A Lively Experiment looks back on 2015 and ahead to 2016 (Sunday, January 3, 2016)

PLEASE NOTE: A Lively Experiment will not air on New Year's Day. 
On behalf of the host, panelists, and production crew of A Lively Experiment,
Happy New Year! 

Panel
Dyana Koelsch, moderator

Jim Hummel, founder / principal investigator, The Hummel Report
Dave Layman, Corporate Communications Consultant; former TV Anchor
Maureen Moakley, Professor of Political Science, URI
Wendy Schiller, Professor of Political Science, Brown University

Topics

• Top Local Story
• Top National Story
• Best Political Moment
• Worst Political moment
• Biggest Winner
• Biggest Loser
• “Only in Rhode Island” Moment
• Predictions for 2016

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 7 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 p.m. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 36 / 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; in Rhode Island on Cox 808; Verizon FiOS 478; Full Channel 89; and in Massachusetts on Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook.

Premiere of Dueling Double Divas: A Comic Micro-Opera

Mary Phillips (left) and Lori Phillips

The independent local film, Dueling Double Divas: A Comic Micro-Opera, showcases the world premiere of the composition performed by New York Metropolitan Opera sopranos Lori Phillips and Mary Phillips during their recent appearance at Rhode Island College. This performance by the identical twins marks their first ever recital together.

Conceived and composed for the Phillips twins by pianist and Rhode Island College Artist-in-Residence Judith Lynn Stillman, the micro-opera is "an entire operatic tale told in 15 minutes."

"[The form] works well for the short attention span society," Stillman said. "If you're afraid of opera, this is a great way to get your feet wet."

Judith Lynn Stillman

The half-hour film also includes works by Jake Heggie and Lee Hoiby. Dueling Double Divas: A Comic Micro-Opera airs Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 6 p.m. on WSBE Rhode Island PBS as part of the ongoing series Rhode Island Stories, with encore broadcasts on Saturday, January 16 at 11 p.m., and on WSBE Learn on Tuesday, January 12 at 8 p.m.

Soprano Lori Phillips and mezzo-soprano Mary Phillips grew up in East Providence and are graduates of Rhode Island College. They have performed leading roles at The Metropolitan Opera. Judith Lynn Stillman is a world-renowned musician and holds Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees from The Juilliard School.

Another film showing performance of Stillman's original compositions airs January 17 at 6 p.m. Read about Phoenix from the Ashes here.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox cable 08/1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08/508HD, Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD (Comcast SD subscribers check local listings for standard definition channel), Verizon FiOS 18/518HD; satellite: Dish 36/7776, DirecTV 36. For more information about programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.ripbs.org.

Encore of Holocaust Remembrance Film Phoenix from the Ashes

Phoenix from the Ashes: A Film by Judith Lynn Stillman, has as its centerpiece a song cycle for soprano and piano celebrating the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. This Holocaust remembrance film, showcased at the Embassy of the Czech Republic's 2014 Holocaust Remembrance event, airs January 17, 2016, at 6 p.m. on Rhode Island Stories. with encore broadcasts on Saturday, January 23 at 11 p.m. on WSBE Rhode Island PBS and on Tuesday, January 19 at 8 p.m. on WSBE Learn.

Sidney Taussig and Judith Stillman at the premiere.

The documentary features the world premiere of Phoenix from the Ashes: Seven Songs for Soprano and Piano composed by internationally-renowned musician, Judith Lynn Stillman. Dramatic soprano of the New York Metropolitan Opera Lori Phillips sings, with Stillman as collaborative pianist. Stillman is Artist-in-Residence and professor of music at Rhode Island College. Phillips, who grew up in East Providence, RI, is a graduate of Rhode Island College.

The song texts in Phoenix from the Ashes are based on poems from Vedem: The Secret Magazine of The Boys of Terezin (concentration camp). From 1942 through 1944, a group of 140 teenage boys, aged 13-16, living in the barracks at Terezín, secretly documented their lives in a weekly magazine called Vedem (Czech for "In the Lead"), which included their art work, essays, reviews, and poetry. It was a huge risk to produce - they would have been sent to death camps if caught - but the magazine was never discovered.

