less teams. At the church we have one team this year,” Mr. Hibbert explained. “From ‘65 to now things are a lot different. There is not as many church leagues as there used to be because now there is AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). You watch tape from a game in ‘65 it looks nothing like basketball today.”

When asked to describe his coaching style Mr. Hibbert laughed and then said, “Different than anybody else ever, totally different. Play hard and play as a team, a simple game. If that is your goal you are never really disappointed. I am very low key.”

While Mr. Hibbert wouldn’t give too much away about his coaching style, a former player of his and friend Lenny Butler did.

“Jim taught through sportsmanship. What comes to mind is we had a mix of players, good, mediocre, to the lower end and as one of the better players I was taught if a guy is in front of you on a fast break he gets the ball. It doesn’t matter who it is, he gets the ball,” Mr. Butler said. “He is all about basics and he always hated to see wasted motion. It kind of stuck with me throughout my life.”

Mr. Hibbert hasn’t stepped away from the game he loves to coach for many reasons and it isn’t just his interaction with the kids. It’s also due to his relationship with a notoriously fickle group of people.

“(I continue to coach) because I like it and I like to see the kids have a good time playing basketball which is a great sport,” he said “You don’t need a lot of equipment and if you have half an effort you can get better.

“The other thing, and this will sound funny but it is the truth, I have never had trouble with a parent in my 50 years. Most people when they coach the first problem is ‘the parents, parents, parents.’ Half the parents don’t come and those who do come haven’t told me ‘we should’ve done that.’ The only thing I could say is being a church team everybody plays.”

According to Mr. Hibbert going into about 75 percent of church league games you know who is likely to win. “Some teams are better than others,” he said.

During his years of coaching many of Mr. Hibbert’s players have made it to the high school varsity level, including Dion Hazard who is currently on the East Providence High School boys’ hoops roster.

One of the biggest differences Mr. Hibbert sees between when he started coaching until now is the shooting skills, or lack there of.

“I think the first 25 years I coached I never taught anybody how to shoot, now that is the biggest thing. They don’t play as much as they used to so they don’t shoot as well. They also don’t seem to care. As long as they are looking good. Years ago kids would shoot much better I think,” Mr. Hibbert said with a chuckle.

Ultimately, it was the exquisite simplicity of basketball that made Mr. Hibbert fall in love with the game initially and it’s why his still instructs to this day.

“Most kids like basketball. I don’t care where you go you see somebody with a basketball. We all think we got game. Even the people with the worst shot in the world,” he said. “The beauty of basketball is you have the ball and in an instant you don’t have to ball. The good players can adjust.”

Editor’s Note: Mr. Hibbert’s surname was spelled incorrectly when this story was originally published in the February 4 edition of The Post. A revised version will run in the February 11 edition of the paper.

— Photos by Alex Watrous

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