WEEI Providence

January is National Mentor month. As a youth in life, “Opportunity is not always equally distributed, but potential is”. Jeanine Achin, President and CEO of MENTOR RI (mentorri.org), joins us with some insight on how this organization undergoes their mission, striving to fill the gap “for all youth to have role models who are able to provide a road map for lifelong success and achievement”. The process begins in the school system with youths from kindergarten through high school graduation, who receive one on one contact with a well vetted adult. Anyone can be a mentor, there's no qualification or status required, you only need to “show up, no matter what“. Since 1989, MENTOR RI has been serving RI cities and towns with 53 mentoring programs, “Envisioning a Rhode Island where all youth are connected to relationships with adults who inspire and support them”. Listen as Jeanine explains how they recruit businesses and individuals as mentors, to achieve “the most meaningful thing they do in a day”. There are individuals who have taken this mentor relationship, flipping the script, from the one who is mentored to one who becomes a mentor. The impact of mentoring can be found on the website with numbers to illustrate success. Jeanine also details their events aimed at community involvement to raise awareness and funds. In September they celebrate the volunteers at their “Annual Campaign Breakfast”, honoring a new class of Legacy Mentors with an induction into their Mentor Hall of Fame. Every January 1st, they have the “Annual Frozen Clam Dip & Obsta-Plunge”, a New Year’s Day tradition. On March 27th, join MENTOR RI for their signature event, “19th Dancing With the Stars of Mentoring”, when ten local “celebrities” compete for fundraising goals. These locals, including three RI Mayors and Miss RI Teen USA, will participate as dancers or judges. Follow Mayor Donald Grebien (Pawtucket) and Mayor Maria Rivera (Central Falls) as they hit the dance floor with professional dancers from The Dancing Feeling studio. They'll be judged by Mayor Frank Picozzi (Warwick) and Miss RI Teen USA, Reyana Ahern (Warwick). It's sure to be a magical night!

In this, a year where we find ourselves in a troubled chaotic society, it's necessary for people to “do more” and “speak up”. That's the suggestion from Stages of Freedom (stagesoffreedom.org), the Rhode Island “award-winning non-profit building bridges across cultural divides through exciting public engagement”. Ray Rickman, Co-Founder and Executive Director and Robb Dimmick, Co-Founder and Program Director join us ahead of Monday's day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. They're offering “Time to Break Silence, the Essential Works of Dr. Martin Luther King” to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students, FREE, via email request. In addition to discussing the similarities between the Civil Rights era and today, we elaborate on Stages of Freedom ongoing mission. No other site in America is doing the work to archive Black excellence in the country and specifically Rhode Island. Did you know the first professional Magician was Richard Potter or that “Henry “Box” Brown:The Magician Who Mailed Himself to Freedom” performed in Woonsocket, RI? If you subscribed to “Connected”, the SOF eblast sent out three times during the week, you would. They encourage educators to use the resources SOF provides to enhance learning. Among these resources, they have traveling exhibits for loan to display, that can be transported easily. Listen as Ray and Robb describe how you can help Stages of Freedom with their ongoing mission including Swim Empowerment for BIPOC, who are five times more likely to drown, compared to White Youths.

Learning is fun and It's a belief that to keep the mind, body and soul active in all stages of our lives, learning is key. Funda Fest (fundafest.org), now in their 28th season, returns with their celebration of performance art, January 13th-25th, the week of the Martin Luther King Holiday. Valerie Tutson, Teller and Executive/Festival Director, joins us with details.This year’s Funda theme is “Drumming Up Freedom”! Over 25 performers from around the world join Valerie Tutson, Len Cabral and other talented performers from the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS) for “A Celebration of Black Storytelling”. “Experience the talents of performers from the African Diaspora, artists from the US, the UK, the Caribbean, and the African Continent”. Listen as Valerie describes the beginnings, including how the name Funda Fest came to fruition and the literal meaning. She explains there will be an event to celebrate a founding member at the CCRI Providence Liston Campus January 24th, “Remembering Michael Van Leesten: “Mike Tales” (A Tribute to Michael Van Leesten)”. There'll be music, storytelling, spoken word and more with certain performances that come with a bonus recording to enjoy again and again. RIBS is available year round with storytelling packages for schools, churches, organizations, businesses and libraries. So, join the fun! Scott joined last year at Funda Fest 27, as a judge for the Liar’s Contest event. You can hear his enjoyment as he describes the experience, will he repeat?

