WEEI Providence

Men are not inherently violent and we haven't learned how to be nonviolent or how to intervene in crisis, man to man. Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) with their Ten Men Cohort 2025-2026 (Engaging Men as Allies) has grown to more than twenty strong with members who are motivated to support the community with a non-violent mindset. Justin Freitas, RICADV Men’s Engagement Coordinator and Brianna Henries, Director of Communications join us to provide an update on how this successful program combined with multiple statewide agencies, are striving to eliminate domestic violence in RI. Listen as Justin and Brianna detail their efforts to engage and mobilize the community. Autumn brings their first Mr. Rhody competition, will Scott compete to flaunt his talents? "Talent, style, heart, and humor—bring it all to the stage on September 30 for a night of fun benefiting the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence", all in collaboration with the General Federation of Women's Clubs in Rhode Island (GFWCRI).

Dig Deep! RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) through The Aquatic Resource Education (A.R.E.) program is a federally funded program that is managed through RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife. Kimberly Sullivan, Principal Biologist - Freshwater Fisheries and A.R.E. Coordinator, joins us to detail their "Come Clam with Me" program series in addition to other upcoming outdoor opportunities. "The Come Clam with Me sessions are part of a larger program that includes marine and freshwater ecology programming, fishing/fly fishing training, in-schools programs such as the Salmon/ Trout in the Classroom, teacher training in environmental curricula, and hatchery tours". Listen as Kimberly explains to Scott, the difference between RI many clam species.

FREE BEER! What could be better than a cold beer on a hot summer day? That's what you can get if you are 21+ and donate blood between July 28th and August 31st, for the 4th Annual "Pint for a Pint" campaign. Nicole Pineault, Executive Director - Blood Operations, Rhode Island Blood Center (ribc.org) joins us with the details. We're in a "blood emergency" when the blood supply runs low and donations are decreased. That happens particularly during the summertime when people are away or enjoying summer activities. At the same time the blood supply runs low with the need for blood arising due to activities or accidents. The hospitals still need a good supply for surgeries as well. Listen as she explains how "O Positive" is the most common blood type and that "O Negative" is the universal blood donor in trauma events. Nicole also explains how platelet donors are always needed as well, due to the short shelf life. So, go to the website (ribc.org), find a blood drive or make an appointment at one of the five RIBC locations near you by August 31st, and receive a voucher for a free pint of beer at one of the thirteen participating establishments. You can belly up to the bar for a good cause!

Veterans Wanted! The 6th Annual Calling All Veterans Day is coming to the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park (21 Iafrate Way, North Kingstown, RI), home of the most unique logo and location marker, a battle-ready bee! Deb Burton, MS, Executive Director & Gerontologist of RI Elder Info stops by to provide the details in this the 60th year of the Older Americans Act. This FREE annual community outdoor event (August 16th,10am-1pm) is an "opportunity to receive free information on resources and benefits for Veterans of all eras, their spouses, or their aging loved ones. Benefit providers as well as organizations that provide fun activities that promote a sense of connection and holistic health will be onsite. The event is free and open to Veterans of all eras, their family and the community". Listen as Deb teases us with a special guest reveal, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by 100 years young, WWII Veteran, Mr. George Silva. She also discusses the success stories of previous attendees in crisis, returning with their success stories. In addition to helping veterans, RI Elder Info also provides seniors, caregivers and professionals with a resource to guide them through the aging process.

"ALS United brings together independent organizations across the country, each deeply rooted in their communities, to provide care and support where it matters most – close to home". In the smallest state in the union, ALS United RI is a support network, who's mission is to unite members in serving people with ALS and provide valuable resources to families and their loved ones facing this insidious disease. To date, there is no cure however ALS United is committed to fighting for a cure and helping people with ALS live their lives to the fullest. How do they do that? Christina Vilardi,MBA-Executive Director of the RI chapter answers our questions. You can support their efforts in various ways. There are opportunities to contribute. You can donate your time or funds, create a tribute page, fundraise or walk! It's a perfect time of the year to put on your walking shoes at Bryant University for the 2025 Walk ALS RI on August 24th. It's also the kind of weather when you don't mind getting wet, so why not soak? You can sign up for the Ceo Challenge Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge started by Pete Frates, Pat Quinn, and Anthony Senerchia, all living with ALS. Listen as Christina talks about these events and the services they provide, of which there are many. Their care services include support groups, transportation, financial assistance, respite and equipment loan programs, just to name a few. Join them in this fight!

