Vol. 26, Number 50 • 20 Pages Complimentary Thursday, February 1, 2024 JOHNSTON By RORY SCHULER The prayers worked. Sister Daisy’s still healing but she’s back in her St. Rocco School classroom. “It’s a miracle,” said the nun and second grade teacher. On Nov. 7, Sister Daisy Kollamparampil was seriously injured in the Atwood Avenue crosswalk outside the school. A driver failed to stop, rear-ending another driver and pushing that vehicle into the crosswalk where it struck Sr. Daisy, sending her to the hospital. “It is,” agreed St. Rocco School Principal Regina M. Hand. “It really is a miracle.” Sr. Daisy returned to the classroom on Jan. 10. “And everybody’s prayers helped,” she said in the hallway outside her classroom. Her students sat quietly, dressed for Career Day. One boy wore a construction helmet, another wore a police uniform, and a third donned a Celtics basketball jersey. Sr. Daisy approached a little girl who was dressed in a sweater; there was an apple on her desk. From the back of the room, St. Rocco’s principal looked toward her recuperating teacher. “She looks great,” Hand said. “That’s what everybody keeps saying.” On the classroom wall hangs a long banner signed by all her students and declaring “Welcome Back Sr. Daisy!” “I’m not 100% healed,” said the nun at the head of the class. “I act like it.” The accident that took Sr. Daisy off the job for two months drew attention to the St. Rocco crosswalk, from the church to the convent parking lot across Atwood Avenue (Route 5), which is a state road. Police pledged increased enforcement in the area. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) promised they would try to expedite the permitting process Sister Daisy’s back in class WHEN THEY GROW UP: Students in Sister Daisy Kollamparampil’s second grade class were dressed as their possible future vocations during Career Day on Monday. Sr. Daisy returned to the job on Jan. 10, more than two months after she was seriously injured in the crosswalk outside the school. (Sun Rise photo by Rory Schuler) PRAYER - PAGE 7 Zoning Board flips the Cranston Chatter Vol. 94 No. 41 - INDEX Classified 19 Editorial 7 Sports Rhody Life 11 Thursday, February 1, 2024 2 Sections • 20 pages • $1.00 Jan. 31, Constitution is The Solution, a video lecture, is being hosted by The John Birch Society on Wed., Jan 19, from p.m. to 7:30 pm. at the Cranston Public Library, Branch Central Library, Seminar Room, 140 Sockanosset Cross Rd., Cranston. Lectures will help you learn how the Constitution was intended to secure our rights. For more information, call Marian Juskuv at 401-425-8026 or aa1vu@yahoo.com. All are welcome. Feb. 10, Former Coventry High School Navy JROTC Cadets Pasta Dinner Fundraiser in memory of Lucas Finegan (Class of 2019) on Feb. 10, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the VFW Post #9404, 29 South Main Street, Coventry. Menu includes chickThe rebuilding East boys basketball team is looking to improve as it hits the home stretch of the regular season. Sports, page 16 East grinding through DI ChattER - PAGE 4 tunity. He loves the game and looked for ways to help others improve their game. After teaching the game in Arizona and Texas, he re you like to do and get paid to do it.” Divorced, Cohen wanted a significant other and “decided to go professional.” She turned to Deborah L’Heureux of the Rhode Is C r anstonis a ‘Pickleball C i t i ’ You never know where the sport could lead you By KEVIN FITZPATRICK With a Republican mayoral primary now inevitable, battle lines have been drawn between the camps of incumbent Mayor Kenneth Hopkins and challenger State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung. Hopkins’ reelection campaign released a statement Sunday, January 28 announcing that his campaign is endorsed by all three Republican members of the Cranston City Council: Councilors Nicole Renzulli, Richard D. Campopiano, and Christopher G. Paplauskas; four members of the Cranston School Committee: Committee Chair and former mayor Michael A. Traficante, Frank J. Ritz Jr., Earl J. “Buddy” Croft III, and Anthony Melillo; and the new chair of Cranston Republican City Committee, John Colasante. Several members of this cohort wrote in further detail of Hopkins’ successes as they saw them. Renzulli cited Hopkins effective leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopkins assumed office as mayor on January 5, 2020, less than three months before lockdown began. Campopiano wrote of Hopkins’ support of small businesses. Paplauskas wrote of the mayor’s support of his vision for Itri Park in Knightsville. Traficante cited Hopkins’ strong support of Cranston schools during his tenure, as well as his experience and temperament. In the same release, the three city councilmembers and four school committee members co-signed a letter to Fenton-Fung, asking her to reconsider her candidacy for mayor. They wrote “a contentious primary Republican Cranston as a bloc, however, signs of a schism growing within the party are already appearing. On January 17, then chair of Cranston Republicans Thomas Trudell sent out a press release which read: “Leading the Cranston Republican Party through a tumultuous time has been an honor. With Mayor Hopkins deciding to run for reelection, I have decided to resign my position as Chairman effective immediately. I will be staying active in the City Committee.” Trudell later retracted the release, though his resignation was finalized. While Colasante did not sign the letter to Fenton-Fung, he did affirm his endorsement of the mayor. However, he said a quorum had not been reached as of January 22 and that he could not speak on behalf of the Cranston Republicans City Committee. Following the mayor’s release, FentonFung sent out a short response sharply criticizing the mayor and his tactics. Fenton-Fung writes that Hopkins’ leadership has resulted in humiliation for Cranston Republicans. She claims that Mayor Hopkins drove Councilman Robert Ferri’s party switch from Republican to Democrat in 2022 after what she calls a “petty fight” between the two. She further cites the loss of a seat once held by former republican councilman Matt Reilly as an example of the humiliation to which she claims Hopkins has subjected the party. Reilly, once City Council chair, resigned in May 2023 following his arrest and charge of possession of a conMayoral primary already turning nasty R.I.’S FIRST WEEKLY SHOPPING GUIDE REMINDER The SINCE 1954 A BEACON COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATION Coventry Shoppers Park, Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 (401)821-2216 • www.rireminder.com At Your Service 12 Business Spotlight 10 Classifieds 4 Entertainment 15 Home Improvement 7 & Puzzle Page Reader Ad Form Real Estate 12 Rhody Treasures Pg 11 January 31, 2024 Volume 69 Issue 39 14 Victory Highway, Route 102, West Greenwich, Rhode Island 02817 Call or Text 401-397-8887 www.wgah.net DOWNLOADOURFREEAPP TODAY! Here at West Greenwich Animal Hospital, we are celebrating with a Pet Selfie Contest through our App! Download our FREE app and visit our Facebook Page for details. FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH DID YOU KNOW your children can attend Exeter-West Greenwich High School at NO COST TO YOU even though you live in a different town? Our 4 Star High School with under 500 students is now accepting applications for enrollment Students have several options for pursuing endorsed careeroriented pathways and career and technical programs such as: •Information Technology •Visual Arts •Agriculture •Biomedical Science •Business Administration •Child Development •Culinary •Offshore Wind Energy Call now at 397-6898 ext. 211 to get more information or visit our website at https://www.ewgrsd.org/o/ewg-senior-high to begin your application Attention Parents AURORA FUEL, HEATING and AIR CONDTIONING 401-823-5996 LIC#31 Heating/Air Conditioning Repair • Service • Cleanings AC, Furnace, Boiler and Oil Tank Installation & Replacement Automatic Delivery Available • Heating Assistance Vendor CALL FOR LOWEST FUEL PRICES! Quality Fuel at a LOW Price! SINCE 2007 401.397.1900 OceanStateCU.org 877.397.1900 Federally insured by the NCUA Choose Ocean State Credit Union for dependable financial services to help you reach your goals. Discover how our team can assist you today! warwickonline com Thursday, February 1, 2024 sections with supplements 24 Pages $1.00 Vol. 71 No. 30 - INDEXClassified 23 Editorial Obituaries 11 Police Log Rhody Life 13-19 Sports 20-24 notable Quote “Perseverance and persistence… you’ve got to have a thick skin - RI Association of Realtors president Sally Hersey speaking what home buyers need in today’s market. Page 3 Hawks swim past EaglEs The Hendricken swim team cruised past defending champ Barrington last week to remain in first place as the regular season winds down. See recap on page 20. Pictured is Aidan Curry. By JOHN HOWELL Annette loves playing bingo Evaline can’t stand the game Annette is hard of hearing Evaline is partially blind Annette is 104 Evaline is 101 But they are good friends and frequently the first to get up to have breakfast Annette Letoile and Evaline Richmond didn’t meet each other until they were residents at the Green House Home at Saint Elizabeth's Community in East Greenwich The Green House is more home than nursing facility with dining room, kitchen, living room and private rooms Green House homes stand apart from each other The four houses appear to be single-family homes with attached garages (no, the residents don’t drive) Each house is home to 12 residents Their birthdays coincide in January, and the residents of 19 Saint Elizabeth Way celebrated their birthdays Friday with a giant cake Six candles were lit one for each digit Residents joined in chorus