We welcome 2026 with the Women's Fund of Rhode Island (wfri.org) and CEO Kelly Nevins. She joins us to reveal the work being done to advance equity among the gender divide in RI. The goal of WFRI is to “close the gender wage, wealth, health, and power gaps that exist so everyone can not only survive, but thrive”. Listen as Kelly details the programs and initiatives they've undertaken in this, their 25th year of service. In addition to their 25th anniversary, she notes the launch of a RI Girls Coalition, a Digital Literacy & Mental Health Retreat for Girls, work on a RI Voter Rights Act, and a Gubernatorial Forum with candidates for Governor, as we head to the voting booth for the midterms in November. Did you know, WFRI welcomes men as allies in the fight for equity? “One Hundred Men for Gender Equity” exists within WFRI for men to participate in the movement. Check the website for WFRI events in 2026. The discussion starts January 12th with the FAB (Feminist Activist Book) Club in addition to events throughout the year, leading up to September 23rd with WFRI's annual gala “Women Leading Change”.

Give back, feel good and make it a movement on New Years Day 2026, take the plunge! A Wish Come True (AWCT) and hundreds of brave souls will be jumping in the Atlantic Ocean at Easton’s Beach in Newport RI at high noon, for the 22nd annual Polar Plunge. Mary-Kate O’Leary, MA Executive Director at A Wish Come True (awish.org) joins us for the details. She's geared up for the plunge, and preparing her costume. It's all to benefit kids who are living with a life threatening illness. To date, AWCT has granted 1900 wishes to “kiddos” from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut who have a wish for a special experience. Listen as Mary-Kate reveals the various, most requested wishes. She highlights Wish kiddo Nicholas, who requested a Celtics experience. Great sponsors help to make these experiences happen and the Celtics have participated continuously in the past. Will Jayson Tatum or Johnston's own Coach Joe Mazzulla be present for Nicholas? Mary-Kate also describes the other fundraising events, if you prefer to stay dry. It's gala year! The “Wishes Take Flight Gala” will honor Colleen and Frank Duffy who created the Meghan K. Duffy Memorial Hardship Fund, assisting Wish families financially. “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” as well as the AWCT “Spring Golf Classic” will be fun event opportunities to raise funds or volunteer your time. To put in perspective, jumping in the ocean in January may be uncomfortable, however minimal compared to the treatments these kiddos go through for their illness.

Get out of your comfort zone and get silly for a good cause. The Pete Frates Foundation (petefrates.com) invites you to join the ALS community to “Plunge 4 Pete:Freezin for a Reason” (plunge4pete.com) on December 27th at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester Massachusetts. If you're unable to get to the beach, you can plunge remotely! Mike Pitt, Executive Director of The Pete Frates Foundation, joins us for the many ways you can contribute to the cause. It all started with Pete Frates and Pat Quinn in 2014 when they created the Ice Bucket Challenge, with the goal of raising funds for research for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. To date, the challenge has raised $220 million for researching this disease which has no cure. The Pete Frates Foundation was created in 2020 by Petes parents in his memory, after his passing from ALS in 2019. Mike Pitt details the support the foundation provides to ALS patients and their loved ones. They're happy being a conduit to help with ALS resources including financial assistance to help with home health care assistance. They also provide many volunteer opportunities if you have the time, or if you don't have the time, donations are always welcome. Listen as Mike describes his personal connection to Pete, his “brother from another mother” and reveals how his father also battled a similar condition. As the holidays are upon us, you can find a way to give with 2X the impact, with a purchase on the foundation’s online store.

