WEEI Providence

It's Genocide Awareness Month and we're recognizing the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with Pauline Getzoyan, Chair of the RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission and an adjunct professor of English at CCRI. Pauline educates us with a brief history lesson, and some of the events that are happening to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in RI. As a descendant of survivors of the genocide she provides a sober account of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire upon the Armenian people which started on April 24th, 1915 and are being denied and repeated to this day. Listen as she details the important work being done by Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission to reach today's youth in the classroom. We discuss some important events in commemoration, throughout the month. There will be flag raisings organized by the Armenian National Committee of RI and the RI Senate resolution; House Resolution 6282, “Proclaiming April 24, 2023, as ‘Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day’ to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923, and in Honor of Armenian-Americans" will be introduced by Senate Majority Whip David Tikoian and by House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian.

Did you know, April is Autistic Awareness Month? Jenn Pohle a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner of Nettle & Ash joins us to discuss the Autism Spectrum and Neurodivergent individuals.

The Rhode Island community has many questions and concerns with the current actions coming from Washington D.C., with the effects being felt locally and nationally. So, we invited Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) for an informal chat. Federal funding, core functions of government, tax cuts for the wealthy on the backs of taxpayers and immigration policy are some issues tackled. Representative Amo is adamant that a coalition between both Republicans and Democrats to acknowledge that the math doesn't work is of utmost importance. There are some bright spots. The release of federal funds for the Washington Bridge project and the overwhelming success of visitors to the Ocean State in March, for the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Providence have given Rhode Islanders "Hope".

The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra (RICCO) invites you to join them! Dr. Joshua W. Rohde-Artistic Director, joins us to preview their latest collaboration happening tomorrow, March 30th at St. Sebastian Church in Providence. "Essential Voices" combines choral selections from classic composers paired alongside new works by contemporary composers. RICCO is a community of singers dedicated to bringing choral music to Southern New England. You can take in a concert or if you are motivated, contribute your voice as a member of the chorale. Listen as Dr. Rohde attempts to recruit Scott, who admittedly is "a little pitchy".

We're celebrating women and women's history with The Women's Fund of Rhode Island and our guest Kelly Nevins, CEO. "In 2001, the Rhode Island Foundation, together with founder Simone Joyaux, established a fund specifically for women and girls in Rhode Island. Women's Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) invests in women and girls through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships designed to achieve gender equity through systemic change". In 2025, the United States ranks 43rd globally on the World Economic Forum's gender parity index, a significant drop from its 27th position in 2023, with the global gap expected to take 134 years to close. Listen as Kelly details the priorities and policies they're implementing to close the gender gap. You can join in celebration during Women's History Month, on March 9 from 2-5 at Providence Public Library for the "Diva Empowerment Concert", an inspiring afternoon celebrating the power and resilience of women through song. WFRI would be grateful for your support year round, including the upcoming "401 Gives" drive. There's also a collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE), as they release the The Rhode Island Girls Report on how girls in RI are faring. Fortunately, in RI men are stepping up to help the campaign with "100 Men for Gender Equality".

The oldest wish granting organization in RI, A Wish Come True, grants wishes and resources to families and children with life threatening illnesses throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. Mary-Kate O’Leary drops by to talk up their latest March fundraising efforts, “Weekend of Wishes” and “Shamrocks and Shenanigans”. Southeastern Massachusetts is in the spotlight for these events. The Fall River business community is participating in “Wish Hats”, when you can make a one dollar donation represented by a green hat, so if you see a green hat, put a dollar up to donate. You can join in the fun at the Venus de Milo for a night of dancing and celebration, “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” takes place Friday, March 14, 2025. In addition to the festivities, there will be a raffle baskets and trips. With these events occurring on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, you can bet your green beer that there will be alcohol in the baskets! All this to support four featured “Wish Kids”. These kids can get creative with one child wishing for a sloth encounter. Another popular “wish”, is a visit to “Give the Kids the World at Disney”. Listen as Mary-Kate details the criteria for participants and how the families can benefit from the Meghan K. Duffy Memorial Hardship Fund. Kudos to everyone that participated in the “2025 Polar Plunge”, where brave “ocean plungers” raised 80K for AWCT kids and families.

Joe Sharkey, Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Boston nonprofit organization "You’re with Us!", wants you to know community based inclusion is the key to opportunities for young adults with disabilities. He joins us to discuss how this successful partnership at Northeastern University came to fruition and can been duplicated in RI. Joe cites Brown University as a desirable partner which can identify and train college clubs, groups, and teams to be welcoming and supportive peers to the differently abled. Listen as he recalls his experience as someone with a traumatic brain injury was mentored in the same way which was key to his recovery.