and then the women were handed paper plates to wave out the candles in a cloud of smoke and spontaneous applause Evaline is a storyteller Off the bat, she cautioned that she has a sense of humor, which she considers the elixir of life She enjoys making fun, especially of herself She was born in Providence and grew up in Pawtucket She married George, a draftsman, in 1946 They lived in Lincoln and planned on a family, however, Evaline was unable to have children She thought of adopting, however, George wasn’t keen on that When the Navy pulled out of Quonset and the Ocean State economy went into a tailspin, George lost his job as a draftsman He couldn’t find employment They couldn’t afford health care Times were tough By JOHN HOWELL On average, Warwick police issue between 175 to 220 traffic citations a week for range of offenses from running a red light, failure to wear a seat belt failing to stop for a pedestrian in a cross walk, texting while driving, DUI and speeding Last week the number exceeded the averages with 239 citations Ever since taking office, Mayor Frank Picozzi has talked about stepping up enforcement to enhance safety Now he is exploring the use of traffic cameras to catch speeders in school zones and nab those running red lights Last week Picozzi announced on Facebook that the city would seek bids for traffic cameras Immediately some constituents were seeing red, others applauded the action and yet others asked why this issue hadn’t come before the city council prior to soliciting bids City Council President Steve McAllister wants constituents to know no decisions have been reached and the use of cameras wouldn’t happen until the administration puts forward a proposal to the City Council and it is voted on “Residents of Warwick will have an opportunity to provide their thoughts and concerns in public at a city council meeting, if the administration requests to have the purchase of these cameras added to a future council agenda,” he said in an email Picozzi said he and members of the police department visited East Providence, which already has the cameras, and have talked with Pawtucket and Providence police who are likewise using the cameras Picozzi was amazed by the number of citations and the fines generated He was asked about the revenue He didn’t have an amount, adding, “I’m not interested in revenue, but people obeying the law ” He said he constantly sees motorists speeding up in an attempt to beat a stop light, citing a case he witnessed this week where two drivers went through the light at Airport and Post Roads with one vehicle coming close to being hit Col Bradford Connor sees the cameras as giving the department tool to control traffic while freeing officers to address other issues He named social services as an area requiring more and more of police time On that list are homelessness and calls relating to drug use and mental health “Since Covid, it has skyrocketed,” he said “Every hour we’re going to get those types of calls Connor couldn’t say whether the city would look to buy or lease the cameras He is hopeful the city will receive multiple proposals in response to the solicitation for bids His plan would be for companies interested to survey the city to identify the locations and the numbers of cameras needed The cameras that legislatively are restricted to enforcing speed within school zones would be programed with 10 MPH grace, meaning motorists driving 30 MPH in a 20 MPH school zone wouldn’t be ticketed There would also be a few seconds By BENJAMIN BALINT-KURI “How many digital quahogs do have to dig day to make a day’s pay?” asked Mark Johnson, concluding the fifth meeting of the Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations on the Issues Relating to the Reduced Catch of Quahogs in Narragansett Bay Jan 24 A commission member, Johnson’s reference to “digital quahogs” was to data included in studies and not the bivalves he’s harvested since he was a boy Created with passage of legislation last June introduced by Senator Mark McKenney and Representatives Joseph Solomon and David Bennett, the commission aims to find out why, after its peak in the 1980s, the bay quahog catch has dramatically dropped by more than 50% of its previous level, severely impacting the industry Shellfishermen have been offered some relief with periodic openings of the highly productive Providence River beds that have been closed for more than 70 years The commission heard testimony from Prof Chris Kincaid of URI Grad School of Oceanography and Dr Jason Grear of the Environmental Protection Agency about possible sources of nitrogen to the bay and the effects of ocean acidification on quahogs, respectively The scientists’ testimony introduced new considerations to the debate on the cause of the reduced quahog catch A popular theory held by many shellfishermen is that a reduction in nitrogen has cut into the plankton