A Holiday Special Featuring the Aristocats. 

Enjoy

Television broadcast dates, time and channels.

Sat, Dec 2 at 7 PM; Cox channel 13, Verizon channel 32, and Full Channel 9

Sun, Dec 3 at 8 AM Cox channel 13, Verizon channel 32, and Full Channel 9

Mon, Dec 4 at 9 PM; Cox channel 18, Verizon channel 31, and Full Channel 9

Wed, Dec 6 @ 5 PM; Cox channel 18, Verizon channel 31, and Full Channel 9

Thu, Dec 7 at 9 PM; Cox channel 18, Verizon channel 31, and Full Channel 9

Aristocats, reconfigured (11-22-21)

Host: John Carlevale

After two years of not performing music due to the Covid19 pandemic and the death of band member Nat Piccirilli, the Aristocats have regrouped and reconfigured. They are performing once again. We meet the newest member of the band and reconnect with former members. They perform some of greatest songs by some of the most famous writers of music. This special production is dedicated in memory of Nat Piccirilli, who appears at the end in a brief video of his last performance on State of the State at age 97.

Guests: Keven Breene, West Greenwich Town Administrator

              Victor Moffitt, Author - Eminent Domain Violated in Rhode Island,

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 mins

Description: The beginning of this topic of discussion began nearly 65 years ago and continues today. Why? The proposed Big River Reservoir was determined that it would not hold water by the Army Corp of Engineer’s Geologic Survey and thus was never built. Nevertheless, many other uses have been proposed over the years including the most recent idea which is discussed by the guests in this interview. Guests assert that this current suggested use is not legal under Eminent Domain Law and they propose that the property be returned to its original owners or their family survivors.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/877619264 

Guests: Lisa Daft, Barrington resident, Holly Quinn, North Kingstown resident, and 

        Rickey Thompson, North Kingstown resident

Host: Jessica Drew Day                        Time: 30 mins

Description: Rhode Island cities and towns have been offered incentives by the State to build new school buildings through the bonding process. Our guests (and they are not alone) believe that this is not a good idea for a number of cities and towns. They share their concerns; point out some pitfalls; offer alternative approaches to new and costly construction and costly bonding, among other matters discussed. Guests and host encourage viewers to find out what plans their city or town is planning and what the impact may be in terms of costs to their community and to individual property taxes. For more information contact: jessicadrewday@gmail.com or www.nkmegabond.org

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/877632498 

Gabe Amo for US Congress (10/10/23)

Guest: Gabe Amo, Candidate for US Congress, www.gabeamo.com

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 mins

Description: Candidate Amo discusses a few topics which highlight his campaign. He discusses his pledge to ban assault weapons and addressing the role mental health plays; supports Red Flag Laws; protecting Social Security and indexing cost of living adjustment to factors impacting; codify Roe vs Wade nationally; climate change; voting rights; immigration law needs a comprehensive over-hall. He supports term limits for Congress and Supreme Court.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/873289842

Guest: Mike Stenhouse, CEO RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity, https://rifreedom.org/

Host: Richard August                Time: 58 mins

Description: This show focuses on the results of the special primary election for US Congress D1. Guest and Host share their analysis of the results and their implications for the upcoming special general election. They discuss a variety of related topics including but not limited to the following: the cross over vote; use of false narratives; individual candidate results and the emergence of the party winners Gabe Amo (D) and Gerry Leonard (R); core values and strategies employed by the candidates and their respective political parties; and more. The interview ends with a discussion of national matters and concerns.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/863591602 

Spencer Dickinson for US Congress (8/21/23)

Guest: Spencer Dickinson, Candidate for US Congress, www.spencerdickinson.com  

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 mins

Description: Candidate Dickinson, a moderate Democrat has some major concerns which have contributed to his candidacy. They include but are not limited to the following: reform of the state and municipal pension systems (the last effort “stole” money from pensioners); solving the gun violence problem where it originates at criminal behavior and mental health concerns; solving problems at the border begin with closing the border first and foremost and fixing and enforcing immigration law/rules; student loan forgiveness does not work and is unfair; he supports parental rights in schools and elsewhere.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/856802784 

