John L. Coletti, Jr., of Cranston, passed away on Wednesday May 15, 2013. 

He was the husband of Elaine L. (Spirito) Coletti.  Born in Providence, he was a son of the late John L. and Lena (DiCaprio) Coletti.

John worked as a resident engineer for the Department of Transportation until his retirement.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Cheryl Miller-Pecchia, John L. Coletti III, and Debbie DiBiasio all of Cranston; his cherished grandchildren Kevin Miller and Zachary Pecchia; his dear siblings Judith Annarino of Cranston and Donald B. Coletti of Narragansett.  He was also the brother of the late Greg Coletti.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Monday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston St., Cranston.  Interment will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  VISITING HOURS will be Monday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Joaquim "Jack" F. Freitas, 91, passed away on Wednesday, May 15 in Palm Beach, Florida where he had been residing for the past few years.

He was born February 20, 1922 in Lowell, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Manuel F. Freitas and Arsenia Bettencourt.

A World War II Army Veteran, Jack served in Europe and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Jack was married to the late Ann DiFanti of Providence. He was later married to the late Corinne Campanella of Providence.

A graduate of The Baking Institute of Minneapolis, MN, Jack was a proprietor and partner of the former Pam’s Place Restaurant in Cranston.

In his younger years he was an avid tennis player and golfer who enjoyed playing cards, cooking and traveling. Jack was a wonderful friend to many, giving freely of his time, energy and resources. He was known for his dapper good looks, quick wit and warm smile. A dedicated and loyal husband, as well as supportive father and grandfather were roles he truly cherished. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his son Mark, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildren Jack and Caroline as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 9 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Avenue Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Ann’s Church Cranston at 10 am. Entombment, with military honors, will be in St. Ann Cemetery Mausoleum, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Sunday 4-8pm.

Donations can be made in memory of Joaquim Freitas to The Mark and Mary Freitas Foundation (freitasfoundation.org) which supports programs and causes that promise a substantial impact on individuals who are physically, intellectually or financially challenged.

Saturday, May 11

Vehicle Crashes Into Little Compton General Store

A vehicle reportedly crashed into a wall next to the front entrance of Wilbur's General Store in Little Compton on Friday. No injuries are known at this time. 

Sunday, May 12

Woman Charged With Stabbing Boyfriend

Ashley Marie Brennick, 22, of 597 Middlebridge Road, South Kingstown, was arrested at about 8:52 a.m. on May 2 and charged with domestic felony assault.

According to police, emergency personnel at South County Hospital reported that a 27-year-old South Kingstown man had been stabbed by an unknown person.

Monday, May 13

Portsmouth Woman, 78, Dies After Head-On Vehicle Crash

A Portsmouth woman, 78, was pronounced dead at Newport Hospital Monday morning after sustaining injuries in a head-on crash on West Main Road in Portsmouth. 

Portsmouth police officers responded to West Main Road near Locust Avenue for a motor vehicle accident at 10 a.m. Monday. 

Tuesday, May 14

Bomb Threat Prompts Police Search at Portsmouth High School

Portsmouth High School students arrived to school this morning to police officers patrolling campus after a suspicious note was found in the school Monday night. 

Police Find Heroin, AK-47 in Portsmouth Woman's Apartment

A Portsmouth woman was arrested Friday after police discovered bags of heroin, an AK-47 and other illegal weapons in her Child Street apartment.

Wednesday, May 15

Cranston Schools Locked Down

Two local schools — Hugh B. Bain Middle Schooland Stadium Elementary School — were locked, children were kept inside and the buildings were closely watched by police after a report of a suspcious person walking in the area this morning, Cranston Police Chief Col. Marco Palombo confirmed.

Thursday, May 16

Police Arrest Davisville Middle School Break In Suspect

Police have arrested Joseph Howell, 27, of West Allenton Road in North Kingstown, of breaking into Davisville Middle School early Monday, May 13. He's been charged with breaking & entering and vandalism.

Friday, May 17

Homemade Blowtorch Leads to Arson Charge

A Bristol man who fashioned a blowtorch out of an aerosol can and a lighter and allegedly set fire to a multi-family home has been charged with first degree arson.

Homecoming Party for Heather Abbott This Sunday

Newport Patch and The Newport Buzz have teamed up with family and friends of Newport resident Heather Abbott to host a welcome home party for Heather on Sunday, May 19, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport.  It will be an afternoon of live music, food, cash bar and community.

General Assembly launches easy-to-use bill tracking email system
Members of the public who want to track the progress of certain bills throughout the legislative session can now use the General Assembly website to sign up for email updates. After a simple registration process, a member of the public can subscribe to up to 50 bills of his or her choice. Using the new tool, one can search for bills by committee, category, sponsor, range of bill numbers or individual bill numbers. Users will receive email updates regarding the change in status of these bills hourly, daily, or weekly, depending upon their preferred settings. 

Senate passes legislation banning gender rating in health insurance market
Falling into step with the federal Affordable Care Act, the Senate has passed a bill (2013-S 201A) sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) to ban health insurers from utilizing the discriminatory practice known as “gender rating,” or routinely charging women and men different premiums for individual insurance. Rep. Donna M. Walsh (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) sponsors the House companion bill (2013-H 5243).

House approves ‘Made in RI’ bill
The House passed the first piece of the leadership-backed economic development package, a bill (2013-H 6030) sponsored by Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) to create a “Made in Rhode Island” collaborative to help promote locally made products. Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) is sponsoring the legislation (2013-S 809) in the Senate, where it is also part of that chamber’s economic development legislative package.

Senate OKs bill integrating renewable energy into economic strategy
The Senate passed a bill (2013-S 0123A) to strengthen ties between the state’s renewable energy plan and its economic development strategy. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham), would make changes to the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resources Management Council in order to support forward movement in the realm of green jobs and renewable resources.

Senate resolution calls for task force on economic development through the arts
The Senate unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed requesting that the governor create a “State of the Arts” Planning Task Force. The resolution (2013-S 0914), co-sponsored by other members of Senate leadership, calls for the task force to develop a strategic plan and to identify specific steps that can be taken to attract, retain, support, expand and market arts and associated creative industries in the state.

Senate approves veterans’ educational assistance bill
The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 0576A) calling for the establishment of veteran-friendly educational programs that allow service personnel returning from duty to pursue their education in an accelerated manner through programs that acknowledge a veteran/student’s military training and coursework. Sponsored by Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), the bill is part of the “Pave the Rhode Back Home” package of bills introduced to help veterans and their families. The House companion bill (2013-H 5856) is sponsored by Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown).

