PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (December 14, 2006)) – Some call him a young Tony Bennett. Some say his style is that of Dean Martin. No matter what anyone says, musical sensation Patrizio Buanne, schooled in the tradition of the classic entertainers, knows how to work a crowd. And leave the women swooning …

PATRIZIO: THE NEW VOICE OF ROMANCE features the 28-year-old Italian crooner Patrizio Buanne performing on stage with the legendary Dutch Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Dick Bakker. The program, recorded in Amsterdam in May 2005, airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS on Wednesday, December 13 at 8 PM and again on Saturday, December 16 at 4 PM on channel 36, Cox 8, DirecTV 36, and Dish Network 7776 (Massachusetts cable subscribers should check local cable listings).

The special features Patrizio delivering classic songs from his native Italy - songs such as "On an Evening in Roma," "A Man Without Love," "O Sole Mio" and his version of the classic "Il Mondo" - in his own charming and dynamic style. Patrizio says the songs are timeless classics he wants to "share with a new audience … crooning is more than a way of singing … it's a way of life."

The televised concert is a prelude to Patrizio's live concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Monday night, April 16. Through a fundraising agreement with concert organizers, Rhode Island PBS has some of the best concert seats available before tickets go on sale to the public in March. In addition, up to 100 fans can meet Patrizio in an exclusive pre-performance reception for Rhode Island PBS members. Details for acquiring the concert tickets and an invitation to the reception will be explained during the televised special. For more information, viewers may also call Membership at 401-222-3636 x204 or 209.

Born in Naples, Patrizio made his first public performance at a talent contest at age 11. By 17, he was invited to perform before Pope John Paul II and a crowd of 85,000 in Poland. That led to other talent shows and a recording contract.

In 2003, Patrizio was introduced to music producer Christian Seitz. Together, they went to work on an album recording in the famous Abbey Road studios in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The result was L'Italiano (The Italian), Patrizio's debut CD of traditional Neapolitan romance ballads coupled with Italian standards from the 1950s and 1960s. This CD reached the Top 10 and went gold in the United Kingdom and platinum in Taiwan. The CD was released in the United States in the spring of 2006.

Patrizio is not just a commercial success. He has bowled over critics and celebrities alike throughout Europe. Now Patrizio showcases his romantic crooning in this country.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and uses the power of media to educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (December 1, 2006)) – They're the singing sensation that swept the nation since their public television debut in March 2005. Their second CD, 'A Christmas Celebration' debuted at number one on Billboard's World Music Chart, knocking their first CD from the top spot it held for a record-breaking 81 weeks. They are Celtic Woman. And they are back with a brand new public television special.

Celtic Woman: A New Journey was recorded live in August at Slane Castle in Ireland. The program features the five original, very talented Irish women - vocalists Méav Ni Mhaolchatha, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, and violinist Máiréad Nesbitt - joined by New Zealand-born recording star Hayley Westenra (whose family traces its lineage back to Monaghan County in Ireland). The group performs a blend of classic and original numbers, arranged and written by musical director David Downes. Rhode Island PBS will air the two-hour special on Monday, December 4 and again on Thursday, December 14, at 8 both nights.

Celtic Woman is also coming to Rhode Island for two live concerts at the Providence Performing Arts Center on March 5 and 6, 2007. Through a fundraising agreement with concert organizers, Rhode Island PBS has prime-location concert seats available before tickets go on sale to the public. In addition, up to 40 fans will meet members of Celtic Woman in an exclusive post-performance reception for Rhode Island PBS members. Details for acquiring the concert tickets and an invitation to the reception will be explained during the televised special.

Celtic Woman was created specifically to feature the special talents of these vocalists and fiddle player, and was such a success that it was developed into a touring production. Since the release of the Celtic Woman CD and DVD in March 2005, the CD has been certified gold and the DVD certified platinum. The CD literally made history, setting the all-time record for the number of consecutive weeks in the number one position on the Billboard World Music Chart.

