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The Post - Thursday, May 27, 2021

5/27/21

Editorial: The public has a right to speak, good or bad

Public bodies can meet behind closed doors if they’re discussing someone’s job performance or negotiating terms of a contract. They can add things to their agenda if a majority agree to … more

5/27/21

Mount Hope Farm representative Merritt Meyer (center) leads a tour of the property with Bristol Historic District Commission members (left to right) John Allen, Oryann Lima and Ben Bergenholtz. To his left is the farm’s executive director, Sheri St. Germain. Behind them all is a foundation poured without any town review or approvals that triggered a cease and desist order, as well as a mandatory review of the farm’s master plan with the town.

Mount Hope Farm working to right their wrongs

Mount Hope Farm is on the road to redemption with the Town of Bristol, after more than a year of odd missteps. Their latest step was a walking tour of the farm last Friday morning for members of the … more

By Scott Pickering | 5/27/21

Letter: Racism is not a one-way street

I’m writing in response to frequent letter-writer Michael Proto and his recurring commentary on racism . How can anyone tell who is a racist and who is not? Can you see into a person’s … more

5/27/21

The Barrington Middle School Science Olympiad team.

Barrington — One of Rhode Island’s most diverse (suburban) communities

Consider two Rhode Island communities. In one, just 3 percent of the students in the public schools are racial minorities — classified as anything other than “white.” In the other, … more

By Scott Pickering | 5/26/21

Letter: It’s time to restore music, plus more

More than 600 Rhode Island students from grades 7 to 12 were featured in the 2021 RIMEA (Rhode Island Music Education Association) All-State Music Festival Concert, premiering on YouTube on May 2, … more

5/26/21

A firefighter walks 16a Prospect Street resident June Leone and her brother, Brian Jarvis, to a Red Cross truck for treatment Tuesday evening. Another resident of the three-family structure died when it caught fire.

Fire chief identifies victim of Bristol blaze

Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello released the identity of the victim in a deadly fire Tuesday evening . The deceased is 34-year-old Corey Rogers, a resident of the 16 Prospect St. multi-family … more

5/26/21

DEI policy goal: Make all students feel sense of belonging

What will the district’s new “diversity, equity and inclusivity” policy mean for students and their families? Barrington School Committee Chairwoman Gina Bae said the direct … more

By Josh Bickford | 5/26/21

Barrington High School senior Sasha Westrick has been rowing since she was 13 years old. She recently signed a letter of intent to row for Temple University next year.

BHS senior will row for Temple University next year

Barrington High School senior Sasha Westrick recently signed a letter of intent to row for Temple University next year. Sasha started rowing when she was 13 years old and quickly took to the … more

By Josh Bickford | 5/25/21

Kevin Mendes, in a booking photograph taken by Warren police Monday, May 24.

No bail for Warren man charged with attempted murder of mother

A Warren man accused of the attempted murder of his mother was ordered held without bail Monday, and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Kevin M. Mendes, 34, of 22 Birchswamp Road, … more

By Ted Hayes | 5/25/21

Mayor Bob DaSilva, Councilor Robert Britto and Councilor Bob Rodericks look on as Brian Silva and Sandra Medina unveil a memorial plaque in memory of East Providence residents who have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

East Providence memorializes COVID patients as pandemic deaths in city approach 200

EAST PROVIDENCE — Officials from East Providence hosted a ceremony Monday evening, May 24, at City Hall, where a tree was planted dedicated to the memory of residents who have lost their lives to … more

Words by Mike Rego, Photos by Julie Furtado | 5/25/21

Aerial view shows the location of the planned solar array off West Main Road, between Lehigh Terrace to the north (top) and Freeborn Street (not shown) to the south. Note the cleared area, where the rows of ground-mounted solar panels would be built, surrounded by trees and vegetation.

Zoning board OKs large solar array off West Main, Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Saying the applicant checked all the boxes needed for a special-use permit under the town’s solar ordinance, the Zoning Board of Review Thursday, May … more

By Jim McGaw | 5/24/21

With an eye on the ground, David M. Bird assembles ‘Becorns’ — small figures constructed from found natural items — and leaves them to interact with wildlife.

Artist and toy designer turns to nature for inspiration

About a decade ago, RISD-educated toy designer David M. Bird was sweeping his mom’s driveway in Pittsburgh, remembering fondly a job he had at Lego in Denmark, designing miniature figures for … more

By Christy Nadalin | 5/24/21

Letter: Now is the time to address gun violence

To the editor: On Thursday, May 13, the largest mass shooting in Providence’s history happened. Nine people were injured, three critically so. I later found out that my younger brother was … more

5/21/21

Warren town manager lobbies for educational funding

The most recent school budget cycle was one of the most painful in recent memory, with Bristol Warren Regional School Committee members on Monday voting to lay off nearly 25 full time employees and … more

By Ted Hayes | 5/21/21

Bristol Police: Two arrests for DUI, plus problems between neighbors

Bristol police officers made a handful of arrests, including two for driving under the influence, from May 10 to 17. Monday, May 10 A sick animal was reported on Dominion Avenue at 2:21 … more

5/21/21

Editorial: State is intent on abandoning bike path bridges

The DOT was looking for approval for its new detour plan. What it received was an earful from residents and political leaders about how important the East Bay Bike Path bridges are. … more

5/21/21

This image shows what the signs for the proposed Chase Bank would have looked like. The bank would have been located in the former AAA building at the corner of Maple Avenue and County Road.

Chase Bank, with drive-up ATM, earns board approval

A once-failed application for a new bank and drive-through ATM has earned enough votes on a second trip to the Barrington Zoning Board. Last month, members of the zoning board voted 4-1 to grant … more

By Josh Bickford | 5/21/21

Letter: Generation Citizen curriculum – Parents, beware

Parents and grandparents of children attending public schools, take special notice. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a cancer that is infiltrating public schools everywhere. Traditional civics … more

5/21/21

Letter: Push state to allow Independence Park concerts

I read in the Bristol Phoenix that this season’s music concerts , in celebration of the Fourth of July, are moved to Roger Williams University. The article said the committee’s request … more

5/21/21

Wenley Ferguson of Save the Bay directs volunteers where to plant nearly 1,600 trees and shrubs along the future Bristol Golf Course last week.

Volunteers bring life to the Bristol golf course

It’s not often (if ever) you hear of non-profit volunteers being asked to turn up in numbers to supply free labor to enhance a golf course, but that’s exactly what happened last week in … more

By Christy Nadalin | 5/21/21

Bristol manages millions in special projects funds

A request at the February Bristol Town Council meeting to establish a special fund to raise money for the restoration of a painting of Thomas Shepard, Bristol’s first superintendent of schools, … more

By Christy Nadalin | 5/20/21

Couple and realtor signing papers for new house

The buying frenzy — and frustration — continue

Your company just announced that your division is being relocated from the Midwest headquarters to the East Coast. In fact, your new office is situated in Rhode Island — home to beautiful … more

By Josh Bickford | 5/20/21

Letter: A solution looking for a problem in Barrington

To the editor: After watching a recent Town Council meeting I am more convinced that the Band of Five has a solution looking for a problem! I was appalled to see that they spent taxpayer money … more

5/20/21

Letter: The issue is whether ‘CRT’ belongs in our schools

My good friend Michael Byrnes is outspoken, and most of the time I agree with him. So when I read recent letters here critiquing Mike’s opinions , I felt a response in order. First, I … more

5/20/21