Make it Picture Perfect: 17th Annual Pawtucket Photo Contest

Grab your camera and take that picture-perfect shot! The City of Pawtucket announces the 17^th Annual City of Pawtucket Photo Contest. Twelve winning photos will be selected by a panel of local professional photographers, and winning photos will illustrate the City of Pawtucket 2016 City Calendar.

This annual contest provides an opportunity to bring awareness to daily life, historic locations and the ever changing landscape of Pawtucket through the lens of a camera. The contest is open to residents and non-residents alike, but the photo must have been taken in Pawtucket. 

After a public call for photo contest themes was advertised in January, approximately 20 theme suggestions were received. The theme selected for this year’s contest is “Pawtucket:  A Different Perspective.” 

Summary of Contest Rules 

• All photo submissions should follow the contest theme and have been taken within the past year. 
• All photos must be taken in the City of Pawtucket to qualify for this contest.  
• Only one entry per contestant will be accepted and must be submitted by the photographer. 
• Photos may be color or black and white. 
• Film or good quality digital prints will be accepted. 
• All photos must be of good quality and suitable for reproduction. 
• Submitted photos should be mounted on foamcore or mountboard, but not framed 
• Overall size of the mounted photo should not be smaller than 8”x 10” nor larger than 12”x 18” 

All photos will be on display at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center during the City of Pawtucket’s Arts Festival in the month of September. The Mayor’s Choice Award will receive a $100 cash prize, First Place will receive a $75.00 cash prize, Second Place will receive a $50.00 cash prize, with remaining winners receiving gift certificates. All winning photos will be used in the City of Pawtucket 2016 Calendar. 

Submissions are being accepted now through August 1, and should be dropped off at The Camera Werks, 766 Hope Street, Providence, RI Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30 p.m. Deadline for entry is August 1. 

Visit www.pawtucketri.com for complete contest rules. For more information, please call (401) 273-5367.

Focusing on You: Results of Our First Focus Group

Focusing on You

We asked viewers to join us at Rhode Island PBS for a focus group to have a facilitated conversation about Rhode Island PBS's brand recognition and the station's value in our community.

We had a great turn-out and guests had a behind the scenes tour of A Lively Experiment. Below are some of the things they told us while at the Station. 

If you would like to be on the invitation list for our next Focus group, please call Diane at 401-222-3636 x 0. 

Why do you watch Rhode Island PBS?

Diversity, Arts and Entertainment. You see stuff you can't see anywhere else and it's free.  What could be better than that? Rhode Island PBS has enriched my life since I was like 5 years old.

I like it because there are things I can watch with my son that are not loaded with violence.

The programs just suit me. 

It's much, much different than commercial television and much better if you ask me.

How do you know that you are watching Rhode Island PBS?

I know that I am watching Rhode Island PBS because I see the bird logo in the right hand corner of my screen.

I don't know the difference between Rhode Island PBS and WGBH when I am watching.

I know that I am watching Rhode Island PBS because I don't have cable, and your station is the only PBS station that I can get free of charge.

Why do you watch Rhode Island PBS versus another PBS Station?

I like to watch programming in my state when I can to support the local businesses and stations.  However, I flip around to find the programming I want.

I'm for the little guy-for the smaller businesses, for the small stations and there are people out there, like me, who are going to support you.

What value does Rhode Island PBS bring to the community?

I'm interested in local programming.  It's about a sense of community and I learn more about Rhode Island.  You feel like you are part of something.  I'm not just saying that because I am here.

What do you know about the history and funding of Rhode Island PBS?

I don't know anything about it.

You are no longer getting as much money from the State of Rhode Island.

I like that you are now independent.

An Evening Uncorked!

It's one of the station's best events. The food is phenomenal, the variety of wines is amazing, and the fun is... over the top. Technically, it's our annual wine auction, but it really is a wine event - "An Evening Uncorked!"

