Sen. Joshua Miller and Rep. Frank Ferri were presented the 2013 “Bell of Hope” award from the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island today during a ceremony at the State House to launch the “May is Mental Health Month” campaign.

The award was presented to acknowledge Representative Ferri’s and Senator Miller’s longstanding and continuing efforts in the General Assembly to work for legislation to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders in need of mental health services and for their efforts to address other issues that affect the quality of life of individuals with mental health issues.

While the annual award is usually given to just one legislator each year, according to Susan Jacobsen, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island, the organization decided both Senator Miller and Representative Ferri have provided so much support to the various elements affecting mental health that they should both be honored. In particular, she cited Representative Ferri’s strong advocacy for mental health parity at every level, and Senator Miller’s sponsorship of legislation to create a pilot program to divert patients with pressing behavioral health problems away from emergency rooms and into a more appropriate setting where they can get the help they need.

The awards were presented by Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence), the winner of the 2012 Bell of Hope award.

Both Representative Ferri and Senator Miller said they were humbled by the honor, and thanked the many other advocates whose diligent work makes improvements in mental health care possible.

“All of the people here today, I urge you to hurry up and get back to work,” said Senator Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) to the many supporters and advocates for mental health gathered at the event. “You are the people who do the important work, who make improvements in mental health possible. People need you.”

Said Representative Ferri (D-Dist. 22, Warwick), “Mental health is absolutely just as important as physical health as a part of wellness. We all look forward to the day when that is widely understood and society has as much compassion for those suffering from mental health illnesses as those with physical illnesses, and devotes the resources needed to address them.”

The Bell of Hope award derives from the symbol of the National Mental Health Association. The Mental Health Bell, made for the association by a foundry in Baltimore, was cast from the melted-down iron chains and shackles once used to restrain patients held in asylums.

The State House ceremony, attended by Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee and other state officials, begins a month of events to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental health wellness. More information is available at the association’s website, www.mhari.org.

The City Council last night made minor changes to the budget proposed by Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung earlier this year, including increasing the school's special education contingency fund and boosting spending for rat control, but the bottom line remains the same and taxes will still not go up.

School officials urged the council to increase the special education contingency fund, which was decimated this year with a series of out of district enrollments and an unanticipated wave of students with placements moving into the district. The fund should be at about $700,000, according to school officials and a recent audit.

After all was said and done, the council at its budget amendment meeting increased the fund by $167,000 through a series of adjustments to the budget, including increasing the amount the city will expect from the state in municipal aid and boosting the expected tax collection rate from 98.4 to 98.46 percent.

The fund now lands at $537,000 — far short of the $700,000 the district said it needs to make sure it doesn't fall into the red next year as special education costs continue to increase.

A move by Councilman Steve Styocs to boost school funding through a small tax increase did not get traction and was voted down by other members of the City Council's Finance Committee. 

Stycos had proposed a 10 cent increase in the mill rate, or, a a bump of 10 cent per $1,000 of assessed value. That means a property owner of a $200,000 house would see tax bills go up by $20 next year.

The increase would have increased city revenues by $520,000 and would send a signal that the city supports education and believes it is a priority.

"I know nobody wants to vote for a tax increase, but the mayor has shown us for five years that he's not going to give a budget that provides much more money for schools," Stycos said, noting the district is paying $258,000 more next year for charter school tuitions — due in part to the Achievement First school opening in Providence.

Stycos said Fung was a major proponent of the charter school and blamed Fung in part for the increase.

"The decisions in politics have impacts and we see in the school department budget the impact of the mayor's proposal to push for [the charter school]," Stycos said. "We are slowly bleeding our public schools."

The other member voting for the increase was councilwoman Sarah Kales Lee, who said she believes the increase would show what the city's values are. And these days, there is widespread sentiment that "our schools aren't what they once were," she said.

"Education is what a lot of families base their decision to come to Cranston," Lee said, noting that many people when she went door-to-door on the campaign trail told her they'd be willing to pay just a little more for education.

But the remaining council members made it clear that they would not be willing to raise taxes at all.

"Before I'd vote for a tax increase, I'd try to open the lines of communication and resolve it that way," said Counclman Mario Aceto, who said he thinks there's money in the budget that could be squeezed out and used to cover special education and other school costs as they arise.

Councilman Paul Archetto said he understands where Stycos was coming from but at a time when the economy in Cranston is just starting to turn the corner, now would be a bad time to "place an additional burden on families just now catching up with mortgages" and having to "plan for their children's future as far as college."

Councilman Don Botts said he'd be more inclined to vote for the increase if it could be earmarked specifically for education programs, but it wouldn't. And Botts said he agrees with Lee that people put a value on the city's education system, but people also put a value on how the city is run as a whole and what the budget looks like, suggesting the lack of a tax increase can be just as important to prospective home buyers as the school system.

It was also noted that Cranston residents will likely see an increase in sewer rates by about $30 or $40 for the year next year, "so it's not like there is no tax increase," Archetto said.

