233rd Fourth of July Celebration Official 2018 Souvenir Book by East Bay Media Group

A publication of East Bay Newspapers

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From the Town Administrator

Town

Office

Bristol, Rhode Island of

Town Administrator

Steven Contente, Town Administrator July 2018 Greetings Fellow Residents and Visitors, It is with great pride and excitement that I am able to help champion the town of Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Day Celebration. The Bristol Fourth of July parade, a tradition that began in 1785, demonstrates the sprit and commitment to our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values. This event proudly showcases our respected military, civic organizations and cultural groups, and includes marching bands from across our nation. The town of Bristol is a perfect setting with its wide streets, mature trees, notably significant buildings and well-maintained homes. Our historic waterfront is an inspiring setting for the evening Independence Day Concert Series. Bristol has long been known to be a strong community where people come to work, raise their families, and answer the call for service when needed. The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration is the time of year for a proud community to be joyful and to observe and honor what I believe is the best in America. I wish to thank all of those who make this celebration possible, especially the volunteers of the Fourth of July Committee for guarding and keeping these esteemed traditions for future generations.To my fellow residents, congratulations, and to our visitors, welcome to Bristol. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Steven Contente Bristol Town Administrator

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July 2018

Frances O’Donnell GENERAL CHAIRMAN

Michele Martins VICE CHAIRWOMAN

Dudley Hallagan TREASURER

Deb Rainey RECORDING SECRETARY

Maria Ferreira CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Bristol Fourth of July Committee 1776

Welcome to Bristol, Rhode Island, home of the oldest continuous Fourth of July Celebration in the country! Bristol continues the tradition of those very first Independence Day celebrations. Bells are rung at sunrise, flags flown from buildings, from homes and along the streets. Shop windows are decorated with red, white and blue. Churches hold special services, and it seems that everyone is busy preparing for the day the parade makes its way down Hope Street! I want to thank Kathy Bazinet for accepting my invitation to be Chief Marshal for the 233rd Celebration. You have devoted years to improving the lives of thousands. Now it is time for us to salute you and say “thank you” as you parade by. Thank you to the Town of Bristol, the Bristol Police Department, the Bristol Fire Department and Division of Emergency Medical Services and the Department of

Public Works for all you do to support this celebration. Together with The Fourth of July Committee, you make this day a reality. As you enjoy the festivities in Bristol, please visit the shops and restaurants and our other countless sponsors without whom this celebration would not be possible. Lastly, please remember the real reason we celebrate today is to thank the men and women of the armed forces who have put their own freedom on the line to ensure that we never lose ours! God Bless the United States of America and have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Frances O'Donnell General Chairman

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On the cover: A Celebration of Bristol and Its Vets Nick Paciorek, who painted this year’s cover art, is a Rhode Island artist who aligns himself with a new generation of Fauvists. He uses broad strokes of brilliant hues for their emotional impact. For Nick, each piece is a celebration of light and color, a vivid interpretation of his subjects. Nick’s Bristol Parade was funded by the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts for a collection at the new Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, which opened in the fall of 2017. His aim was to capture the pride, honor and tradition that define this historic annual event, while paying homage to the state’s veterans who chose to return to Rhode Island after their service. “Thanks to the veterans in the home who fought for our fundamental rights, I have the freedom to express myself and pursue my passion as an artist,” said Nick. “This painting is a way for me to show my gratitude to them – and to all vets – through art.” He also wanted to highlight what the state means for all the veterans who call it home: community, appreciation and beauty. For Nick, the latter means the ocean. That is why, along with the flags of the United States and Rhode Island, he elected to include the flag of the United States Navy in the painting to represent both our nation’s military as well as Rhode Island’s nautical connections. Nick had one other inspiration for Bristol Parade: the young child walking alongside the soldiers. By including her, his hope was to reflect the childlike wonder and joy that the parade and Bristol’s entire Fourth of July celebration inspire, and awaken it in all the viewers of the piece.

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“The child in the painting is filled with awe, and I wanted to show that as a universal feeling people of any age experience when witnessing this event.” Nick received his BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and now maintains a studio and gallery in Providence, Rhode Island.For more information or to purchase a print of Bristol Parade or another of Nick’s Bristol Fourth of July Parade paintings, visit www.paciorek. com.

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Lifelong fan will lead the parade BY TED HAYES Kathleen “Kathy” Bazinet’s first memory of Bristol’s Fourth of July parade goes all the way back to when she was a kid. “Corner of Franklin Street, when it used to go down High to the Guiteras school. I was a little kid. I remember wearing a striped pinafore, hat and shoes, and I thought I was the cat’s meow. My favorite part was the bands and the soldiers. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, they all walk the same!’ ” When the parade steps off from Chestnut Street this coming July 4, Ms. Bazinet will proudly take her place in line among the dozens of prominent Bristolians who have earned the town’s greatest honor. As the recently-retired executive director of the East Bay Community Development Corp. (EBCDC), Ms. Bazinet has long been involved in Bristol political and social issues. But she never imagined her work in developing affordable housing here and throughout the East Bay would result in her name being added to the list. “It is so completely humbling, when I look at it and I see all these people who have made this town everything that it is,” she said. “Think of all the hard work they did! I don’t have a lot of dollars to

give, but I do have energy and a deep commitment to my town.” Deep roots Though Ms. Bazinet has served on many town boards and commissions — six years on the Bristol Town Council, four on the planning board, and more — her main work over the past 18 years has been leading the EBCDC. Prior to her taking charge of the affordable housing organization she was in banking, but got out of the private sector to work for the thensmall nonprofit, not just out of a sense of obligation to her home town, but to have a closer tie to those whom her work affected. In the years since, the EBCDC

has grown from the developer of the two Elder Care facilities in Bristol, to building affordable housing units throughout the East Bay. In total, EBCDC has developed and manages some 328 affordable units throughout the East Bay, with another 40 coming at a site under development in Barrington. It’s a testament to the need for such housing, she said, that things have grown so large. “I think we’ve expanded and become very aware of the need for affordable housing everywhere,” she said. “The Sweetbriar development (in Barrington) was a hard one to come by, for example, but our waiting list continues to be very long in a town that is known for its affluence, and many of those are Barrington residents. So I think we’ve helped to raise awareness of what affordability looks like.” She’s also proud of the success of the East Bay Food Pantry, which operates out of basement space at the Franklin Court complex on Franklin Street donated by the EBCDC: “They have done a marvelous job,” she said. Securing the space for the pantry “was an offering that we were happy to make.” “Very deserving” The selection of Ms. Bazinet fell to

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Fourth of July Committee chairperson Fran O’Donnell. A long-time friend of Ms. Bazinet, she said said she couldn’t think of a more deserving person to lead the parade. “She’d always been in the back of my mind as a great pick,” she said. “She’s a person who wraps her arms around family, hers or otherwise, and defends them fiercely. It’s important for her to make sure that families here are taken care of, and she does what she does because she saw there was a need. She’s put a lot of good Bristolians in homes.” Ms. Bazinet had no idea what to expect when Ms. O’Donnell called her on Thursday, Dec. 7, to ask if she could come by her lifelong

home on Duffield Road for a visit. “I’m thinking, I bet someone needs (to get into an assisted living unit) quickly. I never thought another thing of it. When she told me why she was there, I was just flabbergasted and my mouth wouldn’t move, which is probably unbelievable for the people who know me.” But it didn’t take her long to accept. “It was a yes, of course a yes,” she said. Her husband Skip, with whom she’ll celebrate 50 years of marriage this August, was there and said Tuesday that he’s overjoyed for his wife. “I’m along for the ride,” he joked.