Of the 140 boys who participated in the effort to produce Vedem, only about 15 survived. Only one of them, Zdeněk (Sidney) Taussig, remained in Terezín until its liberation in May 1945. He had the insight to save the nearly 800 pages of the manuscript in the hopes that it might survive the war. After he was liberated, he retrieved the manuscript and brought it back home with him to Prague.

Mr. Taussig, the 83-year old survivor who showed such extraordinary bravery and foresight as a teen, tells his compelling story in this documentary in interviews interspersed with the songs. Texts for the Phoenix song cycle come from the pages miraculously hidden and retrieved by Taussig, who was present at the debut to hear his boyhood friends' poems realized in Stillman's songs.

Another film featuring performance of Stillman's original compositions airs Sunday, january 10 at 6 p.m. Read about Dueling Double Divas here.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox cable 08/1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08/508HD, Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD (Comcast SD subscribers check local listings for standard definition channel), Verizon FiOS 18/518HD; satellite: Dish 36/7776, DirecTV 36.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on 36.2; Rhode Island cable: Cox 808, Verizon 478, and Full Channel 109; Massachusetts cable: Comcast 294 or 312.

For more information about programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.ripbs.org.

Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows Encore

Rhode Island PBS is proud to encore the annual Christmas favorite,  Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows one more time in 2015, on Sunday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m.

The show features classic clips of various Christmas specials from The Andy Williams Show. Filling homes with seasonal cheer, the specials became a cherished holiday family tradition. The digitally re-mastered production numbers are complete with magnificent sets and costumes and a cast of singers, dancers, and skaters.

Quintessential moments of Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows include Williams’s solos of “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria,” as well as performances with his brothers for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with the Osmonds for “Silver Bells.” Interviews with Williams, and Bobby and Donny Osmond are interwoven with the show clips.

Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on RI cable services: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon 08 / 508HD, Full Channel 08; MA cable Comcast 819HD, Verizon 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 7776.

Mercy Street Arrives in January

Based on real events, Mercy Street  takes viewers beyond the battlefield and into the lives of Americans on the Civil War home front as they face the unprecedented challenges of one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history. Rhode Island PBS presents Mercy Street, a PBS original series, on Friday nights after Downton Abbey, beginning January 22.

Set in Virginia in the spring of 1862, Mercy Street follows the lives of two volunteer nurses on opposite sides of the conflict; Mary Phinney, (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a staunch New England abolitionist, and Emma Green, (Hannah James), a naive young Confederate belle. The two collide at Mansion House, the Green family’s luxury hotel that has been taken over and transformed into a Union Army Hospital in Alexandria, a border town between North and South and the longest-occupied Confederate city of the war. Ruled under martial law, Alexandria is now the melting pot of the region, filled with soldiers, civilians, female volunteers, doctors, wounded fighting men from both sides, runaway slaves, prostitutes, speculators and spies.

The intersection of North and South within the confines of a small occupied town creates a rich world that is chaotic, conflicted, corrupt, dynamic and even hopeful — a cauldron within which these characters strive, fight, love, laugh, betray, sacrifice and, at times, act like scoundrels. This series is not about battles and glory, it’s about the drama and unexpected humor of everyday life behind the front lines. It’s a fresh twist on an iconic story, one that resonates with larger themes we still struggle with today.

Meet the Green Family, whose luxury hotel in Virginia has been converted to a hospital.




Meet Nurse Mary Phinney and Dr. Jedediah Foster. Mercy Street’s Josh Radnor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead talk about their characters.

Previews and Reviews - It's a Wonderful Downton Abbey Life

Will Carson and Mrs. Hughes make it down the aisle? Will Branson find happiness in America? Will Mary snap up the affections of the "snappy chariot" driver? Will Anna reveal her secret heartache? How will the Crawley household withstand the threat of momentous social change?