Check back later today for more reporting on last night's budget meeting including a discussion about the rat problem, stipends for the Tax Review Board, staffing in the mayor's office and more.

A man who police said is responsible for a string of armed robberies in Cranston and Warwick is now being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions after being captured.

Kenneth Hassell, 49, of Johnston, is being charged in connection with several armed robberies in the area, including the armed robbery of the Subway on Park Avenue and the Ocean State Mobil Gas and Convenience Store on Elmwood Avenue last month.

Police distributed images of Hassell that were captured on store security cameras to local media and on the www.rimostwanted.com Web site in the hopes of tracking him down.

One of the distinguishing features of Hasell was a colored tattoo of a flower on his left hand. The first round of images police distributed were from the Subway robbery, but the images were grainy and fuzzy. The second robbery at Mobil, however, provided police with much clearer images.

Court records show that Hassell was charged with one count of first-degree robbery by Warwick Police and four counts of first-degree robbery by Cranston Police and is being held without bail at the ACI.

Hassell will appear in court on May 7 for a status conference.

It's not the first time Hassell has had run-ins with the law. Along with cocaine possession, placing crank or obscene phone calls and simple assault charges, Hassell was given a five-year suspended sentence in 1990 for felony assault with a dangerous weapon. He ended up serving six months after violating the terms of his sentence.

One of the changes the City Council made to Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung's proposed budget for next year is an extra $9,000 for the three members of the Tax Assessment Board of Review.

The money would go to pay each member a $3,000 stipend and was introduced at last night's final budget amendment meeting by Council President John E. Lanni Jr.

Lanni said the three members deserve stipends because they're trained professionals who have been providing a service to the city at no charge. Having the wrong people on the board could cost the city "millions," Lanni said, and stipends would ensure good people stay on.

The motion passed with some strong reservations from Councilman Steve Stycos, who reminded his fellow council members of the controversy surrounding the board in 2011 when Stycos learned that the board members were being paid $50 per meeting and met 124 times in a one-year period. 

The board was also scrutinized for not keeping detailed meeting minutes and recording their deliberations.

Meanwhile, the board members were not supposed to be paid more than five times a month and for no meeting that didn't last at least an hour. But a review of the meetings by Styocs showed that the rules didn't always seem to be followed.

"It turned into pay worth more than council pay and frankly, they were never apologetic about it," Stycos said. "They were indignant that I even questioned their integrity."

Stycos said a lot of boards don't get any compensation, notably the School Committee, which has a large workload and requires a lot of time from its members. 

Councilman Mario Aceto, who ultimately voted in favor of the stipend, said he had some reservations after the board members signed an op ed piece in a local newspaper that urged the council approve the Lodges at Phenix Glen project. 

"I think it's out of their realm," Aceto said. "If they want to write it as an individual taxpayer, I don't have a problem with that but as representatives of the city of Cranston, it gives the wrong impression."

Councilman Paul Archetto said in a tight budget season, it's "difficult to make this go," but as someone who served on the School Committee for four years with no compensation, he said he could see why the stipend makes sense.

"You apply yourself, you put in hours of travel time," he said. "I think it's only fair that individuals are compensated."

Councilwoman Sarah Kales Lee was the other vote in opposition of the motion.

The City Council tonight is expected to vote on the Lodges at Phenix Glen - a 192 unit high end residential apartment complex proposed off Phenix Avenue near the Cranston Animal Shelter and Route 37 and Interstate 295.

We're at the meeting and will give live updates throughout the meeting.

For some background on the project, which has faced stiff opposition from residents, click HERE for a previous article.

6:52 p.m.: The meeting has begun with a strong turnout from opponents and members of UNITE HERE Local 217 union.

A few speakers from the public so far have raised concerns about traffic. That has been the primary concern among many.

Ted Isabella, a contractor and Cranston resident, said this is going to be a major impact on his neighborhood. He said the developers, The Procaccianti Group, has not provided satisfactory data throughout the planning process.

Isabella said he's looked at satelite photos and the property itself and sees no signs of vehicular acc 

6:56 p.m.: Resident Fred Joslyn mentions traffic studies and despite efforts to mitigate traffic with traffic control devices, accidents have actually gone up. He suggests the $2,000 per month rent the developers hope to charge would be overpriced for the area, noting recent home sale prices nearby.

7:02 p.m. Vin Cullen just spoke against the project. "Tonight could be a true test if the Democratic process still works."

7:03 p.m.: Therese Demers said the Sherman Ave. sewer system remains a problem despite the developer's assertions. 

7:03 p.m.: Getting up to speed here, so apologies if I haven't quoted every speaker yet. I am recording this meeting for a more detailed story once this is all over.

7:04 p.m.: Gary Malloy notes how many speakers have come out to speak in opposition to the project, between 40 and 50 per meeting (and there have been a few).

But he's in support of the project, noting that the city as a whole isn't necessarily against the project. He said it is a way to expand the city's tax base in an area "that's right for it." 