Stephen Casey for US Congress (8/21/23)

Guest: Stephen Casey, Candidate for US Congress, www.caseyforcongressri.com           

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 mins

Description: Candidate Casey, a moderate Democrat explains his position on various issues and concerns. He supports driver license for undocumented as a path to citizenship; border practices have become misguided and need correction; supports a national abortion rights initiative but is against late term or partial birth abortion; supports 2^nd Amendment; gun laws should focus on illegal guns and practices; climate change is an issue which needs infrastructure policy; “Medicare for All” efforts have not worked but other measures are needed like controlling drug cost; he does not support student loan forgiveness-it is a maturity and responsibility issue; supports parent rights….

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/856808683 

Aaron Regunberg for US Congress (8/7/23)

Guest: Aaron Regunberg, Candidate for US Congress, aaron@aaronregunberg.com       

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 mins

Description: Candidate Regunberg describes himself as a progressive Democrat and shares his view of what this means to him. The recent finding of false signatures on the campaign nomination papers of Sabinal Matos raises his concerns that this incident may discourage voters and their confidence in the voting process. Other important topics relating to his campaign and standing on various issues are discussed with Host August and these make for interesting discussions. The interview ends with Regunber talking directly to the viewing audience. 

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/852697119 

Dare to Dream Ranch: Recent Growth and Development (8/7/23)

Guest: Karen Dalton, Founder and Executive VP, Dare to Dream Ranch, www.daretodreamranch.org

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo              Time: 30 mins

Description: Dalton updates us on the more recent improvements, growth and development of the Dare to Dream Ranch, which offers a variety of activities and experiences for military veterans and their family members. These experiences are offered for fun and enjoyment and to promote emotional and mental health growth and development. Some of the many experiences offered are equine facilitated coaching; gardening; fly fishing; woodworking; bee keeping; farming; military development; and more have mental health benefit and are at no cost to clients. 

Upcoming Gala Event is September 16^th at the Crown Plaza in Warwick, RI.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/852703845  

A Review of Legislative Session and the Integrity of Elections (7/24/23)

Guest: Mike Chippendale, Representative and House Minority Leader

Host: Richard August

Description: The recent discovery of fraudulent signatures gathered in the Sabina Matos campaign prompted a discussion of other implications regarding the integrity of elections in Rhode Island and the views and concerns of the legitimate voting public. Subsequently, discussion turned to a review of the recently ended legislative session. The increase in the RI budget was explained with concerns for the future following. Leader Chippendale was especially pleased with the improved working relationship between the two political parties, especially relating to the budget and some important legislative matters.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/848440725 

A Twelve-Year Retrospective (7/24/23)

Commentator: Richard August

Description: Host and commentator for this show, August discusses how attitudes, values, political shifts and much more have changed during the past twelve years. His concerns are shared by many Rhode Islanders who have become progressively disenfranchised in many varied ways. Some have given up but August points out that this is no solution. Rather he encourages and believes that greater involvement in community and greater exercise of their political citizenship is the solution. The producers of State of the State encourage greater participation of different points of view on this show and welcome all views. This is our stated purpose and commitment.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/848443083

School Safety (6/26/23)

Guests: Tim Colgan, former Captain Warwick Police Dept. member of School Safety Now  

              Kevin McCormick, SVP Global Sales and Marketing for Campus Safety Products    

Host: Richard August

Description: School Safety Now recently started in Rhode Island in response to increase in school shooting nationwide and the need for better school safety locally. Tim Colgan is a retired police Captain and Keven McCormick is involved in providing school safety products nationwide. Both believe that school safety is best achieved with adequately trained security officers. Polices officers are best suited because their training is ongoing and trained to function under duress. Cost of police officers in schools should be provided by the State not by already burdened municipalities.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/840184926

Civic Education and Ecubed Justice League (6/26/23)

Guest: John Healy, RI Civic Education Teacher of the Year       

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: John Healy is the first teacher to be recognized as the RI Civic Education Teacher of the Year. He talks about his teaching, his school and especially his students, who became active participants in their school’s Ecubed Justice League project. Healy took his students through the legislative process and students eventually were able to have introduced a bill in the R.I. general assembly regarding student mental health needs. The focus of this bill was based on student needs relating to their mental health. The bill was held for further study.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/840188439

This interview is part of a series of interviews in support of May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023.