The image to the left is our publicity materials for this year - a quick way to convey what the event is about. When I considered how to describe the event, I was surprised to find the right words on both ends of the scale - not quite opposite, but certainly in high contrast to each other.

The event really is at the same time elegant and casual (we all put on nice clothes but we don't put on airs), intimate and sociable (we sit at tables in small groups, but there's so much mingling all night) , epicurean and philanthropic (the foods and wines stoke our gustatory pleasure - which is pretty self-focused - but we gather to generously raise money for Rhode Island PBS).

For this, our eighth consecutive year, we return on October 3rd to the site of the original wine event: the historic Roger Williams Park Casino. This stately historic mansion is a lovely setting for this event, and it's nice to be back.

Tickets are $100 per person (table of 10 for $900) and include an elaborate wine tasting reception at 6, featuring international and domestic wines, and passed hors d'oeuvres; formal gourmet dinner and dessert at 7:30, and wine with dinner.

During the reception, browse the silent auction of collectible wines, bar and beverage gifts and accessories... and always a few tempting surprises. After dinner, the live auction introduces a variety of rare and fine wines, and unique dining and entertainment packages.

Here's a small sample of the offerings:

• Seven-course dinner and wine tasting in your home by Gracie's Restaurant
• Vertical selection of classified Bourdeaux from the 2000 vintage
• Nine-bottle collection of top-rated California and Washington red wines
• Three-bottle collection of Peter Michael wines
  
• Overnight stay and dinner at the The Renaissance Providence Hotel

Visit our Web site (www.ripbs.org) to see other items - even place a proxy bid if you can't attend!

* * * * *
Have you attended An Evening Uncorked in the past? Have any stories or memories you wish to share?

A FATHER'S JOURNEY TO IRAQ at Latin Film Festival

When Warwick resident Pablo Mijares decided to visit his soldier son in Iraq, Pablo packed up his video and still cameras, and took off on an adventure other parents of military personnel can only imagine.

Both as a producer-director at WSBE Rhode Island PBS and as a still photographer, Pablo Mijares chronicled his visit to the Iraqi war zone in a unique media journal, "A Father's Journey to Iraq." Originally aired on Rhode Island PBS as part of the New England Portrait series, this 30-minute piece features compelling and exclusive footage of sites and sights few civilians are permitted to see.



Now, the Latin American Film Festival brings a new dimension to the story by screening the production, NEW ENGLAND PORTRAIT: A FATHER'S JOURNEY TO IRAQ, twice this week.

The first screening is on Friday, September 26 at 4 p.m., at the Columbus Theater & Studio, 270 Broadway, Providence, 401-621-9660.

The second screening is on Saturday, September 27 beginning at 8 p.m., and the RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Street, in Downtown Providence.

To see the entire festival schedule, visit http://www.plaff.org/schedule.htm

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: PRIVATE DEAL$ AND PUBLIC CORRUPTION

On Saturday, May 10th, at the University of Rhode Island's Independence Hall (good location for this event in my opinion), Operation Clean Government (OCG) held its second annual corruption forum, focusing this year on the legacy of corruption at the Rhode Island General Assembly.

OCG assembled an extraordinary panel of experienced government watchdogs, critics, and reporters (list below) for the 90-minute forum. Edited for television, the one-hour program will air on WSBE Rhode Island PBS on Thursday, June 19 at 10 PM. Cox and Comcast subscribers can watch a re-broadcast on Saturday, June 21 at 2:30 AM.

Former Providence news anchor and political commentator Dave Layman moderates the discussion, targeting each panelist with tough, provocative questions focusing on legislative corruption, its history, the massing of power, how bad the problem is and, most importantly, what needs to be done about it. The audience also poses questions directly to the panelists.

Although at times the camera placement leaves something to be desired, the content is as real as it gets - putting you right in one of those lecture hall seats. Candid opinions, keen insights, astonishing facts, and useful information mark the program as "must watch."

