"The Coffee An' Panel visits The Villa at St. Antoine in North Smithfield for a tour and lunch.  March 11, 2008."

Marty Crowley and George Nasuti call the play as the girls basketball teams of Woonsocket High School and Mount St. Charles Academy play the semi-final playoff game of the 2007-08 season at Rhode Island College on March 5, 2008.

Woonsocket High School Varsity Football. First game of the 2007 season against Johnston High School at Barry Field. September 8, 2007.

WHS vs. Cumberland High School baseball game from Barry Memorial Field, played Saturday, May 26, 2007.

WHS vs. Lincoln High School baseball game from Barry Memorial Field Saturday, May 12th, 2007.

Last November 11, 2006, WOON marked 60 years of continuous local radio service to the Blackstone Valley. The occassion was highlighted by a six-hour Memory Marathon, hosted by Tim MacNamara. Assisting Tim were Tom Irons and Dave Russell. We're going to break up the broadcast into six segments so we can list the guests that appeared on those portions, rather than subject you to one very long replay. As we edit segments, we'll add them to this archive page. Meantime, here's the first segment with guests, former mayor's, Kev Coleman, Jack Cummings, and Charley Baldelli. Jim Kane, former McCarthy's President, was also there, and former local businessman, Terry McKenna, called from Florida.

The second segment of the 60th Anniversary Memory Marathon features appearances by former Councilman and Milk Fund Chair, John Dionne, Mayor Susan Menard by phone, former Mayor Frank Lanctot, long-time Woonsocket Clothier, Phil Auger, former WOON Program Director and personality, Steve Bianchi, by phone, and former Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce Executive, Jim Bilyak, by phone from North Carolina.

In this third segment of WOON's 60th Anniversary Memory Marathon, you'll recapture memories with early staff announcer Mario DiNunzio; Liz Simmons, a lovely person who did news in the '80's, and then went on to much bigger things, called from Baltimore; Former Mayor Frank Lanctot had more comments on this segment, too. Joe Callahan, a former newsperson in the late '80's called in to reminisce, as did Aaron Frechette, who began his communications career here, then moved on to newspaper work. You'll also hear several listeners calling in with their memories.

The WOON 60th Anniversry saga continues here with former announcer, Vinnie Chiviatta, joining the group. Vinnie did a bulls-eye immitation of Rodney Dangerfield years ago which you'll hear on this segment. You'll also hear an except from our 40th Anniversay show that featured such wonderful friends as, Joe Solano, Muriel Beaudet, Norm Rock, and Ed Zarn, one of the first 'ON staff announcers. The sound quality is poor on that old tape, but it's still worth hearing. A whole bunch of other callers offer their memories, too.

We're up to five...and counting. By this time on the 60th Anniversary Show, most of the original guests had left, but many listeners continued to call and reminisce with Tim. Also, Tom Irons, long-time staff announcer recalled the fun of producing original on-air skits with Chief Engineer, Ron Deslaurier. About 30 minutes into this segment, don't miss a replay of a few commercials that ran for businesses no longer in operation, including McCarthy's.

And so it ends. Here's the final segment of the 60th Anniversary Memory Marathon from last Nov. 11th. You'll hear popular Autumnfest stalwart, Paul Jacob, and long-time 'ON weather man Arthur Cadoret, Jr. Also, calling from Denver was Alan Archer, with a great story of his chief memory of his tenure as an 'ON announcer. Then you'll hear an original skit created by Tim MacNamara, which highlights 'ON staff members of former years. Finally, everyone recalls the station's involvement during the great blizzard of '78. We hope these segments brought back many memories for you too. Thanks for being a part of 'ON's geat history.

Was there ever a "Grander" Woonsocket Lady than Vi Berard? Anyone who was priviledged enough to have known her and worked with her knows the significance of that question. One is simply lost for adjectives to adquately describe Vi's impact on those that most needed her tireless dedication. Vi rests now after giving of herself for a lifetime without asking for a single thing in return. Back in 1995, she was given the honor of being named Autumnfest Parade Grand Marshall. At the pre-Autumnfest reception, a number of speakers paid tribute to her work and WOON mikes were there. The briefest of all the speakers was Vi herself, typical for so humble a public servant. In succession, you'll hear then Mayor Frank Lanctot, followed by, Sen. Marc Cote, Rep. Roger Picard, Concressman Patrick Kennedy, Chamber Executive, John Gregory, Chris Stephens, of the No. R.I. Community Mental Health Center, Louise Bouley, Quota Club President, and Diane Picard, Parade Chair, then Vi Berard's brief acceptance.

A circus was held at Woonsocket Plaza in the early 90's. Dave Richards did his morning show from the site, including mentions of area people enjoying birthdays that day. On hand were a number of Woonsocket Rotarians who volunteered to sing their "special" version of Happy Birthday. Dave was apparently unaware that since the early '70's, Rotarians had created a deliberately off-key version that soon became their trademark at every Rotary meeting and whereever else they could find people brave enough to let them sing. Listen as Dave tries to have them all start together, which is not possible, and listen to his reaction at the end. It's priceless!