It's a short drive to South County RI where the World War II Foundation and International Museum of World War II (https://wwiifoundation.org/), a “National Geographic Top Ten World War II Museums in the World to Visit” is found on Main Street in Wakefield. There you'll meet Tim Gray, President, Founder & Documentary Filmmaker. He joins us with an update on how the foundation is busy recreating and preserving the history of battlefield wars. The World War II Foundation tells the personal stories of the World War II generation through documentary films, shot on location in Europe and the Pacific. A sobering reality, only 43 thousand Veterans remain, of 16 million WWII Veterans enlisted. To date, 42 documentary films on World War II with narrators including Bill Belichick, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Dan Aykroyd, Gary Sinise, Liev Schreiber, Tim McCarver, Jane Lynch, Jim Nantz, and many others. Listen as Tim recalls filming, “A Promise To My Father” the story of Holocaust Survivor Israel (Izzy) Arbeiter as he returns to Auschwitz, “reliving the most horrific moments of his life with vivid detail, seventy years later”. The International Museum of WWII (https://wwiifoundation.org/museum/), a tactile museum, curates tangible objects you can touch.“The most comprehensive World War II collection on display anywhere in the country.” On display, items from a soldier's deployment. In person you can try on a helmet or touch a weapon, feel the weight of the gear carried into battle. Best bet before you visit, take the Virtual-visit tour to see the magnitude of the collection spanning all conflicts, and all sides. The WWII Foundation is filling the void where the Department of Education has dropped the curriculum, offering educators an opportunity to teach the subject of World War II. Like various school systems this holiday season, The World War II Foundation is a partner with “Wreaths Across America”, teaching the next generation the value of freedom. On a lighter note, Tim reveals the connection between himself at the age of 10, and Edward R. Murrow.

It's all about the students and preparing them for success in their lives and careers, as they become adults in the workforce. Junior Achievement Rhode Island (jari.org) has been a key component in that effort since 1922, after the national Junior Achievement organization came on the scene in 1919. Cassi Steenblok, Director of Development joins the program for the latest happenings. She explains that the most under served segment of the student population in the Ocean State get the benefit of learning skills ranging from running a business to the latest in artificial intelligence (AI). In the 2024-2025 school year, they “reached nearly 12,000 students in 75 schools in 22 different districts”. A peek behind the curtain occurs on December 9th through December 11th at JA Inspire career fair in Providence, when students can get hands-on experience. “JA Inspire is a coalition of educators and industry leaders, led by Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. At the center of our work is a powerful career exploration fair where 5,000 8th graders from around the state visit the Rhode Island Convention Center to learn from 90 exhibitors representing high-growth, high-demand careers here in Rhode Island”. The best part, all the programs JARI provides are FREE! You can imagine fundraising is key to continuing to provide this successful school centric programming. Volunteers and donations from businesses and individuals are welcome and “Giving Tuesday” is a great time to get on board.

“If you've seen one food bank, you've seen one food bank” Melissa Cherney, CEO Rhode Island Community Food Bank (rifoodbank.org) attests in her eighteen years of service feeding the community. Melissa joins us as a North Dakota transplant, at a time of unprecedented need with food insecurity. The RI Community Food Bank (RICFB) has been in crisis mode since November 1st with the government shutdown, affecting 143,000 of our neighbors and increasing their workload overnight. The need is compounded by the impending holiday season. They're community focused at RICFB with the vast programming they provide. Did you know that they have a kitchen? They even test recipes and feed hot meals to approximately five hundred kids after school, and the kids pick the menu! Melissa also reveals that with 137 food sites statewide, you can either get help or contribute in your vicinity. Anyone can be part of the solution, “give food, give funds”. She recounts the recent generosity displayed by RI residents. We have a lighter moment comparing winter weather from North Dakota to RI, and Melissa describes her “Beverly Hillbillies” transplant experience from North Dakota, “loaded up my golden retrievers and moved to…”

Black Friday? Flip the script on November 28th and Buy Nothing! You can give the gift of warmth instead. Join us on the lawn at the Rhode Island State House in Providence on Black Friday (9am-1pm) to kick off the season of giving with RI Coat Exchange (ricoatexchange.org), for their annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange. Lauren Testoni joins us for the details on this community effort to provide free coats, hats, gloves and scarves to those in need, from toddlers to adults. Listen as she describes what's necessary to successfully complete this effort reaching thousands of people. It takes a community of family, friends and even businesses to combine resources in a short timeline. The website is where you can find out how you can contribute. If you miss this November effort, you can begin 2026 with their “Spare a Pair” annual sock and underwear drive. Lauren also reveals the loss of key community member Ruth Ann “Diamond” Madsen. After the Black Friday event, any remaining items will be donated in Diamond's honor to the Mathewson Strèet Church in Providence, where they will also be distributed.