CELTIC WOMAN - A NEW JOURNEY is hosted by Lord Henry Mount Charles, whose Slane Castle home is steeped in Irish history. The famous River Boyne runs through its grounds, the enigmatic Newgrange is at its door and the hill of Tara, home to the kings of Ireland, is at its rear.

For more information, please contact Membership at 401-222-3636 x204 or 209.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and uses the power of media to educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (November 1, 2006)) – Lions and tiger and bears… and so much more – oh my! NATURE, now in its 25th anniversary season, takes audiences up close and personal to explore the creatures and natural wonders in this wild world like few others can. Throughout November, Rhode Island PBS is running a NATURE Trivia Scavenger Safari, and invites viewers to "Paws for a NATURE Break." It could mean a trip for two to tropical Costa Rica!

Rhode Island PBS competed with 40 other public television stations nationwide, and was one of only 6 selected to receive a $10,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) The CPB, through NATURE, is supporting local public television stations in their promotion and outreach efforts to celebrate NATURE 's anniversary, and to stir series interest in new audiences and in viewers who may not watch the program on a regular basis.

The winning Rhode Island PBS proposal seeks to encourage a weekly NATURE viewing habit by providing an incentive to tune in each week. The contest is unique not only among the grant proposals, but is a first for the station, too: offer an 8-day vacation for two as a reward for watching TV and paying attention. Not bad.

Each week for the four weeks in November, Rhode Island PBS will air clues to the identity of the Feature Creature of the Week. Viewers then watch the NATURE episode on Saturday nights at 8 (re-broadcast Tuesday afternoons at 2:30) to identify the critter, based on the clues. There's no purchase necessary, and Rhode Island PBS membership is not required to qualify. Viewers can enter the contest online immediately after the episode, or mail or drop off the completed entry form to the station by noon on Friday. A random drawing of combined online and mail entries will be held at 3 PM each Friday, November 10, 17, 24, and December 1. The contest will be repeated in February with different NATURE episodes.

The contest is exclusive to the Rhode Island PBS viewing area – Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. Although odds of winning are determined by the number of correct entries received, the fact that the contest is being run in a limited geographical area bodes well for those who participate.

In keeping with the animal theme, weekly prizes will be awarded "two by two": two winners will receive two passes to two area NATURE-themed attractions. Mystic Aquarium, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and Feinstein IMAX Theatre are providing the pairs of admission passes. Weekly prize packages are valued at $59 or more

To be eligible for the Grand Prize trip for two to Costa Rica, valued at $3,000, entrants must correctly identify all four of November's Feature Creatures of the Week. The Grand Prize drawing will be on March 9, 2007, after the second contest ends in February. Official rules and information are online at www.ripbs.org, or available for pick-up at the Rhode Island PBS, 50 Park Lane, Providence.

NATURE is produced by Thirteen/WNET New York for PBS. Fred Kaufman is executive producer; William Grant is executive-in-charge.

In its first 24 seasons, NATURE has won more than 360 honors from the television industry, parent groups, the international wildlife film community and environmental organizations, including eight Emmys, two Peabodys and the first award given to a television program by the Sierra Club. Most recently, The Queen of Trees (2006) won a Peabody and the NHK President’s Prize, which recognizes excellence in high-definition programming, at the Banff World Television Festival.

Major corporate support for NATURE is provided by Canon U.S.A., Inc., and Ford. Additional support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the nation’s public television stations.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and uses the power of media to educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (October 13, 2006) – Rhode Island PBS President and CEO Bob Fish announced the donation of $10,000 from the MetLife Foundation to create and distribute the 2006-2007 Rhode Island PBS Instructional Television Program Guide. Now on a searchable CD and available online, the ITV guide lists the air dates and times of the classroom and professional development programs available to Rhode Island's K-12 educators and librarians. The ITV Guide also contains detailed program descriptions and grade-appropriate curriculum planning aids.

The donation was presented to Rhode Island PBS by Joe Madden, assistant vice president of public relations at MetLife, during the public television station's most recent televised pledge drive.

This year’s $10,000 continues MetLife Foundation's long tradition of providing educational support to Rhode Island PBS. The MetLife Foundation has funded the ITV Program Guide since 1997. In addition to the MetLife Foundation’s charitable contributions, local MetLife managers and employees volunteer their time several times a year at Rhode Island PBS events such as membership drives and auctions.