RI Children’s System of Care Activities (5-8-23)

Guests: Marti Rosenberg, Director of Policy, Planning, and Research at EOHHS

              Ana Novais, Acting Secretary at EOHHS

                        EOHHS: The Executive Office of Health and Human Services, https://eohhs.ri.gov   

Host: Susan Orban, Director at Washington County Coalition for Children, wccc@washcokids.org  

Description: EOHHS is engaged in creating a broad and effective comprehensive system of care for both people who are served directly by state agencies and those who are outside of state services but are nevertheless in need of such services. This interview focuses on children’s mental health system of care services. Guests discuss a wide array of services and concerns, which include prevention, crisis, expanding the service array (beyond DCYF clientele), care management, family care partnerships, residential and outside care, Many other concerns and challenges are mentioned along with what is hoped to be achieved.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/825213437

This interview is part of a series of interviews in support of May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023.

Women in the Military and Mental Health Issues (5-8-23)

Guest: Melanie Costa, Certified Peer Support Specialist at Providence VA Medical Center          Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Costa talks of her military experience beginning in the Marine Corps and later in the Army Reserve. Both took her to places outside of her home in Rhode Island. She had to adjust to not only different environments but also to different cultures with strongly imbedded hostility toward and lack of trust of others. While serving in the military, one particular experience gravely affected her mental health and sense of wellbeing. She was sexual abuse by a military officer. Costa candidly describes this experience, confronted her shame, found help, which helped returned her to better mental health.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/825216846

This interview is part of a series of interviews in support of May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

Legislative Actions to Address RI’s Youth Mental Health Crisis (5-22-23)

Guests: Senator Alana DiMario, RI Senate, District 36      Representative Teresa Ann Tanzi, RI House, District 34  

Host: Susan Orban, Director at Washington County Coalition for Children, wccc@washcokids.org  

Description: The RI system of care for children is complicated, with many state agencies involved. Some child advocates would also add that this system lacks leadership and is comprised of differing systems of care. These systems lack parity as related to insurance coverage, with wide variations among various plans. The mental health workforce is insufficient to meet current needs. Our two guests are legislators who have been working diligently to improve services of care for children. Their efforts are noteworthy.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/829405646

This interview is part of a series of interviews in support of May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

Sojourner House Strives to Meet Community Mental Health Needs (5-22-23)

Guest: Vanessa Volz, Executive Director, Sojourner House, www.sojournerri.org          Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Sojourner Hose was established in 1976 to help meet community mental health needs. The hotline was the initial service. Executive Director Volz describes how the agency has grown and diversified to offer various services. Currently a large part of services address domestic violence, housing needs, temporary shelter, immigration services, work with and on behalf of children and much more. 

For more information visit www.sojournerri.org

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/829454783 

This interview is the first in a series of interviews in support of May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023.

 Promoting Mental Wellness Using The Greatest 8 Skills (2-13-23)

Guest: Ellen Flannery-Schroeder, PhD, URI; www.thegreatest8.org

Guest Host: Susan Orban, Washington County Coalition for Children

Description: The Greatest 8 project is geared to helping parents to help their young children develop mental wellness skills at an early age. This is a skill set that is functional throughout the life cycle. The eight skills are foundational and are a valuable guide in helping parents, teachers and others who care for and work with children to help them promote mental health in children for life.

