Épisodes

  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Operation Stand Down RI with Erik B Wallin, Esq. 9-13-2025

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Operation Stand Down RI with Erik B Wallin, Esq. 9-13-2025
    Sep 13 2025
    "A hand up, not a hand out". That's what Veterans will receive from Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), the premier Veterans assistance organization that's been operating in Johnston RI for over 30 years. Erik Wallin, Executive Director and General Council- OSDRI, joins us to promote their annual two day "33rd Veterans Assistance Event". This event is held on-site at their Johnston location, 1010 Hartford Avenue, Thursday September 18th and Friday September 19th. If you are a Veteran or know one, this is an event that offers all the resources needed in one location. Services like; dental, legal, medical, social benefits, jobs, clothing and housing all available with lunch provided, all FREE of charge! You can get your teeth cleaned and your driving record cleared at the same time with no DMV line,"One Stop Shop ". Listen as Erik details the the struggle some Veterans have in obtaining VA benefits and healthcare. Did you know not all Veterans are eligible for those benefits unless they retire from or have a service connected disability? OSDRI can help those in need work through the complicated process in obtaining them. He also speaks on their annual "Boots on the Ground" event held every Memorial Day weekend honoring fallen service women and men. Looking to volunteer for this worthy organization? They welcome those who want to help either at their events, financially or with help restocking the food pantry. You can also join in the fun on October 4th for the 11th annual Zero-K Road Race at McBride’s Pub (Providence RI), with all proceeds benefiting OSDRI. You can hear Scott's glee, as he describes this unique road race which requires only that you walk out the pub's entrance to the road and drink a beer.
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    15 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring the Women's Fund of RI with Kelly Nevins 9-6-25

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring the Women's Fund of RI with Kelly Nevins 9-6-25
    Sep 6 2025
    It's a big party! Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is taking over Bally’s Twin River (Lincoln RI) on September 25th for their annual Women Leading Change (WLC) event to acknowledge and celebrate the work and contributions of those who are advocating for advancements in gender equity. WFRI’s Kelly Nevins, CEO joins us for the details on this night of celebration and networking. Listen as she describes the important work being done as an investment in women and girls. WFRI is credited with the key legislation prohibiting job applications requiring your previous salary. Their website is a valuable resource where you can find the "Women’s Well Being Index" for key data highlighting the disparity for women in health, wealth and power. She discusses women's employment issues such as C-Suite and Pink sectors, and the wage disparity where women earn $.83 (White) $.77 (Black) $.50 (Latino) to the male dollar ($1.00). Princess June opens the festivities spinning vinyl, concluding with raffles for exquisite goody baskets. In between that there's recognition and awards celebrating women and businesses making a difference. Cathy Andreozzi of The Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation will be presented with the Simone Joyeaux Leadership Award. State Representative Karen Alzate will be awarded the Susan Farmer Advocacy Award for her efforts at the state level. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island will receive the Organizational Equity Award for its institutional commitment to equity in workplace practice. Don't miss this important event!
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    17 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence with Brianna Henries and Justin Freitas 8-30-25

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence with Brianna Henries and Justin Freitas 8-30-25
    Aug 30 2025
    Men are not inherently violent and we haven't learned how to be nonviolent or how to intervene in crisis, man to man. Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) with their Ten Men Cohort 2025-2026 (Engaging Men as Allies) has grown to more than twenty strong with members who are motivated to support the community with a non-violent mindset. Justin Freitas, RICADV Men’s Engagement Coordinator and Brianna Henries, Director of Communications join us to provide an update on how this successful program combined with multiple statewide agencies, are striving to eliminate domestic violence in RI. Listen as Justin and Brianna detail their efforts to engage and mobilize the community. Autumn brings their first Mr. Rhody competition, will Scott compete to flaunt his talents? "Talent, style, heart, and humor—bring it all to the stage on September 30 for a night of fun benefiting the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence", all in collaboration with the General Federation of Women's Clubs in Rhode Island (GFWCRI).
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    18 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Come Clam with Me with Kimberly Sullivan, RI DEM 8-23-25

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Come Clam with Me with Kimberly Sullivan, RI DEM 8-23-25
    Aug 23 2025
    Dig Deep! RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) through The Aquatic Resource Education (A.R.E.) program is a federally funded program that is managed through RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife. Kimberly Sullivan, Principal Biologist - Freshwater Fisheries and A.R.E. Coordinator, joins us to detail their "Come Clam with Me" program series in addition to other upcoming outdoor opportunities. "The Come Clam with Me sessions are part of a larger program that includes marine and freshwater ecology programming, fishing/fly fishing training, in-schools programs such as the Salmon/ Trout in the Classroom, teacher training in environmental curricula, and hatchery tours". Listen as Kimberly explains to Scott, the difference between RI many clam species.
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    15 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Pints for a Pint with Nicole Pineault, RI Blood Center 8-16-25.wav