"We're very grateful to the MetLife Foundation for its continued support of Rhode Island PBS," said Fish.

"Educators and librarians consider the Guide to be a valuable tool in planning their lessons," said Dr. María del Pilar Velásquez, education services director at Rhode Island PBS. "MetLife's generosity makes it possible for us to offer this tool."

"The MetLife Foundation is proud to help support Rhode Island PBS in its mission to provide access to helpful educational resources," Madden said.

Educators and school librarians can obtain copies of the 2006-2007 Rhode Island PBS Instructional Television Program Guide CD by calling the Education Services Department at Rhode Island PBS, 401-222-3636.

Established in 1976, MetLife Foundation furthers MetLife, Inc.’s long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. For more information about MetLife Foundation, please visit www.metlife.org.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. As a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, Rhode Island PBS uses the power of commercial-free media to educate, inform, engage, and inspire viewers of all ages. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (September 8, 2006) – Trinity Repertory Theatre actor William Damkoehler will be Rhode Island PBS’s special guest on Friday, September 15, live from the studios at 8:30 PM, during the evening’s feature Mystery! Inspector Morse: Ghost in the Machine. Mr. Damkoehler has been with Trinity Rep since the 1967 production of The Threepenny Opera. In the 2005-2006 Season he played Rev. Crisparkle in The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Player King in Hamlet.

The episode of Mystery! stars John Thaw in the role he immortalized: the cranky but brilliant Inspector Morse. Paul Zangari, radio personality and host of Thirteenth State on Rhode Island PBS, will host. Presented as part of the public television station’s September fund raising drive, thank-you gifts for pledges of support include tickets to “Murder On Us” Dinner-Theater, performed locally at The Barnsider Mile and A Quarter Restaurant in Providence; tickets to Trinity Repertory Theatre performances; or an anthology of the best of Inspector Morse mysteries, written by the character’s creator, Colin Dexter.

On Monday, September 18, Rhode Island PBS presents An Evening with Bob Ballard. Deep-sea explorer and URI professor Dr. Robert Ballard will appear live in the studios with Paul Zangari. Perhaps most well-known for finding the RMS Titanic in 1985, Dr. Ballard and his discoveries are featured in three episodes with Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers. The first episode, “Going Deep” starts at 7:30 PM. “Mysteries of the Deep” begins at 8 PM, and “Beneath The Sea” starts at 9:30.

Between programs, Dr. Ballard will discuss his experience making the episodes, and describe his current projects with the Mystic Aquarium Exploration Institute, including searching for undersea antiquities in the Black Sea. He will also present his book, Ancient Seafarers.

On Wednesday, September 20, Coast 93.3 FM afternoon-drive personality David O’Leary co-hosts The Best of Soundstage. Three one-hour Soundstage concert performances by Train, The Dave Matthews Band, and John Mayer will begin at 7PM. Leading up to that evening, Coast 93.3 listeners will vie for seats on the phone bank, and garner their “fifteen seconds of fame” on television.

Live, in-studio performances by local artists The Patrick McAloon Band and Eric Fontana create a local Soundstage concert experience between the televised concerts.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. As a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, Rhode Island PBS uses the power of commercial-free media to educate, inform, engage, and inspire viewers of all ages. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (September 1, 2006) – He dreams it, then he does it. For more than 30 years, Dr. Robert D. Ballard has been an ocean explorer – and a prolific one at that.

Perhaps best known for locating the Titanic shipwreck on September 1, 1985, Dr. Ballard has conducted more than one hundred deep-sea expeditions. Noted for his work in underwater archaeology, his discoveries have revolutionized what we know about our oceans – and our planet.

Dr. Ballard will be the special guest of Rhode Island PBS, live, in the studios on Monday, September 18, as Rhode Island PBS presents three episodes of Scientific American Frontiers:

“Going Deep” (Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers) at 7:30 PM
“Mysteries of the Deep” (Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers) at 8 PM
“Beneath the Sea” (Scientific American Frontiers) at 9:30 PM

All three episodes feature interviews with Dr. Ballard, and showcase fascinating deep sea exploration and technological advances. The evening’s host, Paul Zangari, will introduce the programs. Between episodes, he and Dr. Ballard will discuss the researcher’s projects.