Visit www.thegreatest8.org for more information.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/799491954 

RIDE Curriculum Mandates (3-13-23)

Guest: Mike Stenhouse, CEO, RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity www.rifreedom.org

Host: Richard August

Description: Guest Stenhouse discusses RIDE curriculum mandates for social studies and history. His organization RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity sponsored a review of the curriculum. It concluded that Rhode Island’s incomplete social studies standards shortchange students by teaching radical activism instead of America’s birthright of liberty. Furthermore, history studies are missing important facts and are more a method for ideological indoctrination. Stenhouse invites viewers to visit www.rifreedom.org/action-center for more information.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/808023675 

Hunter Safety and Aquatic Resource Education (3-13-23)

Guest: Dana Kopec, Technical Assistant, Aquatic Resource and Hunter Safety Education, www.dem.ri.gov          

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Kopec specifically discusses DEM’s Aquatic Resource and Hunter Safety Education Programs, which she is particularly involved in, especially the programs for women. She talks about such topics as hunter safety; standards; responsibilities; different season for various types of hunting and fishing; and more. An interesting offering of the aquatic resource program is raising salmon eggs in school classrooms, where students observe egg hatching and subsequently relocate the young salmon to appropriate bodies of water in RI. For more information visit the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/808018041 

Guests: Jim Palmisciano and Sarah R, Forward Party members, https://www.forwardparty.com.rhode_island          Host: John Carlevale

Description: From time to time a third party movement emerges at the national and/or state level. The reasons for this are discussed. The National Forward Party asserts that it “is fighting for the American people with practical, common-sense solutions. While other political parties look to divide America into different camps, the Forward Party aims to bring them together.” It further describes itself as “not left, not right, FORWARD.” Guests describe their local RI focus: Rank Choice Voting; redistricting; ballot access; bringing people together to work on common solutions; and more.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/803078715

Guest: Jessica Drew-Day, Jessica@jessicaDrewDay.com          Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Jessica Drew-Day shares with us how she learned to begin to exercise her political citizenship. The process she engaged in helped her learn more about how Rhode Island state government works and her journey empowered her to become a candidate for the RI House of Representatives. She shares the process she went through and the things she learned in a step by step manner. Her message is simple and assuring: try it; you can do it too!

A Discussion with Secretary Gregg Amore (2-13-23)

Guest: Gregg Amore, Secretary of State, www.sos.ri.gov

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Secretary Amore offers an overview of the areas he has begun working on. These include elections, specifically voter registration and preparation for elections; business regulation; State records and archives; State library; and enhancing the civics education function. He acknowledged being an advocate for same day voter registration at the state level as it is permitted for presidential elections. Voter registration has undergone a cleanup in removing 60 thousand inactive voters. Rank choice voting; civics curriculum; enhancing business services; building a State Archives facility were also spoken about.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/798877991 

Promoting Mental Wellness using The Greatest 8 Skills (2-13-23)

Guest: Ellen Schroeder, PhD, URI; www.thegreatest8.org

Guest Host: Susan Orban, Washington County Coalition for Children

Description: The Greatest 8 project is geared to helping parents to help their young children develop mental wellness skills at an early age. This is a skill set that is functional throughout the life cycle. The eight skills are foundational and are a valuable guide in helping parents, teachers and others who care for and work with children to help them promote mental health in children for life. Visit www.thegreatest8.org for more information.

Link to video:  https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/799491954 

ONE: RI State Police K-9 Unit and K-9 Movie Star Ruby (7/11/22)

Guest: Corporal Daniel O’Neil, K-9 Unit Coordinator, RI State Police                  Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description:  Colonel O’Neil acquaints us with the K-9 Unit of the RI State Police and describes how his search and rescue dog Ruby became a star in the movie “Rescued by Ruby.” Ruby died shortly after the movie was completed. O’Neil introduces us to his current work partner, Coda who sat beside him throughout this entire interview. We learn how the K-9 unit was established, the variety of “disciplines” such as search and rescue and a newly established discipline for certain dogs “therapy/comfort.” The interview is not only enlightening, but also inspirational.

              Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/729266614

TWO: RI State Police Museum Foundation (6/13/22)

Guests: Ret. Lt. Kenneth Bowman, RI State Police Museum Foundation, kenbowman116@gmail.com

               Ret. Lt. James T. Beck, RI State Police Museum Foundation, dashammer@verizon.net                Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Guests are retired RI State Police and members of RI State Police Museum Foundation https://rispmuseum.org .

They talk about how the museum originated and the persons involved. They offered a video which provides an overview of its creation and another about Trooper O’Brien, who died while on duty during Hurricane Carol. They share not only their memories but also commentary on some favorite topics: Troopers in Uniforms on the Dave Letterman Show; Red Disk use; the unique Social Investigator Corp; the upcoming 100 year book and 2025 Centennial; the charity events hosted by the Museum Foundation; and more.

            Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/720312905 

R.I. Gun Magazine Limits Before Court (1-23-23)

Guests: Dane Ardente, Attorney with KSP Law           Host: Richard August

Description: The R.I legislature recently passed a law limiting gun magazine capacity to 10 rounds and requires that magazines larger than 10 rounds must be relinquished to the state. A group of plaintiffs asked the Federal District Court to issue a preliminary injunction/temporary restraining order so the plaintiffs could be heard in court before the law goes into effect and causes harm to gun owners. This case has many complexities and constitutional concerns, which are discussed during this interview.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/792187796

Economic Trends and Expectations (12/21/22)

Guest: Derek Amey, StregisPoint Investment Advisor, www.StrategicPoint.com

Host: Richard August                Time: 30 minutes

Description: Investment advisor Derek Amey discusses a variety of economic conditions and trends with reasons for these and speculations regarding what we might expect during 2023. Economic market trends, current inflation, and a future anticipated recession considerations are discussed. An historical comparison of USA national debt from @1988 to present is mind-bending. Lastly and somewhat confounding is a discussion of energy needs and sources vis-vis the move to renewal sources of energy. Can developing cleaner energy sources be accomplished without petroleum?

            Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/783662242  

Guest: Travis Rowley, Host of podcast Good Men https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumvkUv8VEGz3lD1iy37I4g 

             To subscribe to Rowley’s newsletter, use this email address: travisrowley21@gmail.com

Host: Richard August                Time: 60 minutes

Description: A broad range of topics are discussed including Donald Trump; social media; Universities; Silicon Valley; free speech; public education; private life and more and how these have been influenced by politics. The main political influences are particularly the far left liberal politics and conservative politics and their inability to reach common ground for the public good. In their tug of war over political influence, one side has become and remains dominant.  

          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/780791456 

2022 Midterm Election Review (11/14/22)

Guests: Darlene D’Arezzo, State of the State Host and Co-producer

Mike Stenhouse, Host and producer of In the Dugout; CEO of RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity www.rifreedom.org

Host: John Carlevale                 Time: 60 minutes

Description: Guests and host discuss a wide range of topics and concerns in their review of factors which have influenced midterm election results. Topics included RI statewide office outcomes; top election issues nationally and locally; political party strategies; political ads; campaign money; polarization and dominance by one political party; voting procedures; and the emergence of a new third party movement and much more.

          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/771214257 

Secretary of State Candidates Debate (10/24/22)

Guests: Gregg Amore, candidate for Secretary of State, www.greggforri.com

              Pat Cortelessa, candidate for Secretary of State, www.twitter.com/PatCortellessa

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo                     Time: 60 minutes

Description: Candidates Amore and Cortelessa begin by connecting their respective personal and professional experiences as these relate to the office they seek. The topics discussed include the various jurisdictional roles of the Office of Secretary of State; elections process fair and safe; their perspective regarding early voting; ballot harvesting; the shared responsibility of the Board of Election and the Secretary of State regarding elections; and many other matters betwixt and between. Toward the end, the candidates ask questions of each other. Throughout, Amore and Cortelessa maintain a respectful attitude of each other, their difference on certain matters and the process of their discussion.