Keeping a lid on the selection has been difficult for Ms. Bazinet, but she said she hasn’t told a soul since early December. She has ideas for who will fill her ranks of aides and honorary marshals, but hasn’t told any of them yet. Apart from that, she’s been trying to get ready. She went on a shopping spree during a trip to Florida last month, buying a large load of red, white and blue outfits. When she steps off from Chestnut Street, she said she’ll be as happy and patriotically-dressed as that little girl at the corner of Franklin and High, dressed to the nines in a pinafore, hat and her Sunday shoes. “I’m honored,” she said.

THEY LEAD THE PARADE – CHIEF MARSHALS 1826 Col. Giles Luther 1826-1834 No record 1834 Col. Arnold H. Bush 1835 Col John Gladding 1836 Col. Nathaniel Fales 1837 No Parade 1838 Col. Nathaniel Fales 1839 No Parade 1840 No Parade 1840 Martin Bennett, Esq. 1841-1843 No Parade 1844 W.H.S. Bayley 1845 David S. Coit, Esq. 1846 John Adams, Esq. 1847 John Adams, Esq. 1848 John Adams, Esq. 1849 Col. John Gladding 1850 James F. D’Wolf, Esq. 1851 James F. D’Wolf, Esq. 1852 James F. D’Wolf, Esq. 1853 James F. D’Wolf, Esq. 1854 Maj. Ambrose Burnside 1855 Charles Sherry, Jr., Esq. 1856 James H. West, Esq. 1857 Charles Sherry, Jr. 1858 Alexander D’W. Perry 1859 Capt. John Y. Lawless 1860 James D’W. Perry, Jr. 1861 Charles Sherry, Jr. 1862 Walter C. Barclay 1863 Charles F. Page 1864 Lt. Charles Gibson 1865 James DeW. Perry, Esq. 1866 Gen. Lewis Richmond 1867 Lt. William J. Bradford 1868 William B. D’Wolf 1869 Maj. Raymond H. Perry 1870 Mark A. D’Wolf, Esq. 1871 Col. Samuel P. Colt 1872 Capt. Allen G. Wright 1873 Isaac F. Williams 1874 No Parade 1875 Col. Samuel P. Colt 1876 George T. French, Esq. 1877 Maj Raymond H. Perry 1878 Col. Raymond H. Perry 1879 Col. Samuel P. Colt

1880 Col. Richard B. Franklin 1881 William T.C. Wardwell 1882 Col. Samuel P. Colt 1883 J. Howard Manchester 1884 Dr. George A. Pike 1885 Col. George O. Eddy 1886 J. Howard Manchester 1887 Capt. John H. Morrissey 1888 Isaac F. Williams 1889 Gilbert Wilson 1890 Col. Richard B. Franklin 1891 J. Howard Manchester 1892 H. Maitland Gibson 1893 John J. Christie 1894 H. Maitland Gibson 1895 Henry M. Thompson 1896 Charles F. Chase 1897 Charles F. Chase 1898 Charles F. Chase 1899 Dr. W. Fred Williams 1900 Dr. W. Fred Williams 1901 L. Maitland Minsher 1902 L. Maitland Minsher 1903 L. Maitland Minsher 1904 Benjamin L. Hall 1905 Wallis E. Howe 1906 Peter C.R. Morris 1907 Charles B. Rockwell 1908 George W. Warren 1909 Wallis E. Howe 1910 Wendell R. Davis 1911 Col. Arthur B. Spink 1912 Howard W. Church 1913 Capt. W.C. Metcalf 1914 Capt. W.C. Metcalf 1915 Capt. W.C. Metcalf 1916 Rudolph Haffenreffer, Jr. 1917 Col. Andrew W. Anthony 1918 Col. Harold J. Gross 1919 Col. Andrew W. Anthony 1920 Col. L.H. Callan 1921 Capt. Edward L. Leahy 1922 W. Fred Williams, Jr. 1923 Charles B. Rockwell, Jr. 1924 James W. Salisbury 1925 James F. Lavender 1926 Henry Wood

1927 Lt. Bertram W. Wall 1928 Capt. Edward L. Leahy 1929 T. Clyde Foster 1930 W. Fred Williams, Jr. 1931 Carl W. Haffenreffer 1932 Dr. John H. Morrissey 1933 Roswell C. Colt 1934 Col. Samuel A. Hall 1935 Col. A.M. Merriman 1936 John W. Church 1937 Col. M.A. Cheesman 1938 George M. Cady 1939 Stanley E. Friswell 1940 Edward J. Fitzgerald 1941 John W. Haley 1942 William L. Serbst 1943 Stephen W. Hopkins 1944 J. Francis Connell 1945 Roswell S. Bosworth 1946 The. Rev. Anthony R. Parshley 1947 R. Adm. Gilbert Hoover 1948 Dr. Samuel D. Clark 1949 Capt. Ray’d J. Makowsky 1950 Harold Church Paull 1951 Gov. Dennis J. Roberts 1952 Dr. C. Paul Bruno 1953 John H. Tuplin 1954 Mathias Brito 1955 George R. Fish 1956 Col. E.S. McMillan 1957 M. Theresa Donovan 1958 Lt. Cmdr. J.G.A. Riccio 1959 U.S. Sen. Theo. F. Green 1960 William H. Smith 1961 Clinton J. Pearson 1962 John Andrade 1963 R.F. Haffenreffer, III 1964 Anthony Pinheiro 1965 Anthony T. Campagna 1966 Caesar Brito 1967 Edward G. Medeiros 1968 Salvator V. Gianola 1969 Dr. Victor P. DeMedeiros 1970 Dr. Ralph E. Gauvey 1971 Gaetano D. Parella 1972 Anthony A. Nunes 1973 John P. Andrade

1974 James J. Velleca, Jr. 1975 Dr. Manuel L. daSilva 1976 Anthony R. Berretto 1977 Frank D. Balzano 1978 Richard Alegria 1979 Dr. Joseph Perroni 1980 Dr. Anthony Bernardo 1981 Roswell S. Bosworth, Jr. 1982 Joseph M. Brito 1983 Peter A. Quito 1984 Halsey C. Herreshoff 1985 Manuel Joseph and Anthony Januario 1986 Joan Doyle Roth 1987 Seraphin DaPonte 1988 Frederico Pacheco 1989 Marie and Robert Rondeau 1990 Kenneth J. Marshall 1991 Anthony Agatiello 1992 Santo “Sam” Mascena 1993 Thomas Byrnes 1994 Gerry and Mickie MacNeill 1995 Joseph and Mary Parella 1996 Orlando J. Bisbano 1997 Richard Ruggiero 1998 John R. Partington 1999 Hildeberto (Herbie) Moitoso 2000 Anthony Iasiello 2001 Diane C. Mederos 2002 Jerome Donovan 2003 Raymond Cordeiro and Oryann Lima 2004 Joseph and Mary Lero 2005 Col. Russell S. Serpa 2006 Santa W. “Sandy” Matrone 2007 Manuel C. “Manny” Correira 2008 Edward Castro 2009 Joseph Coelho Sr. and Joseph Coelho Jr. 2010 S. Dudley Hallagan Jr. 2011 Joseph M. Brito Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Brito 2012 Antonio A. “Tony” Teixeira 2013 Louis P. Cirillo 2014 David E. Barboza 2015 Raymond E. Gallison Jr 2016 Herculano S. Falcoa 2017 Lisa Sienkiewicz and Gail Parella 2018 Kathleen Bazinet FOURTH OF JULY

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We live and work here, just like you. So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be right alongside you spending time at the beaches, watching the parade and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the fireworks. Have a fun-filled 4th from your friends at Full Channel.