An Evening with Bob Ballard airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS on channel 36 / cable channel 8 in Rhode Island (Massachusetts cable subscribers should check local cable listings) / DirecTV 36 / Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. As a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, Rhode Island PBS uses the power of commercial-free media to educate, inform, engage, and inspire viewers of all ages. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

Rhode Island PBS will broadcast PRIMARY CANDIDATES SPEAK OUT 2006, a collaboration of the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association. RIBA invited all candidates with primary races. A list of participating candidates follows the program description below.

Candidates for the same office were asked identical questions, and their responses were videotaped. Interviews were conducted one-on-one, interviewer and candidate; there was no debate or discussion among candidates. Video will be edited logically, so the replies and comments from candidates for the same office can be heard together; the content of each candidate’s statement will NOT be edited.

After the television broadcast, candidates’ statements will be available for viewing online. Visitors to the Web site will be able to watch and listen to all or part of the original program. More information about the online streaming video component is forthcoming.

CANDIDATES:
U.S. Senate: Lincoln D. Chafee (R), Carl L. Sheeler (D), Sheldon Whitehouse (D), Christopher F. Young (D)
U.S. House District 1: Jonathan P. Scott (R), Edmund Leather (R)
U.S. House District 2: James R. Langevin (D), Jennifer L. Lawless (D)
R.I. Lieutenant Governor: Reginald A. Centracchio (R), Spencer E. Dickinson (D), Kernan F. King (R), Elizabeth H. Roberts (D).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, and remains steadfast in its mission to be the state's most accessible learning resource and its viewers' trusted source for commercial-free family programming. Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (August 3, 2006) - Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Indians and Richard Oster, former chairman of Cookson America, will discuss the casino project proposed for West Warwick. The discussion will be moderated by Jim Hagan.

This is the first time A LIVELY EXPERIMENT has only two guests and one topic. For 19 years, the weekly 30-minute public affairs program has featured a panel of news reporters, political analysts, commentators and news makers, who discuss the week’s local events and issues, including the popular segment, Outrage of the Week.

This special edition will be re-broadcast on Sunday, August 13 at noon.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, and remains steadfast in its mission to be the state's most accessible learning resource and its viewers' trusted source for commercial-free family programming. Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (May 8, 2006) - Two feature-length and one short film presented by WSBE Rhode Island PBS have been nominated for Boston/New England Emmy Awards.

Rhode Island's Historic Lighthouses visits all 30 Ocean State landmarks past and present, telling stories of heroism, tragedy and restoration of our seaside treasures. The cinematic artistry of Emmy-winning Director of Photography Jim Karpeichik captures all seasons from all corners of Rhode Island, including dramatic aerials across Narragansett Bay. The film is nominated for an Emmy in the "Documentary - Cultural and Historical" category.

A Renewed Beacon of Hope: The Plum Beach Lighthouse, chronicles the history and restoration of the historic Rhode Island landmark. In the shadow of the Jamestown Verrazano Bridge on Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown sits this quiet 1899 sentinel, abandoned since 1941 after decades of protecting ships from the Plum Beach shoals. The documentary garnered its Emmy nomination in the "Photographer - Program" category for videographer David Zapatra.

The short film, Mai: A Story of Courage, Passion, and Hope, presents the challenges of a Barrington woman's journey from rural Vietnam to Rhode Island and her elusive dream of getting an education. After decades of helping two brothers and her six children through school, Mai finally takes her turn. The film, by Maria Saracen, producer / writer / editor, is nominated for "Program Feature or Segment - Historical or Cultural."

Emmy Award winners will be announced during a ceremony on June 3, 2006, in Boston.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, and remains steadfast in its mission to be the state's most accessible learning resource and its viewers' trusted source for commercial-free family programming. Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (March 15, 2006) - Dr. María del Pilar Velásquez, educational services director at Rhode Island PBS, was among nine women recently nominated for the sixth annual Extraordinary Woman Award. Dr. Velásquez was recognized for her outstanding contributions to professional development.

