Where We Live

There’s no doubt that the pandemic hit the performing arts hard but local artists have been working to make a difference and connect with the community.

Today, we get an update from Judy Dworin from the Judy Dworin Performance Project about how the organization has shifted in the last two years and she also talks about its future.

And later, we will hear about a young woman who started a non profit that uses dance to help dancers from all walks of life navigate trauma. We want to hear from you. Is dance part of your life?

GUESTS:

• Judy Dworin - Executive and Artistic Director, at the Judy Dworin Performance Project, now the Justice Dance Performance Project
• Victoria Steele - performing artist with Justice Dance Performance Project
• Bettina Mahoney - Founder and CEO of Fortitude, a convention and competition with a mission of empowering dancers through the vehicle of performing arts in New York City

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Researchers say more than 1 in 4 COVID patients still have symptoms months later. Many COVID long-haulers may experience fatigue and what researchers call "exercise intolerance." Hear about a recent study that identifies trouble with the muscles absorbing oxygen, not the heart or the lungs – and the relief this diagnosis can bring patients.

Physical therapy can play an important role in recovery. We talk to a physical therapist working on tailored treatment programs. Plus, Middlesex Health Chief of Infectious Disease Dr. Alina Filozov stresses that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent post-COVID symptoms.

First, Ukraine has retained control of Kyiv as the fifth day of the Russian offensive continues, and talks between Ukraine and Russia begin. Congressman Jim Himes joins us to discuss the latest.

GUESTS:

• Jim Himes: 4th District Connecticut Congressman
• Dr. Phillip Joseph: Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, Yale-New Haven Hospital; Associate Director for Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program, Yale School of Medicine
• Kathy Flaherty: Executive Director of the Connecticut Legal Rights Project
• Dr. Alina Filozov: Chief of Infectious Disease, Middlesex Health
• Brian Taber: Director of Physical Rehabilitation, Middlesex Health

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Reports Friday morning are Russian troops have entered the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital Kiev and it's being bombarded with missile strikes. Today, we talk to a Ukrainian American in Connecticut about Russia’s attack.

And later, 7 out of 10 fire departments nationwide are all volunteer. Here in Connecticut, 83 percent of firefighters fit that description. We hear from some of the volunteer firefighters in our state about how they’re grappling with a volunteer shortage.

We also hear how important workplace culture is when you are working for emergency services. Do you or someone you know work in the fire department where you live? We want to hear from you.

GUESTS:

• Olena Lennon - Ph.D. is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science and National Security at the University of New Haven
• Dave Lampart - Volunteer Firefighter in Woodbury and town emergency management director
• Scott Eskwitt - Director of Fire Policy and Training Content for Lexipol

Photo Credit: Sergey Bobok / AFP via Getty Images

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Through her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling created a magical world championing acceptance and inclusivity. But the author’s controversial comments about the transgender community have alienated lifelong fans.

This hour, we explore how fans have moved forward. We hear from Fandom Forward, formerly known as the Harry Potter Alliance. One Fandom Forward volunteer from New Haven focused on the series in her master's dissertation.

Plus, have you heard of Wizard Rock? Ashley Hamel of Ashley Trix & the WZRDs joins us.

GUESTS:

• Katie Bowers: Managing Director, Fandom Forward
• Abigail Page: Volunteer Manager of Leadership & Education, Fandom Forward
• Ashley Hamel: Singer-songwriter

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One in ten Americans, or one on every elevator and four on every bus, is impacted by a rare disease. 

Yet, 95 percent of rare diseases do not have approved treatment. On a promising note, bio-pharmaceutical companies working on orphan drugs have more than 800 projects in clinical development.

In a ground-breaking clinical trial, a participating patient at the University of Connecticut Health Center was the first in the world to receive an infusion treatment for a type of glycogen storage disease.

This hour on Where We Live, we hear from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) on efforts to create a Rare Disease Advisory Council in Connecticut to elevate the voices of residents with rare diseases, something other states have done.

We also hear from a UConn researcher, and a father and son living with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, on the latest treatment and challenges.

GUESTS:

John D'Alessandro: Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta at age 40

Christian D'Alessandro: Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta at around four weeks

Alicia Lawrence: Patient Services Case Manager, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Amber Barry, RN: Glycogen Storage Disease & Disorders of Hypoglycemia Program at the University of Connecticut Health Center, and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

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K-12 students in Connecticut can now take two mental health wellness days during the school year.

Today, we hear from a student who advocated for this proposal and we talk to the Office of Child Advocate.

First, we get an update on legislative proposals to strengthen gun violence prevention in our state. State Senator Marilyn Moore joins us.

What questions do you have?

GUESTS:

• Senator Marilyn Moore - Bridgeport State Senator
• Sarah Eagan - Child Advocate, State of Connecticut
• Vignesh Subramanian - Sophomore at Stony Brook University studying Biology
• Barb Solish - Director of Youth and Young Adult Initiatives at the National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Today, we talk about how experiences coming of age impact us into adulthood. Melissa Febos, author of the bestselling memoir Girlhood, joins us.

She writes about what she learned about herself, including the ways we begin to understand consent and how this impacts our relationships long-term.

And later, what should parents and educators consider when teaching about consent?

GUESTS:

• Melissa Febos - author of Girlhood
• Kelsey Alexander - Training and Prevention Coordinator at Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence

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If you’ve been watching the Beijing Winter Olympics, you’ve likely seen a Connecticut local compete and succeed. But there’s one local connection you may not have noticed. This hour, we learn more about the NBC Sports International Broadcast Center in Stamford, where many of the announcers you see and hear are stationed, like commentator Leigh Diffey.

Connecticut Public Reporter Frankie Graziano has more on the many Connecticut connections among this year's roster of Olympian athletes.

Plus, NPR Beijing correspondent Emily Feng joins us to touch on "the backdrop of diplomatic boycotts over numerous allegations of human rights abuses in China," and her latest reporting.

GUESTS:

• Leigh Diffey – Broadcaster, NBC Sports
• Frankie Graziano – Reporter, Connecticut Public
• Emily Feng – Beijing Correspondent, NPR

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Republican Bob Stefanowski ran for Connecticut Governor in 2018, narrowly losing to Ned Lamont. Now Stefanowski, a Connecticut native and Madison resident, is back to take on Lamont again.

This hour on Where We Live, we hear from Stefanowski about his second run for governor, and his expanded platform ranging from fiscal accountability and the elimination of state income and sales taxes to managing COVID-19, crime, and more.

We also hear from Hartford Courant reporter Daniela Altimari on how the race could unfold.

GUESTS:  

Bob Stefanowski: Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

Daniela Altimari: Reporter, State Government & Politics, Hartford Courant

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Community college enrollment has dropped nationally, leading many local institutions to rethink how they retain their students.

Today, we talk to local leaders in Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system. How are they working to attract and retain students?

Dr. Duncan Harris joins us, he’s Capital Community College, Chief Executive Officer. We find out how Capital Community College has changed their offerings to better serve the Hartford community.

If you’re attending a community college in our state, we want to hear from you!

GUESTS:

• Lee Gardner - Senior Writer at Chronicle of Higher Education
• Dr. G. Duncan Harris - Chief Executive Officer at Capital Community College in Hartford, Connecticut
• Hana Lahr - Senior Research Associate and Program Lead at the Community College Research Center at Teachers College Columbia University

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