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Pints for a Pint with Nicole Pineault, RI Blood Center 8-16-25.wav
    Aug 16 2025
    FREE BEER! What could be better than a cold beer on a hot summer day? That's what you can get if you are 21+ and donate blood between July 28th and August 31st, for the 4th Annual "Pint for a Pint" campaign. Nicole Pineault, Executive Director - Blood Operations, Rhode Island Blood Center (ribc.org) joins us with the details. We're in a "blood emergency" when the blood supply runs low and donations are decreased. That happens particularly during the summertime when people are away or enjoying summer activities. At the same time the blood supply runs low with the need for blood arising due to activities or accidents. The hospitals still need a good supply for surgeries as well. Listen as she explains how "O Positive" is the most common blood type and that "O Negative" is the universal blood donor in trauma events. Nicole also explains how platelet donors are always needed as well, due to the short shelf life. So, go to the website (ribc.org), find a blood drive or make an appointment at one of the five RIBC locations near you by August 31st, and receive a voucher for a free pint of beer at one of the thirteen participating establishments. You can belly up to the bar for a good cause!
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    16 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring "Calling All Veterans 2025" with Deb Burton, MS 8-9-25

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring "Calling All Veterans 2025" with Deb Burton, MS 8-9-25
    Aug 9 2025
    Veterans Wanted! The 6th Annual Calling All Veterans Day is coming to the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park (21 Iafrate Way, North Kingstown, RI), home of the most unique logo and location marker, a battle-ready bee! Deb Burton, MS, Executive Director & Gerontologist of RI Elder Info stops by to provide the details in this the 60th year of the Older Americans Act. This FREE annual community outdoor event (August 16th,10am-1pm) is an "opportunity to receive free information on resources and benefits for Veterans of all eras, their spouses, or their aging loved ones. Benefit providers as well as organizations that provide fun activities that promote a sense of connection and holistic health will be onsite. The event is free and open to Veterans of all eras, their family and the community". Listen as Deb teases us with a special guest reveal, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by 100 years young, WWII Veteran, Mr. George Silva. She also discusses the success stories of previous attendees in crisis, returning with their success stories. In addition to helping veterans, RI Elder Info also provides seniors, caregivers and professionals with a resource to guide them through the aging process.
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    18 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring 2025 Walk ALS RI with Christina Vilardi, ALS United RI 8-2-25

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring 2025 Walk ALS RI with Christina Vilardi, ALS United RI 8-2-25
    Aug 2 2025
    "ALS United brings together independent organizations across the country, each deeply rooted in their communities, to provide care and support where it matters most – close to home". In the smallest state in the union, ALS United RI is a support network, who's mission is to unite members in serving people with ALS and provide valuable resources to families and their loved ones facing this insidious disease. To date, there is no cure however ALS United is committed to fighting for a cure and helping people with ALS live their lives to the fullest. How do they do that? Christina Vilardi,MBA-Executive Director of the RI chapter answers our questions. You can support their efforts in various ways. There are opportunities to contribute. You can donate your time or funds, create a tribute page, fundraise or walk! It's a perfect time of the year to put on your walking shoes at Bryant University for the 2025 Walk ALS RI on August 24th. It's also the kind of weather when you don't mind getting wet, so why not soak? You can sign up for the Ceo Challenge Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge started by Pete Frates, Pat Quinn, and Anthony Senerchia, all living with ALS. Listen as Christina talks about these events and the services they provide, of which there are many. Their care services include support groups, transportation, financial assistance, respite and equipment loan programs, just to name a few. Join them in this fight!
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    16 min
  • Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring LEAPFEST 2025 with Major Jeffrey P Nelson, US Army NG RIARNG (USA)

    Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring LEAPFEST 2025 with Major Jeffrey P Nelson, US Army NG RIARNG (USA)
    Jul 26 2025
    Rhode Island lays claim to the "Largest, Longest-Running International Military Static Line Parachute Competition in the World, and remains the marquis Airborne event for the National Guard Bureau and US Department of Defense." It's the 40th running of LEAPFEST! All to promote the camaraderie and Esprit de Corps of the Airborne Soldier through International Competition. Major Jeffrey Nelson, RIANG -Brigade Operations Officer, 56th Troop Command, joins us for the details. The event is open to the public and spectators are welcome at the “Drop Zone” on LEAPFEST 2025 Competition Day, on Saturday August 2nd, with a rain date of Sunday August 3rd. The “Drop Zone” is located on Adams Farm in Exeter, RI and public parking is available at 300 Hog House Hill Rd. You can watch "Jumpers", military paratroopers from International and US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps units, compete for individual or for team award. Listen as Major Nelson explains the process for a "static line" jump, which will include 18 countries, six which have never competed before. He details the tricky process that some countries go through to approve their travel in time for competition. That was a factor for one entrant in 2024, which lead to Special Operations Detachment – Pacific (SOD-P), an 11th hour competitor, that unexpectedly took the top prize. He also lists the family fun activities, vendors and food trucks on site, sponsored by Ocean State Food Truck Festivals.
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    18 min