"We're proud to see Maria receive this honor," said Bob Fish, president and CEO of Rhode Island PBS. "Her dedication to education - particularly continuing education and adult learning - makes her a valued asset to the station and to the community."

Earlier in her career, Dr. Velásquez developed the curriculum for asthma workshops for Latino adults and children. In the community, Dr. Velásquez has worked for years in improving school drop-out prevention programs. At Rhode Island PBS, she has been instrumental in structuring workshops that qualify for continuing education credits (CEUs) for teachers statewide. Her "Train the Trainer" seminars help curriculum directors, teachers, principals and administrators learn how to apply technology to teaching and learning.

Director of educational services at Rhode Island PBS since 2001, Dr. Velásquez holds a BA degree in psychology from Rhode Island College and earned her MA in adult education from the University of Rhode Island. She was awarded her Ed.D. in 2005 from Johnson & Wales University.

Since 2001, the Extraordinary Woman Award has recognized women's achievements in Education, Professional and Business Development, Community Involvement, Cultural Enrichment, Health, Politics, Communications, and Home Care. The award ceremony is held each year on March 8, International Women's Day.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, and remains steadfast in its mission to be the state's most accessible learning resource and its viewers' trusted source for commercial-free family programming. Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Monday, March 6, 2006) - Tune in to Rhode Island PBS on Sunday afternoon, March 12 beginning at 3 PM, and you'll almost smell the aroma emanating from your television. Joe Zito, the TV Maitre D', and special guests Mary Ann Esposito, host of long-running PBS Italian cooking show, Ciao Italia, and Nancy Verde Barr, former executive chef to Julia Child, host an afternoon of delicious international fare. The Rhode Island PBS "Cooking Marathon" features three new episodes from the coming season of Ciao Italia, and two vintage episodes of The French Chef:

Ciao Italia #1602 - Come Fare Pesce Facile - How To Make Easy Fish Mary Ann teams up with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin to prepare some of the quickest, easiest fish dishes you've ever seen. Jacques' "Slow-cooked Tuna Steaks with Tomato Relish" takes only minutes to make. Mary Ann's "Pesce Ripiene con Spinaci e Noci" (Stuffed Fish with Nuts and Spinach) is just as easy, but Jacques' "Scallope Seviche" is the hands-down winner.

The French Chef #103 - The Lobster Show Watching Julia's lobster line-up is half the fun. From the smallest to a grand-daddy 20-pounder, Julia teaches which lobster is best to use for salads, a luncheon or main course. Julia presents both boiling and steaming methods and shows viewers how to know when you lobster is perfectly done. Julia dismantles a hot lobster as only she can - demonstrating where the best meat is stashed. She finishes with a dry white wine or Riesling. It's a delicious program from tip to tail.

Ciao Italia #1603 Patate! - Potatoes Mary Ann declares, "Order in the Kitchen" when guest chef, Rhode Island Chief Justice Frank Williams enters to preside - and cook - in her kitchen. He and Mary Ann create three wonderful potato dishes that are perfect for a chilly day. Frank starts with his "Patata Raccollto" (Harvest Potatoes), Mary Ann matches him with her "Focaccia di Patate" (Potato Pie) then she sums it up with "Panzarotti di Patateí" (Potato Croquettes).

The French Chef #102 - The Omelet Show Soft, fluffy, and filled with all things delicious. Julia talks technique and favorite tools for the perfect French omelette. Cracking dozens of eggs with a great range of fillings she answers the key question: do you shake or do you stir? Julia throws an omelette party that moves from the kitchen to her dining room with a speed omelette-making session that is sure to impress.

Ciao Italia #1622 - Cavatelli Cookbook author and good friend Nancy Verde Barr joins Mary Ann nella cucina to create a dazzling variety of sauces to accompany Mary Ann's handmade cavatelli (little caves) pasta. Nancy starts by making a Fast Pork Ragu. And, as Mary Ann starts turning out plate after plate of cavatelli, Nancy creates two more sauces to go with them: Shrimp and Arugula Sauce, and Grated Zucchini Sauce.