It’s opening night for a weekend of Mozart! The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (ricco.org) under the direction of Joshua Rohde, performs their interpretation of Mozart’s “Requiem”. “A dramatic, mysterious piece, among the most beloved choral works ever written”. The concerts will be performed at two locations over two nights. Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Sebastian’s Church in Providence, and Sunday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. at Saint John Vianney Church in Cumberland. He reminds us that we've heard this music in everything from movies to Bugs Bunny cartoons. You will be immersed in this “journey through Mozart’s life, beginning with the youthful Solemn Vespers, moving through his operatic brilliance, and concluding with the Requiem that marked the end of his career”. Listen as Joshua details Amadeus Mozart's tragic end of life as a brilliant and complicated young composer whose untimely death left this commissioned work to be completed by one of his students. He encourages all from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut to join the chorale as a singer (no training, no problem), which allows you to join in concert and perform with members of the RI Philharmonic for all kinds of music from classical to contemporary. Coming up on Sunday December 7th, there's the opportunity to participate in RICCO's “Messiah SING!” at St. Sebastian Church in Providence. This is a unique opportunity to be on stage, in the production among the musicians. Last year (2024) this ambitious production amassed approximately four hundred fifty folks singing Handel's Messiah. So, come join the RI Civic Chorale and Orchestra and join the fun!

The Grinch won't steal Christmas from Rhode Island kids, with the current government shutdown. The United States Marines will come through, as they continue their efforts to ensure there will be “Toys for Tots” in 2025. Corporal Mitchell Barstow-Coordinator of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign in Providence, Rhode Island joins us to kick off the season of giving which started October 1st and runs through to Christmas. He explains how this organized act of kindness started in 1947 with Marine Corps Reserve officer, Major Bill Hendricks, along with his wife Diane. She handmade a few dolls during the holidays that year and Major Hendricks gathered the Marines in his unit to create a way to donate the dolls to children in need. They realized the impact of the collection and distribution of 5,000 toys that year and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Clifton B. Cates directed all Reserve units to implement a Toys for Tots campaign in 1948, making the program national. “More than seventy-five years later, Toys for Tots now distributes an average of 18 million toys and books to over 7 million less fortunate children across the Nation”. Closer to home, Corporal Barstow continues with details of the impact in 2024 for the (just under) 30,000 RI children who received a total of 195k+ toys. He encourages everyone to visit the website (https://providence-ri.toysfortots.org) for toy, drop site, volunteer, and event requests. You can volunteer for this joyful activity starting November 17th. Semper Fidelis.

It's opening night for the 2025 American Basketball Association (ABA) season, the largest league worldwide. You can be part of the action in Pawtucket RI with the New England Lightning (lightningaba.com) under coach, former Providence College Friar, Jeff Xavier. They'll be at the Boys and Girls Club (1 Moeller Place in Pawtucket) to face off against the Boston Sharks for their second season, after a thrilling freshman season ending as the 2024/25 Division Champions. Paul Rogers, President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, joins Scott with the rundown of this local community effort, which has a bonus benefit of local kids seeing athletes that look like them. It's all about having local talent from Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, continuing to play at a high level, often transitioning to or from the NBA G-League. One such talent being Shane Darosa (G), a Pawtucket hometown hero. Paul describes his own personal trajectory with the team as he and Scott laud the legend, Fall River's Durfee High School basketball coach Skip Karam. Listen as they detail some unique aspects of the game. The 3D rule, four point field goals and a mystery celebrity player are all in play. Will Scott be a “walk on” celebrity to play hoops? Paul promises that Coach Xavier “won't run him too bad”.

Every parent's nightmare is to hear the phrase, “your child has cancer”. Since 1985, The Tomorrow Fund has been “an independent non-profit charitable organization, providing ​​​​​​​daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI”. Lisa Hainse, Executive Director of The Tomorrow Fund (tomorrowfund.org), joins us with the details of this worthy organization. They're celebrating 40 years of service with heart, hope & support at the 37th Annual Black Tie Gala “Fantasy Ball” on November 1st at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston RI. Lisa credits the founder of the organization, Dr. Edwin N. Forman with their continued commitment to act as a safety net for these children and their families. Listen as she describes the various support measures provided to these families. She also details the fundraising efforts The Tomorrow Fund conducts annually. The gala is their largest fundraiser, however in April they have their annual “stroll” as well as the annual golf tournament. According to Lisa, this 37th Gala will be “A Night to Remember”!

