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Governor Chafee names former Sen. President Montalbano as Superior Court judge

May 10, 2013, 9:34 am
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By Katie Mulvaney
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Journal file photo

Montalbano

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee on Friday nominated former Senate President and current District Court Magistrate Joseph Montalbano to the Superior Court bench.



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If confirmed by the Senate, Montalbano would take the $149,207-per-year lifetime seat vacated when Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. retired in March 2012.

District Court Judge Jeanne LaFazia in 2011 chose Montalbano to fill the unexpired term of Christine S. Jabour -- sister of Sen. Paul Jabour, D-Providence -- as magistrate after she was elevated to a District Court judgeship.

Montalbano, who represented parts of Lincoln, Pawtucket and North Providence beginning in 1988, lost his bid for reelection in 2008. A year earlier he paid a $12,000 ethics fine for failing to disclose work he did for the Town of West Warwick involving land near the location of a proposed Narragansett Indian casino.

In August 2010, the Judicial Nominating Commission recommended Montalbano among the finalists to fill four judicial vacancies: two in the District Court and two in the Superior Court. Former Gov. Donald L. Carcieri chose others for the positions.

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Governor Chafee picks Magistrate Asquith as next Family Court judge

May 10, 2013, 9:40 am
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By Katie Mulvaney
asquith.jpg

Journal file photo

Asquith

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee Friday named Family Court Magistrate Patricia Asquith to take a $149,207-a-year lifetime seat as a judge in the court she has worked in for more than a decade.

Asquith, of East Providence, was named a Family Court magistrate in 2002. Previously she was a lawyer with Asquith, Mahoney & Robinson, focusing on family law. She attended Suffolk University School of Law.

She fills the vacancy created by Judge Haiganush R. Bedrosian's ascension to Family Court chief in 2010.

The nomination comes days after the Rhode Island Bar Association faulted Chafee for failing to name judges for four vacancies. The association charged that the delay was hampering the judicial system, particularly in Family Court where it said the time to get a uncontested divorce had doubled and stretched to more than a year for divorces in dispute.


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Rhode Island ranks 7th in nation in new foreclosure starts

May 10, 2013, 9:51 am
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By Christine Dunn

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island ranked 12th in the nation in mortgage delinquencies and 7th in new foreclosures started during the first quarter of 2013, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The association released its National Delinquency Survey Thursday and reported that the Rhode Island delinquency rate for mortgage loans on residential properties was 7.71 percent during the first quarter. (The national rate was 6.75 percent.) The delinquency rate does not include loans in the foreclosure process.

Rhode Island's foreclosure rate during the first quarter was 3.89 percent of loans, (compared to 3.55 percent nationally) while the percentage of Rhode Island mortgage loans on which foreclosure was started in the first quarter rose to 0.97 percent of loans (compared to 0.70 percent nationally).

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RI Supreme Court: State doesn't have to pay court costs for lead paint companies

May 10, 2013, 10:26 am
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By Jack Perry

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state of Rhode Island is not responsible for the money lead paint companies paid to defend themselves in a landmark lawsuit.

In upholding Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein's decision, the high court ruled that Rhode Island does not have to reimburse the companies for litigation costs estimated to be more than $10 million, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said in a press release.

"This case brought the dangers posed by lead paint to the forefront nationally and, as Judge Silverstein and the unanimous Supreme Court found, both the public and the parties substantially benefited from the Attorney General's commencement of this action," Kilmartin wrote.

The case began in 1999 and initially ended in mistrial. The state won the case when it was tried again, only to see it overturned in 2008.

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'SoNew' tourism effort highlights Mass., RI, Conn.

May 10, 2013, 11:11 am
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By News staff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A series of tours on Saturday is the first event in their effort to tie together several attractions in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut in an attempt to turn Southern New England -- "SoNew." -- into a national and international destination.

Peter Glankoff, executive vice president at the Sea Research Foundation, which operates Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and colleagues including Bob Billington, director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Rhode Island, have been talking about ways to better connect their destinations.

Another initiative being planned is a bicycle race between Newport and Mystic, which coordinators hope to launch next year, Caspari said.

Saturday's program, called Southern New England Discovery Tours, will depart Saturday morning, most leaving from Twin River casino in Lincoln.