TV Maitre d' host Joe Zito combines a 25-year media career with more than two decades of proven restaurant experience as a Waiter, Captain, General Manager, and Maitre d' from Rhode Island to Beverly Hills, CA. His proven ability to speak the language of restaurateurs, general managers and chefs makes the show a hit for everyone from the restaurant insider to the casual diner. Engaging, glib and often funny, Joe was recently selected by The Providence Phoenix as "The Best Local Food Celeb 2005."

Mary Ann Esposito studied and taught in numerous cooking schools throughout Italy. She creates an emotional connection to food for people and makes it very clear how to be a success in the kitchen. In addition to producing 16 seasons of Ciao Italia, she has authored nine cookbooks on Italian food. Her ninth book, Ciao Italia Pronto, contains more than 60 authentic Italian recipes that take 30 minutes or less to make, plus essays about the people she discovered while exploring the markets, kitchens, gardens, wineries, and restaurants she found in the Campania and Molise regions of Italy. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Ciao Italia will tape the kitchen cooking segments at Rhode Island PBS studios.

Nancy Verde Barr was an executive chef to Julia Child for 18 years and the culinary producer for PBS's Baking with Julia and ABC's Good Morning America. She's written for Gourmet, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, Parade, Cook's Magazine, and Fine Cooking. The author of three award-winning cookbooks, Nancy lives in Massachusetts.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service, and remains steadfast in its mission to be the state's most accessible learning resource and its viewers' trusted source for commercial-free family programming. Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Monday, March 6, 2006) - On Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., famed Belgian vocalist Helmut Lotti will make a special live appearance at Rhode Island PBS studios to host his televised concert special, Helmut Lotti Goes Classic: The Blue Album. This program features a variety of unforgettable hits and some of the most beautiful music written, including "Toreador," "You'll Win (Triumph March from Aida)," "In All My Dreams," "Valencia," “Ave Maria,” “Mama,” and more.

Rhode Island PBS has 50 pairs of tickets to Helmut Lotti’s June 12 performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Holders of these tickets will meet the performer backstage after the concert.

For more information, viewers should tune in to Rhode Island PBS (channel 36/RI cable channel 8) on Wednesday night at 7:30.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (Monday, February 20, 2006) -The huge response to FAMILY FUN WEEK by parents and children has delighted the event sponsors, Rhode Island PBS and CollegeBoundfund 5&10 Matching Grant Program. Due to limited capacity of some of the venues, advanced reservations were required for free admission passes. Event organizers report that, as of Friday, February 17, capacity has been reached for all of those events, and reservations are closed for:

IMAX Theatre on Tuesday, February 21
Bank of America City Center skating rink on Wednesday, February 22
Roger Williams Park Zoo on Thursday, February 23

Two popular PBS Kids characters, Clifford The Big Red Dog and Arthur, will be at the various events to meet the children. The public is invited to the visit with the characters during posted times. Admittance to the venues will be subject to admission fees without Family Fun Week passes.

Clifford the Big Red Dog will be at the Bank of America City Center skating rink for hugs and photos each hour from 11 AM to 2 PM. Check with the skating center for applicable admission and skate rental fees.

Arthur will be at the Roger Williams Park Zoo to greet children each hour between noon and 3 PM. The zoo also features its Hibernation Celebration during February vacation week. Check with the Zoo for applicable admission fees.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (February 10, 2006) - For some children, February vacation means ski trips up north, or romping in the sunshine of warmer southern climes. For most kids, however, February vacation is just a break from the school routine, stuck in the house, with few choices for fun and entertainment besides the TV or the computer.

For some children, February vacation means ski trips up north, or romping in the sunshine of warmer southern climes. For most kids, however, February vacation is just a break from the school routine, stuck in the house, with few choices for fun and entertainment besides the TV or the computer.

“CollegeBoundfund is excited to bring this series of events to local families,” said Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul J. Tavares. “It’s a great opportunity for families to do fun things together inexpensively. What’s more economical than free?”