that the shellfish fed on Blame is assigned to Department of Environmental Management efforts in to clean up wastewater outflow to the bay Nitrogen is a vital food source for the plankton that clams feed on, so fishermen like Mark Johnson believe lack of nitrogen in the bay has indirectly led to a lack of food for clams On the other hand, the DEM and environmentalists say algae blooms arise when the nitrogen load is high These blooms cause hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, when the large population of algae die and decompose, which can lead to the death of fish, crabs, and other animals Avoidance of hypoxic events is a major motivation for nitrogen’s removal from wastewater Prof Kincaid, though, presented findings that nitrogen intrusion from the bottom of Rhode Island Sound seems to be a larger source of nutrients than from runoff and wastewater treatment facilities This has possible implications for quahogs and the algae blooms Commission member and shellfisherman Jim Boyd, By JOHN HOWELL Joe Shekarchi made it official that he is seeking reelection in a statement embargoed for release today which includes a photo of him on a summer day, dressed in shorts and walking Conimicut Beach with his dog, Merlin In stark contrast to conventional announcements with use of the candidate’s full name – K Joseph Shekarchi – only “Joe” is used throughout the release For members of the media and those who use his cell phone, it should not be a surprise When he’s not able to pick up a call, his phone is answered simply with “Joe ” The abrupt and time saving touch may be offensive to some, but it’s reflective of Joe’s “let’s get down to business” manner It’s also folksy It’s no wonder Joe is one of the most successful fundraisers on the political track On Jan 17, soon after the start of the 2024 session of the General Assembly, Joe held a fundraiser at the Crowne PlaTickets were $200 and an estimated 500 attended As of Sept 30, 2023 his campaign war chest was $2 2 million While Joe has been elected Speaker of the House by his colleagues in 2021 and 2023, post often called the most powerClick… you are going to get a speeding ticket City takes steps to explore the use of cameras to enforce regulations camEras PAGE 6 ■ ‘Joe’ makes reelection bid official Never too late to make friends SAVING THEIR BREATH: With the use of paper plates provided by Taniesha Sellers, Annette and Evaline swished out the candles on their cake celebrating a combined 205 years. (Warwick Beacon photos) frIENDs PAGE 6 ■ Fewer quahogs, what’s the catch? Scientists talk about source of nitrogen, water acidification at commission meeting quahogs PAGE 7 ■ shEkarch PAGE 6 ■ She’s starting a revolution in Cranston, page 5 Beacon COMMUNICATIONS 2024 MEDIA KIT Advertising Buyers Guide 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100|FAX 401-732-3110 RhodyBeat.com Locally owned and operated for over 50 years. Cranston Herald Johnston SunRise The Reminder Warwick Beacon
55% are women 68% are ages 25-64
46% have household income 75k+
38% are college graduates
How do they spend their money…
66% frequently purchase goods and services from Beacon communication advertisers
• 30% are making home improvements
• 38% are buying home furnishings
• 35% are buying lawn and garden supplies
• 48% are taking vacations
• 29% are visiting a veterinarian
• 9% are looking for real estate
• 29% are using a tax advisor
• 22% are buying jewelry
• 20% are choosing a florist
• 20% are buying a major home appliance
• 24% are buying a car (new & used)
• 32% are buying auto accessories
• 71% are buying clothes
• 26% are visiting a fitness club or exercise class
• 76% are dining out
• Cranston Herald 3,350 • Johnston SunRise 11,218 • Warwick Beacon 11,860 • The Reminder 58,118 total weekly readers 84,545 print readership ▼ demographics ▼ Here’s who’s reading us…
1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 | 401.732.3100 | Fax 401.732.3110 | AdSales@RhodyBeat.com 2024
NEWSPAPERS Cranston Herald Johnston SunRise The Reminder Warwick Beacon Cranston Chatter - INDEX Classified 2 Sections 20 pages $1.00 Jan. 31, Constitution is The Solution, a video lecture, being hosted by The John Birch Society on Wed., Jan 19, from Cranston. Lectures will help you learn how the Constitution was intended to secure our rights. For more information, call Marian Juskuv at 401-425-8026 or aa1vu@yahoo.com. All Feb. 10, Former Coventry High School Navy JROTC Cain memory of Lucas Finegan (Class 2019) on Feb. 10, from to 11 p.m. at the VFW PostThe rebuilding East boys basketball team looking improve as of the regular season. Sports, page 16 East grinding through DI hattER - PAGE 4 By JOHN HOWELL makes perfect sense with Pickleball Citi in Cranston after meeting Dr. Debo--sell Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 20. County College and URI and Johnson who had dreams playing majoramong