Specialty license plates may get an expiration date
The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 0915) to establish an expiration date for specialty license plates that fail to achieve the mandated minimum number of pre-paid orders within five years of the enactment authorizing the plates. Most specialty plates authorized for sale are required to reach a minimum pre-paid order of 900 before they are produced. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).

Ackerman encourages healthier lifestyles with tax credit incentives
Rep. Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) introduced a bill (2013-H 5736) on behalf of Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts that would create a tax credit for small employers that implement a wellness program for employees, subject to standards set by the state Department of Health (DOH). Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) is the sponsor of the Senate companion legislation (2013-S 0751).

Bill would allow regional water authority
Legislation (2013-H 6099) introduced by Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence) would create the Ocean State Regional Water Authority, which would be authorized to acquire and maintain water systems currently operated by local water supply systems throughout the state.

Nichoals "Nicky" Montefusco, 91, of Cranston, passed away on Thursday May 16, 2013 at Kent Hospital in Warwick.

He was the beloved husband of Angela (D’Antuono) Montefusco. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Aldivino and Anastasia (Scungio) Montefusco. He worked for the US Postal Service as a postal clerk for 29 years before retiring, and was a WW-II US Army veteran. Always happy-go-lucky, he was known for his sense of humor, and loved music, rides along the coast, watching baseball, and spending time with his extended family. Besides his wife he is survived by his devoted sons Nicholas Montefusco and his wife Dori and David P. Montefusco and his fiancée Debbie Painter. He was the dear brother of Lucy Basker and the late Thomas, David and Josephine Montefusco, Amy Longiaru, Virginia Bradshaw and Louise Siravo.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rocco’s Church, 927 Atwood Ave. Johnston at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be at St Ann Cemetery in Cranston. Visiting hours are Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: National Kidney Foundation 85 Astor Ave. # 2 Norwood, MA 02062

An early Saturday morning fire at 29 Frances Ave. has displaced four people, including one child.

The American Red Cross said it is providing emergency housing and food needs to the displaced, including a stuffed toy to the displaced child.

The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items a family might not have been able to gather in the rush to escape the fire.

Reports indicate the fire was in the basement but began to spread to the rest of the house. The fire was extinguished shortly after firefighters arrived.

More information about the fire will be posted when it becomes available.

(Note: photo is stock image of the house)

Seniors

HIGHEST HONORS
Tatiana Filipa Abrantes Daniel Accetta, Dominic Asprinio, Asia Baez, Alena Bessette, Francesca Branca, Lisa Castore, Michaela Hackett, Joseph Heng, Jessica Huetteman, Laura Isacco, Margo Mangasarian, Alyssa Marques, Brittany Mezzancella, Sarah Nacci, Brandon Salk, Summerly Santos, Rebecca Scialabba, Rachel Souza, Jessica Tenerella, Adam Thies, David Vespia, Maria Zapasnik

HIGH HONORS
William Accetta, Mkrtich Arslanyan, Sarah Barber, Anna Bednarz, Brandon Bichajian, Samantha Boehm, Madeline Boffi, Joshua Bomzer, Marissa Botelho, Victoria Capezza, John Castore, Ryan Collins, Rachel Davis, Marissa DiBiase, Jeankarla Duran, Rachel Gabrilowitz, Lindsay Goodman, Elizabeth Grammas, Taylor Grenga, Jenna Grossi, Alexandria Hackett, Ailis Hanley, Alexandra Kerfoot, Natalya Krishchuk, Tiffany Lam, Lauren Loberti, Bianca Lonardo, Nichole Lopez, Alyssa Males, Allison Maloney, Anthony Manzi, Destiny Marcello, Aaron Matarese, Meika Matook, Kelly McDonough, Charles McLaughlin, Kelsey Murphy, Samuel Ng, Kathryn Nottage, Steven O’Brien, Taylor Pilderian, Andrew Pisaturo, Michael Pisaturo, Alicia Provencal, Lindsay Ratcliffe, Alexandra Reall, Courtney Salisbury, Joseph Santos, Bryan Smith, Rachel Sylvia, Jennifer Taveras, Juliana Tennett, Alexandra Tidswell, Ilana Tirocchi, Carlotta Trapassi, Jaclyn Tsang, Rachel Vierra, Bridgett Wall, Isabella Wang

HONORS
Michael Aceto, Ashley Addessi, Cesar Arruda, Charee Baez, Alison Barnett, Kerri Bilodeau, Katherine Brinkman, Christopher Burrows, Anthony Caetano, Gianna Cairo, James Campagnone, Talia Cannata, Katharine Carlini, Chandler Caron, Nicholas Castagliuolo, Jennifer Catauro, Alexis Ciacciarelli, Derek Colantuono, Serena Colizza, Natalie Conley, Cheyenne Copple, Christopher Corcoran, Stephanie Cuozzo, Angelica D’Arezzo, Nicole Damiani, Bethanie Davis, Robert Davis, Jonathon Day, Nicole DeCosta, Ronald DeCosta, Nicole DeMarco, Brandy Desrochers, Katherine Diefenderfer, Ted Diehl, Ian Dodd, Daniel Donohue, Lisa Early, Chelsea Eccleston, Jacob Emerick, Jackeline Escobar, Robert Estman, Vanessa Fallens, Tyler Fann, Brian Franco, Ronald Garafano, Miles Garceau, Michael Giudici, Tevin Goins, Jeffrey Grover, Emily Gulley, Tony Habchi, Rachel Hamilton, Samuel Hemmendinger, Jessica Hernandez, William Howarth, Michael Igoe, Alexa Jillson, Marissa Johnson, Katherine Kelley, Sarah Kemble, Sean Langley, Christopher Lawton, Sydney Macaruso, Sydney Magner, Artemis Mantsos, Arianna Manzi, Elio Manzi, Stefano Marziale, Nicole Matarese, Rebecca Micheletti, Frank Montanaro, Erin Morrissey, Jeremy Nardella, Peter Nasouluck, Alex Nyzio, Talia O’Kane, Steven Osenkowski, Hannah Palumbo, Harlly Paradiso, Karissa Patrizio, Frank Pettinato, David Pirri, Alexandra Pizzuti, Kimberly Priestley, Gianna Procaccini, Sydney Prom, Sarah-Marie Rathbun, Anthony Rodi, Megan Ruggieri, Jordan Russell, Nicole Sajkowski, Katie Salisbury, Tyler Salk, Joshua Santos, Antonio Santurri, Kyle Sedgley, Nicholas Sivo, Kia Smith, Anthony St LaurentEmily Stein, Edward Stenovitch, Tatiana Suarez, Jonas Sullivan, Jennifer Swanson, Aida Tapia, Kenneth Teng, Miranda Tomasetti, Cory Tow, Craig Watkinson, Joseph Zanfagna