“We chose events and locations that would appeal to a variety of age groups,” said Bob Fish, president and CEO of Rhode Island PBS. ”By doing so, we hope more families can access the free activities.”

Schedule of Events:

Monday – Hugs and photos with Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Warwick Mall on Presidents Day from 1 to 4 P.M.

Tuesday – Deep Sea 3D at the Feinstein IMAX Theatre at Providence Place Mall. The theater is opening just for this event, and offers two exclusive advance screenings of Deep Sea 3D before the film officially opens next month. Show times are 9:30 A.M. and 10:45 A.M. Free popcorn. Limit 4 passes per family. Advanced reservations are required. Clifford The Big Red Dog will be in the lobby for hugs and photos.

Wednesday – Ice skating and free skate rentals from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the Bank of America City Center skating rink at Kennedy Plaza, Providence. Limit 4 passes per family. Parent of adult guardian must be present. Meet Clifford The Big Red Dog!

Thursday – Everyone’s favorite PBS Kids GO! aardvark – Arthur – will be at the Roger Williams Park Zoo from noon to 3 p.m. Free zoo admission. Advanced registration is required.

Friday – Free admission to the Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. The Children’s Museum is staying open beyond its regular hours to host this event. Both Arthur AND Clifford The Big Red Dog will be roaming through the many exhibit areas to visit with the children.

For event registration and more information, visit www.RIpbs.org, or call 401-222-3636, extension 220. For photos, parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their own cameras to the events.

Administered by the Office of the General Treasurer and Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority, the CollegeBoundfund 5 &10 Matching Grant Program is designed to help low and moderate income Rhode Island families save for higher education. The Program can provide eligible participants with matching funds when they open and contribute to their child's CollegeBoundfund account. If families meet the requirements, they may receive up to $1,000 every year for five consecutive years. For more information, visit www.FIVE-TEN.org or call 1-866-FIVE-TEN.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, a quasi-public agency of the State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island PBS is a viewer-supported member of the Public Broadcasting Service. As Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource, Rhode Island PBS is dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning and broadcasts family-oriented programs that educate, inform, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at Rhode Island PBS, visit www.RIpbs.org.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (January 30, 2006) - ALMOST HOME, a feature-length, cinema verité film, rescues the real stories of aging from an exile of denial. A stunningly intimate documentary shot on location in a nursing home, ALMOST HOME tells the unflinching, honest stories of couples both bonded and divided by disability and dementia, children torn between caring for their parents and caring for their children, healthy elders fearful of moving to the dreaded nursing home, and a visionary nursing home director committed to transforming his century-old hospital-like institution into a true home. The program airs on Rhode Island PBS on February 2 at 9 p.m. (channel 36 / RI cable channel 8 / Dish Network 7776 / DirecTV 36).

Immediately following at 10:30 p.m., Rhode Island PBS presents CULTURE CHANGE IN RHODE ISLAND, a special 30-minute program that explores the themes of the national documentary from the Rhode Island perspective. Introduced by Chairman of the Rhode Island Long Term Care Coordinating Council, Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty, the program will feature a discussion of culture change in nursing homes, expanding options in at-home and community care, and the role of policymakers, business and the community. Senior Digest radio co-host Dave Kane will host the program, and welcome Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs Director Corinne Calise Russo, Quality Partners of Rhode Island Project Coordinator Marguerite McLaughlin, and Alzheimer's Association RI Chapter Executive Director Elizabeth Morancy. The program will also connect viewers to important local resources for help in caring for an aging spouse or parents.

ALMOST HOME is a co-production of 371 Productions and Wisconsin Public Television, produced in association with ITVS, with funding provided by the Helen Bader Foundation; The Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation; The Retirement Research Foundation; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; The Faye McBeath Foundation; and support from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts and Center on Age & Community.

Local funding for CULTURE CHANGE IN RHODE ISLAND is provided in part by the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs through the National Family Caregivers Program, and by the Rhode Island Long Term Care Coordinating Council; and is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, Care New England, and Quality Partners of Rhode Island.