Rhode Island lays claim to the "Largest, Longest-Running International Military Static Line Parachute Competition in the World, and remains the marquis Airborne event for the National Guard Bureau and US Department of Defense." It's the 40th running of LEAPFEST! All to promote the camaraderie and Esprit de Corps of the Airborne Soldier through International Competition. Major Jeffrey Nelson, RIANG -Brigade Operations Officer, 56th Troop Command, joins us for the details. The event is open to the public and spectators are welcome at the “Drop Zone” on LEAPFEST 2025 Competition Day, on Saturday August 2nd, with a rain date of Sunday August 3rd. The “Drop Zone” is located on Adams Farm in Exeter, RI and public parking is available at 300 Hog House Hill Rd. You can watch "Jumpers", military paratroopers from International and US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps units, compete for individual or for team award. Listen as Major Nelson explains the process for a "static line" jump, which will include 18 countries, six which have never competed before. He details the tricky process that some countries go through to approve their travel in time for competition. That was a factor for one entrant in 2024, which lead to Special Operations Detachment – Pacific (SOD-P), an 11th hour competitor, that unexpectedly took the top prize. He also lists the family fun activities, vendors and food trucks on site, sponsored by Ocean State Food Truck Festivals.

We're thinking about animal welfare. With the summer heat and unpredictable weather, we invited the current President & General Agent of the RISPCA, Wayne Kezerian,Esq, to the conversation. The organization made a big move in 2023 from East Providence RI, to a larger and more suitable operation in Warwick RI. "Founded in 1870, the Rhode Island SPCA is the oldest nonprofit animal welfare organization in the state of Rhode Island and the third oldest in the country. They provide adoption and re-homing services, veterinary care, humane education, training support and pet owner assistance programs. The Rhode Island SPCA is also the only organization in the state that can legally investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty and neglect and takes an active role in legislative matters concerning the welfare of all animals in our state". Wayne has been with this cause, as a board member and then in the current position of President for 25 years, however he is looking at retirement. The RISPCA has seen much growth but still needs your help, the need dependable volunteers is great. They also have opportunities for you to contribute. The "Ales for Tails" fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, July 26th from 2p - 6p. They'll be at The Guild in Pawtucket RI with "live music, food trucks, raffles, dogs, and lots of fun!" The Guild will be donating proceeds from every pint of their special brew that day, to help the dogs at the shelter. Listen as Wayne details that event and the "Paws in the Park" coming up Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Goddard Memorial State Park.

It's said that "Necessity is the Mother of Invention", and sometimes it takes a tragedy to achieve a desired goal. Recently, the RI State Legislature passed the David Casey Act, "Automated External Defibrillators Required at Public Places and Healthcare Facilities". This bill requires all golf courses in the state to have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) available on their premises. David Casey was a Johnston man who died in February 2023 after experiencing cardiac arrest while playing golf at the Cranston CC. Betsy Casey, his widow, was the driving force for the bill to come to fruition. She hopes the bill’s positive impact will mean that her husband’s death was not in vain, “Hopefully I’ve been able to save someone else’s life”. Joe McDonald, Director of Communications and Senior Writer for the Rhode Island Golf Association (RIGA) joins us to discuss how the organization would like to facilitate funding for those golf courses, to be in compliance with the bill. He and Scott show their love of the game as they reflect upon the recent "63rd Northeast Amateur Invitational", and "120th Amateur Championship". Listen as Scott describes his disbelief (and horror- "downright evil!") at how the "pins were placed" at Wannamoisett CC for the 63rd NAI and he and Joe also laud the players who performed under adverse weather conditions, such as Preston Stout who came out on top. They also discuss the challenging conditions at Rhode Island CC, which didn't deter Michel Calef from winning the 120th Amateur.

Viva Liberty! We're steering toward the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. Jim Stearns, Director for the Battle of Rhode Island Association and a member of the Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee joins us to celebrate Independence Day and provide an education on the role Rhode Island played. Who knew that Rhide Island was front and center of this dangerous undertaking? Jim discovered he had several ancestors in the Battle of Rhode Island, and that connection allowed him to join the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution(RISR). The Independence Day celebration is by far the largest event that is sponsored by the Rhode Island Society Sons of the Revolution. The day begins at the grave of William Ellery in the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street in Newport concluding wit a member of the RISR recreates the reading of the Declaration of Independence that took place on the steps of the Colony House in July of 1776 by Major John Handy. The Artillery Company of Newport follows with a 21 gun salute to the Nation using their battery of four cannons cast by Paul Revere in 1798. Listen as he describes the actions taken to reclaim the Butts Hill Fort, which is in need of volunteers to bring the fort out of the weeds.

"Shark Health is Ocean Health, and Ocean Health is Our Health." ™, is the credo The Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) lives by. Jon F Dodd, Executive Director, ASI joins us to describe how they conduct cutting-edge research on Atlantic shark species. We've observed how the recent 20 foot shark in a pond in Block Island caused public concern, despite the absence of any real threat. Listen as he discusses, tagging technologies and why they are important, the extensive acoustic receiver array they have set up to detect sharks and anything with an acoustic tag in/on it, the importance of sharks in our ecosystem, things to do to avoid shark interactions, the white sharks in New England and RI, and RI’s growing seal population, As an added bonus, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie "Jaws". You can hear the inner "Hooper" in Jon's motivation in his passion for researching sharks.