DAPpers Testifies

On Thursday May 18, I was invited by Representative Lauren Carson to testify before the Sub-Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Recreation ( Sub-Committee for Tourism ) at the RI State House along with the Executive Director of RI State Council on the Arts (RISCA), Lynne McCormack, and Executive Director of the RI Film and Television Office, Steven Feinberg.

L to R, Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Steven Feinberg, Lynne McCormack, Rachel Balaban, Rep. Lauren Carson, Chair, Rep. Joseph Solomon, Jr., Scott Saracen. Testifying along with Rachel were Steven and Lynne of RI Film and Television Commission and RISCA, respectively.

Having DAPpers included in a statewide conversation about the arts was huge! First of all, I was honored to be in the company of the directors of RISCA and the RI Film and Television Office. I know Lynne and Steve and admire the commitment and enthusiasm they have for their organizations. Secondly, by inviting me to speak before the Sub-Committee on Arts, Culture and Recreation, I had the opportunity to describe the work that DAPpers is doing in the area of creative aging and the arts. It allowed me to connect to the hard work of Lynne McCormack and RISCA and illustrate the reliance our organization has on organizations like RISCA for getting our work done. I was also heartened to learn that there is growing interest at the state level for future programming for aging in RI and I’m excited to work with Rep. Carson to get more programming moving.

An intern for one of the committee members followed up with me after the presentation and will start volunteering in our dance class soon. Another benefit from the day!!