John “Jack” Evans, 72, of Charles Street, passed away on Jan. 11, 2014, at the RI VA Medical Center.

He was the former husband of Judy Evans.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Louis and Frances (Gallagher) Evans.  He was the father of David Motta of Swansea, Mass.; brother of Sally Monahon of Wakefield and Robert Evans of Swansea; grandfather of Amanda Couturier and Chadam Motta; uncle of Neal Monahon, Ann Hathaway, Louis Evans, Robert P. Evans, Jr.; and great-uncle of Brad Hathaway, Jillian Hathaway, Robert Evans III and Katherine Anne Evans.

John was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School. He was employed as a manager for Bradlee’s and then as a supervisor for Town & Country Transportation. He was the Code Compliance Officer for the Town of Bristol for 10 years before recently retiring.

He was a life member of the Bristol County Elks and The Cup Defenders Association. John was an avid boater and served as a member of the Bristol Boat Show Committee.  He was a former member of the Bristol Harbor Commission.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. at The First Congregational Church, 281 High St.

Burial will follow in North Burial Ground in Bristol.

Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., in  Bristol.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or got@woundedwarriorproject.org.

Several residents in the neighborhood north of the Bristol Fire Department headquarters awoke Sunday morning to their mailboxes damaged, the result of an overnight vandalism spree allegedly by two area teens.

Police charged a 14-year-old male from Rehoboth, Mass., and a 17-year-old male from Bristol with vandalism/malicious destruction of property, a misdemeanor.

While on patrol Jan. 12, Officer Russel Wood noticed several people standing around an address near Wing-N-It Bar and Grille on Metacom Avenue shortly after 8:30 a.m. There was also a car nearby with its hazard lights on.

According to Officer Wood’s report, when he asked the group if everything was “ok,” they told him that their mailboxes had ben vandalized, and knocked to the ground. A passerby, noticing the commotion, stopped and informed Officer Wood that several mailboxes along Annawamscutt Drive were also damaged.

Mailboxes on Rosedale, Robin, Primrose, and Fernwood drives were also vandalized, adding up to 17 mailboxes and $2,500 in damage.

“I observed every mailbox to be open,” Officer Wood stated in his report. “It is believed that whoever vandalized the mailboxes on Metacom Ave. also went through these mailboxes.”

A Robin Drive resident did catch the teens in the act — on home surveillance.

The homeowner showed Officer Wood a timestamped video from 1:53 a.m. that morning of two young men wearing hooded sweatshirts, both pulled over their heads. One was wearing a darker color sweatshirt, while the other was wearing one lighter in color.

The video footage wasn’t clearly visible because of the weather conditions, Officer Wood stated, and the night time lighting.

The two might have eluded police had one of their friend’s not turned them in.

According to Officer Wood’s report, one of the teen’s had called a friend, bragging about the damage he did in Bristol overnight.

The teens’ parents were contacted, and they were subsequently interviewed and charged.

The following items are among those in the Bristol Police log Jan. 6 – 13, 2014:

Monday, Jan. 6
Police and firefighters responded to an area of Metacom Avenue at 10:48 a.m. for a report that a utility pole was sparking and on fire.
A Constitution Street resident reported that her boyfriend refused to return her car keys and that he left the area.
Christopher J. Machado, 28, of 34 Michael Drive, Bristol, was arrested on charges of domestic simple assault/battery.
Police responded to Bristol Sports Club at 11:12 p.m. for a report of a possible prank. The bartender told police that an unknown person ran into the bar, pulled the fire alarm and ran off.

Tuesday, Jan. 7
A caller reported seeing a suspicious device attached to a CCTV camera at an ATM kiosk on Metacom Avenue.
Police were called to a home on Bradford Street for an animal complaint.

Wednesday, Jan. 8
David F. Archambault, 31, of 47 Wall St., Bristol, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct.
A Hope Street resident reported that the first floor tenant of her building blocked her car in and would not move it.
Jeffrey D. Brown, 40, of 10 Patricia Ann Drive, Bristol, was arrested on charges of vandalism/malicious destruction to property

Thursday, Jan. 9
A caller reported seeing people on the ice near Hope and Washington streets.
Another caller reported seeing a suspicious car parking in the area of Birchwood Road and Sandy Lane, with a Middle Eastern driver. There were no issues. The man worked for a construction company and was waiting for the crew to arrive to start work.