Downton Abbey returns for an epic sixth and final season of intimately interlaced stories centered on an English country estate - a deliciously entertaining saga that has made it the highest-rated drama in PBS history. Lavish costumes, posh settings, scandals and secrets, and rich enduring dialogue laced with stinging sarcasm and sniping wit from characters we've come to love, culminate in 9 episodes.

Join us for the final season of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece, Fridays at 9 on Rhode Island PBS, beginning January 8. Visit PBS for videos, behind the scenes photos, and other insights and teases.

In the meantime, binge with us on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day starting at 11 a.m. both days and fully relive the first three seasons of Downton Abbey. From the sinking of the Titanic to a fateful car ride, it's an epic turbulent journey that changes lives in the Crawley household.

And of course, we encore Season 5 of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece starting December 6 at 1:30 p.m., leading right up to the premiere of Season 6 on January 8.

Free Screening of the First Episode of Downton Abbey - The Final Season

Ring in the New Year with drama and style! On Saturday, January 2 at 5 p.m., join Rhode Island PBS for a free screening of the first hour of Downton Abbey Season 6 on the big screen at the Park Theatre RI Center for the Performing Arts, 848 Park Avenue in Cranston, Rhode Island.   

The screening is free, and - GREAT NEWS - you can call the Park Theatre (401) 467-7275 to reserve your tickets in advance for pick up on the day of the show or pick them up anytime during regular business hours 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday before December 30; the Park Theatre will be closed on Christmas Day, and on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. General seating is first come, first served.

Come dressed in your best 1920s style (optional) and step back in time to enjoy the Downton Abbey preview in the Art Deco splendor of the Park Theatre. There is plenty of free parking across the street in the municipal parking lot behind Cranston City Hall.

While at the screening, enter to win the Ultimate Downton Abbey Gift Bag* filled with more than $500 worth of Downton Abbey DVDs, books, and commemorative items. Raffle tickets are only $25 each and will be on sale in the lobby. You may also call 401-222-3636 x209 to reserve your ticket before they run out. The drawing will be held at the screening.

We thank you for your support! And tune in Fridays at 9 p.m. on Rhode Island PBS starting January 8 for the final season of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece.

*The Ultimate Downton Abbey Gift Bag includes:

• An 11-ounce 100% cotton canvas tote with a 5-inch bottom gusset 20" x 15" x 5". "Downton Abbey" and an image of Highclere Castle (real life location for filming the Downton Abbey series) is screen printed in dark blue ink on the natural canvas. Extra long natural web handles are reinforced at stress points. 
• All 6 seasons of Downton Abbey on DVD (Season 6 ships separately when the series is released in January 2016)
• 16 oz “What is a WEEKEND?” Beverage Mug (Maroon) - White ceramic 16-oz. mug features the quote "What is a 'WEEKEND'?" in maroon lettering. Mugs have ear-shaped handles for a comfortable hold and feature a wide mouth and tapered base.
• 16 oz “I am NEVER wrong” Beverage Mug (Navy Blue) - White ceramic 16-oz. mug features the quote "I am NEVER wrong." in navy blue lettering. Mugs have ear-shaped handles for a comfortable hold and feature a wide mouth and tapered base.
• Downton Abbey Mini-Light Up Castle and Book of Quotations - The grand, ancestral home of the Crawleys comes to desktops everywhere with this collectible mini kit. Included is a miniature replica of the iconic manor house with a unique light-up feature and a full-color 32-page book with favorite quotes and images from the show--a must-have for the millions of Downton Abbey fans. Made in USA
• Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff Book - The household staff of Downton Abbey carries out their duties with effortless dignity, finesse and pride. Yet how do they know how exactly to lay the table, when to leave the room to give Lord and Lady Grantham their privacy, how to care for Lady Mary's furs and which uniform to wear when?
• The Butler’s Guide to Running the Home and Other Graces Book - Perched on an island off the shores of Cornwall, England, the soaring castle of St. Michael’s Mount has been home to the St. Aubyn family since 1647. For nearly thirty years, Stanley Ager, one of the most esteemed butlers of the twentieth century, ensured that St. Michael’s Mount was an impeccable place to live and a gracious and welcoming one for guests to visit. Revered by everyone from royalty to the estate staff, Stanley Ager considered it his calling to run a home gracefully and efficiently. Several of the men whom he trained at St. Michael’s Mount went on to serve in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace and at British embassies throughout the world. But you don’t need a manor to benefit from Ager’s wisdom on homekeeping.
• Downton Abbey and Philosophy Book - In Downton Abbey and Philosophy, twenty-two professional thinkers uncover the deeper significance of this hugely popular TV saga. Millions of viewers throughout the world have been enthralled by this enactment of a vanished world of decorum and propriety, because it presents us with emotional and interpersonal problems that remain urgent for people in the twenty-first century.
• Downton Abbey Mini Snow Globe and Book of Quotes - Enjoy the holidays at Downton Abbey this kit includes a deluxe miniature snow globe of the Downton Abbey estate, complete with an elegant nickel-plated base. Also included is a 48-page book with quotes and full-color images from the show--a must-have collector's item for the millions of fans of the beloved period drama.
• Downton Abbey 2016 Engagement Calendar - This is the elegant planner that keeps the show close and the fan immersed in the world of Downton Abbey. With millions of viewers worldwide, Downton Abbey is one of the most successful and captivating dramas on television. The Downton Abbey Engagement Calendar is a sophisticated gift: a practical weekly datebook featuring full-color photographs from the show accompanied by captivating snippets of dialogue. The spacious spreads provide plenty of room for writing down each day’s appointments, notes, and goings-on.
• Mrs. Patmore's Pudding Tea - This decadent dessert tea has the homemade flavors of vanilla sponge cake drizzled with rich caramel sauce. The full-bodied base of premium black tea lends itself well to a splash of milk, making it a perfect afternoon tea to partner with puddings, scones and shortbread.
• Edwardian Cooking: An Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook - With 80 delicious recipes, this cookbook celebrates the phenomenal success of the series and the culinary wonders enjoyed by the aristocracy in Edwardian England. Starting with an elegant array of savory tea sandwiches and sweets from traditional high tea, this book guides you through dinner at the Edwardian table.
• Christmas at Downton 2 Music CD Set - the official festive collection from the much loved, award-winning television series, Downton Abbey. Transport yourself back to a simpler time and enjoy this two CD collection of well-known carols and hymns, which have been carefully curated to evoke the Christmas At Downton Abbey spirit. This 2 disc CD set features 47 tracks with 7 cast recordings.

Disc 1

1. The Budapest City Orchestra and The Budapest Choral Voices - The Downton Christmas Suite Pt.1
2. Julian Ovenden - O Holy Night
3. Elizabeth McGovern - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
4. Elizabeth McGovern & Julian Ovenden - The First Noel
5. Julian Ovenden - The Sussex Carol
6. Julian Ovenden & Katie Marshall -12 Days Of Christmas
7. Julian Ovenden – Silent Night
8. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - We Wish You A Merry Christmas
9. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - In The Bleak Midwinter
10. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – Oh, Little Town Of Bethlehem
11. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Once In Royal Davids City
12. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
13. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
14. William Christie - Charpentier Messe de Minuit pour Noel, Kyrie
15. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Ding Dong! Merrily On High
16. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - Good King Wenceslas
17. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - While Shepherds Watched
18. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Away in a manger
19. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - In Dulci Jubilo
20. Libera - Panis Angelicus
21. Il Giardino Armonico - Christmas Concerto 1st Movement, Vivaldi
22. Alexander Lazarev - Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcraker Suite
23. Jim Carter - Twas The Night Before Christmas

