Meet the 2022 Pawtucket Hall of Fame class

by Nancy Thomas

The 2022 Pawtucket Hall of Fame will be held Friday, November 4th at 6pm at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Anchor/Reporter, Alison Bologna from WJAR NBC10 with special guest, RI Radio & TV and 2017 Pawtucket Hall of Famer, Ron St. Pierre. 

Opening ceremonies for the evening, will be President and CEO of RI Foundation and 2019 Pawtucket Hall of Fame inductee, Neil Steinberg.   

The induction award is given to those individuals whose efforts, in any line of endeavor, have gone ‘above & beyond’ in their community service activities and/or who have been vehicles that shine a positive light upon the city. 

This year’s 2022 Pawtucket Hall of Fame Inductees are:  

Dr. Michael Fine (writer, community organizer & family physician)

It began with his postgraduate medical residency training at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. Michael Fine was a graduate of Haverford College and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and he received his medical experience at Pawtucket Memorial Hospital where most young mothers from the community gave birth. He recalls that it was ‘at a time when ‘c-sections’ from this hospital were at a high rate and women could have been treated better. He soon discovered that his life’s mission would be finding quality health care for everyone.

Dr. Michael Fine is an icon in Rhode Island (and beyond)! The former director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. Fine has been internationally recognized as a public health advocate who has contributed immensely to the betterment of his fellow human beings. He is a prolific award-winning author with a multitude of published articles & books on public health. He completed his residency at the former Memorial Hospital of Pawtucket, and has worked in the Blackstone Valley community for over 40 years. He is currently the Senior Clinical and Population Health Officer for Blackstone Valley Community Healthcare, Inc. as well as the Chief Health Strategist for the city of Central Falls, R.I. He serves on a number of professional organizations, health policy boards, and advisory committees and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, such as the Regent’s Award (2019) the Hero Award (2015) and the Power to Change The World Award (2009). He was named “Top Doctor” in Rhode Island Monthly magazine 7 times.

As a founder of Hillside Family Medicine in Pawtucket (which remains the largest family practice in the state), health service became available to countless numbers of disenfranchised and underserved citizens in the greater Pawtucket area due to his advocacy to reduce the economic barriers to healthcare. It paved the way to his time from 2015-2020 at BVCHC, a successful community health agency at 2 sites with advanced health and laboratory services that are readily accessible to both the Pawtucket and Central Falls communities. He played a major part in stemming the flow of legally prescribed addictive drugs, and fostered collaborations to prevent overdose deaths. He has been part of the “Project Health CV, Inc.”, an organization that travels to Cape Verde to volunteer in the improvement of the islands’ healthcare system. During the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, he devoted himself to advising local health service centers with regard to the prevention and spread of the virus in these communities as well as the state. His acute awareness of the intersection of homelessness, food insecurity, and other social and economic determinants of health has allowed a focus in improving healthcare for these populations.

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James R. Hoyt, Jr. (chief executive officer of the Boy’s & Girls Club of Pawtucket)

In 1976 Jim Hoyt started his career in the city of Pawtucket as a swim coach for the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. It soon became apparent that his passion, leadership and commitment to the city youth over the years would poise him to take the helm as CEO in 2004. For over 45 years he has been part of the Pawtucket community in a variety of rolls that have impacted tens of thousands of children and families – as a resident, coach and community leader. Jim Hoyt exemplifies the word mentor – someone who is available, is trustworthy, has integrity and earns respect. His accomplishments during his tenure at the Club have been nothing short of ‘remarkable’, spearheading a capital campaign to expand the Club from a 40,000 square foot building to a 60,000 square foot building, raising $8 million to complete the renovation, and just last year purchasing property adjacent to the Club’s summer Camp to expand the frontage that will improve safety of transporting youth in and out of Camp safely. His colleagues see him as someone who ‘grew into the position’ at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket working and encouraging the people around him – both young and old. His leadership has paved the way for so many organizations to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Since he has resided in the city, he has found several ways to directly give back in a meaningful way. When his daughters were in school, he served on the PTO for the Potter-Burns School; he coached Pawtucket Youth Soccer and he served on the accreditation of Shea High School, in addition to supporting the After School Program at Goff Middle School. He also took part in the Strategic Planning process for Cunningham and Slater Schools – which he has translated those findings into the Club’s own Strategic Plan, ensuring both organizations are working together to serve the Pawtucket community at large.