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East Providence recycling site to be cleaned up

May 10, 2013, 11:14 am
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By Richard Salit

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The long-awaited cleanup of the defunct TLA Pond View recycling facility in Rumford will begin within two weeks and take 60 days to complete, the state Department of Environmental Management announced Friday.

Ever since the business went into receivership and shut down on Sept. 10, residents have been demanding that the piles of construction and demolition debris that had accumulated at the site be promptly removed. The neighbors consider the operation a nuisance and have battled it for years.

But residents are displeased with the choice of who will do the clean-up: Ken Foley, the landlord who ran the recycling business until selling to TLA. They view it as a conflict of interest and are disturbed he'll be paid $610,000 by the bonding company.


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Common Cause RI blasts Governor Chafee's judicial picks

May 10, 2013, 11:28 am
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By Katie Mulvaney

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Common Cause Rhode Island Friday blasted Governor Chafee's judicial picks as evidence that the judicial nominating process is failing to ensure that judges are chosen on merit, not politics.

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"Our merit selection process has been undermined by all of the actors involved," executive director John Marion said.

He noted that successive governors have "ignored" the 21-day deadline for picking judges from lists provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission and that state lawmakers pass law each year allowing the governor to draw nominees from years-old lists.

"All of the dysfunction in the system is on display with today's appointments. The timing of these picks, and the vacancies they create for two magistrate positions, further raise suspicion that judicial vacancies are being used as part of the end-of-session bargaining among legislative leaders and the governor," he said.

Common Cause defines its mission as promoting "representative democracy by ensuring open, ethical, accountable, effective government processes..."

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Warren-based Blount Boats negotiates EPA payment for alleged air violations

May 10, 2013, 12:58 pm
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By Barbara Polichetti

WARREN, R.I. -- The local shipbuilding company, Blount Boats, Inc., has agreed to pay a $24,000 penalty for allegedly violating federal and state clean air regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Friday.

The EPA said that Blount has also agreed to invest at least $230,000 to upgrade part of its shipyard so that emissions from sandblasting and spray painting will be reduced.

Marcia Blount, chief executive officer of the company, said that the EPA's allegations are based on the company's potential emissions, not the actual amount of work it does and that Blount denies the allegations.

She said that the penalty was the result of negotiations EPA and that Blount already had plans to build a special tent to contain emissions from spray painting and other operations.

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5 great things to do this weekend in RI

May 10, 2013, 1:40 pm
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By Jenna Pelletier

Pop-Up Play Day!
A public celebration of open-ended, child-directed play featuring a pop-up playground, activity stations and live music. Saturday from noon-5 p.m. Free. India Point Park, Providence. providenceparks.org.


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Providence Journal files/
Andrew Dickerman



East Farm Spring Festival
URI's Outreach Center and Master Gardeners host an event with workshops and exhibits on sound environmental practices. Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. URI East Farm, Rte. 108, Kingston. (401) 874-2900. More info.

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Providence Journal files/
Kris Craig

BikeFest RI A festival dedicated to all things bicycle, for recreation, sport and everyday life. The agenda includes safety and repair demonstrations, an expo with bikes and gear, and live entertainment. Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. bikefestri.com.




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Providence Journal files/
Kathy Borchers



Sheep Shearing Day
Celebrate spring by visiting baby lambs, taking in spinning and weaving demonstrations and watching as shearers shed the flock's coats. Saturday from noon-4 p.m. $10 per car nonmembers/$5 per car members. Watson Farm, 455 North Rd., Jamestown. historicnewengland.org.

Sleeping Beauty
Festival Ballet presents the classic story about a curse cast on a princess that only a prince can break. Saturday and Sunday at 2p.m.. $20-$65. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. (401) 421-2787, thevetsri.com.
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Talk to us. Want to submit an event to The Journal? Read our guidelines here.

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6-year-old Providence boy, struck and killed while crossing street, celebrated at Friday service

May 10, 2013, 2:27 pm
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By Maria Armental
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Family Photo

Derrick Johnson

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Friends and family gathered at the Elmwood Avenue Church of God to celebrate the 6-year-old life of Derrick "JuJu" Johnson, killed Sunday as he crossed the street heading to his aunt's house.