It's always Black History Month at Stages of Freedom in Providence RI. Co-Founders Ray Rickman (Executive Director) and Robb Dimmick (Program Director) join us as we recognize Black History Month in February. They invite you to their museum, open year-round, to peruse the voluminous materials they have curated to tell the history of Black Rhode Island life and culture, some through exhibitions. One such exhibition, "Slavery to Soldiers", tells the history of the first Black Regiment of the Civil War. Scott recounts his interview with Brown University Bear Ben Taylor (S-TE), whose Great Great Aunt Edith Sampson was the first African American representative to the United Nations and delegate to NATO. There's also discussion of famous Black athletes from Brown University and of Activist and NBA legend Bill Russell. "Founded in 2016, Stages of Freedom is an award-winning non-profit that has at its core addressing racial inequities in Rhode Island and ensuring that Black Lives Do Matter". Their mission includes; swim empowerment for BIPOC youth, cultural and arts events and workshops to empower Black youth, programs that promote and celebrate African American history and culture, a museum of Rhode Island African American history with a non-profit bookshop, environmental justice and their daily e-blast, "Connected." Listen as Ray recalls his younger days and early activism. "The Civil Rights Kid with Ray Rickman" is a powerful one-man show recounting Ray’s early activism in the Civil Rights Movement. From leading school walkouts in Detroit to marching alongside James Meredith in Mississippi, this is a compelling story of bravery and history, told by someone who lived it. The lasting impact of all the history compiled by SOF, is that many of their works can be used in the classroom, by request. ​

There's early action on the football field on Sunday 2/9, Team Fluff and Team Ruff compete in Puppy Bowl XXI. Erin Barnicle from Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE)joins us to share some details about their two competitors. Bark Kent representing Team Fluff and Lex Woofer represents Team Ruff, both of the Shih Tzu/Dachshund blend. They're two of 142 puppy players from 80 shelters and rescues across 40 states and two countries on this 21st anniversary of the Puppy Bowl. Listen as Erin describes these cute pups,that have already been adopted after the competition was filmed. GDRNE "is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts, comprised of volunteers from all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own", so there are more puppies and dogs to adopt and add love to your life. She also gives alittle insight into the production behind Puppy Bowl 2025.

It's everyone's favorite community fundraiser, only comes around once a year, Girl Scout Cookie season! Ginger Lallo, Chief Operating Officer-Southeastern New England (GSSNE), joins us to detail all things Girl Scouts USA. Their website is a goldmine of information, with an especially a helpful tool that directs you to the closest cookie booth in your vicinity. It's nteresting to note that the Girl Scouts and the cookie program started over 100 years ago with the proceeds providing 65% funding to their local organization. Such crucial funding supports "important skills like confidence, relationship building, and their next ambition such as spending a night under the stars today or build a rocket to the moon tomorrow". Healthy living is a focus for the troops, and the camps provide a space for outdoor activities and the opportunity to earn badges for acquired skills. GSSNE is proud to claim one of their properties, Camp Hoffman, as one of the oldest existing camps in the country. Listen as Ginger speaks on her 21 years of service with GSSNE. It is typical for a Girl Scout to remain with the organization from Daisy to Ambassador and beyond. They're always seeking volunteers, whether former Scouts or not, with specific talents to facilitate programming. She's proud to be part of a leadership development organization, focusing on building courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

The oldest Ski Race in the Country, 70th RI Ski Runners (RISKI) Ski and Snowboard Race, is coming up on February 2nd at Wachusett Mountain. RISKI President Karen Casavant (22-25) and Barbara Morse (NBC 10), Journalist and RISKI member, join us for the details. The RI Ski Runners mission, "to provide an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to get together to enjoy outdoor activities including skiing, biking, and hiking, through trips and other activities in the White Mountains". Amenities include a lodge, owned and operated by the board and membership, which makes mountain excursions cost effective. They promote a website full of information and past competitions, complete with a colorful history dating back to 1938. They also celebrate their Legacy Racers who have competed and won more than one metal/trophy, complete with a photo gallery. This year, the members decided to do something fun to commemorate this landmark year and invite local artists to help design our new race tee shirt. Listen as they tout the winner, Kianna Moy Gederman (Rhode Island), who has won the opportunity to sign her artwork and have it printed on the race t-shirts for 2025 Race Artist Web page on the RISKI Runners website for a year. We also discuss our prowess on the slopes and favorite mountains.

We're celebrating Black Storytelling across Rhode Island, over two weekends and the week in between (1/17-1/26), the week of the Martin Luther King Holiday. There's so much to learn and experience and Valerie Tutson, Teller and Executive/Festival Director joins us for some details. In partnership with the RI Black Storytellers (RIBS) Funda Fest features over 25 performers from around the world. There will be music, storytelling and "Funda', a Zulu word "to learn". She describes the different venues and locations, where you can indulge in live storytelling (in person or on zoom) or pre-recorded stories. There's also They're connecting the generations through the power of storytelling and to their shared history.