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The captain is on board photo by nat squatrito

Longtime Fourth volunteer Dick Devault has one of Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest honors, as 2018 Patriotic Speaker BY CHRISTY NADALIN Perhaps it was serendipity that Dick Devault and his wife Lydia first moved to Bristol the year of the Bicentennial, and a particularly celebratory July 4th. Over the years, the Maine native and retired Navy Captain took on many positions with the Fourth of July Committee. This year, Capt. Devault will have the singular honor of kicking off the big day, delivering the Patriotic Address on the steps of the Colt Memorial. What might often get forgotten in the excitement of the holiday, is the fact that long before there was a parade, and fireworks, and concerts, and everything else that comes along with the season, there were the Patriotic 12

Exercises. The Exercises were inaugurated in 1785 by the Rev. Henry Wight, a young pastor who had served as a soldier in the Revolution. He decided that Bristol should observe the Fourth of July with a speech and call to reflect on the hard work put in by veterans who won the war and to celebrate the freedoms that the new nation had gained. It was the first such celebration, and is the reason Bristol claims to have the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration. Wight continued to lead the Exercises, and official observances of July 4th eventually became popular from coast to coast. Capt. Devault is honored to be chosen to continue the tradition,

and he says he was surprised to be selected, though given his background in service to both country and community, he is clearly an excellent choice. After reporting to active duty as a seaman in 1966, he completed officer candidate school in Newport two years later and was commissioned Ensign. This led to a 32-year naval career, which consisted of assignments to three ships and several shore command tours. Shore tours included assignments at the Navy Personnel Command, the Pentagon and on naval reserve staffs in New Orleans. After completing 32 years of active service, he retired in 1998 at the grade of Captain, having earned several awards, including Legion of

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Merit. The Devaults returned permanently to Bristol in 1980, where their children where raised and educated. Upon retirement, Capt. Devault worked briefly for Harper, Ramos and Sheridan real estate before joining the Naval Reserve Association staff in Alexandria, Va.; a part-time position he held until recently. When he began working from home for the naval reserve association in 2004, Capt. Devault was able to join the Fourth of July Committee, where he served in many capacities before serving as

parade chairman for the 225th and 226th celebrations and general chairman for the 227th and 228th celebrations. In addition, he has been an active member of the Bristol County Elks for more than 20 years, having served in several officer and committee chairman positions, including Exalted Ruler (president), member of the board of directors and chairman of the lodge scholarship committee. He also served as chairman of the Rhode Island State Elks Association scholarship committee for 10 years, where he facilitated

delivery of over $800,000 in scholarships to Rhode Island graduating seniors. He remains active in the Elks, the Fourth of July Committee and chairs the Bristol Personnel Board. He also serves as a poll worker and volunteers at Bristol’s British Motorcar show. He is a graduate of the naval war college and received a master of arts degree from Salve Regina University. He and his wife, Lydia, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in August; they have two children, Todd and Amy, four grandchildren and two granddogs.

A PROUD HISTORY OF PATRIOTIC SPEAKERS 1785-1814 The Rev. Dr. Henry Wight

1877 The Hon. Francis Brinley

1913 The Rev. A. Clark McGilton

1949 Rear Adm. H.S. Kendall, USN

1983 William Rizzini

1815 The Rev. Barnabas Bates

1878 LeBaron B. Colt Esq.

1914 Lt. Gov. Roswell Burchard

1950 Sen. Edward L. Leahy

1984 Judge Eugene Cochran

1816-1819 The Rev. Dr. Henry Wight

1879 The Hon. James C. Collins

1915 The Rev. Jamuel Lindsay

1951 Gov. Dennis J. Roberts

1985 The Rev. Walter Rudy

1820 Joseph W. Torry, Esq.

1880 No speaker

1916 Col. H. Anthony Dyer

1821 Professor John DeWolf

1881 Rev. Edwin F. Jones

1917 M. Louis DeSadeleer

1822-1825 The Rev. Dr. Henry Wight

1882 Col. George T. French

1918 The Hon. LeBaron B. Colt

1826 Walter W. Dalton

1883 Samuel Norris, Jr., Esq

1919 The Rev. F.S. Penfold

1827-1835 The Rev. Dr. Henry Wight

1884 Col. Daniel R. Ballou

1920 Asst. Attorney General

1836 J. Russel Bullock

1885 Gen. Horatio Rogers

1921 Sen. Herbert M. Sherwood

1954 Lt. Col. B.W. McLean, USMC

1991 Manuel C. “Manny” Correira

1837 The Rev. Dr. Henry Wight

1922 The Rev. Luciano R. Capone

1955 Capt. William L. Eagleton

1992 Mario Mancieri

1838 Dr. Silas Holmes

1886 The Hon. Henry J. Coggeshall

1923 Sen. McGrane

1956 Joseph F. Bruno

1993 William B. Sweeney

1839-1850 No Record

1887 Rev. S. Hamilton Day

1924 Mrs. Ray Cox Flint

1957 Brig. Gen. A.K. Sibley

1994 Richard Simpson

1851 The Rev. J.C. Richmond

1888 Samuel Norris, Jr., Esq

1925 The Hon. Leo M. Harlow

1958 Judge Robert E. Quinn

1852 The Rev. J.W. Smith

1889 Theron H. Carter

1959 Justice J.R. Weisberger

1995 Lt. Cmdr. Porter A. Halyburton

1853 E.P. Whipple, Esq.

1890 The Rev. W.F. Davis

1926 The Hon. Richard W. Jennings

1960 George T. Howe

1996 Retired Lt. Col.

1854 Thomas Shepard, Esq.

1891 The Rev. S.D. Moxley

1855 James T. Brady, Esq.

1892 Orrin F. Bosworth, Esq.

1856 Asa Arnold Esq.

1893 Samual Morris, Jr., Esq

1857 The Rev. Dr. S.K. Sweetman

1894 The Rev. S.D. Moxley

1858 John Turner, Esq.

1895 William F. O’Donnell

1859 Charles Blake, Esq.

1896 The Rev. A.W. Kingsley

1860 The Rev. David H. Ela

1897 Irving H. Gamwall

1861 Thomas W. Bickness, Esq.

1898 The Hon. Orrin F. Bosworth

1862 The Hon. Frances Minor

1899 Henry W. Hayes

1863 The Rev. S.F. Upham

1900 Lefferts S. Hoffman

1927 Bishop Louis C. Sanford 1928 Attorney Gen. Charles Sisson

& Capt. Richard Visser, USN 1952 Dr. You Chan Yang, Korean ambassador 1953 Hon. John Muccio, U.S. ambassador to Korea