“Never Quit”. That's the motivation behind “Bench Press 4 Cancer 2025” (BP4C2025), the annual fundraiser honoring the late Lawrence Rubida (‘05), former co-captain and offensive lineman for the Brown University Bears football program. Current Bears, Sam Smith (Senior LB) and Danny Thompson (Junior OL) join Scott for the details. Listen as Sam explains what it takes and how it feels to earn the summertime Lawrence Rubida Award and his motivation with respect to his grandmother's success as a breast cancer survivor. The football program led by Coach James Perry ('00) is rooted in community service and these student athletes continuously show up. Lawrence Rubida was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, and the fundraiser was started to support Rubida financially while he dealt with medical and travel bills, as well as to raise money for research. Though Lawrence didn't survive, his legacy has and is now credited with the partnership between Brown University and Miriam Hospital with their cancer survivor program. Look to the main green on campus for the BP4C2025 challenge on Monday October 20th 2025 (9am-3pm), where equipment will be set up for the participants to flex for funds. Will the legacy of “The Guy from the Ratty” continue in 2025? Look for this enigmatic personality to continue his streak of “reps”. You may also see the legendary Coach Paul “Frizz” Frisone and his “God's gift” to biceps.

We welcome the seasonal change and fall ball with the 76th Governor of RI, Dan McKee for the latest with the state of RI. “During the McKee Administration, Rhode Island has advanced 10 places in the U.S. News and World Report Best States list” to 24th overall. Could that be due to the administration's RI 2030 plan (RI2030.ri.gov) ? RI 2030 has the objective to invest in the state and her citizens by raising economic opportunities, income and health to families and communities.”Teamwork is the key to success”. Centreville Bank Stadium and Blackstone Valley take center stage with the first American football game in the Forty-third Governor's Cup (10/3). This pits nationally ranked University of RI Rams and their in-state rival Brown University Bears to the field for a very special game while bringing this state tradition to northern RI. First Lady Susan McKee champions the effort to paint the landscape with color in partnership with state agencies DEM, DOT & DMV. These efforts have the end goal of shared pride in the state through community involvement and municipal beautification. The Washington Bridge is always on our mind. Through this “hardship and distraction” the governor is confident in the process and proud that everyone has been kept safe with no taxpayer cost.

"There's no difference between an injury to the body and an injury to the brain". That's the primary message conveyed by the Alex Archie Foundation, when speaking on student athletes and their mental health. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, Lisa Archie (Brown '83) and men's lacrosse alum Tom Archie (Brown '82) join Scott to discuss the impact of losing their son Alex to suicide, and turning their grief turned into awareness and action through the foundation. Listen as they discuss the stigma of this mental health challenge which often comes from the "tough it out" state of mind. One way to remove the stigma, "say suicide" out loud. They bring this philosophy and action to student athletes through activities such as Mental Health Awareness Games and student wellness programs as well as working with the Active Minds organization. They join Scott in lauding Brown University for their efforts in supporting student athletes wellness with staff and organizations including Brown Cares and the Students for Samaritans, serving thirty-seven varsity teams. Brown Bears Women's Field Hockey program recently held a Mental Health Awareness Game and Brown Bears broadcast booth hosted member guests from Women's Track & Field and Men's Lacrosse student athletes, Kate Scanlan and Harry Laferriere.

"A hand up, not a hand out". That's what Veterans will receive from Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), the premier Veterans assistance organization that's been operating in Johnston RI for over 30 years. Erik Wallin, Executive Director and General Council- OSDRI, joins us to promote their annual two day "33rd Veterans Assistance Event". This event is held on-site at their Johnston location, 1010 Hartford Avenue, Thursday September 18th and Friday September 19th. If you are a Veteran or know one, this is an event that offers all the resources needed in one location. Services like; dental, legal, medical, social benefits, jobs, clothing and housing all available with lunch provided, all FREE of charge! You can get your teeth cleaned and your driving record cleared at the same time with no DMV line,"One Stop Shop ". Listen as Erik details the the struggle some Veterans have in obtaining VA benefits and healthcare. Did you know not all Veterans are eligible for those benefits unless they retire from or have a service connected disability? OSDRI can help those in need work through the complicated process in obtaining them. He also speaks on their annual "Boots on the Ground" event held every Memorial Day weekend honoring fallen service women and men. Looking to volunteer for this worthy organization? They welcome those who want to help either at their events, financially or with help restocking the food pantry. You can also join in the fun on October 4th for the 11th annual Zero-K Road Race at McBride’s Pub (Providence RI), with all proceeds benefiting OSDRI. You can hear Scott's glee, as he describes this unique road race which requires only that you walk out the pub's entrance to the road and drink a beer.