Juniors
HIGHEST HONORS
Patrick Igoe, Jessica Karpeichik, Vittoria Marini, Shilah McGuinness, Taylor Miller, David Rainone, Austin Raposa, Julia Rossi, Alyssa Ruggieri, Alexandra Smith, Kathryn Toyota, Nathan Zarcaro

HIGH HONORS
Rachel Almonte, Nicole Baker, Brianna Brown, Kailen Carvalho, Sydney Chalmers, Alexander Cherry, James Cocozza, Gwendolyn Colando, Alexandrea Colangelo, Michele Colangelo, Sarah Collins, Christian D’Ovidio, Michael Daou, Annette Deion, Weston DeLomba, Katerina DeNardo, Vanessa DiIorio, Angelica Flanders, Stephanie Forlini, Lauren Giorgio, Alina Joharjian, Victoria Johnston, Kayla Khanjari, Alison Knasin, Rena Levin, Steven Lombardi, Benjamin Marcotte, Caleb McDevitt, Stephanie Menard, Nareg Mkrtschjan, Alexia Mosca, Alison Murphy, Allison Neves, Elizabeth Paolella, Devin Patel, Meghan Perrino, Janine Petracca, Annie Phelps, Victor Phou, Aria Procaccini, Lauren Salisbury, Leah Smith, Lauren Souza, Steven Tamburro, Ryan Teng, James Tsang, Elizabeth Varkonyi, Armand Vaziri, Vladimir Vezikov, Alexandra Villari, Olivia Whelan, Savanna Wilson, Seamus Winters

HONORS
Morgan Abbenante, Jacob Abrams, Justin Amoros, Damien Andrus, Adriana Anthony, Kyle Assante, Anna Bagdasaryan, Michele Barricelli, Taylor Blinkhorn, Sarah Bolton, Rudolph Branca, Sean Brothers, Christopher Broxson, Ariana Calise, Mackenzie Canning, Vanessa Cardenas, Tayla Cardi, Stephen Carlomastro, Amanda Carmody, Byron Carrascoza, Patrick Carroll, Jessica Catlow, Marshall Chakuroff, Matthew Chilvers, Elizabeth Cicerone, Abigail Cimini, Angelica Clark, Brittany Colasanto, Hunter Colford, Brianna Conetta, Robert Conway, Brianna Corcoran, John Cotoia, Danielle Damiani, Anthony Delmastro, Evan Deluty, Talia DeVincenzis, Domenic DiSandro, Heather Dunford, Erin Durigan, Ana Faiola, Ryan Fernandes, Morgan Ferro, Bridget Flaherty, Kathryn Flannery, Michael Foley, Mollie Foster, Rebecca Fruggiero, Nicholas George, Eli Ghali, Cammie Giarrusso, Jacqueline Giuttari, Ashley Guerra, Sydney Hahn, Victoria Hall, Benjamin Harpel, Gianna Hathaway, Tyler Houle, Stephen Ide, Kemi-Alexander Idowu, Nicholas James, Zarah Jozefowicz, Yahya Kattan, Jillian Kelshaw, Alec Kolenda, Derrike Kopko, Margarita Kreshchuk, Ethan Ladouceur, Jennifer Lagos, Courtney Lambrese, Samantha Lapierre, Courtney Levesque, Myles Levy, Leilani Lithavong, Punya Litthisack, Michael Lonardo, Alexander Lucier, Joshua Macera, Macey Malo, Cassandra Manni, Matthew Marchetti, Justin Marrapese, Lauren McDonnell, Matthew McDonough, Miranda McGraw, Caitlyn Mendonca, Luciano Mesiti, Nicolas Morello, Jake Moretti, Chantelle Mullaney, Ian O’Malley, Craig Page, Meagan Page, Samantha Palmieri, Nicholas Paolo, Allison Parkes, Kassandra Patatanes, Michael Pescione, Eric Pjojian, Alexis Plumley, Nicholas Porreca, Nicole Proia, Eleni Psikakos, Erin Rabbitt, Jeffrey Ragosta, Brooke Ralph, Joseph Richard, Jenna Roche, Kristin Rodi, Gregory Rosario, Christopher Santilli, Kassandra Santilli, Sharlene Santos, Jayda Sanzaro, Anthony Simeone, Jenna Spirito, Shannon Sugrue, Christopher Swanson, James Sweeney, Ellis Tammelleo, Harout Tashian, Jason Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Nicholas Tella, Elizabeth Thompson, Austin Torigian, Alec Totten, Benjamin Travelyn, Adam Turenne, Jared Venticinque, Emilio Verdone, Michael Vespia, Jeremy Wilner, Cameron Wright, Pahoua Yang, Emily Youngs, Dennis Zhitkovich

Sophomores
HIGHEST HONORS
Bianca Cipolla, Alexandra Connell, Andrew Dillon, Bobbie DiScuillo, Scott DuPont, Olivia Frangos, Rebecca Glick, Nicholas Manzi, Alyssa McLeod, Rachael Minassian, Kobe Pereira, Taylor Pernini, Nicholas Perry, Kaitlyn Petitpas, Gersham Rainone, Olivia Rossi, Kylah Simeone, Christina Smith

HIGH HONORS
Praneeth Appikatla, Andrea Barragan, Nicole Bucci, Autumn Cardente, Jesse Chan, Karuna Chiemruom, Alicia Cotoia, Guiseppe Creta, Erika Danella, Yvette Goudiaby, Eleni Grammas, Nicole Grammas, Josephine Heng, Kristen Huetteman, Anthony Mansolillo, Nicole Meunier, Haley Nardolillo, Cailyn O’Neil, Jillian O’Neil, Melissa Perry, Cassandra Pires, SornRham Saengchanthavong, Jillian Salisbury, Lauren Salisbury, Gabrielle Sayaf, Kara Sczerbinski, Matthew Shapiro, Brooke Silvestri, Colin Sullivan, Hagop Taraksian, Kianna Taylor, Kelly Thies, Krishna Sampada Velury Julia White