Friday, Jan. 10
Police received two calls, at 1:17 a.m. and another at 5:23 a.m., about the bay door to the Dreadnaught Fire Station being open. Each time there were no issues, and the door was closed.
Police were called to a home on Court Street for a report of a verbal argument between siblings.
Police responded to a home on Easterbooks Avenue for a noise complaint at 10:18 p.m. Officers spoke to all parties. There was no problem, just horsing around.

Saturday, Jan. 11
Police responded to an area of Easterbrooks Avenue for a report of a man and woman arguing in the middle of the road at 12:50 a.m.
A Byfield Street resident asked to speak with an animal control officer about a dog pooping on her property.
A caller reported seeing a man removing rocks from the preservation area of Narrows Road, and lining his property with them.

Sunday, Jan. 12
Fausto Luiz Araujo, 45, of East Providence, was arrested on charges of DUI first offense, .15 or greater.
Jason D. Salinger, 39, of 15 Burton St., Bristol, was arrested on charges of violating a protective order.
A Greenway Drive caller reported that he gave an engagement ring to his girlfriend, and she initially refused it. He then told police that she took possession of it and now won’t return it.
April D. Andrade, 42, of Warren, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and simple assault/battery.
Emanuel L. DaPonte, 66, of 141 Fales Road, Bristol, was arrested on charges of DUI first offense, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Manuel C.  Barboza, 94 of Westwood Road and St. Augustine Beach, Fla., passed away on Jan. 12, 2014.

He was the husband of the late Louise (Pacheco) Barboza.

Born in Bristol, he operated Manny’s Ringside and worked at Collins and Aikman before retiring. He served in World War II and the Korean War.

He is survived by his daughters Barbara Contente and her husband Leo (Ilidio) of Bristol, Patricia Accinno and her husband Ralph of Coventry; his grandchildren Kristen Rogers, Julie Rogers, Leo Contente (Sandra), Paul Contente, Alfred Contente (Susan), Steven Contente (Kristen); and his great-grandchildren Mitchell, Reid, Michael, Nicole, Alaina and Levi Contente and Elijah Rogers.

His funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High St. with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St.

Calling hours are 9 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th St., STE 920, Kansas City, MO 64111.

of Westwood Road and St. Augustine Beach, Fla., passed away on Jan. 12, 2014.
He was the husband of the late Louise (Pacheco) Barboza.
Born in Bristol, he operated Manny’s Ringside and worked at Collins and Aikman before retiring. He served in World War II and the Korean War.
He is survived by his daughters Barbara Contente and her husband Leo (Ilidio) of Bristol, Patricia Accinno and her husband Ralph of Coventry; his grandchildren Kristen Rogers, Julie Rogers, Leo Contente (Sandra), Paul Contente, Alfred Contente (Susan), Steven Contente (Kristen); and his great-grandchildren Mitchell, Reid, Michael, Nicole, Alaina and Levi Contente and Elijah Rogers.
His funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High St. with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St.
Calling hours are 9 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th St., STE 920, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Bristol Marine president Andy Tyska explains his company’s master plan, which includes expanding his marina from 25 to 39 slips.

His plan for Bristol Marine called for a larger boatyard to store more boats; a new, all-season working shed to make repairs; and expanding the marina into Bristol’s harbor to accommodate deeper, larger boats.

But before he puts a shovel in the ground (or water) to expand, Mr. Tyska needs access to the town’s sewer system, which doesn’t exist anywhere on Poppasquash Road. And before he gets access to the town sewer, he needs state approval. And before he gets state approval, he needs town approval. And before he gets town approval, he needs town planning board approval of his master plan. Welcome to Mr. Tyska’s bureaucratic maze.

“We don’t have the infrastructure we need to expand our business,” he said.

Mr. Tyska’s most recent discussion with the town to expand started in the spring of 2012. At that time, he and the Bristol Town Council struck an agreement that if Mr. Tyska wanted a sewer line to his business, he would have to pay for it. Since then, he’s been willing to cough up the $200,000 to $400,000 needed for the town to run a sewer line from Hope Street to 99 Poppasquash Road.

Then things got complicated.