Disc 2
1. The Budapest City Orchestra and The Budapest Choral Voices - The Downton Christmas Suite Pt.2
2. Joel Cohen - Joy To The World
3. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
4. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Angels, From The Realms Of Glory
5. Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Handel Messiah Hallelujah Chorus
6. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - The Holly and the Ivy
7. Thomas Hampson - Go, Tell It On The Mountain
8. Alexander Lazarev – March from The Nutcraker Suite
9. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - Tannenbaum
10. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - I Saw Three Ships
11. Carleton Etherington & Benjamin Nicholas - When Christ Was Born Of Mary Free
12. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - Adam Lay Ybounden
13. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - The First Nowell
14. Andrew Parrot, Taverner Choir & Taverner Consort - We Three Kings Of Orient Are
15. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
16. Ralph Allwood, Rodolfus Choir & Sam Jenkins - I Sing The Birth
17. William Christie - Noels sur les Instruments
18. Joel Cohen – Nouvelles, Nouvelles
19. Joel Cohen - Chantons Noel, Menons Joyeuse Vie
20. Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge – The Three Kings
21. Nikolaus Harnoncourt – O Thou Tellest Good Tidings to Zion
22. Claudio Scimone - Christmas Concerto 3rd Movement, Corelli



UPDATED: December 9, 2015

They Wore the Red Suit, Sharing Christmas Magic for Generations

They Wore the Red Suit is a documentary featuring the rare individuals who have devoted their lives to keeping that magic alive in the world by actually being Santa Claus 365 days a year. Rhode Island PBS presents this charming look at the history, the industry, and the vocation of career Santas on Learn on Tuesday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. and on Rhode Island PBS on Wednesday, December 23 at 8 p.m. 

As if the subject isn't fascinating enough, we are delighted to say Rhode Island's own Michael Rielly is one of the Santas profiled in the film. Michael is a third generation Santa. His grandfather, James (Jim) D. Rielly, was Santa Claus for 62 years and was well-known throughout the Northeastern United States. Jim was inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame in 2011. 

Michael serves on the Santa Claus Oath Foundation and is an adviser Santa-America. In 2007, he founded the Santa Claus community, ClausNet - the largest community and resource for men and women dedicated to the faithful portrayal of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and all others who devote their time to bringing the magic of Christmas to children and adults throughout the world.

Forget the North Pole - Santa lives in Rhode Island!

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on 36.1; Rhode Island cable: Cox cable 08/1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08/508HD, Full Channel 08; Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD (Comcast SD subscribers check local listings for channel), Verizon FiOS 18/518HD; satellite: Dish 36/7776, DirecTV 36.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on 36.2; Rhode Island cable: Cox 808, Verizon 478, and Full Channel 109; Massachusetts cable: Comcast 294 or 312.

A Lively Experiment week of December 4, 2015

PLEASE NOTE: A Lively Experiment will not air on Christmas or New Year's Day. On behalf of the host, panelists and production crew of A Lively Experiment,
Happy Holidays! 

Panel
Dyana Koelsch, moderator

Ian Donnis, Political Reporter, RIPR
Russ Moore, Columnist, GoLocalProv
Pablo Rodriguez, President, Latino Public Radio
Jim Vincent, President, NAACP of Providence

Topics

• Dancing cop/race relations
• California mass shooting 
• Senate District 11 special primary election 
• RhodeWorks/alternate option on the Routes 6 | 10 connector 
• Tim Williamson’s place on the short list of judicial candidates

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 7 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 p.m. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 36 / 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; in Rhode Island on Cox 808; Verizon FiOS 478; Full Channel 89; and in Massachusetts on Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook.

Nominate Your Town for "Our Town"

Why should your town be "Our Town"? Rhode Island PBS wants to know! Your nomination could mean your town is the next setting for Our Town.

WHAT IS OUR TOWN?
Our Town is a community project where neighbors become filmmakers to tell the stories of Our Town. Rhode Island PBS invites residents to nominate their town by January 31, 2016. The town with the highest number of nominations will be the next location for filming starting in March.