HONORS
Sandra Abdelmessih, Stephanie Aceto, Toyosi Akanji, Giovany Aktchian, Ronald Antonucci, Victoria Bertrand, Christy Bessette, Paul Biello, Brianna Caputo, Danae Carbone, Christian Cardinal, Esabel Chubka, Lianna Colarusso, Travis Collins, Daymian Colon, Sydney Conley, Megan Conway, Olivia Deion, Gianna DellaSelva, Carmen Dery, Isabella Diaz, BillieJo DiStefano, Cassandra Dodd, Diosmely Dominguez-Paulino, George Donoyan, Ashley Estrella, Aria Feole, Maximilian Ferrara, Gabrielle Findley, Loghan Fontaine, Tomara Francese, Stephen Giarrusso, Christian Girouard, Ethan Gooding, Taylor Greene, Matthew Hall, Fiona Hanley, Alexandra Haskins, Ziad Kassab, Taylor Koretsky, Alyssa Lamond, Anthony Lancellotti, Devin LaPlume, Elena Maggiacomo, Austin Manders, Mandee Marette, Caitlin Marino, Kassandra Marulanda, Raymond Maslen-Lallier, Alexandria Matarese, Brianna McLeod, Joseph Mee, Cameron Meola, Gabrielle Moretti, Victoria Mosca, Jessica Nelson, Larissa Nencka, Katherine O’Brien, Ian O’Hara, Tarah Okolowitcz, Dylan Ouellette, Andrew Oung, Terrell Paci, Caroline Paliotte, Christopher Parnagian, Stephen Parrillo, Bianca Pena, Evan Petrarca, John Petrocelli, Christopher Phanthavong, Olivia Pisaturo, Madeline Pizzuti, Vincent Popolla, Michaela Potter, Ashleigh Rao, Ihab Rashid, Brianna Raymond, Katrina Rossi, Jaclyn Rousseau, Alexandria Ruggieri, Hunter Sampson, Samantha Sanzaro, Bryana-Lee Savattere, Daniel Sloat, Mazen Taman, Jared Tirocchi, Giavani Valiente, James Vartanian, Jordan Vazquez, Ariana Viccione, Marc Vierra, Christian Vincent, Casey Warren, Alexandra Waters, Jaime Worster, Ashley Zannini

Freshmen

HIGHEST HONORS
Melissa Chery, Danielle Dottor, Taryn Micheletti, Kimberly Plumley, Sokret Pond, Gretchen Thompson

HIGH HONORS
Cameron Ahlquist, Nicholas Almonte, Samantha Asprinio, Erin Blake, Mitchell Blustein, Allison Bonniol, Madlen Burunsuzyan, Kaitlin Capuano, Marina Carro, Callista Carroccio, Audrianna Casey, Paul Cesana, Tyler Coutu, Marina DeAngelis, Jefferey Ferranti, Christina Forlini, Kylee Harris, Stefanie Hersey, Erin Igoe, Kimberly Kluglein, Zachary Lachance, Olivia Longo, Corey Mallozzi, Aurora Mazza, Gianna Morena, Ryan Murphy, Jenna Palmer, Emma Paolella, Alexandra Pazienza, Mollie Phelps, Nicholas Ragosta, Taylor Ruggieri, Adriana Saccoccio, Daniel Saillant, Elysha Sameth, Shannon Scolardi, Bridget Sova, Ariana Tortolani, Ella Trainer, Sophia Trapassi, Hannah Travelyn, Elise Zarcaro

HONORS
Joseph Accetta, Austin Agronick, Andrew Albro, Kaitlyn Anderson, Alexia Andujar, Derek Annese, Eden Anthony, Alexandra Awad, David Ayriyan, Hailey Balletto, Jessica Barricelli, Valeria Barrientos, Kylie Bell, Paige Blinkhorn, Benjamin Boffi, Michael Branca, Sofia Cadden, Matthew Carothers, Leandra Castillo, Andre Chedda, Cameron Cody, Brandi Colpitts, David Cushman, Jordan D’Orazio, Mary Daiaa, Michael Davis, Allyssa DelVecchio, Ariana DiBoni, Gregory DiIorio, Jenna DiLorenzo, Theresa DiMaio, Darren DiPiro, Samuel Dulieu, Katherine Dumas, Valerie Elliott, Madison Evans, Talia Fargnoli, Zachary Flanders, Zachary French, Francisco Frias, Sarah Gallo, Angela Gemma, Patrick Gendreau, Nicholas Gosselin, Gianna Grafton, Victoria Haley, Sarah Harrison, Giuliana Hathaway, Paul Hazian, Jacob Horovitz, Jennifer Iozzi, Joslyn Izzi, Olesya Krishchuk, Tyler Krusz, Sarah Lemay, Ryan Lewis, Carley Loiselle, Dimitri Lonardo, Matthew Lonardo, Jocelyn Malave, Olivia Maloney, Alexia Marchetti, Kellie Martin, Katherine McDonnell, Mari Megrdichian, William Melvin, Abdiel Mendez, Abby Milson, Derek Motta, Matthew O’Rourke, Alexander Olivelli, Kendra Palumbo, Arianna Pereschino, Andrew Phillips, Jack Phipps, Matthew Pisaturo, Darren Pollock, Sovanny Pond-Tor, Zachary Quinn, Madison Renaud, Erika Rendon-Berton, Antonia Rossi, Kaidey Rotondo, Jessica Ruggieri, John Russo, Lauren Russo, William Saccoccio, Grace Santilli, Emily Scianna, Eric Scungio, Marissa Silvia, Daniel Smith, Madeline Souza, Katharine Stein, Lauren Tamburro, Alexis Tella, Zachary Torres, Christopher Vartanian, Andrew Vose, Lexee Walker, Daniel Wang, Nadia White

Seniors
Highest Honors: Decoda Arlia, Amelia Berg, Franklin Ceballos, Bing Li Chen, Becklin Davis, Darcy Davis, Yousef El-Laham, Cyril Eluwa, and Heidi Liebrich.

High Honors: Emily Bitton, Emily Carter, Samuel Cavas, Jimmy Chen, Annie Clarkin, Carissa Groccia, Angelica Hincapie Cortes, Michelle Hindle, Davy Huang, Janet Huang, Emily Kong, Bianca Kun, Kayla Lei, Caroline Lema, Elizabeth Limiadi, Gazmine Mason, Hannah Meharg, Allison Miller, Tyler Notarianni, Johny PhonePhanh, Karen Pizarro, Betty Quinonez, Kurt John Sena, Sandara Tann, and Amanda Way.
Honors: Brittany Abatiello, Jackelyn Aldana, Mouayd Alkabouni, Olivia Barbero, Robyn Barbieri, Andrew Baylouny, Sandra Brito, Amanda Brophy, Spencer Brown, Sonny Bui, Mary Burkhardt, Taylor Burns, Maxwell Cavas, Shu Chen, Kenary Chik, Vanessa Cozzo, Giulia Davis, Domenic DiBiase, Megan Duchesne, Shawn Edwards, Roxaneth Espinosa, Kaitlyn Farmanian, Michael Farrales, Nicole Feliz Paulino, Courtney Fino, Dillan Foss, Mina Gabra, Jonathan Gaye, Yaurelis Guzman, Mark Hathaway, Justin Hem, Gabriel Hernandez, Paola Jimenez Matos, Chrystianna Jimenez, Kevin Lau, Meghan Lockett, Zachery Loeum, Yeimi Lopez, Michael Macchioni, Sopaekkhrisna Man, Christopher Maples-Campbell, Matthew Marshall, Hector Maya, Melany Mendez, Kaisy Mesa Manon, Carson Moore, Thomas Mulholland, Kyle Niederberger, Yana Nikitskaya, Carl Nordstrom, Michelle Nunez, Adriana Pagano, 