“He’s having trouble finding the best route,” said Community Development Director Diane Williamson. “He’s not able to go along the shoreline, and going through Colt State Park would require DEM (Department of Environmental Management) approval.”

Yet before Mr. Tyska can make a formal request with DEM to install a sewer line through state property, however, he needs a special use permit granted by the Town of Bristol.

“This way, they’re not giving me something that in turn, the town isn’t OK with,” he explained.

That’s where his expansion plans stalled.

In order for the town to grant him a special use permit — Bristol Marine is zoned residential, but existed before the town’s zoning laws — the planning board needs to approve Bristol Marine’s master plan. The planning board has been reluctant to do so, since Mr. Tyska’s original expansion design five years ago expanded his marina to the north into state waters, tripling his slip total to 75.

That plan caused such an uproar with residents and neighbors of Bristol Marine, that the state amended its laws to reflect that “no acquiring authority shall relinquish riparian rights of Colt State Park or Poppasquash Road, Bristol to any entity for private use.”

“Because he came in with those big plans, and everyone got upset, there’s such a heightened awareness now,” Ms. Williamson said. “Every time he submits something, people want to know if he’s back to that big plan.”

Mr. Tyska has assured the town, through his application, that he has modified his master plan to expand his marina 200 feet to the east, about doubling the length of his current dock, and bringing the total number of slips to just 39. This would allow Bristol Marine to service larger and deeper boats. The expansion would remain within Bristol Marine’s current riparian rights.

“It’s a long-term plan that if we’re going to continue to grow and invest money in making changes, that we’ll want to include additional slips,” Mr. Tyska said. “But those slips are of the least importance right now.”

Right now, what Bristol Marine needs is a sewer line, he said.

“I can’t install a new, bigger septic system because then I’d need to add fill, which would raise the ground level and take away lot space for storing the boats,” he said. In the boating off-season, about 200 boats are stored on the property.

The current septic system is not working properly and requires pumping of the holding tank on a weekly basis. When there’s an overflow, which happens regularly, it negatively impacts Bristol Marine’s neighbors, said Paul Sanroma.

“I see the effect of that along my shoreline,” said Mr. Sanroma, who lives at 55 Poppasquash Road. “So I support his need for sewer. It would be better for everyone.”

Should the town decide not to approve Bristol Marine’s master plan, it may mean the loss of Bristol’s status as a working waterfront, Mr. Tyksa said.

“We’re the only working, serviceable boatyard in Bristol’s harbor,” he said. “It complements perfectly what the town is trying to do with the (armory) maritime center.”

Last year, Mr. Tyska bought a parcel of waterfront land in Somerset, Mass., where he constructed a 25-slip dock, with ample room to expand.

“All these boaters are spending their money in Somerset, when they could be dining and shopping in Bristol,” he said of boaters who have docked at his Somerset location. The Bristol boatyard was too small to accommodate them.

“I love Bristol. I love being here. I have a family here,” he said. “And I’d like to keep it this way. We have wonderful employees who depend on us. And for every boat slip, it creates one job directly, and three indirectly.”

Bristol’s Technical Review Committee is expected to comment on Bristol Marine’s official application on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The following are among those listed in the Bristol Police log Jan. 13 – 21, 2014:

Monday, Jan. 13

A Wood Street caller reported suspicious activity at their neighbor’s house. The windows on the second floor were covered in tinfoil.

A woman reported seeing a man verbally abuse a child in the area of Wood Street. However, the man was just disciplining his son, police said.

A Franklin Street resident called police because his 17-year-old son was acting out.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

It was reported that someone stole parts to an excavator on King Phillip Avenue.

A caller reported hearing an alarm going off in the area of Washington and High streets. Police later found a smoke detector in a nearby dumpster and pulled out the batteries.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

A Wood Street resident asked to speak to police about her landlord entering her apartment without permission.

A Herzig Court caller also wanted to speak to police about a disagreement he had with his handicapped son and mother.

Thursday, Jan. 16

A Sherry Ave resident called police at 9:47 p.m. because someone was knocking on her breezeway door.

Police were called to a home at the Francis Street apartments because someone heard screaming and yelling, followed by a loud crash sound.

Friday, Jan. 17

DEM and Animal Control were called to Blithewold Gardens to remove a dead deer on the side of the road.