1961 Sen. John Pastore

1986 Roswell S. Bosworth, Jr. 1987 Joseph Janario 1988 Robert Arruda 1989 Joseph Caromile 1990 W. DeWolf Fulton

Anthony D. Nastri, USMC

1962 Sen. Claiborne Pell

1997 Cmdr. Linda Lou Borges Dubois

1963 The Hon. Arthur Carrellas

1998 Jerome M. Donovan

1964 The Hon. Edward Plunkett

1999 Frank J. Williams

1931 The Hon. M.A. Sullivan

1965 Mort Blender

2000 Retired Gen. Michael T. Byrnes

1932 The Hon. Ray Rawlings

1966 Monroe E. Toevs

2001 Anthony Santoro

1933 The Hon. Francis B. Condon

1967 Rear Adm. Means Johnston, Jr., USN

2002 David Foehr

1968 Dennis J. Roberts

2004 Judge Anthony Dennis

1969 Roswell S. Bosworth

2005 Paul Fletcher 2006 Sen. Jack Reed

1929 Asst. Attorney Gen. J.F. Hughes 1930 The Hon. A.A. Capatosto

1934 The Hon. Felix Hebert 1935 The Hon. Alexander G. Churchill

2003 Rear Admiral Barbara McGann

1864 The Rev. William Stowe

1901 William T. O’Donnell

1936 Asst. Justice A. Capatosto

1970 Dr. Werner A. Baum

1865 The Hon. Sidney Dean

1902 The Rev. Wilenoir Hood

1937 John Scanlon

1971 Edward Travers

2007 Dr. Patrick T. Conley

1866 The Rev. Mark Tafton

1903 Col. Frank T. Eastern

1938 John W. Haley

1972 Gen. Robert E. Cushman, Jr., USMC

2008 Dr. William F. Bundy

1867 The Rev. J.J. Peck

1904 The Rev. J.F. Downing

1939 Gov. W.M. Vanderbilt

1973 The Hon. J.R. Weisberger

2009 Col. Edward Cyr

1974 Bishop Louis E. Gelineau

2010 Rev. Daniel Barron Randall

1869 John C. Pegram, Esq.

1905 The Rev. Samuel Smith Drury

1940 The Hon. M.A. Sullivan 1941 The Hon. John P. Hartigan

1975 Rear Adm. Lucien Capone, Jr., USN

2011 Retired Brig. Gen. Rick Baccus

1870 The Rev. G.L. Westgate

1906 William A. Kennedy

1942 Dr. Lucius A. Whipple

1976 The Hon. Joseph Bevilacqua

2012 Ira Magaziner

1871 The Rev. James P. Lane

1907 Rev. John McVay

1943 Capt. Gilbert C. Hoover

1977 The Hon. Anthony J. Dennis

2013 RADM Robert O. Wray, Jr.

1872 The Rev. William Miller

1908 Edward Lawrence Leahy

1944 The Hon. M.A. Sullivan

1978 Brig. Gen. Raymond A. Thomas

2014 MG Kevin R. McBride

1873 The Hon. N.F. Dixon, Jr.

1909 James F. Lavander

1945 Asst. Justice Capatosto

1979 Joseph G. Kinder

2015 Dr. Donald J. Farish

1874 LeBaron B. Colt, Esq.

1910 Gov. Aram J. Pothier

1946 Cmdr. Paul Theiss, USN

1980 Louis P. Alfano, Jr.

2016 Robert G. Flanders Jr.

1875 Col. Henry H. Robinson

1911 The Rev. A.C. Larned

1947 U.S. Sen. J.H. McCrath

1981 Robert L. daC. Bernard

2017 Col. Andrew James Drake

1876 The Rev. James D’Wolf Perry

1912 The Hon. Geo. O’Shaunnessy

1948 Vice Adm. John D. Price, USN

1982 Dr. William Crausman

2018 Dick Devault

1868 The Rev. George L. Locke

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The leading ladies of 2018

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PHOTOS BY JULIE FURTADO The 2018 Fourth Court poses for a photo at the end of the pageant. (Back row, from left: Eden Hilario, Ally Reynolds, Jade Ramos, Sophia Desmarais, and Meagan Ruest. Front row, from left: Kara Pisasale, Addison Abate, and Kayla Medina)

Jade Ramos is Miss Fourth of July 2018, while Addison Abate is Little Miss Fourth of July BY KATHLEEN TROOST-CRAMER Rafter-rattling applause greeted the high-octane opening dance performance by the Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July contestants in the Mt. Hope High School auditorium on Saturday, May 26. It was the 69th annual pageant for Miss Fourth, and the 21st for Little Miss. Sarah DelSanto, Kerry Krista and Sandi MacLeod served as judges, with Frank Fales as tabulator. Rocking the stage to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” the 13 Miss Fourth contestants and the 15 contestants for Little Miss regaled the audience with smiles and bright energy in the dance, choreo-

graphed by Elizabeth Jones. Miss Fourth 2017 Olivia Borgia and Little Miss Fourth 2017 Angela Pirri were on hand to introduce the contestants and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a rousing rendition of the National Anthem sung by Victoria Carroll. The judging began with the Little Miss contestants crossing the stage one by one in party dresses as emcee Mary Lou Palumbo introduced them. Each girl stepped forward to the center-stage microphone to read their answers to questions posed during interviews with judges earlier in the week. As the judges retired to deliberate, members of The Ballet Center entertained the audience with a dance performance to

“Another Day of Sun,” from the 2016 film “La La Land.” After an intermission of a little more than 5 minutes, the pageant resumed with another performance by The Ballet Center, this time to the 1987 Whitney Houston hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” The judging of Miss Fourth followed,

in a format similar to the first half. Contestants crossed the stage in evening gowns and answered questions on the spot, choosing a paper at random from a basket carried by Angela Pirri. Ms. Palumbo then read each question aloud. Once again the judges retired to deliberate, while Continued on Page 34

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Meet the winners … The Fourth of July Court Ms. Palumbo introduced pageant committee chairwoman Patty Squatrito, general committee chairwoman Fran O’Donnell and 2018 parade chief marshal Kathleen Bazinet. Pirri was escorted to the stage by her father, Rob Pirri, for her farewell as Little Miss Fourth 2017, followed by Ms. Borgia, escorted by her sister, Jillian. About few minutes later, the results were in. Miss Congeniality 2018 went to 20-year old Meagan Ruest, a rising senior at Stonehill College. Little Miss Fourth was announced, beginning with second runner-up Kayla LITTLE MISS FOURTH OF JULY COURT Little Miss Fourth of July: Addison Abate is 9 years old and is the daughter of Jennifer Abate and Scott Berstein. She attends ColtAndrews School and is in the third grade. When Addison grows up, she would like to be a second-grade teacher. First Runner-Up: Kara Pisasale is 9 years old and is the daughter of Peter and Carlie Pisasale. She attends ColtAndrews School and is in the third grade. When Kara grows up, she would like to be a biologist. Second Runner-Up: Kayla Medina is 9 years old and is the daughter of William and Jennifer Medina. She attends Rockwell School and is in the third grade. When Kayla grows up, she wants to be an artist. She enjoys dancing, gymnastics, drawing, and writing stories. MISS FOURTH OF JULY COURT Miss Fourth of July: Jade Ramos is 17 years old and is the daughter of Fred and Melanie Ramos. She is a

MISS FOURTHS

1948 Evelyn Lamaire 1949 Barbara Ferrara 1950 Lee Ann Rielly 1951 Grace Castro 1952 No Contest 1953 Frances Marshall 1954 Marie Maturi 1955 Mary Ann Ventura 1956 Roberta Luther 1957 Louise Bettencourt 1958 Rosalind Matheson 1959 Alberta Ann Remieres

1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974

Edith Duffy Debbie Babbitt Patricia Rielly Lorraine Alfred Gail Rinaldi Marcia Blount Barbara Fields Susan Smith Linda Rhynard Theresa Bisbano Pamela White Barbara Tubridy Nancy Caromile Jackie Bilotti Cindy Mello

Medina, age 9, and first runner-up Kara Pisasale, also age 9. The crown was awarded to 9-year-old Addison Abate, a third-grader at Colt Andrews School. “It’s very exciting,” said Abate, “because I love Bristol and now I get to represent the town.” Ruest was also the fourth runner-up for the title of Miss Fourth, with Eden Hilario, 19, as third runner-up, Sophia Desmarais, 19, as second-runner-up and Ally Reynolds, also 19, taking first runner-up. The crown went to 17-year-old Jade Ramos, a junior at Mt. Hope.

Ms. Ramos wiped away tears after Ms. Borgia placed the American flag-adorned tiara on her head. “It’s such an honor,” Ms. Ramos said of her feelings on winning. “Bristol is such a beautiful town with such unique people, and it’s such an honor to represent this town that I’ve lived in my whole life.” “Any one of these girls could’ve won this pageant,” Ms. Ramos said, adding that she learned to be courageous from the example of her fellow contestants, “even the little girls.”

junior at Mt. Hope High School. After graduation, Jade would like to attend Brown University with a major in biology and a minor in forensics. Jade’s future ambition is to become an oncologist. First Runner-Up: Ally Reynolds is 19 years old and is the daughter of Sara and Kevin Beaulieu. She has completed her freshman year at the Community College of Rhode Island with a major in sonography. Ally’s future ambition is to become a diagnostic medical sonographer in a hospital setting. Second Runner-Up: Sophia Desmarais is 19 years old and is the daughter of Todd and Jasmin Desmarais. She has completed her sophomore year at Roger Williams University with a major in biology and a minor in psychology and public health. Sophia’s future ambition is to become a physician’s assistant for an obstetrician. Third Runner-Up: Eden Hilario is 19 years old and is the daughter of Joseph Hilario and Kristen

Bertenshaw. She has completed her sophomore year at Roger Williams University with a major in elementary education and a minor in psychology. Fourth Runner-Up and Miss Congeniality: Meagan Ruest is 20 years old and is the daughter of Richard and Anne-Marie Ruest. She has completed her junior year at Stonehill College with a major in healthcare administration and a minor in communications. Meagan’s future ambition is to work in the healthcare field serving the elderly and U.S. military veterans.