Terence Paquette, Tyler Phillips, Jasmin Pineda, Katherine Reyes, Michael Ruggiero, Sabrina Sanchez, Scarlet Santos, Gloria Santos-Ramos, Bennett Schiff, Gianna Silvestri, Sovia Sinn, Tyler Skymba, Amanda Stevens, Andrea Swallow, Franshelyne Torres, Bianca Vazquez, Hansel Ventura, Michaela Vispo, and Ashley Zarra.
 

Juniors
Highest Honors: Emely Anico, WenWen Chen, Anthony DeAngelis, Sok Kim Hout, Thomas Logan, Emma Meharg, and Youssef Sharoubim.
High Honors: Madison Borrelli, Emily Bullard, Kyle Burd, Jinling Chen, Alexander Corvese, Brayan Dajer, Mackenzie Deak, Frances Deju Calixto, Ian DiTommaso, Yi Feng, Mitchell Golde, Lauren Granata, Alexis Howard, Tiffany Lao, Julia Lawson, Rachel Moore, Catherine Morris, Andrew Phung, Jacob Rich, Travis Rich, Oksana Stetsyuk, Fong Thuck, Michael Vannini, and Lauren Yanku.
Honors: Jake Agresti, Samantha Alfonso, Jazmine Barron, Jenelle Bodden, Connor Botts, Steven Brea, Jared Capirchio, Daniella Carnevale, Kayleigh Carney, Emily Castillo, Clifford Cosek, Nicholas Croft, Brandon De Los Santos, Brian Deware, Quyen Dinh, Carlos Dominguez, Natalie Duran, Joseannaly Espanol-Hiciano, Rebecca Fantasia-Sivo, Lisa Fasano, Deandra Fugere, Brendan Furney, Shayne Gaudreau, Natalee Gomez, Alexander Grover, Elizabeth Guerrero, Hikmat Haddada, Tyler Heald, George Henin, Ericka Hernandez, Haley Howard, Romina Hurtado, Matthew Huy, Eric Jesus, Beatrix Kanno, Somalin Kim, Tammy Kirwin, Allison Kuhn, Tiffany Le, Maria Lemus, Angel Lizarda, Alexis McCarten, Christopher McCormick, Anamaria Medina, Angel Melgar-Arevalo, Nicholas Mendez, Arianna Mickelson, Cassidy Mills, Gabriella Muinde, Javier Nieves, Stephanie Pacheco, Michael Parillo, Kevin Patel, Adolfo Peralta, Vanessa Perez, Thary Phann, Viti Phann, Gabriel Plaza, Robert Polion, Jose Ramirez, Allison Roca, Jack Rocchio, Shayne Roy, Francoise Santana Diaz, Alexander Silva, Rojeen Sindi, Amanda Smith, Erick Smith, Jonique'a Smith, Austin Stadelbauer, Ivy Swinski, Olivia Tagliaferri, Katherine Tennett, Shemaiah Thompson, Marc Torres, Jerilee Trinidad, Carolin Urena, Fausto Valdez, Renz-Vastin Vargas, Radhilka Ventura, Coral Verduguez, Sean Warner, and Sabrina Zapata.

Sophomores 
Highest Honors: Natalie Dechoudens, Cheryl Eluwa, Ellen Macaruso, Amir Pettiway, and Chanda Uy.

High Honors: Christina Arlia, Maxwell Bloom, Deja Britto, Justice Brown-Duso, Gabriella Calvino, Emily Chen, William Coreas, Harold Corniel, Stephanie Donnelly, Kathrine Dove, Kristen Dove, Vanja Frazier, Leah Golde, Shastery Gonzalez, Eric Halvarson, Nghi Ho, Tavell Johnson, Isabella Leclair, Jessica Leung, Luke Maguire, Joshua Miller, Sara Olson, Krystal Polanco, Pedro Polanco, Jacob Rojek, Jaime Struminsky, Saksuth Suos, John Zambarano, and Yue Zang.
Honors: Katherine Aschman, Desserae Babalato, Mariah Baguyot, Logan Barnes, Madora Bertrand, Mollie Bourne, Alexandra Bowden, Marissa Cabral, Carlos Canelo-Gonzalez, Mohammed Chaghlil, Supriya Chaudhary, Songling Chen, Danielle Cooke, Gabrielle Dayacap, Arlette Deju Calixto, Chyanne Delgado, Joseph DelSignore, Lucille DiNaro, Christina Dugas, Emily Ellinwood, Joseph Essig, Sophie Mariel Fabie, Hao Fang, Ana Figueroa-Montufar, Salma Flores, Amanda Fraielli, Paula Frost, Jan Gonzalez Berdecia, Emely Granados, Marnetta Hassan, Fiona Hession, Arelys Heyaime Acosta, Hayleigh Kelley, Lakeana Khiev, Priscilla Khun, Denroy Klugey, Samantha Lang, Tri-Hung Le, Sabrina Ledo, Shuyi Liang, Endey Lonh, Luis Lopez, Armand Lucchetti, Christopher Lussier, Henry MacLeod, Jo-Ann Martinez, Logan McConaghy, Shannon McCormick, Edward McKeon, Mariana Medina, Monique Messa, Nicholas Nevola, Michelle Ng, Charouen Nheth, Jean Carlos Nolasco, Alexander O'Neill, Nina Ong, Israel Perez Leon, Molly Phillips, Kia Prim, Tarajya Ramos, Steven Raso, Julianna Roberti, Amanda Rosa, Sean Rush, Paola Sanchez, Rebecca Sao, Ahmad Shikhalard, Briana Stewart, Ka Tse, Minette Elizabeth Vargas, Richard Vargas, Carlos Velasquez, Laura Ventura Pena, Kayla Wedell, Rathanack Yi, Faith Yon, and Nicholas Zarrella.