The development is not wedged into a residential neighborhood. It's a "dog pound, salt barn, ice rink" area. It will add more cars to the street, but it will actually improve traffic flow, he said.

7:07 p.m.: (Missed name) speaker says Malloy's argument is "intellectually bankrupt."

People aren't going to pay $2,000 per month to rent next to the dog pound, the public works complex, the highway department.

7:08 p.m.: Joe Agresti urges council to vote no. He said this isn't the last development the city will see proposed. It's not the right development for this piece of land, he says, suggesting another developer could come along.

7:12 p.m.: Aram Garabedian said this project conforms to comprehensive plan. (He has supported this project all along). The developer is offering to pay about $350,000 more for traffic improvements, he said. So if accidents have increased since lights were put in, the city can use existing impact fees plus the extra money from TPG to make improvements.

7:15 p.m. Drake Patton said it has been two years "we've been having this conversation."

After the first one, the developers said they'd listen to the feedback from neighborhood.

Neighborhood wants something with a different impact.

When you turn right at the end of Route 37, there are homes there, she said. Homes that are on the historic register. Homes already affected by traffic and speeding cars.

7:18 p.m.: Speakers are still going. I'll have a full and detailed breakdown of all the arguments once this is over. TPG's lawyers will be speaking shortly.

7:26 p.m.: John DiBona, lawyer for TPG is up. He's going over the nuances of the planning/zoning process and how the project ended up here.

TPG is asking for a zone change from A12 to a mixed use development zone. The council's vote tonight merely OKs that zone change. That means the whole project would need to go through planning and zoning to get formal approval. So their vote tonight does NOT mean this project is not going to be underway.

7:33 p.m.: TPG official  gives what essentially is the developer's closing argument, highlighting the tax revenue increases, investment in the local economy. Project will pay for its own snow removal, rubbish removal, etc.

He asks what Cranston would be like without Garden City. He shows pictures of four-story, five-story buildings in Dean Estates.

A vote against would be a sign the city wants to reduce the tax base, to cut services. 

7:35 p.m.: Aceto makes motion to deny proposal. Seconded.

Discussion time. Aceto notes a yes vote will deny the project, so don't be confused, he warns other council members.

7:36 p.m.: Stycos said he's voting yes to deny. The reason - it's important we maintain neighboroods in our city. This would have damaging impact in neighborhood. Doesn't agree it's in compliance with comp plan. 

He took issue with TPG's characterization of the oppostion as a "small group of people," putting them off to the fringe.

The net tax revenue estimates are "artificially high" but in "mailing after mailing" saying half-million revenue gain when "best information we had was more maybe $300,000."

Stycos said he's also concerned about what's going on at Renaissance Hotel - union members begin clapping — pay has been cut and there is ongoing fight against unionization at that hotel, Stycos.

A company that fights those things in Providence is not presenting itself well in Cranston, Stycos said.

7:40 p.m.: Councilman Favicchio said that outside of this proposal, nobody has come screaming to the city about traffic or demanded traffic improvements. It seems they just come out when project is proposed.

"If traffic is really that bad then should be screaming at state reps. and Senators," Favicchio said.

Another thing — lot of misconceptions about the project, Favicchio said, a lot of the info was "not perfect," the only experts were developer's. The rest of it was hearsay.

He notes the sewer project would have to go through DEM and that's a monumental task and this is just a zone change request. 

"We need to send a message we want to encourage development, whether or not this is the project for that development, something is going to go there," Favicchio said.

Right now it's an ugly piece of land and something has to be done there.

Single family homes don't belong there and would create more students, he says.

7:44 p.m. Councilman Paul Archetto said six months ago when first introduced to project, he thought it was positive thing. But after all the hearings, he developed a number of concerns about this project. Traffic concerns, the height of the building, the Sherman Avenue pumping station. . . 

But major concern is direct influence by voters in Ward 3. In past three weeks receieved more than 50 contact cards - voters - people who have direct influence on my job performance, Archetto said. 

Archetto notes Garabedian (owner of Warwick Mall) has protested projects that would have competed against him, like the Providence Place Mall, Home Depot, etc. So it's surprising to him to see him here in support of this project.

7:48 p.m.: Councilman Don Botts said he, too, like Archetto, was originally for the project based on the idea that it would be an economic plus for the city. But in the meantime, a few things have occurred to change his mind.

What's come down to is net tax revenue for city and traffic issues, Botts said.

"I think the property has too many units for that parcel of land," he said, and a reduction of 2-bedroom and 2+ bedroom units would go a long way to reducing the impact on schools. 

7:52 p.m.: Councilwoman Sara Kales Lee said she too has flipped flopped after going through the process and talking to residents. The impacts would mitigate the benefits. The business component was weak. "Something better could come along. In these times we need to be careful of what we jump to allow in our communities."

7:54 p.m.: Councilman Aceto said the public expressed why this is a bad project "far better than I could as an elected official."

