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« July 19, 2007 | Today | July 23, 2007 » July 20, 2007Potter avoidance? Watch a play or get soulful / Photo
There's the Brown/Trinity Playwrights Rep, which is staging its second production of the season, Jennifer Haley’s Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, at Brown’s Leeds Theatre, 77 Waterman St., Providence. Performances are at 8 tonight and Saturday. Call (401) 863-2838 for information and tickets. Or get some '70s soul. The Spinners sing at the Providence Performing Arts Center tonight at 8 as part of the Providence SoundSession ’07 Festival. Tickets are $38, $23 and $13; call (401) 421-2787 or go to www.ppacri.org. Read more about the group. For a younger set, an older Hanson -- remember them? -- performs at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. Ca;; 331-5876, 272-5876, or go to www.etix.com. 8:30 pm. $30 advance; $35 day of show and reserved. For more on what's happening on the local music scene this weekend, check out projo.com's Music page and guest blogger Jamie Millmather's Nightlife by Jamie. And tomorrow at 3 p.m., you can head over to a ceremony and art opening at Providence City Hall celebrating 197 years of Columbian independence. Slated to speak are the consul general from the Columbian Consulate in Boston, the Honorable Bibiana Gomez. There will be traditional dances performed by the Columbian American Cultural Society Folk Dancers and the Sporting Columbia Folk Dancers. The art opening will showcase an exhibit that includes paintings, sculptures and photographs by Columbian artists. The exhibit runs through Aug. 8 on the second floor of City Hall. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment projo.com wins 'best local blog' awardPROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island Monthly handed out its annual Best of Rhode Island awards last night, and we here at projo.com are proud to say that we were among the 277 recipients. Projo.com won in the category of "best local blog" for this 7to7 breaking news blog, as voted by the readers of Rhode Island Monthly. The "Best of Rhode Island" issue will be available on newstands tomorrow. Rhode Island Monthly, and projo.com, the Web site of The Providence Journal, are both owned by Belo Corp. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:30 PM | Comment Bonnet Shore voters defeat community center planNARRAGANSETT -- Bonnet Shores Fire District taxpayers voted 436 to 153 to reject a plan to expand and renovate the district community center, according to unofficial results. The $1.035-million project was going to be paid with a 20-year bond, but most taxpayers said the cost was too high and questioned the need for the expansion. More than 500 people crammed into the Narragansett Pier School gymnasium last night to vote on the project. The expanded center would have held up to 200 people and would have served as a place for events such as wedding receptions and graduation parties, supporters said. -- Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:52 PM | Comment Court: Parcel can be put into trust for NarragansettsIn a decision some state officials fear could pave the way for the Narragansett Indian tribe to build a casino, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the federal government could hold 31 acres into trust for the tribe. A divided appeals court decided that the U.S. Department of Interior could hold the land in trust for the Narragansetts, exempting it from state and local laws and property taxes and placing it solely under tribal and federal authority. The property sits across Kings Factory Road from the tribe’s other 1,800 acres in Charlestown. Located on a hillside just north of Route 1, it is the site of a troubled housing project for the tribe’s poor elders. More to come ... Extra: Read the court's entire 80-page decision.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:47 PM | Comment One beach re-opens and one is closedGovernor Notte Park Beach in North Providence has been reopened to swimming, the state Health Department announced today. But health officials recommended closing the Kent County YMCA in Warwick. The recommendation for the North Providence beach follows water-sample results that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. In Warwick, results showed high bacteria counts. Health officials will watch the water quality and recommend re-opening when the water is deemed safe for swimming. Also, one beach remains closed: Oakland Beach in Warwick. Tpo check the status of swimming at Rhode Island beaches, go to www.health.ri.gov or call (401) 222-2751. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:38 PM | Comment Update: Tribe, Middleboro, Mass., reach casino pactThe Mashpee Wampanoags and town of Middleboro, Mass., have reached an agreement on a casino, according to a tribe spokesman. The tentative contract has to be voted on by town selectmen tonight. If approved, it will be presented to town voters on Saturday, July 28, in a outdoor meeting at the town high school, according to tribe spokesman Scott Ferson. The agreement calls for the tribe to give $250 million to the southeastern Massachusetts town for infrastructure improvements, personnel hiring and other programs. The total includes an $11 million annual payment, which comes in the form of $7 million outright and then $4 million tied to room taxes at the resort's hotel. According to Ferson, it is the richest argeement ever reached between a tribe and a host community. “Rather than negotiating a lifeless contract, we have formed a long lasting living document," Selectman Adam Bond said in a news release from the Liberty Square group public relations firm later this afternoon. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi According to the news release, here's a look at the agreement: -- $172 million in transportation upgrades -- $13 million in electric upgrades -- $12.4 million in natural gas upgrades -- $22.5 million in water upgrades -- $26.3 million in sewer and wastewater upgrades -- $7 million annual base payment to the town, with an annual increase of 3.1% or the increase in the CPI, whichever is higher -- A 4 percent lodging tax, collected by the tribe and given to the town, estimated in the first year to be $4 million. -- The tribe will buy two police cruisers and two advanced life support ambulances and cover hiring and trainings costs of eight police officers and 16 firefighters -- at a cost of more than $2 million. The Wampanoags have options to buy up to 500 acres in the town, where they hope to build a casino, a 1,500-room hotel, golf course and other resort amenities. The tentative agreement does not include a percentage payment based on slot revenues, something the town officials had been pushing for, Ferson said. However, the tribe has agreed to support the town on that point in negotiations with the state. If voters approve the agreement next week, the tribe can then use that as a basis for a compact with the state of Massachusetts, Ferson said. “Through this agreement we have made good our commitment to offset the impacts of the destination resort, but we have also shown our commitment to the financial security of the Town of Middleborough”, said Glenn Marshall, Mashpee Tribal Council chairman. Marshall will address the media at 4 p.m. today in Middleboro. The project would be the first Indian casino in Massachusetts. Two highly lucrative casinos operated by different tribes, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are in Connecticut, while the Narragansetts in Rhode Island have been trying for years to get approval for a casino there.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:07 PM | Comment R.I. EDC promotes new tax incentive for companiesPROVIDENCE -- The state Economic Development Corporation is promoting a new tax incentive for companies in several high-wage industries, including information technology and biotechnology. Rhode Island has seen steady employment growth, adding 800 jobs last month and reducing unemployment to 4.7 percent. But the average salary remains below the national average. The new tax credit offers up-to $100,000 to reward investments in so-called innovation-based industries. In addition to biotechnology and IT, those sectors include: financial services, marine and defense manufacturing, professional, technical and educational services, and industrial and consumer product manufacturing and design. "We're trying to attract and keep serial entrepreneurs in the state," Saul Kaplan, the executive director of the EDC, said in an interview today. "We need more of them in Rhode Island." The tax credit was first proposed by the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council. It was approved by the General Assembly last year. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:42 PM | Comment Jersey man pleads guilty her to 50 steroid chargesPROVIDENCE -- A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today in federal court here to 50 charges in connection with a conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. Daniel McGlone, 54, entered the plea before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, the office of U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente announced today. McGlone pleaded guilty to: conspiracy to distribute HGH and anabolic steroids, six counts of distributing HGH, 11 counts of distributing anabolic steroids, two counts of health care fraud, and 30 counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The health care fraud involved helping customers obtain reimbursement for the prescriptions from health care insurers. McGlone advertised in magazines and on the Internet, recommended drug regimens to prospective customers, and then had illegal prescriptions written, filled and shipped to the customers, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. A New York physician and a former one have pleaded guilty to writing illegal prescriptions at McGlone’s request. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adi Goldstein said at the plea hearing that the government could prove that in 2004 McGlone created American Pharmaceutical Group, "which catered to customers interested in procuring steroids, HGH, and other prescription medications." Working out of his North Brunswick, N.J.,apartment, McGlone "acted, in essence, as a broker between customers and compounding pharmacies that packaged and shipped the drugs," the news release says. McGlone advised customers what to order and provided them with physician services, obtaining prescriptions from doctors in New York and elsewhere. One was Ana Maria Santi, a former doctor whose license to practice in New York was revoked in 1999. She wrote prescriptions at McGlone’s request, using the identity of another doctor, Abdul Almarashi, with whom she once had a professional relationship, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Another was Victor Mariani, a physician practicing in Queens, New York. McGlone faxed requests for prescriptions to Santi and Mariani, who wrote prescriptions without" examining or even meeting the prospective users," according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Santi and Mariani, who have both pleaded guilty to participating, faxed prescriptions to McGlone, who sent them to pharmacies in Florida and elsewhere to be filled. McGlone paid Santi and Mariani $25 for each prescription. All three defendants are forfeiting proceeds of the scheme: Mariani, $34,845; Santi, $24,340; and, McGlone, $833,000. McGlone, 54, and Mariani are free on bond, pending sentencing. McGlone and Santi are scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 2, and Mariani on Sept. 7. Santi, 68, is in state custody in Albany County, New York, awaiting sentencing for similar conduct. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:33 PM | Comment Update: Fire at elderly complex sends 9 to hospitalNORTH PROVIDENCE – Nine residents of the Brook Village elderly complex have been taken to local hospitals for heat exhaustion or smoke inhalation after a fire on the third floor forced the evacuation this afternoon of 140 people. Another 30 residents were taken to the North Providence Senior Center for shelter from the afternoon heat, Mayor Charles A. Lombardi said at the scene. By 2:30 p.m. today, the fire reported an hour earlier was out. It was brought under control very quickly, the chief said. The fire began in a couch in a third-floor apartment and spread within that apartment. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke on the third floor and smoke throughout the eleven-story building. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Richard Dujardin Fire investigators are inside working to determine the cause of the fire. Residents have not been let back in, although nearly all who didn’t go to a hospital or the senior center have scattered, either leaving on their own or with relatives or friends. Of those taken to hospitals, five went to Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence and four went to Roger Williams Medical Center, Lombardi said. Emergency crews didn’t want to overload either hospital, Fire Chief Albert Bertoncini said. Some may not need treatment but went to the hospitals as a precaution, Bertoncini said. The apartment where the fire started and both apartments below it suffered enough water damage that the residents may not be able to return to their apartments today, fire officials said. Fire officials hope the rest of the residents can return to their apartments today. The Red Cross helped those evacuated in the blaze. This is the fourth time this week the agency has responded to residential fires, according to spokeswoman Marisa Albanese. Since Sunday, the Red Cross has responded to fires in Pawtucket, Cranston and Providence and has provided food, clothing and shelter to 15 adults and 7 children, she said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:05 PM | Comment Group calls for boycott of New England Pest ControlLINCOLN -- Defenders of Animals is calling for a boycott of New England Pest Control, saying the company has killed several sparrows that had been nesting at a National Grid facility in Lincoln. The animal rights group said New England Pest Control should have found non-lethal methods to evict the birds, which National Grid says were fouling equipment and bothering employees. "There are alternatives," Dennis Tabella, the Defenders of Animals director, said in an interview today. "You just make it uncomfortable to use that area." Tony DeJesus, the service and technical manager for New England Pest Control, said the company killed the birds as a last resort. "The last course of action is the poison," DeJesus said in an interview. "It's an unfortunate situation." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:04 PM | Comment Charge upgraded in fatal kneeboarding accidentPROVIDENCE -- Ryan A. Greenberg, 17, the operator of a boat that was towing Barrington teenager Patrick Murphy when Murphy, also 17, died in a kneeboarding accident, now faces a felony charge of reckless operation, death resulting. The Department of Environmental Managerment had originally charged Greenberg with reckless operation of a motorboat, a misdemeanor. He has been free on $5,000 personal recognizance. But today, following the discovery of Murphy’s body Wednesday afternoon, the charge was upgraded. Greenberg, of Barrington, continues to face a misdemeanor charge of refusing to submit to a chemical test as requested by DEM after he failed a field sobriety test Tuesday night, when Murphy’s body disappeared beneath the waves on the Barrington River. He is to be arraigned in 6th Division District Court at 9 a.m. next Friday. Barrington police are continuing their own investigation and could level their own charges against the Barrington High School student. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:31 PM | Comment Biechele fighting against questioning in fire civil suitsPROVIDENCE – Daniel M. Biechele admitted his guilt to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter and is serving a prison sentence in connection with The Station nightclub fire, but his lawyer says he could be charged with other criminal offenses related to the deadly blaze. Based on his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, Biechele is now fighting attempts by lawyers representing the fire victims to question him under oath in preparation for the federal trial of their lawsuits for money damages. U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Martin has set a hearing on the matter for Aug. 1. Now that that criminal case is over, lawyers for those injured in the fire and survivors of those who perished want to question Biechele and other members of Great White for the civil lawsuits now pending in U.S. District Court. But one of Biechele’s lawyers, Donald J. Maroney, is trying to block them from asking Biechele any questions about events surrounding his use of pyrotechnics at the West Warwick nightclub. In court papers, Maroney says that while Biechele “has resolved all pending criminal charges in the State of Rhode Island, his potential exposure to additional criminal liability is unclear. Mr. Biechele has never received immunity from further prosecution here in Rhode Island, nor in any other jurisdiction. While Mr. Biechele is unaware of any pending federal investigation, the possibility of a federal prosecution remains open.” -- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton Maroney notes that based on materials furnished in Biechele’s state prosecution, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms participated in the fire investigation. Maroney says that even though the state case has ended –with guilty pleas by Biechele and the co-owners of the nightclub, brothers Jeffrey and Michael Derderian -- Biechele maintains his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. If Biechele were to be charged with other offenses in the future, any testimony he gives to the civil lawyers could be used against him. No trial date has been set for the victims’ lawsuits. Lawyers say it won’t be anytime soon. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:24 PM | Comment Barrington teen died of 'blunt and sharp force injuries'BARRINGTON -- The 17-year-old Barrington boy who died in a kneeboarding accident Tuesday night died from "blunt and sharp force injuries," a state Health Department spokeswoman said this afternoon. Patrick Murphy, of 15 Noble Ave., was not wearing a life vest while riding the kneeboard Tuesday evening, authorities said. The Health Department is releasing the information it received from the state Medical Examiner's office, spokeswoman Andrea Bagnall Degos said. Police have been interviewing people linked to the death of Murphy, and the police chief said Thursday night that most witnesses were being very cooperative in a probe he described as “methodical.” Murphy's body was recovered in the Barrington River, just north of the bike path bridge Wednesday afternoon. The driver of the boat that was towing Murphy, 17-year-old Ryan A. Greenberg, was cited by the state Department of Environmental Management with reckless boating and refusing to submit to a chemical test. Alcohol was found in the boat and Greenberg failed a field sobriety test that night. The police are weighing whether to file other charges against him. LaCross has said that alcohol “definitely” contributed to the death. A large search mobilized Tuesday night. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:16 PM | Comment Man to serve 5 years for role in mob extortion ringPROVIDENCE -- A federal judge cited a North Providence man's criminal record and propensity for violence when she sentenced him today to a maximum of five years in prison for his role in a mob extortion ring. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi had no sympathy for Ricky Silva, 48, and she referred to a motion from his defense lawyer seeking a lesser sentence of 48 months as "laughable." Lisi said that she was sorry she could not send Silva to prison for more than five years, the maximum allowed under the federal guidelines for extortion "to protect the public from further crimes." "He is either unable or unwilling to control his behavior," she said. In April 2006, Silva was one of four men arrested and charged with participating in a $200,000 shakedown of a pizza parlor owner and bookmaker/drug dealer in the Taunton, Mass., area. -- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski In earlier hearings, where the defendants entered guilty pleas, government prosecutors said that Anthony M. ``The Saint’’ St. Laurent, a capo regime in the Patriarca crime family, directed the extortion plot from his home at 2 Rotary Dr., in Johnston. The prosecutors said that St. Laurent directed Silva and James G. Manning, 64, of Cranston, to travel to Massachusetts and get the money from the two intended victims. St. Laurent instructed Silva and Manning to ``bash’’ the two targets if they failed to pay. Manning has pleaded guilty to extortion and is awaiting sentencing. On April 6, 2006, Silva, Manning and an FBI informant traveled to Massachusetts to search for the men. Once there, they teamed up with Lawrence Crites, of Taunton, Mass., who was supposed to help them find the extortion victims. The informant wore a hidden microphone and recorded conversations between St. Laurent, Silva, Manning and Crites. This week, Crites pleaded guilty to extortion. He will be sentenced on Oct. 12. At today’s hearing, the informant was identified as Silva’s brother-in-law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Madden told the court that Silva deserved the maximum penalty based on his criminal history and his willingness to cross state lines and violently attack two strangers for money. He pointed out that Silva has 31 criminal convictions including several involving firearms. ``Rehabilitation has passed Mr. Silva by,’’ Madden said. Silva’s lawyer, Charles Tamulevicz, argued that it would be unfair to sentence Silva to a term longer than the 56 months St. Laurent received last winter. He said that St. Laurent directed the extortion ring and should, therefore, receive the toughest punishment. Tamulevicz also said that the extortion scheme was ``not a sophisticated undertaking’’ and that they never found the two men they were supposed to shakedown anyway. Before imposing the sentence, Silva rose from his seat at the defense table to address the court. He wore a pair of khaki prison-issued johnnies that are worn by the prisoners at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. ``I would just like to apologize to the courts and the government,’’ he said. ``This has hurt me and my family. The fact of the matter is that I don’t want to put them through this anymore. That’s all I’ve got to say.’’ Lisi was not swayed. She told Silva that he could have decided against participating in the plot. Instead, she said, he was a willing participant. ``It was simply another job. Go out and beat somebody up.’’ She also said that she was not the sentencing judge in the St. Laurent case and it had no impact on his case. At the end of the sentencing, federal marshals cranked a set of handcuffs on Silva’s wrists. As he was led from the courtroom, he yelled to a group of high school students attending a summer program at Brown University. ``Stay in school!’’ Posted by Jack Perry at 2:07 PM | Comment Theatre by the Sea goes nonprofitTheatre By The Sea in Matunuck, the previously for-profit theater, will become a nonprofit entity, according to Bill Hanney, new owner and producer. Becoming a non-profit allows the newly created Ocean State Theatre Company to accept contributions from corporations, foundations and governmental organizations, as well as private donors. Long-term benefits would include keeping ticket prices below market value, fully exploring educational programming and allowing corporate and individual donors to enjoy recognition for many years to come. “The public reaction to the reopening of the theatre has been overwhelming,” Hanney said in a news release. “Everyone with whom I have come in contact has been quick to express how grateful they are to have ‘their’ theater back. With the public’s support, I have no doubt that we will be able to produce live theater of the highest quality for many years to come.” Theatre By The Sea also plans to produce a diverse assortment of productions during the summer months and perhaps off-season, including star vehicles, classic musicals, non-musicals and more recent Broadway pieces. The development of new works is being considered, as well, the theater company said. “We are also interested in exploring an educational component. This might include a main stage children’s series, conducting various workshops and hopefully offering a children’s thearte camp,” said Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. “With arts education dwindling in our public schools, we feel it is our responsibility to offer meaningful arts programs that will teach life skills, help children discover creativity and assist in the further development of their imaginations.” As for its current schedule, Theatre By The Sea’s sneak-preview summer event of Stephen Sondheim’s nine-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will be presented from Aug. 10 to 26, with special preview performances on Aug. 8 and 9.