Freshmen
Highest Honors: Ibrahim Abdus Salaam, Qi Wen Chen, Saiya Chik, Raysmari Diaz, Ethan Gomez, Hui Ying Huang, Mikayla Lury, Emily Nunez, Emily Ou, Abigail Perez, Nathalie Rivera, Yojanan Santes, Thea Kathleen Vargas, Sdok Viey, and Vivien Yau.
High Honors: Piper Aube, Miriam Bielawski, Ainsley Campbell, Vanessa Carreon Vargas, Kevin Chen, Hecmar Delgado, Zachary Eannarino, Tracy Edwards, Donna El-Laham, Patrick Finucane, Cynthia Gatua, Kysha Johnson, Cody Kong, Kevin Li, Victoria Marion, Aliyah Myles, Marissa Nelson, Stephanie Nunez, Jonathan Penta, Alana Perez, Thalis Perez, Taylor Rainho, Talia Santopadre, Alexandra Santos, Sayira Silverio, William Sumrall, Cheyenne Tillison, and Jessica Wong.
Honors: Danielle Abatiello, Shoshana Adler, Adam Almeida, Alexis Alves, Jaime Amaral, Gianni Andreoli, Ashley Arraial, Alexander Barnes, Brittney Bellotti, Noelle Bisignano, Emily Butterfield, Angel Cajigas- Arbelo, Bruce Campinha, Bryanna Cardona, Jeanette Chin, Chrissna Chum, Genna Companatico, Katharine Coningford, Sophia Cozzo, Justin Cruz, Brady Curran, Ronald DeBartolo, Leslie DeFran, Rose DeLaCruz, Carla Dominguez, Xing Qing Dong, Kevin Donnelly, Lindsey Doster, Keenan Dunleavy, Chantal Duran, Dylan Edwards, Steven Ellis, Maylleline Espinosa, Angie Flores, Yasmin Gonzalez, Stephanie Groccia, Darol Groeneveldt, Lorraine Guerra, Bianca Harrington, Hunter Hellested, Rashard Hinds, Amanda Holmes, Andy Huang, Kelvin Jimenez, Gabrielle Johnson, Emma Jutras, Steven Khiev, Jada Kun, Nina La, Sorida Lac, Briana LaCroix, Regan Landolfi, Jarod Linne, Patrick Loch, Sarah Lowell, Abby MacLeod, Bianca Martinez, Gabrielle Martinez, Keith McAteer, Jawavia Mena, Marianne Moreno, Alani Munoz, Alexandria Muth, Isabel Nagy, Joshua Nelson, Zanabou Njie, Aidan Nolan, Branden Nong, Sophia Nunez, Genesis Oliva, Ambar Olivares, Tiago Pacheco, Johnielly Pagan, Alexia Peloquin, Wyomy Pena, Melanie Peralta, Matthew Pion, Joseph Prata, Ryan Raposo, Kareliz Recarey, Amanda Romano, Hope Russell, Vincent Saing, Jessica Santurri, Kenneth Sattra, Alec Smith, Alexander Sparks, Brian St Lawrence, Sebastian Terrazas, Sebastian Trabucco, Devon Vallante, Hanna van Belle, Moises Velasquez, Katherine Vicente, Patrick Wynn, and Kaylynn Zambarano.

Cranston resident Carrieann Best never expected to be a nurse, but she turned a family tragedy into an opportunity to help others.

When her mother had a brain aneurysm in 2010, Best was exposed to many health care professionals and was impressed by what she saw. She decided to become a nurse, which had always been her mother’s dream.

Before that, Best, 37, was employed as an electrician in the Boston area. She worked everywhere from new suburban middle schools to the heights of the city’s historic skyscrapers.

“I loved it,” she said. “It was a great job.”

Best thought she would be an electrician for the rest of her working life but her mother’s illness changed everything. Her mother, Kathleen Doran, spent a month in the intensive care unit at Beth Israel Hospital after the aneurysm. Best and her sisters hardly left their mother’s side.

Best saw many nurses during this time and she learned how important they are to patients and their families in helping them cope with tragedy. She said the nurses also brought comfort to her mother, who was unable to speak.

“It was amazing how they could identify her pain without her communicating,” Best said. “It just opened up my eyes. … That’s when I had a life-changing moment.”

Doran had always wanted to be a nurse. She had taken some classes in a nursing program but was unable to finish because of her family commitments. Following Doran’s death, Best decided to live her mother’s dream.

“It was my promise to her and I found that I enjoyed helping people out,” she said. “I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.”

Best grew up in Plymouth, Mass., but moved to Cranston in 2008 to live with her partner. Her newfound proximity to CCRI was part of what made it a good choice for her when she decided to go to nursing school. She started at CCRI as a part-time student in 2010, taking prerequisite courses for the Nursing program while working as a home caregiver.

Best took it slow at first because she had been out of school for 13 years. She entered the Nursing program in the Fall 2011 semester and transitioned to being a full-time student. She is graduating with a 3.5 GPA.

“It took a lot of sacrifice and buckling down and getting myself on a schedule,” Best said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be here [at CCRI.]”

Best said the nursing program was tough but that her professors helped her through it. “They were all great,” she said. “I don’t want to single anyone out.”

Although the Nursing program is demanding, Best said it has prepared her well. “The program has been good to me,” she said. “You learn a lot and you see a lot of great things. I saw a baby born recently. ... Nursing is a great career.”

To other adults pondering a return to college, Best said: “Don’t even think about it. Just jump. It will give you so much confidence. I’m a different person now.”

Best hopes to work in hospice care someday but will be happy to start work in any nursing discipline for now.

“I never thought I would be a nurse,” she said. “I already had a career I loved, but life brings you in funny directions.”

The Community College of Rhode Island, New England’s largest community college, has full-service campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence and Newport and operates satellites in Westerly and in the Shepard Building in Providence. CCRI enrolls an average of nearly 18,000 students annually in credit courses and thousands more in noncredit and workforce training classes and programs.

Cranston Police Officer Mallory Reis was honored at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House last week.

Reis helped save the life of a 3-year-old boy at Curlew Pond in Myles Standish State Forest in July of 2011.

The boy fell under the water and was pulled from the water by his 9-year-old sister.

He was blue and showed no vital signs, witnesses said.

"His body was limp, he was on the ground," Reis told NECN.com. "There was a big circle [of people around him] so I just came running over because someone said this kid needs CPR."

Reis gave the boy CPR and managed to revive him. When rescue crews finally arrived, he was semiconscious and alert, according to Plymouth fire officials. 

Family members praised Reis and other people who helped in the rescue, including Robert Ryan, an off-duty firefighter who happened to be nearby as well.

"It was almost as if we became a big family," said Tasha Sawyer, the boy's aunt.

"They're heroes," said Don Matinzi, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation district manager. "When I got here the first thing I did was tell them that."

The pond did not have a lifeguard, although signs were posted warning visitors to swim at their own risk.