As soon as this budget cycle is done and the legislative session is over, there will be a community meeting to address the traffic issue, Aceto said. He has already contacted the local delegation.

"People elect us to make votes, all sorts of decisions they don't have time to consider, but there is a time for elected official to do the opposoite to listen to constiuents and let them dictate what his vote should be. This is one of those times," Aceto said.

7:56 p.m.: Council President John Lanni - the future of the city depends on economic development, not residential development. The budget was lean this year and next year, there is nothing left to cut.

"We want businesses coming into the city," Lanni said. 

But this project is the wrong place at the wrong time. On a windy day, it's like driving across the Sahara desert. He can picture luxury cars covered with dust. Dogs yapping with the windows open. Construction and city vehicles driving up and down Phenix Ave. 

"It's probably not a desirable place to live," Lanni said.

7:59 p.m. Vote is unanimous. DENIED.

Very few events are celebrated around the globe, but Earth Day is. This year, it’s come and gone. But we’re here to ask: What can we do to show our love of the earth on that day, and every day?

On May 31st, Sony will release After Earth, an action-packed movie that takes place 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity to leave. It’s the kind of scenario that makes you want to donate to Greenpeace, recycle everything, and start biking every where, immediately. So, in honor of Earth Day, Patch has teamed up with Sony to present these ideas for making every day Earth Day.

How can we make every day Earth Day?

Begin with little things. Easy things. Obvious things. Things we take for granted each day, and use and/or abuse because of our lack of knowledge. Let's start there. Remember that children learn from what we do.

There are some wonderful family activities you can do together while learning about the environment. Make a "to do" list and make it fun! Do as many hands-on projects as you can each day to help save the earth in little ways. Have the children keep a chart or journal about everything they do.

Here are some suggestions:

Indoors: Learn more about the earth with your kids - surf the web, read books, magazines, and newspapers. Conserve energy and save water by letting children find (and a parent fix) dripping faucets; only running the dishwasher when full; taking short showers; turning the water off while brushing your teeth; turning off electrical items when not in use; doing full loads of laundry only. Recycle cans, bottles and newspapers.

Outdoors: Plant a tree. Plant a garden. Clean up roadside litter. Create a habitat by putting up a birdhouse. Build a compost for food scraps, leaves and lawn clippings. Save rainwater and reuse for outdoor gardens.

At School: Urge teachers and administrators to do activities for Earth Day and every day. Suggest ideas for projects: write poetry; create environmentally-themed music; have an environmental poster contest. Check to see which sources of electricity you can conserve in your school (electric pencil sharpener, lights on in rooms not used, etc.) and keep a chart about how many ways you saved energy.  

At Work: Make a company Earth Day resolutions list. Conserve paper and electricity. Close shades in the summer to prevent high heat in offices. Don't use air conditioning all the time. Recycle cans, bottles and newspapers at the office.

While Traveling: Visit parks and nature centers. Visit a maritime museum. While on a drive, have children count how many things might be polluting the air, land or water, and then research if anything is being done to correct the problem.    

For Pets: Attend a dog-friendly Earth Day event. Organize a dog park cleanup. Take a hike on a dog-friendly trail. Use natural flea control. Buy organic pet food. Avoid plastic and synthetic toys and dog beds, and use natural fiber products. Scoop up the poop, compost it, or use biodegradable poop bags if you live in the city. Adopt a pet from a shelter. Spay or neuter your pet.

Join a Group: Join organizations that help save endangered animals. Adopt an endangered species online. Join any group that supports Earth Day issues. 

Community Service: Volunteer your time in any way that will improve the environment.  Does your community have a nature center? Maybe you can volunteer there.

Robert A. Lombardi, 70, from Brewster, MA, formerly of Cranston, RI, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Born in Providence, son of the late Anthony L. and Hope (Scott) Lombardi, he lived in Cranston for 55 years before retiring to Brewster, MA where he lived for 15 years.  He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy and Providence College and a candy broker for over 30 years.  He was a past president and former member of the Boston Confectioner’s Salesmen’s Club as well as a former member of the National Candy Broker’s Association.  He enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod and spent many summers there with his parents and family.  He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, family, and grandchildren.

He was the father of four children, Tobias S. Lombardi and his wife Sheila of East Greenwich, Cara H. MacAvoy and her husband Matthew of Norwell, MA, Anthony L. Lombardi and his wife Tina of Warwick, and Amy P. Lombardi of Warwick and leaves six grandchildren.  He was the brother of Elizabeth McCullough of Brewster, MA.  He also leaves his partner of 10 years Nancy Brightman of Fall River.

VISITING HOURS to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Sunday, May 5^th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.  Interment will be private.

Cranston Police are looking for this man, who allegedly has been stealing DVDs from CVS locations throughout the state.

Police said the man recently walked into the CVS at 1195 Oaklawn Ave. on April 22 and 23 and went to the photo area. He then took several DVDs from the rack and put them under his shirt or coat and left without paying.