Here's another in the series of home-spun events that WOON has covered over the years. The primary purpose then and now is to highlight real people doing everyday, non-heroic, things that are meaningful in the overall make-up of a community. Listen as Dave Richards speaks with volunteers at the annual Burrillville Family Fun Fair in the mid 1990's.

Former Woonsocket Mayor, Charles Baldelli, was anything but a shrinking violet. The only thing flowery about Charlie was his speech and his clothes. During his tenure as a State Representative, he orated dramatically at times, but never more pointedly than when he publically chastised radio talk show host, Steve Kass. His tirade was captured here on tape for posterity. Mr. Kass probably feels that Charlie should have been captured long before this...

On October 28, 2006, the Woonsocket High School music department conducted their first ever "Musical Marathon", a 4 hour, on-air, live fundraising broadcast from the high school auditorium with the aim of raising thousands of dollars to buy new uniforms for the band and chorus. Enjoy the performances of this fine young artists.

The Woonsocket Hall of Fame roster contains some very impressive names. Now, however, the list has gained even more stature with the inclusion of Andrew P. Palmer, former publisher of The Woonsocket Call. Andy was duly honored on Thursday, December 7, 2006 at ceremonies at Woonsocket High School. One would be hard-pressed to find a person more deserving than Andy Palmer, Woonsocket's staunchest supporter. The ceremony is yours for the clicking. Our thanks to Darin Smith, camera operator, for his professional coverage.

Here's a raw video presentation of the 2006 Veterans Day ceremonies at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, November 11, 2006. Camera operator is Darin Cooper.

We enjoy capturing past local events for this site because they always involve numerous names and personalities that played major roles in The Blackstone Valley's history. Back in 1992, The Woonsocket JayCees honored Ann Sutherland Auclair, as its Citizen of the Year for her work with the Woonsocket Task Force Against Substance Abuse. Here are some edited comments from the lenghty program, first from Betty McCue, Ann's close friend and associate; then Ann's brother Bill speaks for her family, followed by Ann's remarks.

The "Good Ship" Blackstone Valley Explorer was launched with deserved fanfare downriver in Pawtucket. Here's an excerpt from that big event with a local band playing a most appropriate number, followed by WOON's Dave Balfour acting as purser reading off the list of notables on board. Then, Bob Billington, intrepid leader of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, always with a smile in his voice, exclaiming about "The Explorer" and its future.

Goodfellows Day for the Milk Fund started with the very first effort back in the early 1930's, and the tradition continues to this day. The Woonsocket Lion's Club has been the driving force among area service clubs and other organizations for many years now and defends its title with fierce determination each year. Here's an example from 1994 as WOON, after reporting from various area locations on Goodfellow's progress, set up at Lion's headquarters and sent out the good news.

WOON has covered every election, even when paper ballots were still being used. However, this one on 11-9-1994, featured a first. Local businessman, Roger Jalette, was running for City Council. He didn't have a huge campaign machine, nor a place for a possible victory celebration. He was right there beside our michrophones when the final, unofficial, count was sent to Dave Richards from the Board of Canvassers. Listen to his reaction and right after to the gracious comments of his opponent, Rosena Hunt.

You've heard Dave Richards of WWON down through the years, including numerous times on these archived events. You'll seldom hear tension in Dave's delivery, but the exception occurs during this report. Actually, he wasn't the only one feeling tense because this story developed just a few days after the Credit Union crises in 1991. You'll hear Dave speaking from the lower level of the then Marquette Credit Union building. He later confronts John Dionne, the former Marketing Director, who is heard off-mike mostly, but Dave's retorts paint a clear picture of what was happening.

Following the dark days of the credit union and banking crisis as the '90's dawned, depositors and others affected, yearned for a ray of sunshine and hope. It finally came when Citizen's Bank leased the former Marquette Credit Union Building and opened a first-floor branch. It was in that locale that the Sundlun administration OK'd the first payouts to anxious depositors whose funds had been frozen. The ceremonies that day drew hundreds of politicians, depositors and media to the site. WOON was there to capture Governor Sundlun's remarks followed by those of then Woonsocket Mayor, Frank Lanctot. Always the frustrated Broadway performer, His Honor, regaled the happy crowd with his unforgettable rendering of an old Gordon McCrae number from "Oklahoma". The date was June 27, 1992.

One wouldn't try this on network radio, but it's the essence of local community radio when the WOON michrophones can capture the fun of an event such as the Pascoag Firefighter's Bathtub Regatta several years ago. Once again, Dave Richards ensures that local voices and names predominate.

On these archive features, we try to find items that have soul with local people extending themselves to assist others. Here's an example: The midwest was hit with a devastating flood during the 90's and Chepachet area residents organized an effort to collect materials and non-perishables and truck them out to victims. Dave Richards of WOON was there at Pinewood Park to capture the scene.