They assembled outside the Elmwood Avenue Baptist Church, consoling each other with a hug, a few words or simply a stroke of the head. Some wore pins with Derrick's photo.

Derrick lay in a white casket, also dressed in white down to the baseball cap. A teddy bear was propped against the casket's lid. Standing nearby were Derrick's three sisters, two of whom had been positioned just behind him when he was fatally hit, and his cousin, 5-year-old Davon, who saw it all happen from a window.

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The Providence Journal/ Frieda Squires

Shania Monteiro, right, a 3rd grader at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School, attaches a button with a photo of Derrick Johnson onto her hat Friday. Students at the school donated $2 to "break the rules for Derrick" and wear any hat to school to help defray funeral costs for the boy's family. Remembrance pins were also sold to help raise money. Behind her is Dannyasia Mercado, also in 3rd grade.


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Cape Verdean film to make global premiere with Internet launch from East Providence club

May 10, 2013, 2:29 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Cape Verdean love story which has been turned into a 15-minute music video will make its worldwide premiere online at 2 p.m. Sunday when those involved in its making launch the video over the Internet from the Cape Verdean Progressive Center at 329 Grosvenor Ave.

"Serenata de Amor" is the work Claire Andrade-Watkins, whose SPIA Media Productions shot it at a sound-stage at Boston's Emerson College. Set in the 1940s on the Cape Verdean island of Brava, the musical is described as a story of unrequited love and the triumph of love.

Though it will be accessible on Facebook, Vimeo and YouTube, visitors will be able to meet the actors in person at Sunday's showing at the club.

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Rhode Island revenue forecast reduced by more than $50 million

May 10, 2013, 2:36 pm
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By Randal Edgar

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Despite some indications that Rhode Island's economy is improving, state officials predicted Friday that revenues will be lower than expected over the next 14 months, missing earlier targets by more than $50 million.

The numbers, announced at a Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conference that meets twice a year to monitor current trends, suggest that officials have become more cautious about the state's economic health and how much revenue they can expect from key sources such as the personal income tax and the sales tax.

For the budget year that ends June 30, a team of officials from the state budget office and the House and Senate fiscal offices are predicting a drop of $4.9 million. For the following year, they are predicting a drop of $51.1 million.

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East Providence police: Brooklyn couple caught with 100 fraudulent credit cards

May 10, 2013, 7:04 pm
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By Amanda Milkovits

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A man and woman from Brooklyn, N.Y., are suspected of carrying more than 100 credit cards and Target gift cards recoded to stolen credit-card numbers.

Omar Nelson, 32, and Tabitha Jeirles, 26, were paired up in New York City to do a "gift card" job in southern New England, according to the East Providence police. They were arrested Thursday, after an officer who stopped their car on Route 195 noticed a package of credit cards.

Both were arraigned Friday at District Court, Providence, on 10 charges including forgery and conspiracy. The U.S. Secret Service is still investigating how many cards were fraudulent, said Detective Lt. Michael David.

East Providence police charged two men from South Bronx in a similar case five weeks ago.

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North Kingstown firefighters lose their court fight to end 24-hour shifts - ready

May 10, 2013, 7:06 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- The town's firefighters appear to have lost their court fight to keep the town from imposing a work schedule that requires them to work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off.

In a ruling issued Friday, the state Supreme Court granted the town's request for a permanent stay to an order originally issued in Superior Court Judge by Brian P. Stern, saying the the town was likely to prevail in a full appeal.

Stern had ruled in December that the town could not unilaterally require its unionized firefighters to work 24-hour shifts, but the justices said they thought he erred, and said they did not think the firefighters or public were harmed by the schedule changes.

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Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty to hold conference at Rhode Island College on Monday

May 10, 2013, 7:16 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty will hold its 5th annual poverty conference Monday on the theme "Reducing Poverty Builds Economic Prosperity."

To be held at Rhode Island College's Donovan Dining Hall starting with a breakfast study at 8 a.m., the conference will review the state of poverty in Rhode Island, with a focus on what faith communities can do to reduce it.

Erik Stegman, whose Half in Ten Campaign is built on the premise that poverty can be cut in half in 10 years, will be the keynote speaker.