senior communities sweeping the county with Olympic sport? bane of city and town mayconstituents demand courts, or more courts, and nearby residents who want no part pong shaped wooden rackWhen Johnson realizeding to be homerun, he discovered golf. He became pro and discovered opporothers improve their game. After teaching the game inturned Rhode Island Academy in East Provi-ers can work on any aspect one instruction and use technology that analyzes their swings. He also opened Golf in East Provfacility offering four private indoor golf simulator suites in 2019. Players bring their pickleball that brought Debra and Russell together. Cohen who was windinggives students uncertain what do, “always have back up plan…find what Divorced, Cohen wanted significant other and “decided to go professional.” L’Heureux of the Rhode Island dating service, Get Ready to Date. Coincidengolfing. Russell, who also divorced, told Peter of his hopes of finding someone to Deb and Russell went on date discovering their common interest in sports.“We both fell in love with the game, did some market drew up business plan and here we are,” Cohenple. Initially, the couple had cost were advised take baby steps and grow from there. They listened. About Citi was ready to open. By no means are Cohen and Johnson the first toinsulated from residential communities and offering the opportunity to play re-C r anstonis a ‘Pickleball C i t i ’ You never know where the sport could lead you Debra Cohen, who has had experience in student athThe prayers worked. Sister Daisy’s still healing “It’s miracle,” said the nun and second gradeously injured in the Atwoodhicle into the crosswalk where struck Sr. Daisy, sending her to the hospital. Hand. “It really is miraSr. Daisy returned to the “And everybody’s prayers helped,” she said in the hallway outside her Day. One boy wore construction helmet, another wore police uniform, andSr. Daisy approached little girl who was dressed room, St. Rocco’s principal looked toward her recuperating teacher.body keeps saying.” the prayers worked Sister Daisy’s back in class POWER OF PRAYER: St. Rocco’s Sister Daisy Kollamparampil was seriously injured in the Atwood Avenue crosswalk outside the school on Nov. when driver failed to stop, rear-ending another driver and pushing thatback to work teaching second grade. (Herald photos by Rory Schuler) By KEVIN FITZPATRICK With Republican mayoral primary now Kenneth Hopkins and challenger State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung. Hopkins’ reelection campaign released Republican members of the Cranston City Council: Councilors Nicole Renzulli, Richard D. Campopiano, and Christopher G. former mayor Michael A. Traficante, Frank Ritz Jr., Earl “Buddy” Croft III, and Anthony Melillo; and the new chair Colasante. Several members of this cohort wrote in further detail of Hopkins’ successes as they saw them.Hopkins assumed office mayor on January 5, 2020, less than three months before lockdown began. Campopiano wrotehis vision for Itri Park Knightsville. Traficante cited Hopkins’ strong support Cranston schools during his tenure,cilmembers and four school committee members co-signed letter to Fenton-Fung, asking her to reconsider her candidacy for the ballot.” The release seems to paint leadership Republican Cranston as bloc, however, signs of schism growing within the party are already appearing. press release which read: “Leading the Cranston Republican Party through tu-tion as Chairman effective immediately. will be staying active in the City Commit-ante did not sign the letter to Fenton-Fung, he did affirm his endorsement of the mayor. However, he said quorum had not could not speak on behalf of the Cranston Republicans City Committee. Following the mayor’s release, FentonFung sent out short response sharply Fenton-Fung writes that Hopkins’ leadership has resulted in humiliation for Cranston Republicans. She claims that Mayor in 2022 after what she calls “petty fight”tion to which she claims Hopkins has subjected the party. Reilly, once City Council chair, resigned in May 2023 following hisspecial election by democrat Daniel Wall Mayoral primary already turning nasty JOHNSTON By RORY SCHULER The prayers worked. Sister Daisy’s still healing but she’s back in her St. “It’s miracle,” said the nun and second gradethe school. driver failed to stop, rear-ending another driver and pushing that vehicle into the crosswalk where it struck Sr. Daisy, sending her to the hospital. “It is,” agreed St. Rocco School Principal Regina M. Hand. “It really miracle.” Sr. Daisy returned to the classroom on Jan. 10.etly, dressed for Career Day. One boy wore construction helmet, another wore police uniform, and third donned Celtics basketball jersey. Sr. Daisy approached little girl who was dressed in sweater; there was an apple on her desk. From the back of the room, St. Rocco’s principalbody keeps saying.” On the classroom wall hangs long banner signed by all her students and declaring “Welcome Back Sr. Daisy!” “I’m not 100% healed,” said the nun at the head ofwood Avenue (Route 5), which is state road. Police pledged increased enforcement in the area. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) promised they would try expedite the permitting process Sister Daisy’s back in class Students Sister Daisy Kollamparampil’s second grade class were dressed as their possible future vocations during Career Day on Monday. Sr. Daisy returned to the job on Jan. 10, more than two months after she was seriously injured in the crosswalk outside the school. (Sun Rise photo by Rory Schuler) PAGE shadow has been cast on Green Development’s solar project plans in JohnThe opposition was nervous. rumor had circulated through the ranks of Stop Johnston Solar (SJS) that the fourfor Thursday night’s meeting. Then, early Thursday, Jan. 25, SJStorney Matt Landry informed the group’s members that vote was likely that night.bling that day when we found out mayoral candidate Karen Cappelli Chadwick. “We all called people, sent out messages, put up Facebook posts, and it worked. We were able to get good crowd.” Johnston Senior Center as the crowd slowly grew. At first, there were plenty of empty seats. But by the time the opening gavel banged, an argument over folding chairs erupted. The room was suddenly full and Johnston resi-pardo opened the meeting. The board informed the public they had four voting members, enough for quorum (one member was out sick, and another present Thursday night had missed meeting).“If it goes in their favor, we’re going to be upset you don’t have full panel voting,” Francis warned the board. “I understand exactly,” Lopardo said. “There’s no shenanigans being played. Just give us five minutes please.”project was listed at the end of the agenda. They thought they would have to sit through three new special use permit applications before they had closure on an increasingly emotional issue — the clearing of nearly 160 acres of wood-toric farmstead. Some residents feared the fix was in. That peculiar Johnston fatalism was apparent as Chadwick talked to neighbors leading up to Thursday’s climax. “That afternoon Matt Landry found had chance. If had nickel for every told you so’ since my brief stint politics, could have purchased the Steere's property and kept just the way is.” clouds parted and a big full moon showed,” Chadwick said. “It gave me hope. When got to the Senior Center saw group of folks who looked like(Sun Rise photos by Rory Schuler) Zoning Board flips the switch on solar project SOLAR PAGE 19Rhody Life 13-19 Sports notable Quote “Perseverance and persistence… you’ve got to have thick skin - RI Association of Realtors president Sally Hersey speaking what home buyers need in today’s market. Page past defending champ Barrington in first place as the regular season Curry. By JOHN HOWELL Annette is har of hearing Evaline partially blind up to have breakfast other until they were residents at the Green House Home Green House is more home than nursing facility with dining room, kitchen, living room and private rooms House homes stand apart from each other appear to be single-family homes with attached garages residents Their birthdays coincide in January, and the residents of 19 Saint Elizabeth Way celebrated their birthdays Friday handed paper plates to wave out the candles in cloud of smoke and spontaneous applause Evaline storyteller in Providence and grew up Pawtucket She married George, a draftsman, in 1946 They lived Lincoln and planned on family, however, Evaline was unable to have the Ocean State economy went into tailspin, George lost his job as draftsman He couldn’t find employment They Times were tough By OHN HOWELL On average, Warwick police issue belight, failure to wear seat belt failing to stop for pedestrian in cross walk, texting while driving, DUI and speeding Ever since taking office, Mayor Frank Picozzi has talked about stepping up enforcement to enhance safetyspeeders in school zones and nab those running red lightsnounced on Facebook that the city woulding red, others applauded the action and yet others asked why this issue hadn’t come before the city council prior to solicitwants constituents know no decisions have been reached and the use of cameras wouldn’t happen until the administration puts forward proposal to the City Coun-portunity to provide their thoughts and concerns in public city council meeting, the administration requests to have Picozzi said he and members of the police department visited East Providence, which already has the cameras, and havePicozzi was amazed by the number of citations and the fines generated interested in revenue, but people obeying He said he constantly sees motorists speeding up in an attempt to beat light at Airport and Post Roads with one vehicle coming close