Jim’s passion to do more started back during his early days at the Clubhouse when he took it upon himself to get bathing suits donated for boys on the swim team who couldn’t afford them – even though he had no previous fundraising experience. Because of Jim’s mission-focused attitude, today no child is ever turned away from the Club’s programs. He has created partnerships to ensure that no matter what a family’s financial situation is, they are not turned away from participating. 

Jim Hoyt has dedicated his life to taking care and showing support of the youth in Pawtucket and surrounding communities who have walked through the doors of the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket by helping them reach their full potential. This has been the club’s tradition since it was founded in 1900, and Jim lives this tradition. “Jim was always strict – but fair”, as this (now) 46 year old woman recalls. “When I was a 7-year-old child going out on outings to Slater Park or USA Skates, he made sure I knew that my attendance was important, stressing ‘you really need to be there’. As I grew older, riding my bike to and from work each day to be there, he made sure I knew that my attendance and work ethic were much appreciated by him, and (this) really meant a lot to me. 

Thirty years have passed, and his comments have always stuck with me. Jim Hoyt was a positive person in my life”. Jim Hoyt has always put kids first. He led by example and impacted thousands.

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Roberta Noiseux, Kenneth Noiseux (community philanthrophists)

Inductee Roberta Noiseux “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” as quoted by poet Maya Angelou. For Roberta Noiseux, she always had an open house and always had roo

Being a firefighter’s wife can be difficult especially when raising seven children. But Roberta and her husband did not just raise their own seven (biological) children, they acted as foster parents to countless more over the years. They have embodied the definition of community by the way they live. Long hours, missed holidays and weekends and concerns for your spouse’s safety weigh heavily on a firefighter’s wife putting undue stress on raising a family and maintaining a relationship. By some means, Roberta managed to hold it all together. Roberta has always led by example, placing her needs second and taking care of a large community of people she has accepted into her family.

 Roberta along with her husband Ken, taught CCD, helped the homeless, worked in the food pantry, raised funds for needy causes and provided team leadership for retreats. If someone was down and out, in need of a home-cooked meal or a place to stay, the Noiseux’s was the couple to reach out to for help. Even with her large household of children, she still managed to volunteer time as a CCD teacher at St. Joseph’s Church for over thirty-five years.

For that young student in the community that had nowhere to go, or had a difficult home life and was struggling, Roberta treated these children as her own. She was protective, positive, encouraging, loving, kind, extremely patient, soft spoken and yet had the attention and respect from all the kids she interacted with. And in turn, she influenced these children to respect themselves, offering encouragement and emotional support.

Through the years of coaching and teaching with her husband, she still managed to make cheerleading uniforms for the teams. Actively involved with her own children and her ‘extended family’, you could always find Roberta helping out with kid’s activities whether it be sports or dance – sewing costumes and painting scenery for performance or chaperoning school events, or homework – she and her husband were always on hand. 

While her husband Ken retired from the Pawtucket Fire Department in 2005, they are each still both active in the community. Roberta is still volunteering, making sandwiches and delivering food and drinks to the homeless. From the scores of youngsters in the community who have passed through the Noiseux’s doors, they are most appreciative and ‘can never thank you enough’. These (now) young adults remember what Roberta would say, “Never settle – go get what you want” – and they have. 