The sessions will also feature a response by a panel of Rhode Island Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders and talks by other anti-poverty advocates.

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Saturday's weather: Some sun, scattered showers

May 11, 2013, 6:05 am
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By News staff

Expect clouds and some peeks of hazy sun Saturdy. Showers will be scattered throughout the day with isolated thunderstorm and downpours at times. High temperatures will reach near 72 degrees inland, and the 60s at shore. Keep the umbrella nearby, but there will be stretches of dry weather too. Winds will blow at 10-15 mph with gusts around 30 mph.

Showers are likely Saturday evening, heavy at times with the rumble thunder. Temperatures will range from 55 degrees to 60 degrees.

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Warwick park renovated in honor of local coach

May 11, 2013, 11:46 am
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By News staff

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) -- A playground at Oakland Beach is being renovated in honor of a local coach who lost his life to a long illness last year.

Wrestling coach George Schmeider fell ill in mid-2012, with an illness that doctors could not diagnose. He was in a coma for months and passed away in December.

Saturday, friends and family gathered at Oakland Beach to watch the groundbreaking of what will become the George Schmeider Memorial Park.

An old basketball court has been demolished and the park will be renovated, with an unveiling set for late June.

"George meant so much to this community," said friend Gary Constantino. "We felt it would be perfect to name the park after him and bring a positive energy back to Oakland Beach."

Every bit of the park is being donated, including labor. More information on how you can donate to the park is available on a website set up in his name .

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Boston Cardinal O'Malley to boycott BC graduation

May 11, 2013, 11:51 am
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By News staff

omalley_80.jpgBOSTON (AP) -- Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley says he won't attend Boston College's commencement because the Jesuit school's keynote speaker, Irish prime minister Enda Kenny, advocates legislation that would permit abortion.

The legislation allows abortion to save a women's life. Opponents say the bill would lead to widespread abortions because it allows abortion if a woman threatens suicide.

In a statement Friday, O'Malley said the church considers abortion "a crime against humanity" and U.S. bishops have asked Catholic institutions not to honor officials who promote it.

O'Malley said since Boston College hasn't withdrawn its invitation to Kenny, he won't attend.

He said BC's invitation to Kenny has caused "confusion, disappointment and harm."

A BC spokesman has said the school's invitation to Kenny wasn't related to the abortion bill, but was mean to celebrate the school's relationship with Ireland.

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UMass-Dartmouth relay planned to help marathon victims

May 11, 2013, 12:02 pm
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By C. Eugene Emery Jr.

DARTMOUTH, Mass. -- Students at UMass-Dartmouth, where accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was a marine biology major, have announced plans for a 55-mile relay run from the campus to the bombing site to raise money for One Fund, which was set up to help victims of the attack.

The torch relay is tentatively scheduled for the weekend after July 4th. Precise details have not been set. A new runner will carry the torch each mile.

"Our campus has been profoundly affected by the Marathon tragedy, and we are proud that we are coming together as one community to support the One Fund," organizer Joseph Melo, who graduates from the school Sunday, said in a news release.

Three of Tsarnaev's friends, who were also UMass-Dartmouth students at some point, have been charged with attempting to block the investigation after they allegedly tried to get rid of a backpack belonging to Tsarnaev that contained fireworks and a laptop computer. Two of the three have also been accused of overstaying their student visas,

Chancellor Divina Grossman expressed pride in "the way our students, alumni, faculty and staff have come together -- not only to support each other, but to help those harmed by this terrible tragedy."

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Newport's Abbott honored during Rhode Island Day at Fenway Park Saturday

May 11, 2013, 12:23 pm
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By News staff

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AP photo/ Michael Dwyer

Boston Marathon bombing victim Heather Abbott throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday in Boston.

BOSTON (AP) -- Heather Abbott, the Newport woman who was injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, took to the pitcher's mound at Fenway Park to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the start of Saturday's Boston-Toronto game.

Abbott had gone to Boston on April 15 to watch the Red Sox play on Patriots' Day and was waiting in line to get into a crowded restaurant when the bombs went off. Doctors amputated her left leg below the knee.

A fundraiser has helped raise more than $50,000 to help Abbott pay medical bills.

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