The man is described as having dark hair, a full beard and mustache.

If you have any information, call Cranston Police at 401-477-5096. Det. Paul Bessette is leading the investigation.

On Mother's Day, we give our mothers flowers, kisses, rub their feet, tell them we love them.

But do we really know what's going on in their heads?

On Saturday, you can get a not just a glimpse — but a full on walkthrough — into the minds (and hearts) of 14 women who are mothers, writers and willing to open up to an audience about their lives in the context of Mother's Day.

One of those women, Brianne DeRosa, is a Cranston resident and blogger. In an interview, she said the show will have you feeling everything from hysterical laughter to "really following some tough experiences people have had."

But ultimatley, woven through all the 14 stories, will be a common thread that binds us all together. 

"We're hoping to walk away feeling like we're all in this together, either struggles we're having or joy we've had and hearing the truth," DeRosa said.

The truth will ring true for the audience assembled at the Providence Public Library Auditorium, and not just for other mothers. The stories should hit home for fathers, husbands, boyfriends and children, too. Because when it comes to motherhood, there are few things more powerful in the life of a man.

The show is the brainchild of Ann Imig and has grown from one city to 24 in just three years. The Providence show this Saturday is the only one in New England.

The critically acclaimed stage series has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and on local NPR stations.

DeRosa, who writes about food, particularly about feeding her family and a child with unique needs, said the show is really about womanhood, not just motherhood. But there won't be brow-beating, nor is this going to be an estrogen fest.

"It's a bunch of people who happen to be women and happen to be mothers talking about things emotionally accessible to parents," DeRosa said.

Her performance will talk about the process of having a child with a diagnosis, "when he is doing better and how weird it is not to know what's going to happen next," DeRosa said. "That's not an experience that's totally unique to me."

DeRosa took time away from her blog, www.redroundorgreen.com, to audition for the show at the urgings of her friends. She said she walked into the audition expecting to bomb. 

"And they said, 'hey, do you want to be a part of this?'" DeRosa said. 

She's not an actor, nor will the performance resemble a play. Instead, think of The Moth, or the NPR show, "This American Life," which often features storytelling as an elevated art form. Stories that hold your attention, move you just a bit, get you thinking. In the end, the stories say as much about you as they do about the reader.

"Some of the stuff is hilariously funny," DeRosa said.

The first ever performance in Rhode Island -- and the inaugural show for Providence -- will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 2:00pm at the historical Providence Public Library Auditorium (http://www.provlib.org/). 

The Local Directors / Producers Team, Moms and bloggers Laura Rossi Totten (www.laurarossipublicrelations.com) and Carla Molina Martins (www.allofmenow.com/) are very excited about the show and have announced the cast and local sponsors including:  Rhody Mamas,  Rejuvaderm, Haute Tags, Egan Images, Tong Collection and Ian Travis Barnard Photography to name just a few.

Moms (and dads!), grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who has a mother, is a mother, or hopes to be a mother are invited to the 90-minute performance.

To learn more about the show and cast, visit the Providence Listen To Your Mother website here:

http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/providence/2013/03/22/announcing-the-listen-to-your-mother-providence-2013-cast/

http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/providence/

Or the national website here:

http://listentoyourmothershow.com/

Providence Tickets via Brown Paper Tickets:

http://ltymprovidence.brownpapertickets.com/

More Cranston Real Estate Listings >>

The National Weather Service is warning of an increased risk of brush fires because of the extended dry weather conditions in Cranston and across Rhode Island.

The NWS said the dry weather has created “unsafe burning conditions” with dead grass, leaves and brush at greater risk to catch fire.

The NWS warned that most wildfires start as open burning by homeowners.

Fire officials are discouraging open burning because of the fire risk.

Noting that more than 45,000 Rhode Island college graduates would face higher costs because of a scheduled doubling of the interest rate on student loans, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on May 1 told current students at Roger Williams University that he is working to avoid the hike.

"They rely upon this need-based financial aid in order to make it through school, and we are at a moment in history where we need all the talent and all the educated men and women that we can muster," Reed said in a speech at the Global Heritage Hall Atrium just before noon. "The reality is that, students today are graduating with tremendous debt. It's not only affecting us from an educational standpoint, but from a macroeconomic standpoint."

Reed explained that he is working with Senate colleagues to pass a bill that would freeze the interest rate for two years to avoid the July 1 increase and to give Congress time "to work out a long-term solution."

Two graduating students, Bre'Anna Jolaine Mitts-Nixon and Adam Semple, Political Science Professor June Speakman, and RWU President Donald J. Farish joined Reed in talking about the potential impact of the interest rate hike, from 3.4 to 6.8 percent.

Check out the accompanying video from Reed's visit to Roger Williams University.

Saturday, April 27

Narragansett Rune Stone Returned; To Be Tested

The state Attorney General's office said Friday the so-called Narragansett Rune Stone was returned to state custody April 16, following a joint investigation by that office and the state Department of Environmental Management. 