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 1:33 PM | Comment Test results negative for West Nile, EEEStill no sign of West Nile Virus in Rhode Island. Results from 57 mosquito pools and 37 traps that were set statewide during the week of July 9, 2007 all returned negative for both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. That's according to state environmental officials, who also say that pending results from an earlier test came back negative too. So far this year in Rhode Island, no mosquito has tested positive for EEE. Still, state officials are advising residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. --By the Associated Press Posted by Pam Cotter at 1:17 PM | Comment Providence Roller Derby bout tonightDo you need to blow off some steam in this heat? The Providence Roller Derby will present "Summer Shovin' " tonight, pitting the Providence Mob Squad against the Sakonnet River Roller Rats. Doors open at the Bank of America skating center in Kennedy Plaza at 7 p.m. and the action starts at 8. According to the Web site, the Providence Roller Derby was founded in 2004, and is currently ranked 10th in the country. The league has four teams: The Mob Squad, The Old Money Honeys, The Sakonnet River Roller Rats, and our All Star Travel Team: The Rhode Island Riveters. For tickets, check the Providence Roller Derby Web site at www.providencerollerderby.com. For information, contact Anna WrecksYa at annawrecksya@gmail.com Posted by maria caporizzo at 12:52 PM | Comment Whitehouse named to National Council on the ArtsWashington, D.C. -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., has been appointed to serve as an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body to the National Endowment for the Arts. He was named to the Council by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. “I’m honored to represent the Ocean State on this distinguished panel,” Whitehouse said. “The NEA supports Rhode Island artists, performances, and educational opportunities that make our communities richer, our economy stronger, and our lives more meaningful, " Whitehouse said in a news release. "Our great senator, Claiborne Pell, championed the NEA, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to assist this organization in its important work.” The NEA was created in 1965 with the enactment of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, signed into law by then-President Lyndon Johnson. The bill was originally sponsored by former Sen. Pell. The agency has repeatedly recognized Rhode Island’s contribution to the arts through grants to some of the state’s artistic institutions, including the Trinity Repertory Company, the Everett Dance Theater, and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 12:22 PM | Comment Coming soon: free beach day, tunes, sand castlesYou'll have to wait a little bit, but it'll probably still be hot then too. Governor Carcieri's office today announced that annual Governor's Bay Day will be Sunday, July 29 -- it means free entrance to all state beaches and parks. And it will include music from American Idol Justin Guarini and the classic rock of Eric Burdon and the Animals. During the late 60s, Burdon sometimes jammed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix. Carcieri has issued an executive order waiving entrance/parking fees at all state parks and beaches for that day. Parking will be free beginning at 4 p.m. on the Saturday, July 28. Bay Day events are slated for Colt State Park in Bristol, Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick and Brenton Point Park in Newport. There are also events slated for Roger Wheeler, Scarborough, and Misquamicut State Beaches. That Saturday night, at Misquamicut State Beach, is the Misquamicut Business Association’s music festival and fireworks. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and features five musical acts. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. A new event this year is sand carving from “Sandtasia Sand Sculptures of the Ocean State.” This company of professional sand sculptors will give lessons and demonstrations. Save the Bay will again offer free island boat tours and there will be water safety and naturalist programs and music -- from rock to soul to sea chanties. See below for the list of events: Saturday, July 28: *Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly: Misquamicut Business Association's Music Festival and Fireworks: -- 6 p.m., Beach Bums -- 6:30 p.m., Al Copley -- 7 p.m., Denny Laine & Special Guest Ian Mitchell -- 7:45 p.m. American Idol Justin Guarini -- 8:30 p.m. Eric Burdon and the Animals -- 10 p.m. Fireworks