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989

Donna Ferreira Kathy Centazzo Donna Soares Torie Stevens Patricia Troiano Jo Ann Goglia Joanne Moreira Bonnie Brayton Victoria Brett Bethany D’Amico Cheryl Sousa Carol Anguilla Renee Cortellessa Kimberly Coccio Joanne Mello

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

LITTLE MISS FOURTHS

1997 Ashley Ann Oliveira 1998 Alyssa Luther 1999 Cassandra Lyn Guercia 2000 Shannon Doherty 2001 Kailey Grantham 2002 Niki Jannitto 2003 Samantha Jannitto 2004 Emily Sousa 2005 Makenzie Marshall

Jennifer Faria Laurie Ramos Jennifer Neves Chrissy Beaulieu Jennifer Sousa Andreia Mendonca Sarah Beth Traynor Lisa Dos Anjos Lizabeth Marshall Gia-Maria Handley Heidi Squires Eliza Burnham Laura Beth Almeida Courtney Glavin Hilary Motta

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Victoria Sousa Andersyn Costa Aurora Faria Abigail Lombardo Jade Lynn Ramos Peyton Perroni Samantha Martins Lily Sarnowski Reyn Ferris Alana Martin Claire Chace Angela "Ella" Pirri Addison Abate

2005 Ashley Rodrigues 2006 Victoria Thomson 2007 Nicole Silvia 2008 Kaitlyn MacDonough 2009 Jennae Paul 2010 Kayla Nerone 2011 Cassandra Guercia 2012 Alexandra Absi 2013 Daniela Lopes 2014 Carla Braga 2015 Jessica Tella 2016 Samantha Golden 2017 Olivia Borgia 2018 Jade Ramos

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ABOVE: Forest Rodriguez' winning button in the grade 9 to 12 category. RIGHT: Sienna Ferreira's winning button in the K to grade 5 category.

Forest Rodriguez is the first person to win the button contest three times In the 36-year history of the annual Bristol Fourth of July Button Contest, five young people have won the contest twice. Now one of them has done it three times. For the third year in a row, Forest Rodriguezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design will adorn the official button for the oldest, continuous Independence Day celebration in America. Forest is a 15-year-old, 10thgrader at LaSalle Academy, son of Suzanne and Edgardo Rodriguez. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fifth winning design for the family, as twin brother Hunter won

the contest in 2011 and 2012. Forest was the winner in the Grade 9 to 12 category. There were no entries from Grades 6 to 8. Sienna Ferreira, a 10-year-old, fourth-grader at Colt Andrews School, is the winner in the Grade K to 5 category. She is the daughter of Vanda and Agostinho Ferreira. Both winners receive $50 awards, and the overall winner receives an additional $75. Both are invited to ride in the annual parade.

WINNING BUTTONS 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Jennifer Tavares Patricia Martins Patricia Martins Jonathan Martins Filipe Soares Jesse Zawerucka Sam Carreiro Lizabeth Marshall Adrian J. Mascena Nicole L. Guercia Ava Mascena Kevin Calisto Meghan McMullen Matthew Martins

2006 Corianna Mascena 2007 Meghan McMullen 2008 Jared Souza 2009 Danielle Dunbar 2010 Bowen Drawbridge 2011 Hunter Rodriguez 2012 Hunter Rodriguez 2013 Zoe Fournier-Swire 2014 Zoe Fournier-Swire 2015 Rachel Mello 2016 Forest Rodriguez 2017 Forest Rodriguez 2018 Forest Rodriguez

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photo by nat squatrito

Fourth of July Committee Members General Committee Richard Alves Ginette Amaral Sarah Amaral (L) Brenda Austin (L) Tony Avila Rick Baccus Ed Boardman Karren Boardman Alice Bradford (L) David Burns (L) Deborah Burns Angela Cabral (L) Vicki Cairrao Betsy Cambra Gena Campbell (L) Ann Carey Maria Cesario Donna Chabot Margarida Chaves Jaclyn Clarke Edward Correia (L) Bernice Correira

Sue Costa Denise Cotta-Fontana John Daniels Diane Davis (L) Charlotte DeMarco (L) Liberal DeOliveira (L) Dick Devault (L) Julie Dollins (L) Roger Dubord (L) Donald Durfee David Enos Donna Falcoa (L) Okie Falcoa (L) Frank Fales James Farley (L) Maria Ferreira (L) Patti Ferreira (L) Lisa Fisher Christina Fontana Ray Frizzell Dan Fryer Carol Gafford Rick Gauvin Beverly Gilmette (L) Donna Glavin Madeline Grimo (L)

Dudley Hallagan (L) Russell Head (L) William Josephs (L) Marisol Lagares John Larson Ray Lavey John Lawless Bryan Leffingwell Melissa Leffingwell Marylou Leocardio Jeanne Linacre (L) Ines Loureiro Richard Luiz (L) Chuck MacDonough Donna Marshall (L) Charlotte Martino Michele Martins Kevin McCarthy Nina McCarthy Anthony Mederos (L) Tammy Mojkowski Bette Anne Moreira (L) Gina Moreira (L) Mary Moreira Ana Motta-Barboza Diane Nelson

Patti Nenna Susan Nerone John Noble Anne O’Connell (L) Frances O’Donnell (L) Nancy Oliver (L) James Palazio (L) Trudy Palazio Alan Palumbo Barbara Palumbo Samantha Palumbo Manny Pasqual (L) Joseph Perry (L) Frances Pray Jeanne Raimondi (L) Deborah Rainey Steven Ricci Elisabeth Ridder Elaine Roderick Rick Roderick Jane Rossmeisl Richard Ruggiero (L) Sandra Ruggiero (L) Patti Ryone Elizabeth Satterfield (L) William Satterfield (L)

John Shelhart Lynn Schultz (L) Patti Serpa William Silva Charlotte Silvia (L) Sara Jane Soboleski Ann Soscia Paula Sousa (L) Jerome Squatrito Nat Squatrito (L) Patricia Squatrito (L) Robert Squatrito Judy Squires (L) Donna St. Angelo (L) James St. Angelo (L) Jack Sylvester (L) James Tavares (L) Camille Teixeira Maria Ursini Manuel Vargas (L) Heidi Vermilyea

Executive Board

Nat Squatrito

Fran O’Donnell

Jim Tavares

Michele Martins

Donna Chabot

Dudley Hallagan

Edward Correia

Deb Rainey

John Daniels

Maria Ferreira David Burns Gena Campbell Dick Devault Roger Dubord Jim Farley

Judy Squires Donna St. Angelo

Frank Fales Lisa Fisher Christine Geremia Anthony Mederos Chuck

Ray Lavey

MacDonough

Richard Luiz

Patti Nenna

Donna Marshall

Steve Ricci

Bette Anne Moreira

Jerome Squatrito

Manny Pasqual

Pat Squatrito

The (L) designates that the member is a Lifetime member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee

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BEHIND THE SCENES – FOURTH CHAIRPERSONS 1820: James D’Wolf 1835: J. Babbitt, Jr. 1836: George H. Reynolds 1838: J.M. Gooding 1851-1852: William R. Taylor 1853: C. Easterbrooks 1854: Jacob Babbitt 1855: Charles Sherry, Jr. 1856: William R. Taylor 1857: J. Coggeshall 1858: Joseph B. Burgess 1859: George H. Reynolds 1860: William R. Taylor 1861: William J. Miller 1862-1863: John B. Pierce 1864: T.J. Usher 1865: Joseph L. Gardner 1866-1867: John B. Taylor 1868: E.M. Wardwell 1869-1870: John B. Taylor 1871: Elisha M. Wardwell 1872: Charles A. Greene 1873: John Turner 1874-1875: I.F. Williams 1876: William J. Miller 1877: N.C. Bedell 1878: Samuel P. Colt 1879: Ambrose E. Burnside 1880: Thomas C. Church 1881: Edward Anthony, Jr. 1882: Samuel P. Colt 1883-1884: Elisha M. Wardwell

1885-1886: Edward Anthony 1887: Joseph B. Burgess 1888: Samuel P. Colt 1889: Charles A. Barbour 1890: Eugene A. Rounds 1891: Edwin C. Sparks 1892-1898: Edward Anthony 1899: Frank C. Child 1900-1912: Edward Anthony 1913: Josephus Daniels 1914: Elisha Hibbert 1915: Thomas Goff, Jr. 1916-1919: George L. Drowne, Jr. 1920: Andrew W. Anthony 1921: George L. Drowne, Jr. 1922-1931: Everett Church 1932: Alexander S. Basilevich 1933-1934: Daniel E. Dwyer 1935: GS Pailthorpe 1936: Dr Alfred M. Merriman 1937-1947: James F. Meiggs 1948-1949: Roswell S. Bosworth, Sr. 1950-1952: Roswell S. Bosworth, Jr. 1953: Ralph G. McCaw 1954-1955: Leonard P. Sanford and Norman J. Servant 1956: Frank J. Miserandino and Michael DiLello 1957-1958: Frank J. Miserandino 1959-1960: Francis N. Perry 1961: Ralph H. Lavers

photo by nat squatrito

Bristol Fourth of July Committee officers (from left to right) include, Recording Secretary Deb Rainey, Vice Chairwoman Michele Martins, General Chairwoman Fran O'Donnell, Treasurer Dudley Hallagan, and Corresponding Secretary Maria Ferreira. 1962-1963: Manuel A. Sousa

1980-1981: Frank Perry

2000-2001: Frances O’Donnell

1964-1965: Anthony E. Agatiello

1982-1983: A. Jeffrey Chase

2002-2003: Donna St. Angelo

1966: Albert Nutini

1984-1985: Manuel Pasqual

2004-2005: Jim Tavares

1967: John Vera

1986-1987: James W. Farley

2006-2007: Nat Squatrito

1968-1969: James J. Velleca, Jr.

1988-1989: Andrew J. Vorro, III

2008-2009: David A. Burns

1970-1971: John R. Partington

1990-1991: Elizabeth A. Moreira

2010-2011: Judy Squires

1972-1973: Joseph Andrade

1992-1993: Roger Dubord, Jr.

2012-2013: Dick Devault

1974-1975: Joseph Caromile

1994-1995: Gena Campbell

2014-2015: Ray Lavey

1976-1977: John P. Biancuzzo

1996-1997: Donna Marshall

2016-2017: Donna Falcoa

1978-1979: Gerald Romano

1998-1999: Richard Luiz

2017-2018: Frances O'Donnell

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The leader of the bands

The late Gerry Mederos loved Bristol, the Fourth of July, and most of all, the music and pageantry of drum corps BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA

The Fourth of July Celebration landscape is minus one of its most cherished figures this year. When Gerald Mederos passed away last July, it brought an end to a music relationship which began on the doorsteps of his home on Second School Street more than 40 years ago. Better known as Gerry to family and friends, this unique, sometimes comical man welcomed this writer with open arms that hot summer day when he got his first chance to listen to a few drum and bugle corps record albums featuring the Hawthorne Muchachos and Hawthorne Caballeros. It was love at first sound. From that moment on, Gerry Mederos and drum and bugle corps would be one in the same until his final breath on July 13, 2017. He was 57 years of age. Gerry Mederos lived life to the fullest … make no mistake about that. As sick as he was for the better part of 13 years, he went about his business as best as he could. First and foremost, music carried him to heights never before realized. He loved drum corps, and drum corps loved him. He made more friends because of this activity than you could imagine. Everybody loved Gerry. It was that simple. A member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee for nearly 25 years, Gerry was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter which subcommittee needed his help. He’d roll up his sleeves and do whatever he could to benefit his fellow committee members. He was 22

especially fond of the “Summer Music Preview” Drum Corps Show Committee, which he either chaired or cochaired with his brother. He also co-chaired the Bristol Fourth of July Band Committee. The drum corps movement is what made Gerry tick, starting with the Rhode Island Picadors Drum & Bugle Corps, which he joined as a teenager. He played baritone horn in the brass section. From there, he went on to play contra bass with the Rhode Island Matadors and later with the Matadors Alumni in 1999. Matadors Corps founder and manager, the late Michael “Red” Corso, called Gerry one of the most dedicated members of the corps he ever had. “Gerry embodied what drum and bugle corps was all about,” Mr. Corso once noted. “He always gave it everything he had. I was proud to call him my friend.” Gerry’s love for music continued after the Matadors disbanded, when he helped found the Generations Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, a group of former members of area drum corps which he convinced could still pursue their drum corps passion by joining this new organization. The Generations were an instant hit and thrilled audiences in local parades and exhibitions. Later, when he lived in Florida, Gerry continued along the drum corps trail by joining the Florida Brass Alumni, and as his brother pointed out later, “My brother always told me he was going to die playing in drum corps.” Up until the time of his death, Gerry was a proud member of the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, arguably the most famous and most decorated drum corps in the world. He played contra bass with the corps for 10 years and played it with as much passion and gusto as one might expect. His wife, Maureen, has great memories of her hus-

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band and was very supportive of everything he did in life. “We were married for 26 years, and I can tell you he was a good husband, a good father, and a good grandfather,” she said. “I did everything I could for him, in sickness and in health. He was my soul and inspiration.” Aside from the Fourth of July Committee, Gerry was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the Bristol Fire Dept. Dreadnaught Hook & Ladder Hose Company, the Bristol Fire Police, the Bristol Democratic Town Committee, and the Bristol County Lodge of Elks No. 1860. He also loved the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox (even though his brother was a diehard Yankees fan), Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins. He loved to cook, and was a huge Val Halen fan. Above all, Gerry loved his wife and family more than anything else. They were his whole world. The oldest Fourth of July Parade in the country is right here in Bristol, Rhode Island, and will never be the same again without Gerry Mederos’ familiar figure cast along the famous right, white and blue- striped parade route. But isn’t it ironic that his final resting place at St. Mary’s Cemetery lies adjacent to the same parade formation area where he was accustomed to being each Fourth of July morning. Let the music play.

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If he can help, he will photo by nat squatrito

After years volunteering to help others, Steve Skuba is honored with the 2018 Hattie Brown Award BY CHRISTY NADALIN “If somebody needs help with something, and I’ve got the time, I’ll do it,” said Steve Skuba of his approach to volunteerism That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about why Mr. Skuba, of Ridge Road, is the recipient of the Hattie Brown Award for 2018. The Hattie Brown Award has been presented since 1987 to a Bristolian who demonstrates the same spirit of community service that was exhibited by Hattie Brown. A longtime member of the Fourth of July Committee, Ms. Brown was well known for her charitable contributions and community service in Bristol and throughout the state. Like Ms. Brown, Mr. Skuba has spent his life stepping in to lend a hand, whether his son’s Little League team needed a coach, or his daughter’s class needed an advisor. His extensive resume of volunteerism also includes coaching youth soccer; serving as parent assistant to 24

the Bristol High School band and East Bay Wind Ensemble; president of St. Jean’s parish council, church minister and co-chair of their family picnic; member of the Knights of Columbus; cooking at many organizational fund raisers with his good friend Okie Falcoa; past secretary of the Bristol Veterans Council; chairman of the monument committee tasked with maintaining and establishing the Veterans Memorials; Judge advocate, past Jr. Vice Commander and Chapter Service Officer of the Disabled American Veterans; American Legion, Vice Commander; Member of AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Italian American War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America; Served on Congressman Cicilline’s Committee on Veterans Affairs. But the volunteerism of which he may be the most proud dates all the way back to the Vietnam war. “When I was deployed, I was on a ship and my work center probably had more college credits than any other,” he said. “So our commanding officer came to us as asked if we could help tutor the guys who hadn’t graduated from high school, so they could get their GEDs.”