In alphabetical order, panelists are:

Edward Achorn - The Providence Journal deputy editorial editor

Arthur "Chuck" Barton - President of Operation Clean Government

Ross Cheit - Associate Professor of Political Science at Brown University and Rhode Island Ethics Commissioner

John DePetro - NewsTalk 630 WPRO-AM talk show host

Kenneth Payne - Former senior policy advisor to the Rhode Island State Senate and former director of the League of Cities and Towns

Bill Rappleye - NBC10 News legislative and political reporter

Arlene Violet - Veteran radio talk show host, political columnist, TV commentator, and former R.I. Attorney General

We welcome your views about the program, and what's discussed.

Guest Writer: HIDDEN IN THE LEAVES

Today, we're pleased to present a guest writer - our summer intern Sarah, who studies at Valley Forge Christian College in Pennsylvania. Sarah viewed the film, HIDDEN IN THE LEAVES, and these are her impressions...


Lyme disease in recent years has begun to affect a majority of people rather than a minority, especially in the New England area. The short film, Hidden in the Leaves, courtesy of the University of Rhode Island, is a helpful in depth research about Lyme disease.

Dr. Thomas Mather, a professor of entomology at the University of Rhode Island, has been doing research since 1993 in reported places where people have developed Lyme disease. His detailed research is evident throughout this documentary. It includes all the information necessary to know about Lyme disease including its background, symptoms, locations and hosts, prevention, and much more.

This film gives an in depth look at the unique miniature tick insect. Though at times a turn of disgust may be necessary - for the tick’s infectiousness remains truly disturbing - it is indeed a must see. The compelling knowledge learned concerning the sickness and prevention from these ticks certainly keeps one on the edge of the seat.

Watching this film taught me to keep my distance from tick-infested areas, and if a bite did occur, it gave the know-how to take action promptly. Thank you, URI!

---

Thank YOU, Sarah! HIDDEN IN THE LEAVES can be seen Wednesday, June 18 at 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 22 at 11:30 a.m.; and Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Check our listings (www.ripbs.org) for additional dates and times - this is an important topic.

Do you have a story to share about ticks?

Calling All Inventors!

Ever have a great idea for an invention, but didn't quite know how to make it happen?

Well, then, Saturday, May 17 just might be your lucky day.

Everyday Edisons, a nationally televised PBS reality series chronicling modern inventors and the development of their inventions, will host an open casting call for Season Three in Providence, R.I., at the Rhode Island Convention Center (Ballroom level), One Sabin Street.

Everyday Edisons invites all inventors and innovators with new product concepts to attend the casting call. Inventors can register from 7 AM until 1 PM. The day ends when all registered ideas have been reviewed. (Think of it as an Antiques Roadshow event for inventors.)

The Everyday Edisons panel of judges, including product development and patent law experts, provides a forum for participants to present and demonstrate original ideas. Everyday Edisons considers all categories of invention, ranging from sketched ideas and simple concepts to detailed, patented designs and factory prototypes or manufactured samples.

The casting call features a full day of complimentary seminars open to the public, including an opportunity to meet with experts from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), the editor-in-chief of Inventors Digest magazine and experts within the product development field.

In addition to screening for inventions to feature on the show, representatives from major national retailers, including The Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, QVC, Staples, The Sharper Image, Dick’s Sporting Goods and buybuyBABY will be on site reviewing more advanced prototypes and finished products.

“Having a great idea and making money from that idea are two distinct accomplishments in American innovation,” said Louis Foreman, executive producer and lead judge. “If you can dream it, we can help make it come true.”

The Everyday Edisons judges will select 10 to 12 inventors to be featured in Season Three, which chronicles the inventors as their concept is refined, produced, marketed, and sold. The series invests more than $300,000 into the comprehensive development of each chosen invention at no cost to the inventors. Selected “Everyday Edisons” will have their inventions commercialized and receive a 20-year annuity on all product sales.

Everyday Edisons is produced with the cooperation of the USPTO. Everyday Edisons is currently in production of Season Two, which premieres on Rhode Island PBS in July 2008.