The award was given to Reis by the Massachusetts State Police and Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Watch the attached WPRI video for more.

David Mamet’s Speed-The-Plow is a satirical look at the competitive, sometimes hostile, world of the Hollywood movie mogul.  The story revolves around Bobby Gould, a recently appointed head of production for a major movie studio.  His right hand man, Charlie Fox, has an opportunity for them to make a sure fire, money-making action flick.  Doug Brown, a major star, has committed to the project.  The two men book a meeting with the head of the studio to pitch the idea, and all seems right with the world. 

That is until Karen, a beautiful, enigmatic secretary in Gould’s office, gets involved.  Bobby is determined to make time with Karen, while Charlie is convinced that she would never go for it.  The gentlemen make a not so gentlemanly wager, and the madness ensues.  How will Karen respond?  What is she really after?

Counter-Productions Theatre Company will present the play at Theatre 82, Artists’ Exchange’s brand new black box theater.  Directed by Ted Clement, the play will feature Patrick Cullen as Bobby Gould, Charles Lafond as Charlie Fox, and Ashley Arnold as Karen.  Tickets are $18.  For further information call 401-490-9475 or go to www.artists-exchange.org.

Group: Counter-Productions Theatre Company

Title: Speed-The-Plow by David Mamet

Location: Theatre 82 at Artists’ Exchange, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI

Dates: June 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:00pm, June 8, 16 at 2:00pm

Admission: $18

Stephen Concetto Campanella, 99, and Doris Elinor Campanella, 93, of Cranston, Narragansett, and Boca Raton, passed away of old age. They were married for 65 years. 

Stephen was born in Monson, MA, the son of Giovanni and Domenica (Olivo) Campanella.. He graduated from Technical High School and from URI, where he was a member of the Beta Psi Alpha Fraternity. He proudly served in the Fifth Army in North Africa and Italy during World War II. In later years, he continued as an Army Reservist, retiring with the rank of Major.

Stephen worked as a salesman for The Boston Store, P.Balentine & Sons and for Wayne Distributing Company, retiring in 1979. He was a dedicated, thoughtful, enthusiastic man, with many interests and accomplishments. He loved flying small aircraft, and playing cards, golf and tennis. He had a lifelong love of animals and nature. No kindness was too small to be appreciated, no task too large to be undertaken. Stephen was a humble and selfless man.

Doris was born in Providence, the daughter of Joseph and Elinor (Brodeur) Argentieri. She graduated from Classical High School and URI, where she was a member of the Phi Cappa Phi Honor Society. In the forties, Doris was a dye chemist at Rumford Chemical Company. In the fifties, she was head dietitian of The Plantation Club and the Providence Public Schools. In the sixties, Doris became a guidance counselor at Scituate Jr. Sr. High School, retiring in 1985. Doris loved learning, classical literature, interacting with people, walking, tennis, reading to her children and grandchildren and spending days at Narragansett Town Beach. She greatly enjoyed using her expertise to improve the lives of others. 

Together they shared a devotion to family and a spirit of adventure that allowed them to enjoy each and every day. They made fast and lifelong friends. They also loved traveling, especially to Italy.

Stephen and Doris leave three daughters and their husbands: Jeanne and Dr. Norbert Fleisig, Karen and Dean Henry, and Denise and Donald Jeanson. They also leave three granddaughters and four great-grandsons, their loving brother Robert K. Argentieri, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Stephen was predeceased by his older siblings: Fortunata Fogge, Mary Olivo, Concetta A. Libertucci, and Mathew and John Campanella. Our family greatly appreciates the tireless devotion of the two aides in Florida, Mrs. Nettie Holmes and Mrs. Audrey Smith, to whom our parents were deeply attached. 

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 at The Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, N.Providence, from 5 to 8pm. In keeping with their wishes, the funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to your favorite charity. 

Eva-Marie Mancuso enjoys a lively debate but is clear about one thing: When it comes to education Rhode Island’s children, the status quo is not an option.

At a recent Q&A session in East Greenwich, the state’s new Board of Education chair, sparred with state Sen. James Sheehan (D-NK, Narr.) over teacher evaluations, cajoled teachers to work with the state, and tried to reassure at least one parent that using passage of a test as a graduation requirement is the right move.

The forum, organized by the EG Democratic Town Committee, was held at EG’s Town Hall, the former Kent County Courthouse. The setting suited Mancuso, a personal injury lawyer.

Although the new Board of Education for the first time combines all levels of public education in the state – elementary, secondary and higher ed – that wasn’t what those in attendance wanted to talk about.

Rather, they wanted to talk about teaching evaluation system that has been instituted, the use of the NECAP standardized test as a high school graduation requirement, and Commissioner Deborah Gist.

Gist’s employment contract up the end of June and the board will be talking about it at its meeting Thursday evening at URI.

“Commissioner Gist acts like she’s listening to you,” said EG teacher Judy Cavanagh, co-president of the EG teachers union. "But she’s not listening to you. She truly has her own agenda and I’m upset because our professional judgment is not being listened at all. I have not met one teacher – I talk to all the districts – where teachers aren’t totally frustrated, totally demoralized. Is that the way to educate? We’re ruining the profession."

“What’s the alternative?” said Mancuso, saying that she was well aware of results of a recent poll that 85 percent of teachers aren’t happy. “That’s a problem. We have to figure out how to get past that… I think that what we need to do is to start working together – meaningful working together.”

She refused to be say whether or not Gist’s contract should be renewed.

Teacher evaluations

“The evaluation process, we piloted it in Warwick,” said Sheehan, a teacher in Warwick. “It’s overwhelming. I’d prefer to get an IRS forensic audit than this. That’s how pleasurable it is. I’m being very sincere, it’s overwhelming.”

He implored Mancuso to reduce the reliance on student test results on a teacher’s overall evaluation.

“This is going to gear the whole system … it’s going to gear it to the test, because that is the deity that everybody’s worshipping at the altar at right now,” he said. “I would urge you to either shrink the 50 percent down or do something about it because that is totally inequitable.”

“Nobody wants to knock teachers,” Mancuso said. “We just need to have a different result.”

EG School Committee Vice Chair Deidre Gifford, a doctor, offered her support for the evaluation process, noting similarities between teacher resistance today and that of doctors in the 1990s.

“The doctors were saying, ‘You can’t hold me responsible because my patients eat McDonald’s’ or, ‘You can’t hold me responsible because the quality of care is not measureable.’ It was a very difficult couple of decades, trying to get past that resistance. But I think we’ve largely gotten past it to … the idea that we can measure quality,” Gifford said. “I don’t think that because of the challenges that we can or should turn back.”