Jeffrey Powell, 36, of 10 Francis St., Bristol, was arrested on a 6th District Court bench warrant charge.

A Sousa Street resident called police to report that a truck was revving its engine every time it drove by their home.

Saturday, Jan. 18

A caller asked police to check out a home on Tobin Lane, which is owned by her parents but is currently vacant. When visiting the home, she heard a flushing sound, like that of a toilet.

Peter Steven Eklund, 25, of Barrington, was arrested on charges of DUI second offense, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Police responded to a Hope Street home for an accidental misdial by a child.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Charity A. Cabral, 38, of 18 Goulart Ave., Bristol, was arrested on a 6th District Court bench warrant charge.

Firefighters responded to a home on Hope Street for a reported oven fire.

Monday, Jan. 20

Police responded to Ammouri’s Gas and Food Mart on Hope Street for a report that there were two lost puppies in the woods. They were unable to find the dogs.

Justin J. Milhomens, 28, of 25 Franca Drive, Bristol, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony. He was allegedly threatening another driver on Gooding Avenue, punching the other driver’s car windows with a screwdriver.

Shawn Vargas

Lauren Gaglio

Kenneth Anthony Coelho

Eric Pires

Cody James Cabral

Bethanie DaSilva

Arrested were Cody James Cabral, 21, of 15 Monroe Ave., on felony charges of delivering heroin, and two schedule I-V drug possessions; Kenneth Anthony Coelho, III, 24, of 322 Wood St., on felony charges of delivering heroin, and a schedule I-V drug possession; Eric A. Pires, 22, of 725 Metacom Ave., on a felony charge of delivering heroin; Shawn J. Vargas, 24, of 21 Magnolia St., on a delivery of a schedule I-V charge; Lauren E. Gaglio, 25, of 50 River St., on felony charges of conspiracy to deliver heroin, and two schedule I-V drug possessions; and Bethanie P. DaSilva, 21, of 22 Casey Drive, on a felony conspiracy to deliver heroin charge.

The arrests were part of an ongoing drug investigation into the distribution and sale of heroin in and around the Town of Bristol.

Providence connections

Police allegedly were able to purchase heroin from Mr. Cabral on Dec. 18-19, 2013, and again on Jan. 6, 2014. According to police, Ms. Gaglio helped Mr. Cabral sell the heroin on the December dates. She later told police that she would buy about two-to-three grams of heroin in Providence for Mr. Cabral “when Cody can’t get it from his connection, he uses my connection.”

When police searched Ms. Gaglio’s home, they found cocaine, suboxone, a glass smoke pipe, two burnt spoons and four syringes.

 For my friends

On Jan. 7, Mr. Coelho allegedly sold heroin to undercover Bristol detectives. When police searched his home, they found a digi-weigh scale, a glass smoke pipe, a needle and a spoon in a leather case, three syringes, and 37 clear plastic baggies with the corners cut off.

When he was questioned, Mr. Coelho told police that he traveled outside of Bristol to get the drugs for his friends.

No big deal

Police were allegedly able to buy heroin from Mr. Pires on Dec. 30, 2013. Once he was arrested, he told police that he typically sold 10-to-20 grams of heroin a day, for about $100 a gram. His girlfriend, Ms. DaSilva, allegedly helped Mr. Pires in that sale by driving the car he sold the heroin from.

When she was read her rights, Ms. DaSilva continued speaking, saying that she “didn’t know why she and Eric were being arrested,” and that the police were “making a big deal out of nothing.”

Almost heroin

In early January, police also allegedly bought heroin from Mr. Vargas. However, a toxicology report showed that it was fentynal, an opioid commonly used as a pain reliever. According to WebMD, it’s far more potent than morphine. When police searched his house, they found a black-colored digital scale, a multi-colored smoking pipe, plastic baggies with the corners cut off, and several syringes.

Due to the snow storm, Bristol Warren Regional School District has canceled school for tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 22.

COZ will also be canceled, and 12-month staff are to report as scheduled.

Francis Hogan Medeiros, 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2014, in Pompano Beach, Fla.