being hit as giving the department a tool control an area requiring more and more of police calls relating to drug use and mental health types of calls Connor couldn’t say whether the city would look to buy or lease the cameras bids His plan would be for companies interested to survey the city to identify the restricted to enforcing speed within school zones would be programed with 10 MPH grace, meaning motorists driving 30 MPHBy BENJAMIN BALINT-KURI fifth meeting of the Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations on the Issues Relating to the Reduced Catch of Quahogs in Narragansett Bay the bivalves he’s harvested since he was boy Created with passage of legislation last June introduced by Senator Mark McKenney and Representatives Joseph out why, after its peak in the 1980s, the bay quahog catch has dramatically dropped by more than 50% of its previous level, severely impacting the industry have been offered some relief with periodic openings of the highly productive Providence River beds that havecaid of URI Grad School of Oceanography and Dr Jason Grear of the Environmental Protection Agency about possible sources of nitrogen to the bay and the effects of oceancause of the reduced quahog catch A popular theory held by many shellfishermen is that reduction in nitrogen has cut into the plankton that the shellfish fed on the bay Nitrogen vital food source for the plankton that clams feed on, so fishermen like Mark Johnson believe lack of nitrogen in the bay has indirectly led to lack ofwhen the large population of algae die and decompose, which can lead to the death of fish, crabs, and other aniAvoidance of hypoxic events is major motivation intrusion from the bottom of Rhode Island Sound seems to be larger source of nutrients than from runoff and This has possible implicaBy JOHN HOWELL seeking reelection in statement embargoed for release today which includes photo of him on summer day, dressed stark contrast to conventional anJoseph Shekarchi only who use his cell phone, should not be surprise When he’s not able pick up call, his phone is answered simply with be offensive to some, but it’s reflective of Joe’s “let’s get down to business” manIt’s also folksy successful fundraisers on the political On Jan 17, soon after the start of the 2024 session of the General Assembly,500 attended As of Sept 30, 2023 his campaign war chest was $2 While Joe has been elected Speaker ofClick… you are going to get a speeding ticket City takes steps to explore the use of cameras to enforce regulations ‘Joe’ makes reelection bid official Never too late to make friends With the use of paper plates provided by Taniesha Sellers, Annette and Evaline swished out the candles on their cake celebrating combined 205 years. (Warwick Beacon photos) Fewer quahogs, what’s the catch? Scientists talk about source of nitrogen, water acidification at commission meeting quahogs PAGE She’s starting revolution in Cranston, page R.I.’S FIRST WEEKLY SHOPPING GUIDE REMINDER The SINCE 1954 Rh dy T g January 31, 2024 14 Victory Highway, Route 102, West Greenwich, Rhode Island 02817 Call or Text 401-397-8887 www.wgah.net DOWNLOADOURFREEAPP TODAY! Here at West Greenwich Animal Hospital, we are celebrating with a Pet Selfie Contest through our App! app and visit our Facebook Page for details. FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH DID YOU KNOW your children can attend Exeter-West Greenwich High Schoo at NO COST TO YOU even though you live in a different town? Our 4 Star High School with under 500 students is now accepting applications for enrollment Students have several options for pursuing endorsed careeroriented pathways and career and technical programs such as: •Information Technology •Visual Arts •Agriculture •Biomedical Science •Business Administration •Child Development •Culinary •Offshore Wind Energy Call now at 397-6898 ext. 211 to get more information or visit our website at https://www.ewgrsd.org/o/ewg-senior-high to begin your application Attention Parents AURORA FUEL, HEATING and AIR CONDTIONING 401-823-5996 Heating/Air Conditioning Repair Service Cleanings AC, Furnace, Boiler and Oil Tank Installation & Replacement Automatic Delivery Available Heating Assistance Vendor CALL FOR LOWEST FUEL PRICES Quality Fuel at a LOW Price! 401.397.1900 OceanStateCU.org 877.397.1900 Federally insured by the NCUA Choose Ocean State Credit Union for dependable financial services to help you reach your goals. Discover how our team can assist you today! RHODYBEAT DIGITAL • 53,000 unique visitors monthly • 167,000 page views monthly • 23,000 plus social media followers SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS Spring Home Summer Guide Cookbook Gaspee Days Souvenir Booklet Turkey Bowl Football Section Holiday Guide ▼ ▼ ▼ 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 | 401.732.3100 | Fax 401.732.3110 | AdSales@RhodyBeat.com 2024