“Everyone has something they love about their town - and they are happy to talk about it, given the chance,” said David Piccerelli, president of Rhode Island PBS. “Our Town taps into that town pride, giving people the opportunity to tell those stories now on television and preserve the stories for future generations to enjoy.”

The Our Town series shares with viewers the local legends, historical happenings, and backyard secrets of Rhode Island towns and villages – those untold or uncelebrated stories that capture the essence of the town.

WHERE WE'VE BEEN

The first documentary, Our Town: Glocester, debuted in December 2014. When we asked for nominations last January, two towns emerged by popular demand, so 2015 saw the premiere of Our Town: North Kingstown in September 2015, and Our Town: Portsmouth on December 2, 2015.

WHERE WE'RE GOING
Where we go next is completely up to you. Your Voice, Your Vision. Nominate your town using a simple online survey form, and tell us what is so great about your town. Townies are especially urged to participate, but you do not have to live in the particular town - just have a great town story to tell about it. 

Nominations will be also accepted by email or regular post if accompanied by the name of the town being nominated and a short essay that answers in 100 words or less, “Why should your town be Our Town?”

A LITTLE FINE PRINT
Only Rhode Island towns are eligible for this project. But of Rhode Island's 39 municipalities, 31 are towns, so that's a lot of great stories to tell. (Sorry, Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket. Cities are not eligible for Our Town at this time.) With three towns visited, we still have 28 eligible locations, plenty of opportunity for individuals and businesses to get involved. 

DEADLINE
Deadline for nominations is Sunday, January 31, 2016. The winning town will be announced on February 15 on our Website, our blog, and social media accounts (do you already follow us?)

PROJECT INFORMATION
For  information about the Rhode Island PBS Our Town project, visit www.ripbs.org/ourtown.

Teachers: Are you the next PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator from RI?

Arlington, VA, December 1, 2015 – Beginning today, educators from across the country who excel at using technology and digital media to support student learning are encouraged to enter the 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program. PBS LearningMedia, the free media on-demand service from PBS that offers more than 100,000 digital resources for educators, has announced the 4^th annual program in which K-12 teachers and administrators are recognized for their creative and unprecedented use of digital media in the classroom.

The call for entries officially opens today and will remain open through February 8, 2016. Educators are asked to submit a 60- to120-second video to showcase their innovative use of digital technology and tools in their classroom to inspire students. Entrants will also be asked to complete a profile and answer two essay questions. The PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators’ online application is available at pbslearningmedia.org/digitalinnovators.

 “As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we are committed to providing teachers with the tools necessary to succeed in today’s digital classroom,” said Alicia Levi, Vice President, PBS Education. “Educators selected for the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program are exemplary leaders who are utilizing digital media and technology to drive student achievement and we are proud that this program allows us to recognize them."

For the first time since this program launched, all educators who meet the entry requirements, follow the guidelines and submit their application to the Digital Innovators Program will be accepted into the program and rewarded with year-long professional development opportunities, including unique virtual trainings focused on digital best practices, access to exclusive resources from PBS LearningMedia Custom, invitations to special events, a free PBS TeacherLine professional development course, networking opportunities and more. PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators will also receive ongoing support from their local PBS member stations (in this case, it's us, Rhode Island PBS!).

A panel of esteemed judges will select one educator from each state throughout the U.S, its territories and the District of Columbia as Lead Innovators. The Lead Innovators will receive a three-day, all-expense paid trip to Denver, Colorado, to participate in the 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Summit and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference. Attendance at these conferences will provide the Lead Innovators the opportunity to meet with and listen to renowned speakers, experts and educators like themselves, to discuss technology in the classroom and learn how to maximize the benefits of using new technologies in the classroom. All Lead Innovators will receive a Samsung Galaxy(R) tablet.

Our 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator from Rhode Island is Johnston teacher Deborah Ramm. 

The 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators will be announced in March. For more information on PBS LearningMedia, visit www.pbslearningmedia.org.