Everyday Edisons casting calls are free and open to the public. Inventors seeking local assistance will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local inventor groups. Registration forms, directions, maps, FAQ’s and day-of details are available online at www.EverydayEdisons.com. Participants must complete and provide all registration forms in order to audition. Doors open to the public at 7 a.m. and registration closes at 1 p.m. The event will continue throughout the day until all registered ideas have been reviewed.

New England Portrait Nominated for Emmy Award

They make their livelihood in the most dangerous career in the United States. Yet, there isn’t another job in the world they would rather do.

They are commercial fishermen, and their natural attraction and devotion to the sea courses through their veins as if it were a genetic trait. In fact, many fishermen today are sons and grandsons of fishermen.

But their love of life on the high seas brings with it the high risk of tragedy. The watery partner that yields the stock of their trade can also turn on them in the blink of an eye and exact the ultimate price.

This tradition of dedication against the physical and regulatory challenges of life as a commercial fisherman in Gloucester, MA, and Point Judith, RI, was recently showcased in an episode of New England Portrait, the WSBE Rhode Island PBS production hosted and produced by Mary Lou Palumbo. That episode, entitled, “The Loss of Life at Sea: Remembering New England Fishermen,” has been nominated for a Boston / New England Emmy® award in the Environmental Program category.

The award ceremony will be held in Boston on Saturday, May 10. We've got our fingers crossed. : )

"Let's Go Down to the Diner!"

WSBE Production New England Portrait Launches New Season with Nostalgic Look at Local Diners

New England Portrait, the Emmy^®-nominated WSBE series about unique and interesting people, sites, and events that give our locale such character, kicks off its second season with a nostalgic look at local diners during a special premiere party.

On Wednesday, May 14 at 6 PM, New England Portrait debuts "The History of New England Diners" at the Culinary Arts Museum on the Harborside Campus of Johnson & Wales University, 315 Harborside Boulevard in Providence.

In the 30-minute preview, Richard Gutman, director and curator of the Culinary Arts Museum, provides historical context, while owners and patrons of area diners add local color and humor. The diners profiled in the episode include Miss Worcester in Worcester, MA; Shawmut Diner in New Bedford, MA; Hope Diner in Bristol, RI; Champ’s Diner in Woonsocket, RI; and Bishop’s Diner in Newport, RI. The episode also includes an original theme song, “Let’s Go Down to the Diner,” composed for the program by Jon Marable.

During the two-hour party, music will be provided by WRIK Entertainment, and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per person, and all proceeds benefit Rhode Island PBS.

For reservations, please call 401-222-3636 ext. 203, by May 11.

New England Portrait is a production of WSBE Rhode Island PBS, and hosted and produced by Mary Lou Palumbo. Last season, a New England Portrait episode featuring commercial fishermen in Gloucester, MA, and Point Judith, RI, was nominated for a 2008 Emmy^® from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Boston / New England Chapter.

The weekly series airs Mondays at 7PM on WSBE channel 36, digital 36.1, RI cable 8, DirecTV 36, and Dish 7776; Massachusetts cable subscribers should check local cable listings for channel number.

If you can't make it to the preview party on Wednesday, New England Portrait "The History of New England Diners" will air on Rhode Island PBS television on June 2 at 7 PM, and Sunday morning, June 8 at 11:30 AM.

More Than Just TV

A little weekend project.

Actually, the photos in the video represent more than a year of "out of the box" community activities - many free for members - hosted by Rhode Island PBS.

See what your membership supports? And you thought it was just excellent programming...

Hats off to our partners in the video: Providence Children's Museum, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Warwick Mall, Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Edaville USA, Mystic Aquarium, Providence Bruins and Dunkin' Donuts Center, Feinstein IMAX Theatre, Bank of America Skating Center, Squantum Association, RI Broadcasters Association, Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence Renaissance Hotel, and RI Community Food Bank.