WEEI Providence

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. We're reminded 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 professional 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're recognizing this month of October and Breast Cancer Awareness with the Gloria Gemma Foundation (gloriagemma.org) . It's time to turn the city pink! Providence RI is the place to be for the annual Flames of Hope celebration. The foundation, created by The Gemma family as tribute to their mother Gloria Gemma, believes “No One Should Fight Cancer Alone”. Our guest from the Gloria Gemma Foundation is Shakay Kizirian, MSW, LCSW, a 40+ year professional in the medical field, an oncology specialist and breast cancer survivor. Shakay, who has a unique perspective on this “Weekend of Pink”, joins us for the details. Listen as she speaks on the various FREE events, including the “Passport to Survivorship” vendor fair, GG 5K, Illuminations of Life Ceremony and the return of the “Pink Pump-Palooza”. You can hear the emotion in her voice as she recalls how moving the “Torch Procession” is, in her years as a torch walker and as an escort. She also encourages you to take a tour of their new expansive location in Lincoln RI. It's all about balancing education with fun while meeting the needs of those diagnosed in Rhode Island, South Eastern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. It's not only women who benefit from the resources and programs they provide and it's not limited to breast cancer.

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.

It's a big party! Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is taking over Bally’s Twin River (Lincoln RI) on September 25th for their annual Women Leading Change (WLC) event to acknowledge and celebrate the work and contributions of those who are advocating for advancements in gender equity. WFRI’s Kelly Nevins, CEO joins us for the details on this night of celebration and networking. Listen as she describes the important work being done as an investment in women and girls. WFRI is credited with the key legislation prohibiting job applications requiring your previous salary. Their website is a valuable resource where you can find the "Women’s Well Being Index" for key data highlighting the disparity for women in health, wealth and power. She discusses women's employment issues such as C-Suite and Pink sectors, and the wage disparity where women earn $.83 (White) $.77 (Black) $.50 (Latino) to the male dollar ($1.00). Princess June opens the festivities spinning vinyl, concluding with raffles for exquisite goody baskets. In between that there's recognition and awards celebrating women and businesses making a difference. Cathy Andreozzi of The Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation will be presented with the Simone Joyeaux Leadership Award. State Representative Karen Alzate will be awarded the Susan Farmer Advocacy Award for her efforts at the state level. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island will receive the Organizational Equity Award for its institutional commitment to equity in workplace practice. Don't miss this important event!