          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/763744585 

A Veteran’s Journey from Combat to Advocacy (10/24/22)

Guest: Captain Randell Bagwell, www.facebook.com/Bagwellfarmofri

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo                     Time: 32 minutes

Description: Captain Bagwell candidly shares his life’s journey from boyhood; his early work experience and business endeavors, his first military experience when her was injured, discharged and later rejoined for his second Navy experience. This journey included work for Electric Boat and General Dynamics; marriage and parenthood; various business endeavors; and then a return to cattle farming but this time in Rhode Island. This interesting journey began in childhood and transitioned to young adulthood, and then to combat, followed by his return to civilian life and farming in Rhode Island, to his involvement and service to other veterans.

          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/763947952 

James Lathrop for General Treasurer (10/11/22)

Guest: James Lathrop, Candidate for General Treasurer, www.lathropforri.com            Host: Richard August   

Description: The discussion begins with a review of state and federal pensions and cost of living adjustments and how they are managed in the Treasurer’s Office. Lathrop suggests a more fair way of giving COLAs to those retired. Discussion includes how investment gains are applied and reported; unfunded liabilities; cost of living and cost of doing business in Rhode Island; and more. “I am really about the finances” stresses Lathrop and he asserts that his public service financial management experience suits him best for the position of General Treasures.

          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/759534481

Chas Calenda for Attorney General (9/26/22)

Guest: Chas Calenda, Candidate for Attorney General, www.chas4ag.com            Host: Richard August   

Description: Calenda believes that the Office of Attorney General should exemplify “law above politics.” He believes the current AG Peter Neronha is an activist attorney general pushing a political/partisan agenda. Calenda further believes that the role of the AG is to be the people’s attorney. These beliefs drive his candidacy. The discussion also addresses other topics: gun control; Second Amendment rights; use of emergency powers; driver licenses for illegal residents; oversight of police shootings; violent and habitual offenders; and more.          Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/754367462

Ashley Kalus for Governor (9/26/22)

Guest: Aaron Guckian, Candidate for Lt. Governor, www.guckianforltgov.com         Host: Darlene D’Arezzo   

Description: Navigating government systems can be difficult, complicated and time consuming. He first came to recognize this as a special assistant to Governor Don Carcieri. Guckian plans to remedy this by creating a help center within the Lt. Governor’s Office. His professional background is varied and includes education, athletics, banking, private sector fund raising, and more. He does not believe there should be a political class. People should serve for a limited time and return to the private sector. For more information, visit his website: www.guckianforltgov.com

Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/749221947

Guest: James Lathrop, Candidate for General Treasurer, www.lathropforri.com             Host: Richard August  

Description: Lathrop, a certified public accountant, has spent a career in private and public accounting sectors. He believes that the General Treasure position is not a political position; it is a public/government accounting position. This belief has prompted him to make a “transparency pledge.” Forbes Magazine has noted that neither of the other two Democrat candidates for this office has agreed to make this pledge. The discussion includes the pension systems; cost of living suspension and restoration; the huge cost of other benefits like health care cost, and more. Visit Lathrop’s website www.lathropforri.com

Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/749229116

Guest: David Segal, Candidate for US Congress, www.davidsegalri.com           Host: Darlene D’Arezzo   

Description: Segal discusses his history of political activism and service as a member of Providence City Council and RI General Assembly. His concerns include corporate dominance and its often adverse effects on small business; economic development; and environmental concerns. He favors increasing the minimum wage and supports a “Medicare for all” approach to managing medical cost and services and diminishing the influence of insurance companies. On 2^nd Amendment rights, he supports current legislative efforts to limit or ban assault style weapons.

Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/742391054

Guest: Paul Pence, Candidate for Lt. Governor, www.changeagent.us          Host: Darlene D’Arezzo  

Description: Pence regards the Office of Lt. Governor as a unique position and opportunity for serving the people of Rhode Island. He explains this notion in his discussions of two responsibilities of the Lt. Governor: emergency management and the small business advisory council. Outside of the Lt. Governor’s office, he explains how his knowledge and skill-set can be used to improve performance in the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. He is a 2^nd Amendment advocate who views gun control efforts as dominated by emotion and political actions rather than logic and problem solving approaches and outcomes.

Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/742386435  

Deborah Ruggiero for Lt. Governor (7/25/22)

Guest: Deborah Ruggieru, Candidate for Lt. Governor, www.debruggiero.com           Host: Richard August

Description: Ruggiero has served as a RI Representative for 14 years with devotion to four areas of interest: the economy, education, environment, and the elderly. She plans to continue this focus in the Office of Lt. Governor by being an advocate/ombudsman and serving as a bridge between the legislature and governor’s office. One of her goals is to restore the Department of Elderly Affairs to cabinet level once again; it has been reduced to an Office… Throughout the conversation, she skillfully weaves these four areas together as a potential power source of jobs and economic development.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/733589555  

Guest: Spencer Dickinson, Candidate for US Congress, District 2, www.spencerdickinson.com          Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Dickinson has served in the RI legislature during two distinct time periods, which has influenced his current concerns and issues. He believes that the Democratic Party in is need of restoration: bring is back to a more moderate political party or suffer the consequences.  Issues which are most important include preserving Social Security; managing health care; global warming; border concerns; threat of nuclear war and international relations; and more. A very special concern needing to be addressed is pension reform at both the state and municipal level.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/733587701

Guest: Corporal Daniel O’Neil, K-9 Unit Coordinator, RISP               Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description:  Colonel O’Neil acquaints us with the K-9 Unit of the RI State Police and describes how his search and rescue dog Ruby became a star in the movie “Rescued by Ruby.” Ruby died shortly after the movie was released. O’Neil introduces us to his current work partner, Koda who sat beside him throughout this entire interview. We learn how the K-9 unit was established, the variety of “disciplines” such as search and rescue and a newly established discipline for certain dogs “therapy/comfort.” The interview is not only enlightening, but also inspirational.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/729266614

Guest: Richard Sinapi, Attorney and gun control advocate            Host: Richard August

Description: This interview is a follow up to a previous interview on this topic but is viewed from the perspective of a gun control advocate. Sinapi points out that all rights are not absolute and are limited to some degree. Regarding gun control laws, Sinapi asserts that any law, even if marginal is a step in the right direction. The discussion focuses on recent laws passed in Rhode Island and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the right to carry a gun for self-protection. Regarding the later, to be continued.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/729257468

Recent Gun Control Legislation/Recent Supreme Court Decision (6/27/22

Guest: Frank Soccoccio, attorney and president of the RI 2nd Amendment Coalition, Home (ri2nd.org)     

Host: Richard August

Description: This interview focuses on the recent gun control legislation passed by the RI general assembly and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the right to carry a firearm. The discussion includes the general content of the laws passed and their anticipated effects; various aspects of the laws like magazine limitations; conceal carry permits; differences in the permitting practices; anticipated court action resulting; the required surrender of personal property; etc. An interesting fact is that less than one half of one percent of the Rhode Islanders have a firearm carry permit.

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/724965837

Guests: Ret. Lt. Kenneth Bowman, RI State Police Museum Foundation, kenbowman116@gmail.com

              Ret. Lt. James T. Beck, RI State Police Museum Foundation, dashammer@verizon.net

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo

Description: Guests are retired RI State Police and members of RI State Police Museum Foundation https://rispmuseum.org .

They talk about how the museum originated and the persons involved. They offered a video which provides an overview of its creation and another about Trooper O’Brien, who died while on duty during Hurricane Carol. They share not only their memories but also commentary on some favorite topics: Troopers in Uniforms on the Dave Letterman Show; Red Disk use; the unique Social Investigator Corp; the upcoming 100 year book and 2025 Centennial; the charity events hosted by the Museum Foundation; and more.          Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/720312905

Guest: Pat Cortellessa, Candidate for Secretary of State, patcortellessa@icloud.com

Host: John Carlevale                         Time: 30 minutes

Description: Cortellessa focuses on the need for fair and equitable election rules and laws. He begins with an assessment of the Let RI Vote Act before the RI General Assembly and continues with concerns of excessive use of mail ballots; mail ballot harvesting; method of confirming of signatures on mail ballots; accuracy of the official voter list; and voter fraud cases in RI. Cortellessa also comments on the recent reports of a census over-count of 55,000 residents in RI: What was the consequence? Who was responsible? What action taken?