Inductee Kenneth Noiseux

Kenneth Noiseux is a force to be reckoned with in Pawtucket. He grew up in the city and received his education here, as well as meeting and marrying his childhood sweetheart Roberta. A Navy Veteran and Pawtucket Fireman as well as a Licensed Emergency Medical Technician, he provided quality care and compassion to every patient on the Pawtucket Rescue. He has devoted his life to Pawtucket, its youth, and its ultimate future.

With seven children of his own, Kenneth worked numerous part-time jobs to help them all thrive, but more importantly, he extended his caring and support to many other children in the neighborhood. His home was always welcoming to youth whom he gently and non-judgmentally advised. He has always been there to lend a hand or an ear to anyone in need. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, a volunteer for the Little Sisters of the Poor, and has served over 50 years guiding the lives of youth at the Father Barry Youth Center for St. Joseph’s Parish. He has coached a multitude of youth sports teams over the years, as well as devoted time to the elderly, and his kind, generous and compassionate spirit has been focused on the Pawtucket community. He has helped strangers as well as those he has known, helped the homeless, worked in the food pantry, and raised funds for needy causes. Holiday dinners were not just for his own family, but were always open to members outside the family.

In the simple things he has done repeatedly for so many, like feeding, clothing, & opening his home to those in need, Kenneth has encouraged, supported, and guided numerous members of the Pawtucket community, now adults, who cite him as the most influential mentor in their youth and consider him to be a surrogate father. So many support letters for his nomination attest to his nourishing and nurturing nature, his patience, and his sincere interest in bettering people’s lives. For his lifetime commitment to raising not only his own children but the entire neighborhood’s, he has made Pawtucket a better place by helping its citizens become the best people they can be. Even his paperboy of 36 years ago expresses how he was deeply impacted by the unconditional acceptance of this man who has set a positive example for so many.

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Jack ‘Jack’ Partridge (author, lawyer, Senior Counsel to the firm of Partridge, Snow & Hahn LLP)

They say “home is where our story begins”, and for this year’s Pawtucket Hall of Fame inductee John ‘Jack’ Partridge that statement rings true. Jack is a product of Pawtucket – born and educated through St. Leo’s and St. Raphael Academy. After attending Providence College and Harvard Law School he became a significant figure in the Rhode Island business community, as founding partner of Partridge, Snow and Hahn, one of the leading law firms in the State. For over 50 years, he has been a tremendous business leader in Rhode Island, specifically in the city of Pawtucket.

has been the catalyst for public/private sector partnerships that draw investment to the city where he was born. After attending Providence College and Harvard Law School, Jack became a significant figure within the Rhode Island business community. His influence and counsel – in the business, government, and non-profit sectors have made a tremendous positive impact in the State for the last six decades. His dedication has included serving as Chairman for Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Director and Trustee of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club, Co-Founder and Director of the Pawtucket Foundation, and Co-Founder of the Providence College Liberal Arts Honors Council. Jack also proudly serves on the Pawtucket Advisory Board for the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, influencing the targeted and impactful allocation of funding with the community. His dedication to giving has also impacted affordable housing with Rhode Island due to his various legal pro bono activities over the years.

Jack was also recently presented with the Ben Mondor Award from the Northern Rhode Island Chamber. The Ben G. Mondor Award was established to honor a Chamber member who exhibits the same philanthropic spirit that Ben had. Mondor, the owner of the Pawtucket Red Sox, positively impacted many lives in many different ways. In addition to being a successful business person, Ben epitomized the phrase “When a busness does well, business does good”.

Jack Partridge has never forgotten his roots and upbringing in the city he loves. While involved with many initiatives in Pawtucket, his greatest legacy will be the founding of the Pawtucket Foundation in 2001, as a means of joining the local business community with local government which helped build a stronger community overall. Under his leadership, The Pawtucket Foundation has been a catalyst for economic development for the last 20 years. To this day, the organization is involved with every major economic and community development in the City of Pawtucket. In addition, he has also found the time to author numerous legal papers and four novels centered in Rhode Island. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.