He was born on May 11, 1947 in Newport, and was the son of Joseph and Gloria (Geyer) Medeiros. He is survived by his faithful and devoted partner of 35 years, Frank J. Perrotti; a daughter, Juliann Giusti of Warren; two sons, James (Tara) Carotenuti of Harrisonville, Mo., Jason Carotenuti of Bristol; and five grandchildren, Victoria Suits, Courtney, James Jr., and Vincent, and Leah Carotenuti.

He was a talented man who enjoyed cooking for his friends and family. He also loved designing and creating spectacular holiday scenes, which were adored by his many friends and neighbors in the Golf View Estates in Florida.

He also created numerous award-winning floats for the Fourth of July Parade in Bristol.

Services were held in St. Gabriel Catholic Church followed by entombment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Milton C. Cabral

Milton C. Cabral, 40, of 2 Chilton St., was arrested on charges of video voyeurism and soliciting another to commit a crime.

On Jan. 13, police were called to a home because a (passerby) could hear a juvenile girl yelling and screaming from inside. When officers could not gain entry by the front door, they entered the home through the side garage door, the police report states.

The homeowner seemed confused by their presence, asking who had called the police. A girl could still be heard screaming and yelling from the second floor of the home. When officers went upstairs, they saw the girl on her phone. She apparently didn’t notice the officers, as she threw her phone onto the kitchen table.

When she finally noticed the officers, she began shaking her arms and jumping in place, according to the police report.

Police asked the girl why she wanted to harm herself, which lead to the discovery of inappropriate texts sent to her, allegedly by Mr. Cabral.

She told police that she deleted the texts, but took photos of them with her iPad.

According to the report, the girl further stated that Mr. Cabral had texted her, asking her to pose nude for money. She had told him that she “did not wish to take her clothes off for pictures.”

Mr. Cabral then told her that she didn’t have to take her clothes off, but wanted her help in posing another naked female so that he could sell the pictures, the report states. Mr. Cabral allegedly said he would double that person’s dose of medication so that she would be passed out when the photos were taken.

When Mr. Cabral was arrested, police seized his phone, which allegedly revealed several photos of a female posing naked with two unknown men.

He was arraigned in 6th District Court on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and released on personal recognizance.

Mr. Cabral is due back in court on April 14, for a pre-arraignment disposition conference.

To the editor:

Does Bristol need its own Economic Development Director? Maybe-Maybe Not.

The Editorial pertaining to “Managing Bristol’s Economic Future” is timely and full of wisdom. As someone who has chosen to make Bristol my home, I am making a point to contribute some of my time and interests to make it a vibrant place that can help contribute to Rhode Island’s recovery.

I have watched the failures of “Economic Development” in Providence over the past few years and I have come to the conclusion that politics need to be removed from the economic development equation when at all possible.

Bristol needs a “Booster Club” comprised of successful business owners and private citizens who are motivated by seeing Bristol succeed. These individuals (volunteers) should be willing to contribute some of their time and invest some of their money to create an environment attractive to both new business owners and existing businesses desiring to expand.

One of the first tasks of this Booster Club would be to articulate the purpose of the Economic Development Director’s roll and the need for this position. It’s possible that they may find that Bristol has a few key citizens that, when given the opportunity to serve, could be more effective at managing local economic growth than another town employee financed by the taxpayers.

I for one would be willing to serve. I am sure there are others.

Craig Evans

80 Aaron Ave.

A competing ferry service for Prudence Island is one step closer to becoming a reality.

In the latest development of the Prudence ferry service saga, the Advocacy Section of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers recommended Tuesday that the Division grant A&R Marine’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN).

A decision is not expected to be made until all parties — the towns of Portsmouth and Bristol, A&R Marine and Prudence Island Ferry Inc. — submit a post-hearing brief, further advocating their positions.

In a Jan. 21 letter to the Division, Leo J. Wold, assistant attorney general, states that A&R Marine should be granted the CPCN “subject to the company’s identifying and purchasing an appropriate vessel, securing financing, obtaining docking facilities, and any other terms and conditions,” of the Division.

Mr. Wold also debunks the argument made by Timothy Dodd, legal counsel for Prudence Island Ferry Inc., that A&R Marine isn’t “fit and willing” to provide ferry service to and from Prudence Island to the mainland dock in Bristol. He highlighted A&R Marine’s management team’s island residency and as long-standing customers of the current ferry service as reasons why A&R Marine’s testimony “cannot be considered as simply self-serving.”