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It was a satisfying experience that in many ways, shaped the volunteer he is today. “You volunteer because you want to,” he said. “You don’t do it with any expectation of reward.” Mr. Skuba grew up in Bristol and graduated from Bristol High School in 1967. After a year of electronics school he joined the United States Navy. After completing Aviation Electricians Mate “A” School, he was assigned to Attack Squadron 75, known in the fleet as the “Sunday Punchers.” He worked as a Weapon System Specialist on an A-6 Intruder aircraft, earning the rank of Petty Officer Second Class in two years. During his Vietnam deployment he participated in Operation Linebacker I & II, bringing an end to the war. Upon his return to civilian life, he started college earning three degrees and was hired by the Bristol School Department teaching Industrial Arts. He “retired” after 24 years — then began working for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Service Representative. For 11 years he processed claims for the Veterans Administration. During this time, he learned to speak “V.A.” (the “language” of the oft-incomprehensible forms veterans are required to file to obtain benefits.) It’s a skill which has made him an indispensable resource for many veterans in our community. “After I retired, I realized I could help veterans translate V.A.,” said Mr. Skuba. “I asked the Administration if I could do this and they told me that as long as I didn’t misrepresent myself as a current employee, I could knock myself out. So he has essentially continued his work as a veterans advocate, establishing a Veterans Assistance Program to assist veterans with questions on health care, disability claims and death benefits. Despite all he’s done, the news that he will be receiving this award, Bristol’s highest community service honor, came as a surprise to Mr. Skuba. “I was in complete shock,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything for the rest of the day!” Although he’s been in many parades, wearing many different hats over the years, this one will be

undeniably special. Of the thousands of well-wishers lining the parade route on the morning of July 4, who is he most looking forward so seeing? “My former students,” he said. “With their children.” “It will be a wonderful day.” Mr. Skuba has been married to the former Cheryl Mattos for 44 years. They have two children, Tom and Cassara, a daughter-in-law, Katherine, and a son-in-law, Timothy Pray, as well as two grandchildren, Genevieve and Teddy.

HATTIE BROWN AWARD WINNERS 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Mary Ferguson Carmine and Agnes Carraturo Thomas and Louise Adams Virginia Kinder Charlotte Ferris Anthony Marino Alfred R. Rego Sr. Jerome Donovan Victoria “Vickie” VanVoast Bristol Good Neighbors (Marie Burden, director) John Partington Joan E. Roth Margaret Morris Anthony Desmarais Madeline Grimo Salvatore Palumbo

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Ken and Betty Burkhardt S. Michael Minutelli Mickie and Gerry MacNeill Muriel and James St. Angelo George L. Sisson Herculano S. “Okie” Falcoa Antonio A. “Tony” Teixeira Elizabeth “Betty” Brito Richard C. “Dickie” Sousa Diane Davis Hector Massa Roy Leffingwell Susan Donovan Stan Dimock

2017 Robert Squatrito 2018 Steve Skuba

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Pageantry and precision

photo by richard w. dionne

Jr.

The 28th annual Summer Music Preview brings some of the best drum corps in the country to the Ocean State “There’s always something new,” said Frank Fales, the Fourth of July Committee member tasked with overseeing the 28th Fourth of July Drum and Bugle Corps Competition, the Summer Music Preview. The battle of the corps is one of the highlights of the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, featuring top drum and bugle corps from the United States and Canada. “We’ve got seven corps competing this year,” said Mr. Fales. “Last year’s winner, Carolina Crown, needed the day off, though they will be marching in the parade the next day. The Bluecoats, from Ohio, are back after not having been here for a while, so it will be good to see them again.” 28

In addition to the Bluecoats, the remainder of the lineup will include 7th Regiment, out of New London, Conn.; the Boston Crusaders; The Cadets, of Allentown, Pa.; The Spartans, of Nashua, N.H.; the Spirit of Atlanta; and for the first time competing in this event, the Sunrisers, from Long Island, N.Y. Once again, The Summer Music Preview will be held at Cranston Stadium, 9 Flint Ave., Cranston. “It’s a great facility,” said Mr. Fales. “And from the mayor to the cleanup crew, we have had excellent cooperation from the City of Cranston with this event. They are fantastic professionals.” While holding the event in Bristol would certainly be the

popular choice, a venue the size of Cranston Stadium, with its turf field, allows for the corps to use all their props — and yes, they have some serious props. “One year, one of the groups came out with these big windmills — their performance had a Don Quixote theme — it was quite impressive.” The Summer Music Preview is just one event on the Drum Corps International (DCI) tour, a seasonal competitive circuit that this year will conduct more than 35 shows in 17 North American cities. Though he has served on the Fourth of July Committee for many years, this is Mr. Fales’ first turn as chairman of this event, a position he’s taken

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over from Tony Medeiros, who was at the helm since the beginning. “We owe him big thanks for the success of the competition,” said Mr. Fales. So what’s the biggest challenge organizers face each year, hosting several drum and bugle corps who travel in groups as large as 150 musicians and support staff? “Housing,” said Mr. Fales. “We have to house them somewhere, with access to showers.” Mostly, that means the gym floors of schools, from Cranston to Middletown. “We have been very fortunate to have the support of school departments across the state, or we wouldn’t be able to make this happen.” The 28th Fourth of July Drum and Bugle Corps Competition, the Summer Music Preview, will be held Tuesday, July 3; at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets begin at $10 for children 12 and under, with adult tickets ranging from $20 for general admission, to $30, $35, or $40 for reserved bleachers. To purchase, call Frank Fales at 401/644-9583; email smptickets@july4thbristolri.com; or visit fourthofjulybristolri.com/summer-music-preview to download an order form.

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Young and in charge

Michele Martins will be behind the scenes while all eyes are on ‘her’ parade BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA

Putting together the nationally acclaimed Bristol Fourth of July Parade can be pretty heady stuff, even for a longtime veteran of the Fourth of July Committee, but for a relative newcomer like Michele Bazinet Martins, things are looked at with a much wider scope. “It can be overwhelming,” she confessed, “but you have to put everything in perspective.” Ms. Martins, 45, follows a long list of well-respected Fourth of July Committee members who have had the distinction of serving as parade chairman. She considers it an honor and privilege to be in charge of the nation’s oldest, continuous Independence Day Parade. “It’s a big step for me,” said Michele, whose flaming, curly red hair is one of her most prominent features. “This is my fifth year on the committee, and I’ve been lucky to receive a lot of guidance from many of my fellow committee members.” Not only is Ms. Martins the parade chair this year (and next), but she also serves as general committee vice chairman. In simpler terms, she will in all likelihood become the next Fourth of July Committee chairman in 2020. But that’s another story for another day. “Michele is

Parade chairman Michele Bazinet Martins is all set for the big event on the Fourth of July.