A tireless advocate, Jack has spent his career promoting causes which strengthen the City of Pawtucket to benefit not only industry but the community and people who call Pawtucket home. His leadership and passion for our state and the city of Pawtucket is evidence in everything he does. The city is better because of Jack and all his efforts over the last five decades.

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David Rosser (former executive director of the Blackstone River Watershed Association & founder of Operation Zap. 

The Blackstone River was one of the most polluted and abused rivers in the United States. It runs from Massachusetts through more than 30 Rhode Island communities before emptying into the Narragansett Bay. Textile mills in the area used it as an open sewer. It was not a place conducive to swimming as the smell and debris made it unsafe. The oil sludge and odor along the banks of the river would burn your eyes. But that all began to change on September 9, 1972 because of the vision of one man, David M. Rosser, organizer of a massive day-long cleanup project named Operation Zap.

David M. Rosser was born in Cleveland, Mississippi and had served his country during three wars. A varied career had taken him from a small town in Mississippi to many of the world’s major cities where he worked as general store operator, newspaper reporter, mechanic, and worked on America’s first jet engines, eventually becoming a close associate of New York City’s late Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. After his retirement as a professional engineer, he was appointed executive director of the Blackstone River Watershed Association, where he became associated with civic enterprises and pursued his lifetime interest in ecology. “This revolution that’s going on in the streets is important, but this business of ecology, of doing something about cleaning our rivers and our atmosphere, is the most important thing going on in our lifetime” stated Rosser.

On September 9, 1972 David Rosser spearheaded a massive undertaking of the cleaning of the Blackstone River. This was a combined volunteer effort of more than 20 towns and communities coordinated by the Providence Journal and the Blackstone Valley Watershed Authority to clean up the river in a one-day effort. This effort was christened “Operation Zap” and was an attempt to enhance the quality of life for those living near and around the banks of the Blackstone River. Rosser actively sought both political and community support which included Governor Frank Licht, the Mayors of the cities & towns along the river, Major General Leonard Holland from the RI National Guard, the RI Department of Transportation, the National Association of Broadcasters, RI Road Builders (who donated the use of over 250 pieces of equipment), several unions, and landscape architects Sally Bradford & Will Gates.

Over 10,000 volunteers participated that special day, which included families, factory workers and heavyduty equipment operators cleaning over 10 miles of the river banks. Over 550 contractors furnished men and equipment valued at over 5 million dollars. While the equipment operators were paid for their day of work – they collectively agreed to ‘pool’ their salaries to donate to the project. Over 10,000 tons of debris was removed costing Operation Zap – nothing. 

Over the years, legislation was drafted and submitted to protect the Blackstone River, all stemming from the work of Operation Zap. Today, the Blackstone River and Festival Pier in Pawtucket are clean places to enjoy, with David M. Rosser to thank.

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Hannah Wilkinson Slater (early American pioneer and inventor), historical inductee.

Historical Inductee Hannah Wilkinson Slater Hannah Wilkinson Slater is a woman whose name may not be well known to the citizens of Pawtucket but she will finally be brought into her deserving spotlight at this year’s Pawtucket Hall of Fame.

Hannah, a Quaker woman, married the infamous Samuel Slater of Pawtucket, a Baptist man, who ushered in the industrial age in America. They met when Samuel was a boarder at her parents’ home, Oziel and Lydia Wilkinson, who were among the earliest settlers of the village of Pawtucket. Adept at the spinning wheel, in 1793 Hannah was granted a patent for her method of twisting together two strands of cotton yarn to make a thread that was smooth and nearly as strong as silk. By 1800, this two-ply thread was available in most homes, and cotton thread manufacture became a major industry in Pawtucket. The US Patent Office had only granted women the right to receive a patent in 1790.