In a Dec. 5 hearing continuation, Mr. Dodd questioned A&R Marine’s ability to provide ferry service, based on a lack of a vessel, and adequate dockage. He then suggested that the Division deny the application because of that.

However, in his letter, Mr. Wold drew upon the Division’s history in recognizing the flexible nature of a CPCN. Approving the certificate would be subject to the fulfillment of the CPCN’s terms and conditions, he said.

Mr. Wold also rebuked the argument about whether the existence of two ferries would kill that lifeline service to Prudence Island, referencing Bruce Medley’s — owner of Prudence Island Ferry Inc. — own operating history. In the mid-1980s, Mr. Medley was operating Island Transport Company, which was in direct competition with Prudence Island Ferry Inc., then owned by Luther Blount.

“Blount got fed up with the Islanders’ constant complaints about his service, and put out overtures about selling his company,” Mr. Wold states.

Mr. Medley then assumed Prudence Island Ferry Inc., and the services of Island Transport Company discontinued.

“When a ferry operator can no longer be run in a profitable manner, time and again, history shows that the industry consolidates,” Mr. Wold states. “The weaker operator exits the market, typically transferring its assets to a surviving entity that continues in business as a financially stronger entity.”

The Advocacy Section’s involvement usually takes place when an application is highly contested, explained Terry Mercer, associate administrator at the Division.

“It’s to make sure that everything is presented to the hearing officer, so that he can make a proper decision,” Mr. Mercer said.

Special Assistant Attorney General Christy Hetherington, of the Advocacy Section, sat in on A&R Marine’s continued hearing Dec. 5, because of comments made during the first hearing in October.

iBoutique owners and best friends Gina Sier (left) and Caroline Scott look over photos taken during the past 10 years of the shop.

Sadly, there wasn’t enough foot traffic to keep the business nestled in the 900-square-foot retail space afloat.

As of this Sunday, iBoutique will be closing its doors forever, after 10 years of service.

“We loved it, and still do. That’s what’s so sad about it,” said Caroline Scott, who co-owns the shop with her best friend Gina Sier.

The two met while working at Teddy Bearskins in Barrington. They knew each other informally before then, because their children were on the same sports teams. But it was their passion for unique and exotic retail that drew them closer.

The pair decided to open their own boutique when they perceived a need not being met.

“There wasn’t anywhere to buy unique, good, teen or pre-teen clothes,” Caroline said. That thought transitioned into the array of items they offered at iBoutique — New York City style trends in accessories, shoes, handbags and jewelry.

But before they could set up shop, their husbands had asked them to do home parties with their products first.

“They were ‘ok’ with us opening the store, and very supportive,” Caroline said. “But to see how serious we were about it, they wanted us to try selling the product first without much overhead.”

Gina and Caroline hosted parties for a year, convincing their beaus that they were “in it to win it.”

And then they found the cottage-style storefront at 295 Hope St.

“We really liked the feel of Bristol,” Gina said. “We thought it was a nice, walkable downtown; the kind of town where you can park your car on the side, get out and just walk around.”

“But this location didn’t turn out to be as walkable as we thought,” Caroline chimed in, highlighting the store’s position on the far end of Hope Street, just south of where the main activity downtown takes place.

“And then we lost about 13 parking spaces when Hope Street went to two lanes,” she added. “And they took away three spots for the (RIPTA) bus  stop.”

A few years ago, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation reworked Hope Street and its sidewalks. In order to alleviate congestion, Thames and Hope streets were made into one-way lanes for about a year. This increased viability for many downtown store owners, including Caroline and Gina.

“There’s nowhere to park now,” Caroline said. “You could see the drivers looking over at our storefront, and then look around for a space to park, then just drive off.

“When we had it one-way, it was great.”

Parking and walkability aside, it was the drastic downturn in the economy that truly set the course for iBoutique’s closure, Caroline said.

“People don’t have a disposable income anymore,” Gina said. “Instead of spending money on a pair of shoes because they feel like it, they’re thinking, oh wait a minute, I need milk and bread.”

The only year iBoutique was really profitable was the first, Caroline said. But after four years of breaking even, the store began losing money. The pair has lost thousands investing in their business.