High-stakes testing

On the requirement that the class of 2014 reach partial proficiency on NECAP standardized tests in order to graduate, Mancuso seemed unlikely to change course.

“As the chair of this board, I’m not comfortable saying I think we should change the standards so that partial performance is good enough. It’s just not... When kids are at ninth or tenth grade level [at graduation], that’s a problem with the system," she said.

"Once everybody recognizes there’s a problem – we know there’s problem and we’ve got to get to the end – and we’re willing to work together to get to the end,  we’re going to have a more public debate about that. We’re going to have people who feel better about the process. Teachers will feel respected, but so will parents and administers and business people and college professors and everybody else."

Members of the Cranston Police Department, along with friends and the larger family of law enforcement in the city gathered on a sunny, beautiful Saturday to remember the fallen.

The event marked the end of National Police Memorial Week and pays tribute to law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty as well as important members of the Cranston Police Department who have passed away over the past year.

Patch was there and we're working on a video and detailed story about the event to post later today. Check back later today or keep an eye on our Facebook page for it.

252 Magnolia St. — $184,900
This 1,323 square-foot ranch in the Auburn neighborhood has a big living room with fireplace, hardwoods, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a substantial 5,000 square-foot fenced-in yard with a deck. Annual taxes land at $3,117. 

37 Magazine St. — $164,900
This ranch in Garden City is described a cute and comfortable. Built in 1965, the house is mostly original, which means you'd want to factor in some renovations before making an offer. But there's a lot to work with: 2,122 square feet of living space, a 5,000-square-foot lot, three bedrooms, and convenient access to city amenities. Expect to pay about $3,500 in taxes.

186 Garden City Drive — $224,900
Move right into this Cape Cod in Garden City. Newer roof, vinly siding, kitchen, centrail air and front-to-back living room with fireplace round out this 1,449 square-foot offering.  Two bedrooms, one bathroom and a 7,275 square foot lot imply an ideal setting for a couple looking to downsize. Taxes are $4,550 per year.

Admirals Bank on Reservoir Avenue was robbed this morning and Cranston and Johnston police are working together on the investigation.

The bank was robbed around 9 a.m., WPRI reported, and the suspect reportedly fled the scene in a dark Chevrolet Caprice. The same car was retrieved by police near Atwood and Fletcher Avenues.

An eyewitness reportedly saw the car speeding down the road. It hit the curb and crashed into a wooded area.

This story will be updated as more details become available.

The bank is supposed to close by the end of June as part of a change to the company's banking model. The company annouced the closure of the Cranston branch in March.

Roscoe is a six-month-old dog who was bitten by another dog and then ran away with his blue leash on near Mulligan's Island.

If you have seen him, call Will at 401-265-1640. A reward is being offered.

Roscoe's disappearance was originally reported on the RI LOST PETS Facebook page.

You can follow Cranston Patch on Facebook, too.

Karlen V. Shatakhtsyan, 84, of Abbott St., Cranston, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Miriam Hospital in Providence surrounded by his loving family. 

He was the beloved husband for 55 years of Garun Nalchadzhyan.  Born in Yerevan, Armenia, he was the son of the late Vostanik and Asya (Vartanian) Shatakhtsyan.

Mr. Shatakhtsyan was a mechanical engineer in the furniture industry before coming to the U.S. in 1995.

Besides his wife, he was the devoted father of Anahit Shatakhtsian and Nonetta Shatakhtsian and her husband Paul Ruggerio, all of Cranston.

VISITING HOURS are Thursday, May 23^rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston to which relatives and friends are invited.  

Funeral service will be private and interment will take place in Yerevan, Armenia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Armenian Children’s Milk Fund, P.O. Box 652, Belmont, MA 02478.

Two Cranston girls took top honors (first and third place) in the tenth annual Katie DeCubellis Memorial Foundation writing contest.

“Emotionally gripping... a sensitive narrative... and “a revealing look at bullying,” are just some of the comments philanthropist and book editor Joan Parker uses to describe this year's top three winners.

Parker is the inspiration to best-selling author Robert Parker’s main female character in his best-selling Spenser for Hire book and TV series. Joan Parker continues her husband’s legacy by overseeing writers who have taken over Parker’s successful series.

We are truly excited and appreciative to Joan Parker for agreeing to serve as the celebrity judge for the KDMF’s 10thannual writing contest,” said Executive Director John DeCubellis. “This year we picked a timely topic that elicited deep and meaningful essays, and we are proud to announce our top three winners. Thanks to our corporate sponsor AAA of Southern New England we were able to award larger monetary prizes to the top three winners and honorable mentions."

This year's first place one thousand dollar winner is Jacqueline Youngdahl of Hope, Rhode Island. Here is what Parker said about her entry, “Solemnly Swear is emotionally gripping and impressive prose style. An empathic understanding of the challenges of being bullied.”

The second place award of five hundred dollars goes to Kendra Quimby of West Warwick, Rhode Island, Parker had this to say about her work, Team Anna is a sensitive narrative leading to a satisfying unanticipated conclusion.”

Alana Perez of Cranston, Rhode Island came in third place winning three hundred and fifty dollars. Here is what Parker said about her essay, “Same Love is a revealing look at bullying, its devastating affects and in this case an unexpected ending.”

For the past ten years KDMF has awarded money and prizes to students who placed in the annual writing contest. This year AAA of Southern New England joined forces with the foundation helping to also raise awareness about the dangers or drinking and distracted driving, “Whenever we’re able to engage young people on issues like impairment and distraction or other risky behaviors behind the wheel, we view it as an important opportunity to make our roads safer for all motorists”, states Lloyd Albert, AAA’s senior vice president of public and government affairs. “We are pleased to help support this year’s writing contest and to partner with the KDMF in such a worthwhile effort.” 

A ceremony was held Monday, May 20th at the Warwick Mall to announce this year’s winners. Television reporter/WPRO radio anchor and children’s book author Laura Clarizio emceed the event. 

The KDMF presented monetary awards to the winners. Additionally, professionally created posters with the winners’ names and writing entries will remain on display at the mall during the week following the ceremony. The winners also received an autographed copy of one of Robert Parker's books. For more information about the contest and annual scholarships that the KDMF awards visit the Foundation’s website at www.kdmf.org. 

If you bought a PowerBall ticket from Seven Eight Six on Broad Street or Stop & Shop on Warwick Avenue, give it a second look — you might be $10,000 richer.

Two $10,000 winning tickets were sold, one at each of the stores here in Cranston and they remained unclaimed as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

The winning $590 million ticket was sold in Florida, but $10,000 isn't a bad consolation prize for a $2 investment.

Wednesday's PowerBall jackpot is estimated to be about $40 million.