Sunday, April 28

Sunset Music Series Adds 5 More Headliners

Five more headliners have been added to the 2013 Nantucket Nectars Sunset Music Series, bringing the total number of concerts scheduled to-date to 16, the most ever in the 16-year history of the music series.  

Monday, April 29

'Heather Strong' Fundraiser Packs the House 

A fundraiser for Newport resident Heather Abbott, who was injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, drew a crowd of over 1,500 Sunday at Dockside in Newport. The event raised approximately $50,000 for her medical expenses, reported organizers.

Tuesday, April 30

NKOTB's Jordan Knight Hangs Tough at Fit World in Cranston

When the New Kids on the Block became a worldwide sensation in the late 1980s, Jordan Knight could count on his youth to carry him through two-hour singing and dancing performances in front of huge crowds. But today, at 43, he's a father of two growing boys, a husband and a businessman as well as a heartthrob. And he's not 18 anymore, which means his upcoming "The Package" tour with his NKOTB band mates along with 98 Degrees and Boys II Men this summer requires some serious training to get into shape.

Wednesday, May 1

Barrington Man Among 8 Arrested for Child Pornography Possession

A Barrington man, 57, was among eight Rhode Island residents arrested by the State Police on child pornography charges on Tuesday, April 30.

Thursday, May 2

Woonsocket Police Arrest Three in High School Bomb Threat Investigation

Woonsocket Police have made three arrests in connection to four bomb threats over the last two weeks at Woonsocket High School.

Friday, May 3

Police Chief Investigation Put in the Hands of Budget Board

The results of the investigation into East Providence’s police chief, who was put on administrative leave several weeks ago, is in the hands of the Budget Commission. But there is no indication when the budget board will take any action on that investigation.

Members of the Cranston Fire Department responded to 333 Oaklawn Ave. for a fire in a three-story residential building early this morning.

Everybody made it out of the house safely, according to reports, but the house suffered some damage and the front porch was destroyed in the fire.

The fire started after 2 a.m. and was fully knocked down a short time later. No other details are available at this time. 

City records show the house is owned by Erin Rico. The 4,044 square foot multi-family house was built in 1814.

Video courtesy RIBNS. Twitter @RIBNS

It took three weeks of connecting dots and collecting evidence, but Cranston Det. Paula Duffy kept plugging away at the case of a serial robber who had held up four Cranston businesses in less than a month, brandishing a handgun every time.

Now, an employee of the Johnston Highway Department — 48-year-old Kenneth Hassell, of 60 Highland Ave., Johnston — is behind bars at the Adult Correctional Institutions and could be spending the next few years in prison, if convicted.

It all began when Hassell walked into the Valero Gas Sation on Post Road in Warwick on April 16. It was 2:30 p.m. and he demanded money, flashing his handgun. 

Witnesses at the scene were able to get a license plate number.

That plate number eventually led police to Hassell's house, where he fled as soon as police arrived. He was apprehended a short time later.

The continued investigation by Duffy led to the conclusion that Hassell was responsible for four other armed robberies in Cranston. On April 17, he robbed the 7-11 on Reservoir Ave. Two days later, he robbed the Subway sandwich shop on Park Avenue. The same gun was used. 

Five days passed and Hassell allegedly walked into the AAA Gas Station on Park Avenue and held up the clerk, again demanding money and showing his gun. Two days later, he struck again at the Ocean State Mobil at the intersection of Park and Elmwood Avenues.

"In all the robberies, the description of the suspect was nearly exact, and his method of operation was identical," said Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan.

Police said they knew that they were after someone who would keep up the robbery spree if he wasn't stopped. By the time the last robbery occurred, police had amassed a pile of surveillance images collected from store security cameras. Although some were fuzzy, the last batch from the Mobil robbery were clear enough to show Hassell's receding hair line and a distinctive pair of sunglasses that matched the other robberies.

The last piece of evidence made Hassell's ID a sure bet — a tattoo on his left hand that was "very distinct" and "a great deal of help in positively identifying him."

Warwick and Cranston detectives got warrants and were able to obtain the gun used in the robberies as well as that distinctive pair of sunglasses.

He is being charged with five counts of first-degree robbery and is being held without bail. He heads to court for a status hearing on May 7.

“Through the comprehensive and collective investigative efforts and information sharing between the Cranston and Warwick Police Departments, along with much appreciated assistance from local media outlets, both communities can rest secure in the knowledge that this dangerous felon has been brought to justice," said Cranston Police Chief Col. Marco Palombo Jr.

A family member of Hassell, reached by email, said he "deserves consequences" but he "also is or was a wonderful man."

The family member said Hassell had a drug problem and "with so many it takes over your life."

"My family is strong and pray for help for my uncle Kenny," she wrote.

A 22-year-old Cranston woman is facing charges of driving under the influence after a recent traffic stop in Narragansett.