“We tried to make it an event when people came in,” Gina said. “We tried to find unique things to this area. Sometimes it was a bit edgy, but we liked it.”

They took the ‘i’ in iBoutique and generated a slogan — ”I want it. I need it. I have to have it.” Those words could still be seen painted on the store’s now barren, white walls.

“Good luck with your next phase,” said a customer who had stopped by that Monday afternoon to pay for a set of earrings, which had been marked down 60-percent, like most of the remaining items.

“It’s been great,” Caroline said. “But it’s time to move on.”

Gail (Brooke) Cotsonas, age 68 of 68 Ferry Road, Bristol, and Eastham, Mass., died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014 at RI Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of Michael Cotsonas, her husband of 44 years.

Born and raised in Natick, Mass., she was a daughter of the late Robert and Edna (Hunt) Brooke, Sr.

A resident of Bristol for 10 years, she previously resided in Madison, N.J.  for 30 years.

A graduate of Natick High School, she worked for several years as the administrative assistant to the vice president of Honeywell Corp.  After moving to Madison, she first worked for the Morris Arts Council and then a volunteer and board member of CASA in Sussex and Morris County, N.J. for a number of years and lastly worked as a pre-school teacher at the Madison Community House, retiring in 2003.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Brian J. Cotsonas and his wife, Stephanie; her three grandchildren, Emma J., Julia B. and Ben P. Cotsonas, all of Jamestown, R.I.; and a daughter, Courtney C. Litowitz and her husband Andrew of Wilbraham, Mass.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Russell Brooke and his wife May Lou and Robert Brooke, Jr.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring at a time and place to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morris and Sussex County NJ Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), 18 Cattano Ave., Morristown, NJ  07960 or online at www.casamsc.org.

For online condolences and shared memories go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

A 16-dinghy, and 14-kayak rack will be built along the existing fence that separates the State Street Dock and the Azevedo property on Thames Street.

The Bristol Harbormaster’s office was given the ‘ok’  by the Bristol Historic Commission to install 42 new kayak racks and 16 dinghy racks this spring. The cost to install these racks is about $1,800. If each space was rented for $50 per year, it has the potential to generate about $4,100 in revenue for the town.

Currently, there are only 24 spots that seafarers can store their kayaks and dinghies, and there is a wait-list of 17 people seeking storage space.

A dingy rack, accommodating 16 dinghies, will be built along the existing fence that separates the State Street Dock and the Azevedo property on Thames Street. Here is where kayak rack, accommodating 14 kayaks, will also be built.

Two other 14-spot kayak racks will be built in the upper stone parking area of Independence Park, and at Union Street Park next to the existing dinghy rack.

All racks will be staked to the ground, in the event they need to be moved for any reason.

Rosa Jesus (Melo) Couto, 84 of Fatima Drive passed away on Jan. 20, 2014.

She was the wife of Manuel do Couto.

Born in Rabo de Peixe, St. Michael, she was the daughter of the late Mariano and Maria da Gloria (Pacheco) De Melo.

She was the stepmother of Louis do Couto, John Couto and Carlos Do Couto; the sister of Maria Amelia Pimental, Mariano de Melo and the late Jose Pedro Melo, Maria de Jesus Pereira, Humberto Pacheco de Melo, Edite de Melo and Edmundo Melo; step-grandmother of seven and step-great-grandmother of five.

Her funeral services were held on Jan. 24, from the George Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Luis Dutra at St. Elizabeth Church.  Liturgical readings were by Jeremy Couto and Melissa Couto. The Prayer of the Faithful was read by Christopher Do Couto.  The offertory gifts were presented by Breanna Couto and Vanessa Do Couto.

Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Jeffrey Couto, Jeremy Couto, Jennifer Couto, Allison Do Couto, Christopher Do Couto and Scott Lial.

Alexander Sebastian Heilborn, 25, of Varnum Avenue passed away on Jan. 21, 2014.

Born in Providence, he was the son of Wayne Heilborn Sr. and Patricia (Whitehead) Aumaree.

He was the brother of Yasmine Aumaree, Naremean Aumaree, Anastasia Heilborn, Bobby Fidalgo, Carolyn Machado and Wayne Heilborn Jr; grandson of Frank Whitehead and cousin of Joshua Heilborn and Jeremy Heilborn.

