August Buzz: Film Fest, Special Olympics, Head Start & More

Hey, New England! 👋🏽 Looking to cool down a bit this August?

Summer in New England is all about the salt air, breaking surf, and clam cakes. But by August, we sometimes need a break from sand in our suits, chowder-thick humidity, and sticky, sunscreened skin. If you feel the same, join us on “Locally New England.”

Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival

In this episode, we’ll preview some local arts favorites in Ocean State happening now through the end of summer and beyond. First, escape the heat by slipping into a cool, dark theater to enjoy some of the world’s finest independent films at the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. RIIFF Program Director Shawn Quirk joins Cheryl and Joe to provide a detailed look at the festival, so you can plan what to see, when, and where.

For newcomers to the festival, Quirk highlights that RIIFF films qualify for the Oscars in all the short-form categories. “It really helps,” he notes, “to not only give the filmmaker that win, the boost, and also the capability to qualify for Oscar consideration … It puts the festival and Rhode Island on the global stage.”

Trinity Repertory Company: Season of Productions

Speaking of stages, the Trinity Repertory Company will be busy presenting a showstopping slate of productions this coming season. Starting on September 5, the season kicks off with a female-led political farce. “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” aims to provide some levity amid the high stakes of the political season. Katie Liberman, Executive Director of Trinity Rep, describes the show as “a little bit raunchy, a little bit blue, but it’s really funny… doors opening, closing, people running in and out. It’ll be great fun.”

Special Olympics Rhode Island

“Locally New England’s” August focus next turns to Special Olympics Rhode Island. Cheryl and Joe meet Ed Pacheco, Executive Director of SORI, who offers insight into the many ways the organization supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Whether it’s the well-known summer games on the URI campus or the newer leadership training and healthy athlete programs, SORI nurtures their truly inspiring Special Olympians in many ways. Pacheco explains, “We’re cheering for every single one of our athletes every step of the way… Every step that they take is a victory in their own right, and we want to be there to celebrate with them.”

East Bay Community Action Program: Head Start

August also rekindles thoughts of returning to educating our children. Early education is crucial for setting children up for successful learning. “Locally New England” visits the East Bay Community Action Program, a leader in early education. East Bay’s Head Start program is two-tiered, providing both preschool educational assistance to families in need and training for early childhood educators.

“We here at Head Start can provide you with a career path. We can help you get the education you need, the training… a child development associate credential,” explains Linda Laliberte, VP/Director of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.

Programs are tailored to each child’s needs and prioritize families with the greatest need. Parent Steven Butler, whose child is enrolled, is quite fond of the program. Butler says, “The community aspect makes this place different from anything else—great parents, great teachers, excellent staff. Everybody’s hands-on.”

Tune in to “Locally New England.”  Catch Cheryl and Joe on YurView, Cox Channel 4…