Police said Katherine L. Lombardi, 22, of 40 Sagamore Road, Cranston, was arrested at about 1:31 a.m. on April 26 and charged with drunken driving after an officer driving behind her silver Honda Civic on Point Judith Road near Sunset Farm observed it swerving and drifting in the roadway.

Police said that while speaking Lombardi, she smelled overwhelmingly of perfume, suggesting to the officer that she was attempting to mask another smell. Police said Lombardi’s eyes were bloodshot and watery.

According to police, Lombardi consented to field sobriety tests, which she failed. The tests revealed blood alcohol levels of 0.144 at 2:27 a.m. and 0.147 at 2:29 a.m.

Police said Lombardi was processed and then released at about 3:55 a.m. They also noted that because this was Lombardi’s third moving violation within 12 months, a traffic court hearing was also scheduled.

Man Hits Milestone 28th Arrest

A man from South Kingstown has probably experienced more arrests than some first-year police officers after he was nabbed for his 28^th — yes, 28^th — arrest this week. For his 28^th, the 47-year-old man went all out with a felony charge of possession of crack cocaine. As for his other 27 arrests, the man seems to like diversity. He’s been charged with drug crimes, receiving stolen goods, disorderly conduct, assault and property destruction, to name a few. In 1999, he even had a charge of attempting to escape from a correctional facility. For now, he’s been ordered to serve an 18-month suspended sentence and 18 months of probation, as well as substance abuse counseling.

…Not To Be Upstaged

Speaking of repeat offenders, a Middletown man is on his way to racking up the charges this week after he was arrested twice in 48 hours. The 21-year-old man found himself in handcuffs after he got in an argument with a woman and allegedly broke her phone, resulting in charges of domestic larceny, disorderly conduct and vandalism. Two days later, police allegedly found him at a motel room with a woman who had a no-contact order against him. When police arrived to confront him, the man reportedly tried to escape the room through a back window, but then decided otherwise. He finally opened the door and police allegedly had to drag him out of the room, screaming. That arrest landed him three additional charges – violation of a no-contact order, obstruction of an officer and resisting arrest.

Video Games Can (Allegedly) Cause Violence

An arrest in North Kingstown shows it may be possible for video games to cause violence. A woman was trying to get some shuteye before work in the morning, but her boyfriend apparently had different plans … and those plans were video games. The couple argued about the man’s disregard for his girlfriend’s sleep cycle, forcing her to sleep on the couch when he refused to end his video game spree. Then, things allegedly got physical when the argument came back to life and the 19-year-old Providence man allegedly punched and threw her to the ground after she asked him to stop playing games once again. Police arrived and arrested the man on domestic assault charges, which decidedly ended his night of game-playing.

She Must Really Like Movies

As if picking out a movie at Redbox isn’t difficult enough, things got infinitely harder for one Middletown couple last week. The two were outside a Redbox machine at a gas station when a 47-year-old woman, who was allegedly drunk at the time, decided that they were taking too long to make their decision. She allegedly told them to “hurry up“ and then slammed the woman into her car. Police arrived and noted the assailant smelled of alcohol and marijuana. Officers allegedly found a crack pipe and other evidence of drug use in her car. She failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. Police reports indicate she never got her movie.

Springtime has arrived and pollen is in the air. Thanks to the effects of climate change, experts say the pollen count this season will be higher than ever before. 

Now you can check the daily allergy forecast as easily as the weather forecast.

The Allergy Alert tool from Pollen.com above shows which pollen allergens are high in Coventry today.

Please note that an advertisement cycles into the tool.

Allergies to tree pollen begin later in New England than in most other areas, but when it begins, it comes on fast, according to allergists familiar with this area.

“When the tree season comes on, patients go from feeling normal to just being miserable,” said Dr. Don McNeil, who specializes in allergy and immunology.

The spring allergy season is short—just six to eight weeks—but it can make allergy sufferers highly uncomfortable.

McNeil says this is heightened by the fact that many people with pollen allergies also have mold allergies.

The moist, warm weather that marks spring also encourages mold growth, which means mold spores are on the rise at the same time as tree pollen.

The tree pollen that causes related spring allergies can only arise from trees that pollinate: deciduous trees. These are the oaks, hickories, sycamores, cottonwoods, birches and other hardwoods that are prevalent in the Northeast.

Although that makes spring allergies worse in New England, McNeil said moving to another region rarely brings longterm relief.

Click here to see today's pollen count for Cranston.

“If you are prone to having allergies, you may move to a new area and be free of your symptoms initially,” he said. “After a year or two, you become sensitized to the allergens in the new place.”

The actual cause of sniffling, sneezing, wheezing and worse are the tiny bits of pollen from tree buds that are floating about in the air.

Pollen rises in the early morning, so McNeil advises patients to keep their windows closed overnight.

“Some patients benefit from bathing before bed to remove any pollen that may have attached to their skin or hair during the day,” McNeil said.

McNeil says it is important for people suffering from allergies to find a local allergist who is board certified in allergy and immunology.