Hannah was surely a pioneer! The rarity of her accomplishment cannot be overstated as she was not only the first but one of only 72 women receiving patents during the years 1790-1859 as compared to 32,362 patents awarded to men. She had married Samuel Slater at the age of 15 and spent her entire life in the company of men who were involved with the cutting edge of industry, but it is through her own ingenuity and intelligence that she was able to make a significant contribution to the textile industry.

She was the mother of nine children, and although busy with that occupation, she was able not only to be instrumental in the textile industry, but also to be responsible for establishing the first Sunday School in America along with her husband in 1799. It was held in their home for the children who were employed in their factories (a common practice at the time) and was held on Sundays because the factories were closed on those days. Unlike the Sunday Schools of today, it was actually not a religious, but a general, education offered to children who, because they were working during the week, were unable to attain schooling. Reading, Math, & Social Studies were taught by Hannah herself in order to ensure that the youth would become better skilled citizens of Pawtucket’s future.

In 1809, Hannah was one of a group of women who established the “Female Beneficent Society”, one of Pawtucket’s earliest organizations. Their efforts were focused on the poor, sick & unfortunate. Hannah Wilkinson Slater died in 1812 birthing her tenth child and is buried in the Mineral Spring Cemetery. Her independent contributions to the city, and to the country are inspiring.

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In addition to these inductions, this year’s recipient of the traditional “Person of the Year Award”, which is given to recognize the person the committee believes has made an outstanding contribution over this past year will be presented to…

Elizabeth D. Moreira (Pawtucket’s Public Health & Equity Director). 

Our world was turned upside down in 2019, and in Pawtucket this was when we came to know Elizabeth D. Moreira. Elizabeth served as the first Public Health & Equity Leader for the city until September of this year, where she led the COVID-19 response in one of the hardest-hit communities in Rhode Island.

Elizabeth Moreira served as the first Public Health & Equity Leader for the city of Pawtucket until September of this year. She led the COVID-19 response in one of the hardest-hit communities in Rhode Island and spearheaded programs to address social determinants of health including the implementation of Safe Stations to combat the opioid epidemic and the installation of free feminine hygiene products in public buildings. She is currently facilitating programs for the Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone. In addition, she serves as Director of Operations for “Project Health CV Inc.”, a 501(c) 3, where she coordinates medical missions to Cabo Verde in order to strengthen the islands’ health care system and specialty care. This is a volunteer position where she focuses on transfer technology, and education to bring the islands’ health care system up to the current level of expertise. The organization provides health care professionals who care for Cabo Verdean immigrants and is a cultural exchange experience to enhance an understanding of the people they serve. 

Elizabeth was born in Providence and currently resides in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. After attending Classical High School, she earned a BS in Health Care Administration and Management at the University of Rhode Island and an MS in Health Care Administration at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. As a first-generation American-born “Cabo Verdean” she is proud of her heritage and advocates to preserve the unique history and identity associated with it. 

She has taken the opportunity to lead future generations and build community through shared perspectives and experiences to make Pawtucket a desirable place to live and work for all. She holds a deep commitment to community, social justice and racial equity through her work in Rhode Island and globally. Her ultimate goal is to develop healthy, inclusive, and equitable communities where people feel safe, understood, and empowered. 

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How to get tickets:

This event will sell out. Tickets are $85.00 per person after October 15.  Tables of (10) may be purchased to accommodate a group or family and should be purchased early.  Tickets may be purchased in person at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center.

For more info, visit the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640819672808709) or https://pawtucketri.com/pawtucket-hall-fame for updates – or call 401-273-5367. 

The Pawtucket Hall of Fame is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Pawtucket as a city.  The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor the contributions of people whose efforts, in any line of endeavor, have added to the heritage of the City of Pawtucket. 

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Editor’s Note: We congratulate…

Ron St. Pierre, co-master of ceremonies, runs a weekly column, “Ron & Jen’s Great Escape”

Jack Partridge is an occasional commentary contributor.

Dr. Michael Fine is a monthly contributor of short stories.