Calling all LPN's, CNA's and Culinary Professionals, America's heroes need your help! The Rhode Island Veterans Home (Bristol, RI) is having a career fair (1/16 & 1/17; 10-1pm) and Director Kasim Yarn is inviting you to serve those who served you, at a five (5) star Ritz Carlton-esque facility. There's a great need for those who are in the healthcare and food service field to join in this total team effort in Bristol, home of the oldest 4th of July celebration. Listen as Kasim, a twenty (20) year Naval Veteran, detail the Veteran experience and blessings of serving his military brothers and sisters and their families. On a personal note, Kasim is a long time listener of WEEI (first time/long time) and he and his family are diehard Red Sox fans.

We begin 2025, visiting with the 76th Governor of Rhode Island, Dan McKee. We're looking ahead, with the focus on getting a little clarity on the tough issues that plagued 2024. Winter is here, when will the pallet shelters of Echo Village be ready for occupancy? We're a year into the closure of the eastbound side of the Washington Bridge, and are still in the bidding process. 2024 ended with an alarming data breach of RIBridges, leaving half of the RI population vulnerable to criminal cyber crime. However it's not all negativity there is some good news, The RISavers program is launching in spring 2025 the creation of a new program and a partnership with Connecticut that is designed to help Rhode Islanders retire more easily. Also, listen as the Governor "Coach of RI", heralds our local sports programs. From nationally ranked women's basketball at RI College, University of RI football reaching the national tournament, RI Football Club scheduling their first game at the long awaited soccer stadium, and Cranston Little League represented at the World Series, "Little Rhody" has a good deal to be proud of.

“ checks are great, relationships are better”.

Take the Plunge Challenge! "A Wish Come True", raises funds to grant wishes to children with life threatening illness. They are the oldest wish granting organization in RI and MA, now in their 42nd year. AWCT Executive Director, Mary-Kate O'Leary joins us to detail their “21st Annual Polar Plunge” at Easton's Beach (First Beach) in Newport on January 1st, 2025. Yes, they want us to jump in the ocean! Listen as she describes two of their "Wish Warriors", featured in "Freezin' for a Reason", 4 year old Indy (Coventry RI) and 9 year old Lars (Jamestown RI). Mary-Kate also details the programs and future events which support not only "Wish Kids", but their entire family. AWCT is overjoyed to have raised $630K, from the “Wishes Take Flight Gala”, honoring both Beth Napollillo and Steve Napollillo (AD Providence College). Join Mary-Kate, who may or may not be in costume, and all the brave souls on the beach New Year’s Day 2025 for a very good cause.

Karen Kalunian of "Animal Talk" wants you to know that shelter companion animals are being euthanized for space! There are many reasons for the critical mass, part of the reason is a result of post COVID abandonement. She encourages you to reach out to her for direction to the most convenient way for you to help. Either at your local shelter or other, you can contribute by donating in various ways. Consider fostering a companian animal, that could even be a rooster. Listen as she describes the impetus for this passion project (she blames her daughter KIm) and how a shelter dog in a local production of Annie "Sandy" was the first. You can find "Animal Talk" on social media, look for the logo "Half Pitty, Half Kitty" and found on PBS as well.

Stages of Freedom, "founded in 2016 has at its core addressing racial inequities in Rhode Island and ensuring that Black Lives Matter" is in the spotlight. Co-Founders Ray Rickman, Executive Director and Robb Dimmick, Program Director zoom in with the latest on programs and events that support free swimming lessons for Black youth. Their non-profit African American Museum & Bookshop in Providence RI "creates a unique synergy of missions"; enriching peoples education of African American life, Rhode Island African American history and saving lives. There's always something interesting when you donate to SOF, i.e. a ticket give away for "Hamilton" at Providence Performing Arts Center (hurry the performance is 12/19). They also work in tandem with organizations such as, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park highlighting the exhibit at Old Slater Mill "Laboring for Freedom African Americans in the Blackstone River Valley" (through 12/14). Listen as they detail the mystery behind the stolen plaque of Edward Mitchell Bannister, a nineteenth-century artist and one of the founders of the Providence Art Club. We also discuss the importance of Christiana Carteaux Bannister and why her historic marker has been revealed. The Bannister's, Providence's 19th-century Black power couple. Did you know that December is "National Tie Month"? "A time we seize to profile those distinguished men of color who made their mark by wearing one well". Notable names including, Baritone Paul Robeson, and Black Socialogist W.E. Dubois.