Video channel link: YouTube link: https://youtu.be/N-2cwBXVg3Y

Guest: Kate Duffy, Interventionist and Recovery Coach, Tipping Point Recovery, kate@tippingpointrecovery.com  

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo                     Time: 30 minutes

Description: Duffy begins with a candid account of her own addiction to alcohol and its impact on her life, her family members and her current work as an intervention and recovery coach. She describes the trials, challenges, and failures of getting the help she needed. Over time and with greater self-awareness, she eventual succeeds in becoming sober and begun her transition to becoming a helpful agent of change for others. She now is President of Tipping Point Recovery and continues to work with persons with addiction problems and provides training to others to become effective mental health practitioners themselves. www.tippingpointrecovery.com

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/71338453 

This is the third in our series of interviews in support of mental health awareness.

Promoting Children’s Mental Health (5/9/22)

Guests: Louise Kiessling, Andrea Martin, and Susan Orban – Washington County Coalition for Children, www.washcokids.org

Host: Susan Orban                             Time: 30 minutes

Description: Dr. Kiesslink offers an overview of the mental health status of children. Unfortunately, there has been a trend of diminishing health and helpful treatment is not readily available nationwide. She cites some of the local efforts to find or create helpful treatment options; but supply of these falls short of the growing demand. Martin describes the use of literature (bibliotherapy) as a helpful approach to helping children of varying ages. She introduces a small sampling of books their efforts have found appropriate and helpful. Orban describes current programs

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/708356663

Guest: Seth Magaziner, Candidate for Congress, District 2, www.sethmagaziner.com           

Host: Richard August                         Time: 30 minutes

Description: General Treasurer Seth Magaziner is seeking the RI Democratic Party’s nomination for US Congress, District 2. At the onset he offers his reasons for seeking this Congressional seat. The discussion touches on a variety of topics which include pre-K education; reducing the cost of drugs for Medicare and Medicaid members; support of a public option among health care insurance options; worker rights; corporate dominance in certain sectors of the economy/technology; inflation; the proposed Bureau of Disinformation; border management; changing the number of Supreme Court Justices; and the most recent leak of draft decision regarding Roe v. Wade. 

Video channel link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/708350595

Black Lives Matter-RI PAC (12/13/21)

Guest: Harrison Tuttle, Executive Director, BLM RI, www.blmripac.com           Host: Richard August

Description: This interview reviews Black Lives Matter-RI PAC background, goals for the 2022 session of the GA and 2022 elections. Various topics follow including policeman’s bill of rights; driver license for undocumented immigrants; open borders; right to vote for non-citizens; elimination of for-profit prisons; removal of cash bail; social workers in lieu of police to respond to domestic calls and more. For more information visit www.blmripac.com

Video link: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/656695526

Aristocats, reconfigured (11-22-21)

Host: John Carlevale

After two years of not performing music due to the Covid19 pandemic and the death of band member Nat Piccirilli, the Aristocats have regrouped and reconfigured. They are performing once again. We meet the newest member of the band and reconnect with former members. They perform some of greatest songs by some of the most famous writers of music. This special production is dedicated in memory of Nat Piccirilli, who appears at the end in a brief video of his last performance on State of the State at age 97.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/649182308

Mental Health Training and Man Therapy (6/28/21)

Guests: Michael Cerullo, Rob Harrison, and Susan Orban.

Host: Darlene D’Arezzo              Time: 30 minutes

There are a variety of programs initiated in Washington County which focus on meeting mental health needs in this community. They range from mental health first aid training for various groups and ages, which can be obtained online now to the newer program, man-therapy, which serves as the doorway to getting help needed for men. All of this is part of a national effort to address mental health issues with appropriate support services.

Link to video: https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/569035452

Link to video is https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/359141449

Link to video is https://vimeo.com/channels/365354/332569554