* Colt State Park, Bristol: -- 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Neighborhood Barbecue -- Noon to 2 p.m. Rockin’ Soul Horns Concert -- Save the Bay Island Boat Tours Tickets available for 12, 1, 2, 3 p.m. tours: -- Noon to 4 p.m.: DEM’s Kids Fishing Derby -- Noon to 4 p.m.: DEM’s Naturalist Program -- Noon to 4 p.m.: DEM’s Boat Safety Demo -- Noon to 4 p.m,:Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Produce Demonstration -- Noon to 4 p.m.: Radio station 630/WPRO, Family Fun Activities -- 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Sandtasia Sand Sculptures of the Ocean State -- 11 a.m. to noon: Sandtasia Sand Sculptures of the Ocean State of Rhode Island -- sculpting techniques -- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Radio station Lite Rock 105 features Mystic Aquarium help for sea creatures -- Noon to 4 p.m.: Department of Children, Youth and Families' "Fishing for Families" -- outreach for foster families -- Noon to 4 p.m.: Department of Environmental Managemenbt's naturalist program -- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Compass Rose Sea Chanties -- Rhode Island State Council on the Arts -- 3 p.m.: Lite Rock 105’s sand castle competition awards
-- 9 a.m. to noonL 92 PRO-FM’s dig for treasure -- Noon to 3 p.m.: RING’s rock climbing wall inflatables/ Humvee -- Noon to 3 p.m.: Hot 106’s dig for treasure -- Noon to 4 p.m. Verizon’s interactive video games
-- Noon to 4 p.m.: Coast 93.3’s kidz and family activities: Chalk Board Sidewalk Mold & Color Clay Hemp necklace creations Fishing for Prizes -- 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Don Culp’s drumming workshop -- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Don Culp’s drumming workshop -- Noon to 4 p.m. Sound Box Studio’s record your own music -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: REI kayaking demos
* Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly: -- Noon to 4 p.m.: DEM’s naturalist’s program -- Noon to 4 p.m.: Treats from “Tim Hortons” -- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Vini Ames and Band -- Noon to 4 p.m.: Jamestown Kites -- ocean-themed kite flying demonstrations Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:52 AM | Comment Hot air balloons take to the skies in South CountyThere’s nothing quite like watching colorful hot air balloons hovering overhead. If you’ve never seen that – or never grow tired of such a sight -- this weekend is your chance to take it all in. For a breathtaking vision of hot air balloons in the sky, check out this weekend’s annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, which kicks off at 4 p.m. today and at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow and Sunday at the URI athletic fields, off Route 138. Also, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band performs tonight, there are fireworks tomorrow and there’s a Revolutionary War encampment on Sunday. The festival also has carnival rides and games, a crafts show, antique cars, para-gliders and radio-controlled planes. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:59 AM | Comment Derderians decided which brother would go to jailAs the plea deal that halted the trials of Jeffrey and Michael Derderian was coming together, the families of the brothers who owned The Station nightclub talked about which brother would serve time in jail, Michael Derderian’s wife said this morning on WPRO 630 AM in an interview with John DePetro. Through all the angst following the February 2003 fire at the club that killed 100 people and injured 200, the families of the brothers who owned the club have stuck together, said Kristina Derderian, whose husband is now serving time at the Adult Correctional Institutions while his brother, Jeffrey, is fulfilling a suspended jail sentence that requires him to perform 500 hours of community service. “We all made a choice,” Kristina Derderian said. “It was presented to us that one of them would have to go. Jeff has two young children and between us, [Michael and me], we have four teenagers.” Having Michael be the brother to serve jail time, she said, was the “better way to handle the situation.” “There’s no animosity,” she said. “We all stick together.” Jeffrey’s wife, Linda Derderian, said it was “difficult” as the families discussed the option of one brother serving. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson “The fact that my brother-in-law was willing to do that [was] such a sacrifice, and my children understand that,” she said. “They already understand at eight years old what true sacrifice is.’ Jeffrey Derderian and his wife and sister-in-law joined DePetro in nearly an hourlong interview on the day after the Derderian brothers launched a new charity to defray costs for the children who lost parents in the nightclub fire. Also in the interview was Jody King, a childhood friend of the Derderians. His brother Tracy King was a bouncer at the club who died the night of the fire. The Derderian brothers and their wives have launched the Station Education Fund with King and his wife, Liana King. On the fund’s Web site, the Derderians refer to themselves as the “renters of the building where their nightclub was located,” a point that DePetro brought up since media reports traditionally call the Derderians the owners of the nightclub. They owned the business that burned down that fateful night. “It’s a point of clarification,” Jeffrey said on the air this morning. “That’s by no means to say we skirt the mistakes that we made. We made mistakes. We did, and we’re sorry for those mistakes and, you know, sorry doesn’t really cut it. … Me and my brother, we made mistakes.” Linda Derderian said the families have wanted to do so much to make a difference since the fire, but they were unable to do so because of pending court cases. “How difficult it was for us not to be able to do something,” she said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:53 AM | Comment Police ID men found dead in SUVThe Providence police have released the names of the two men found dead of apparent drug overdoses in an SUV Wednesday night on Manton Ave. They were Michael Richard, 54, of 993 Manton Ave., Providence, and Gary Correia, 50, also of 993 Manton Ave., Providence, according to the Providence police. The police had withheld the names pending notification of next of kin. A Johnston woman has been charged with two felonies for failing to report the deaths of the men, who were found in her SUV. -- With reports from Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:24 AM | Comment Photo: Slow going in Providence
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:45 AM | Comment Harry Potter and the fate of the midnight readersIt's almost here, Harry Potter: the end. The final book in J.K. Rowling’s series is to be released at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow. How will it all end? Go here to give your predictions and read others. Read a critic's review here. These stores are among the places you can buy the book: * All Booked Up, 34 Nooseneck Hill Rd., West Greenwich, is having a Harry Potter Party beginning at 10 p.m. with a costume contest and games. * Barnes & Noble, 1311 West Main Rd., Middletown, has its Midnight Magic Costume Party, which includes performances by storytellers, beginning at 7:30 p.m. * Barrington Books, in the Barrington Shopping Center, 184 County Rd., is having a Harry Potter Event beginning at 10:45 p.m. There will be 15 youth actors in costume from the town’s summer theater program portraying characters. * Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence, is having a Harry Potter Party beginning at 11:30 p.m. There will be cookies and milk, and Potter games. * Borders Books, Music and Café at Providence Place, Garden City and the Swansea Mall is having a Grand Hallows Ball, with games and activities, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. * Island Books, 575 East Main Rd., Middletown, is having a Harry Potter Party beginning at 9 p.m., with games, events and trivia. * Brown University Bookstore, 244 Thayer St., Providence, conducts what it calls “a magical midnight romp.” The party begins at 10 p.m. Not only are costumes encouraged, but so too are pajamas. * Novel Idea, 450 Hope St., Bristol, has its Harry Potter Party beginning at 10 p.m. with various Potter-related activities. * Waldenbooks, at the Wakefield and the Warwick malls, will conduct a Grand Hallows’ Ball with activities, special events and prizes. Warwick’s party begins at 9; Wakefield’s at 9:45 p.m. * A group of 22 people, mostly children, have been meeting once a week for three weeks in preparation for this moment. They’ve gathered at the Rochambeau Branch of the Providence Public Library. And after the book’s release, they’ll gather again, four more times over four more weeks. After all, they are the Harry Potter Support Group. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about Jeffrey and Michael Derderian starting a charity to help the children of people who died in The Station fire. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment Pack the beach bag, you'll need it this weekendAre you ready for a little sunshine? Not today, probably. The National Weather Service says there is still a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms with a west wind and a high of 83. But tomorrow and Sunday will be beach days of the first order. The forecast for both days calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in the low 80s. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006