intensely patriotic and extremely energetic,” says her boss, Bristol Town Clerk Louis P. Cirillo. “She joined the Fourth of July Committee the year after I was Chief Marshal and she was one of my civilian aides. I like to think that her interest in getting directly involved in the parade came from that stint and take credit for it. But knowing Michele as I do, she was probably destined for it long before that. Fourth of July is probably in her DNA.” Being parade chairman is first and foremost on Michele’s mind these days. The pace has been hectic, but she thrives on the challenge. “It’s amazing what this committee does throughout the year,” she says with a sense of pride. “It’s a lot of

work. I’ve served on a number of subcommittees, so I know how much time and effort is put into all of this. Now that I’m the parade chairman, I have to thank a number of past parade chairs who have been very helpful with their opinions and insights. It’s been great.” The daughter of Armand “Lee” Bazinet and the late Geri Bazinet, Michele moved to Bristol from Levittown, Pa., in 1983. She graduated from Our Lady of Fatima High School in 1990, and later attended Rhode Island College. Since 2007, she’s been employed by the Town of Bristol in the Town Clerk’s office as a Municipal Court Clerk assistant. She also runs a small business as co-owner of “Two Gals’ Cocktails.” “Growing up in Levittown, Pa., I later moved to Bristol and resided

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with my aunt and uncle, Kathy and Skip Bazinet,” she said. “They’ve been like second parents to me.” The real-life version of the “Energizer Bunny,” Michele runs on all cylinders at all times. She gets involved in everything. For example, she started volunteering within the Bristol Warren Regional School District as an active member of the Guiteras School PTO. She has been a Bristol Warren Education Foundation member since 2015, and she was co-chair of the successful Bodacious Bee Bop a Star. It’s easy to understand why Michele is so popular in the Bristol community. She has interacted with many people along the way as a former waitress at Vincent’s Restaurant, Cross Road Pub, and for 20 years at SS Dion. She currently works parttime at Roberto’s restaurant. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her alongside her supportive and always smiling husband, Archie, and two children, Samantha and Joshua. Michele also enjoys entertaining, traveling, exercising, and spending time with her family. “Actually, Archie encouraged me to become a parade chairman,” admits Michele. “He knows how much I’ve always loved the Fourth of July and felt I could do a good job heading the parade committee.” Furthermore, the couple’s daughter, Samantha, got bit by the Fourth of July bug in 2012 when she entered the Little Miss Fourth of July Contest and won the crown in impressive fashion. Now, time is winding down toward the big parade on July 4. Making this year’s event a little more personal and historic for Michele is the fact that her aunt, Kathleen Bazinet, is leading the 2018 parade as chief marshal. “Kathy and Skip are very special to me,” she reasserted. “They’re always there for me. Now we’ll all be hoping for good weather on the Fourth. We hope it’ll be a safe day, and a parade with few gaps.” Michele didn’t want to reveal some of the surprises she has lined up for the parade, including a celebrity or two, but she did say there would be five divisions and some new additions. “The parade is a lot of work, and the success will be a group effort of the Parade Committee and volunteers,” she explained. “This transition has been supported by the past parade chairmen that really have come together to assist. It is going to be a great parade. Jim Tavares, the Float Chairman, has over 10 floats secured; Jerome Squatrito coordinates all the Military Division, and Anthony Mederos has 20-plus bands lined up. The committee wanted to focus on the parade and jazz it up, while still not losing sight that this is the 233rd Military, Police, and Firemen’s Parade.”

Open every day in July & August

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The opening concert is June 21 at Independence Park.

Grab a waterfront seat and let the music play! The Fourth of July concert series has become one of the preeminent events in the nation’s oldest Fourth of July celebration — perhaps as big as the parade itself. For 12 consecutive nights, the Independence Park waterfront along Thames Street fills with people, energy and music, with styles ranging from country to pop, patriotic to heavy, oldies to ’80s. The 2018 series brings back some of the most popular acts — the pageantry and patriotism of the Army Band, the national buzz of Sixwire, the popular tribute bands for Jimmy Buffett (Changes in Latitude) and Billy Joel (Songs in the Attic). There are local favorites like Rendition, Detroit Breakdown and Trinity. The Mt. Hope High School singers get a turn on stage, along with the East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble, Michael DiMucci and the Navy Band Northeast. With Bristol Harbor as a backdrop, the venue offers a majestic setting. The crowds will be highenergy. The music will be sizzling. And America’s oldest national celebration will be front and center. 32 32

The concert series attracts thousands of patriotic supporters.

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The Full Lineup… Thursday June 21 7:00 PM R.I. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 88TH ARMY BAND The 88th Army Band, as part of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, has a long and proud history of service to state and country. Instituted in 1892, the band performs a wide range of music from patriotic, classical, contemporary, big band swing, country, and the latest top-40 hits. Their show is a lively patriotic presentation, coupled with a high energy rock set. www.88tharmyband.com Sponsored by: Dewolf Tavern, Rhode Island Credit Union

Friday, June 22 6:30 PM GERRY GRIMO AND THE EAST BAY JAZZ Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble’s repertoire includes a wide range of material from the 1930s through 1990s, with an emphasis on the “hits” of Jazz, Big Band, Swing, Standards, Oldies, Motown/R&B, Classic Rock, and ’90s Pop/Dance music, Reggae, Country, Ballroom, Latin and more. www.GerryGrimo.com

7:45 PM REMINISCE Reminisce is an eight-member oldies group specializing in songs from the ’50s and early ’60s. With four vocalists and four instrumentalists, the group prides itself on achieving the original record sound when performing any song. Reminisce has performed for national and regional audiences and continues to carry on the “Oldies” tradition. www.reminisceontheweb.com Sponsored by: North Coast Boats

Saturday, June 23 6:30 PM AIRPLAY Making its first appearance at the Concert Series, Airplay is an accomplished band featuring an eclectic mix of material from originals to covers. Featuring diversified instrumentation including fiddle, ukelele, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, Airplay will please audiences of all musical tastes. www.facebook/Airplay.com

7:45 PM THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE The Eagles Experience aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today. With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 1970s, the members of The Eagles Experience each emulate their respective “Eagle,” playing the correct instrument and singing the songs

as sung by their protege. The Eagles Experience only plays songs written and recorded by the Eagles as a band, from their biggest hits to hidden gems. www.Eagles-Experience.com Sponsored by: Bank 5

Sunday, June 24 7:00 PM THE WORLD PREMIER BAND When true musicians of multiple backgrounds and talent come together, the music becomes a wall of sound that no jam session could ever produce. This is The World Premier Band — musicians with endless imaginations seeding the music of the ’90s and today with Funk, Dance, Originals, and R&B. www.worldpremierband.com

Navy Band Northeast was established in 1974, and is one of 13 official bands of the United States Navy worldwide. The band is attached to the Naval War College onboard Naval Station Newport, performing a wide range of music from patriotic, classical, contemporary, big band, swing, country, and the latest hits. www.usnwc.edu/About/Navy-Band-Northeast.aspx Sponsored by: Dewolf Tavern, Citizens Bank

Wednesday, June 27 6:30 PM MERCHANTS OF COOL

6:30 PM THE EAST BAY SUMMER WIND ENSEMBLE

Merchants Of Cool was an idea that came about in the spring of 2011 to guitarist Mike Silva. He was looking for another project that would entertain people, make them dance and give them a lot of good memories. With Bad Company and Foreigner’s vast array of hit songs, it seemed like a great, although very difficult choice. The group came together with a mix of talents and skills, and they've been delighting audiences ever since. www.merchantsofcool.net

The East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble is celebrating its 37th Summer Season of Music and provides a wind ensemble experience for advanced instrumentalists of high school age and up. Under the direction of David M. Marshall, the orchestra features selections from crowd pleasing contemporary favorites to complicated classical pieces which highlight the technical abilities of these advanced musicians. www.ebswe.org

Back In The Day is a tribute band dedicated to the music of Journey, Styx, Police, Foreigner, Loverboy, Ba d Company, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, and a few early ’80s bands. They strive to replicate each artist musically and vocally to the best. www.facebook.com/backinthedaytribute