Al attended Portsmouth schools and was employed as a painter at Custom Fiberglass Inc.

His funeral services were held Jan. 27, at the George Lima Funeral Home.

Burial followed in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.

Serving as pallbearers were Cliff Heilborn, Jeremy Heilborn, Bob Coelho, Steve Heilborn, Joshua Heilborn and Wayne Heilborn.

Memorial donations may be made to: Substance Abuse Prevention, 10 Court Street, Bristol RI  02809.

With a quick swipe of her finger, then a tap, and click, Makayla Soares began her rock cycle journey — on her iPad.

She motioned to her Optimus teammate Katie Sousa, to lower the gray metamorphic rock in her hand.

Makayla tapped her iPad again to take a photo of the rock.

The girls weren’t doing their school work at home. They were working on a science project while in their science class at Kickemuit Middle School, each using one of 25 new iPads bought through a Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF) grant last summer.

“I wanted to heighten their technology capabilities, and use less paper,” said their teacher Mary Arsenault. “About this time last year, I would have used about 5,000 sheets of paper. With the iPads, I’ve used about 400 sheets of paper.”

Last spring, Ms. Arsenault applied for, and was awarded, a BWEF grant for $13,634 to supply in-class iPads for her science classes.

“This is the largest single grant that BWEF has ever funded,” according to Cheryl Burns, BWEF board vice chairperson.

“Ms. Arsenault presented a comprehensive plan for integrating this innovative technology into her classroom. It significantly expands access to opportunities for these students and BWEF is thrilled to support that,” said Ms. Burns.The iPads are shared among her sixth-grade classes, and are not brought home.

“Taking notes is much easier (on the iPad), because my hand gets tired writing a lot,” said Makayla’s classmate Olivia Pimental.

“Kids are more interested in technology, and this also helps us focus more,” Ava Gramolini chimed in.

Through a free online program called Edmodo, Ms. Arsenault can connect with her students on a more in-depth level than before. Students can continue their classroom discussions online while at home, and download learning apps relative to those discussions. Ms. Arsenault can also monitor their progress by polling the students to measure their subject understanding.

“It’s easier to find out which kids aren’t grasping the subject and helps determine where I need to modify our discussions,” she said.

Each team in Makayla’s class is currently preparing a presentation on rock cycles. A decade earlier, Ms. Arsenault said, students would be presenting the information with poster boards.

Now, with the iMovie app she downloaded for her class, Ms. Arsenault’s students can create a movie to explain rock cycles.

“It adds a new dimension of learning for them to explore,” she said. The students can also use Keynote, a power point app, for their presentations.

“This is much better because I’d lose all my papers,” Olivia said. “And it’s more fun.”

Not all of her students were tech-savvy at the start of the school year. They had to learn the dynamics of the iPad, and how to apply that technology to the curriculum.

Once they figured out how to use it, learning was much easier.

“I was afraid at first, because I’ve never used an iPad,” Katie said.

While the majority of her students have computer and internet access at home, about 20 out of 85 do not, Ms. Arsenault said.

“I was shocked, but I understand because it’s not easy or inexpensive,” she said.

Cox recently announced its Connect2Compete program, offering low-income families internet access at home for about $10 a month. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school generally qualify.

Antonina (Aloi) Casala, 92, of St Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Warren, died Jan 19, 2014.

She is survived by daughters, Carol Duffy, Mary Thomas, and Patricia Casalal; two grandchildren, Christopher and Jordan; a sister, Victoria Cannavaro of Warren; a brother, Antonino Aloi of Bristol; and her beloved pet Bella.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Please consider donations to Suncoast Hospice or St Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Janet M. (Sousa) Mello, age 76, of 77 Wood St., Bristol, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 at her home.  She was the wife of George Mello, her husband of 49 years.

Born and raised in Providence on Smith Hill, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Marie (Sullivan) Sousa.

Janet was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and was a staff accountant for Rhode Island Hospital, Providence for 43 years, retiring in 1996.

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Bristol and was a member of the Bristol and Warren Senior Citizens Centers, a member of the Red Hat Society and the Royal Travelers of Fall River, Mass.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St.

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol.

Visiting hours are on Friday, Jan. 31, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809.

For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.