“Avoid people who are practicing allergy but don’t specialize in it,” said McNeil. Some practitioners profit from placing patients on a repeating regimen of allergy shots, he said.

While shots are often effective for safely building up a tolerance to allergens, patients should be evaluated regularly and moved to a maintenance program when the effective dose has been reached, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Same-sex marriage legislation becomes law 

On a final House vote of 56 to 15, the General Assembly enacted legislation making Rhode Island the 10^thstate in the nation to allow same-sex marriage, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in 1997. The governor signed the bill into law about an hour later before hundreds gathered to watch the ceremony on the steps of the State House. The legislation (2013-H 5015B, 2013-S 38 A) was sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence). Click here to see news release.
 

House Judiciary Committee takes testimony on gun safety bills

At a hearing that stretched late into the night, the House Judiciary Committee took testimony on the nine bills making up the House leadership’s gun safety package, as well as other bills concerning firearms. Among the more than 400 who signed up to testify was Newtown, Conn., Police Chief Michael Kehoe, who urged Rhode Island’s legislature to take action to prevent another tragedy like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in his town. Click here to see news release.

Senate OKs major component of ‘Rhode Back Home’ legislative package

The Senate has approved legislation (2013-S 0479A) creating a 13-member advisory committee that will establish a statewide Veterans’ Services Strategic Plan (VSSP). Sponsored by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), the bill is a major component of the “Pave the Rhode Back Home” legislative package to address the needs of the state’s veterans and their families. The VSSP to be developed will be a regularly updated five-year plan that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure all departments of state government deliver comprehensive services for veterans in areas such as benefits, employment and education. The House version of the bill (2013-H 5860) was introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston). Click here to see news release.

House OKs bills to amend emergency ballot requirements

The House approved two bills (2013-H 5567, 2013-H 5568A) that will eliminate the requirement that voters provide an explanation when they apply for an emergency mail ballot. Enactment of the bills would makeRhode Island the 28^th state that does not require an explanation or excuse when applying for a mail ballot. The bills were sponsored by Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown). Similar Senate bills (2013-S 0445, 2013-S 0447) have been introduced by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick). Click here to see news release.

Central Coventry Fire District bill heads to governor’s desk

One week after House passage, the Senate has approved and transmitted to the governor legislation (2013-H 5176A) authorizing the financially troubled Central Coventry Fire District to operate under the previous year’s budget while it works to develop a new budget and new tax assessment. The authorization expires Sept. 1. The bill was introduced by Rep. Scott J. Guthrie (D-Dist. 28, Coventry). Click here to see news release.

Commissioner Gist addresses House, Senate on the State of Education 

State Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist delivered the State of Education address to members of the House and the Senate in a joint session. In her speech, she touched on the topics of school safety, the state education funding formula, early childhood learning and technology in the classroom. She also addressed the many student successes achieved in connection with the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) and other endeavors throughout the state. 

Kazarian speaks up in commemoration of the Armenian genocide 

Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence), a fourth-generation Armenian-American, had the honor of commemorating the Armenian genocide of 1915 with a resolution (2013-H 6034) among her colleagues in the House. Many from the Armenian-American community were present in support of the resolution. Later that evening, Representative Kazarian also had the honor of serving as the master of ceremonies for a special commemoration at Providence City Hall. The program included a candlelight march from Saints Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church to City Hall, a Kamancha presentation by David Ayirianand a musical presentation from vocalist Shant Eghian. Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) sponsored a similar resolution (2013-S 873) in the Senate. Click here to see news release. 

Israeli consul general, RI attorney general give testimony on Iran divestiture bill 

The House Finance Committee held a hearing to discuss a bill (2013-H 5620) that would divest any and all state pension funds from companies that directly or indirectly do business with Iran. Shai Bazak, consul general of Israel to New England, and Attorney General Peter Kilmartin joined Rep. Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), the bill’s sponsor, to testify on behalf of the legislation. Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) sponsors the companion bill (2013-S 0521) in the Senate. The legislation would additionally prohibit the state from entering into any contracts with companies doing business with Iran. Click here to see news release.

Valencia holds news conference on tax equity bill 

Rep. Larry Valencia (D-Dist. 39, Richmond, Hopkinton, Exeter) held a press conference to discuss legislation (2013-H 5805) that would raise the state income tax’s top level for upper income earners to 10 percent in order to ease the burden of low-income earners and the middle class. This is the third year Representative Valencia has introduced this tax equity bill. This year’s version of the bill would require individuals to pay an additional 4 cents on every dollar of income above $200,000 and married couples to pay the same on income greater than $250,000. Click here to see news release.

Ruggiero bill lets municipalities buy their streetlights to save money

Cities and towns would be able to save on street lighting costs under a bill sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) to give them the option of owning their streetlights. The proposal (2013-H 5935) would enable cities and towns to buy the streetlights from the electric utility that currently owns them and then maintain them locally for cost control. It would also enable the use of more energy-efficient lighting. Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett) has introduced the legislation (2013-S 836) in the Senate. Click here to see news release.