This qualifies as historical: You'll hear the venerable Senator Claiborne Pell and Senator Jack Reed when he was still a U.S. Representative. As you know, Senator Pell has not spoken publically for some time, so you may find this interesting. The event was the signing of an important agreement for fisheries restoration on the Blackstone River. The Emcee was Edward "Ted" Sanderson.

The date was December 21, 1992. The talented St. Joseph's Choir performed in its annual Christmas Concert. We don't have the names of the individual singers, but if you were part of the choir, or even if you weren't, you'll enjoy these two excerpts.

As if you don't hear enough commercials... But, here's a fun twist. Click and listen to about a half-dozen spots that were played on 'ON radio in the 70's and 80's. All of the businesses are no longer in existance. You'll hear some pretty clever stuff too, as old favorites such as Steve Bianchi and Dave Richards, demonstrate their skills using various voices.

Here's a fun bit of trivia: Who was Woonsocket Mardi Gras' King Jace in 1995? Well, don't drive yourself to distraction, listen to the following account of his unmasking on February 25, 1995, with Emcee Dave Richards of WOON, assisted by Queen Gloria Jean.

Another example of public access is featured here. Listen to one of 'ON's most avid listeners in its history. The late Bob (Uncle Sam) Pawlowski called every talk show and even sang when given the opportunity. Bob, on this occassion, renders "America The Beautiful", followed by The Fire Prevention Misses", A group of area Fire Chiefs, and The 'ON staff, circa 1980, with unforgettable versions of Happy Birthday.

Marcel Desroches, Dave Balfour and Dave Richards make the annual trip up to the "Big E", the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts and take you through the Rhode Island building. From September 19, 2006.

If ever a radio station was "user-friendly", it was WWON and the change to WOON hasn't changed that philosophy. Station management has always thrown open it's microphones to listeners and groups wishing to perform. Here are two examples: Alice Adams, as faithful a listener as it was possible to be, first sings and is joined by Tm McNamara, then a group of happy people (unnamed) sing Happy Birthday replete with infectious laughter.

We'll take you back to 1982 when the largest 'ON staff in history recorded holiday greetings. It's obvious that among these greetings are voices of many friends and collegues that have since left us. We still miss them.

Wait! There's more from 1984 and 1986. Many of the voices you'll hear sending you greetings were personnel that were on staff for perhaps only a few weeks during their training or trial period, for example. Many moved on to entirely different careers, but their voices are captured here for posterity.

Listen to this treasure: An original song all about Woonsocket, written by Marc Blanchette and John Guevremont and sung by Phillip C. Gallant and Cindy D. Marie.

Meeting with seniors at the Woonsocket Senior Citizen's Center on September 25, 2006, answer questions about the ongoing impass between the hospital and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island. (Video)

Woonsocket High School Football game. The Villa Novans at Johnston High School, September 8, 2006. Lou Mandeville and Marty Crowley with the call.

Cumberland Mayoral Debate Sept 8, 2006 Video On Demand

Coffee An's Annual Welcome Cruise on the Blackstone Valley Explorer River Boat. Sept 4, 2006

Pastor Bob and Norma of Smithfield, RI, invite you to join their locally produced religious program, Reservoir Ministries, live every Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Failing that, click here to listen to the most recent program.

The 80th Annual Arnold Mills Parade in Cumberland, Rhode Island. In Color. Click here to see.

The 80th Annual Ancients and Horribles Parade in Chepachet, Rhode Island. In Color.Click here to see.

Woonsocket's Memorial Day Parade and observance. Click here to see.

The Tim Gray World War Two documentary, "D-Day Plus 62" years was premiered with an appropriate speaking program at The Stadium Theatre on Sunday, May 28, 2006 and was broadcast live over O-N TV. Click here to see and hear that broadcast again.

Roger Begin, Woonsocket native and former Rhode Island Lt. Governor and Chairman of the Rhode Island State Board of Elections joined the Coffee An' Panel on May 25, 2006. Also appearing on the show were State Representative Roger Picard and State Senator Marc Cote commenting on the imminent vote in the House to put a casino gambling ammendment to the state constitution on the November ballot.

Don Brunelle's Midday Show is not streamed live because of the fine, copywrited music he plays on the show. However, Don has some very interesting interviews each day and that part has been extracted for you to enjoy on demand. Updated after each interview, click here to hear the most recent one.

Russ Gorman on Astrology. Russ Gorman has been giving astrological advice over the radio for....er....a number of years. His claim to fame is when he told the captain of the H.M.S. Titanic to avoid going near water. You can become a personal client, or just tune in for your sign's forecast. Click here to hear our latest show. Airs live Monday thru Thursday from 10:30am to 11am. Updates after each program.

Funny Side Up, a variety show with jokes, household tips, trivia contests, and guests. Hosted by Gloria Jean "The Radio Queen" Roy, this show airs live Tuesday thru Friday mornings at 9:05. Click here to hear our last show. Updates after each live show.

Food First airs Monday mornings at 9 with host Karen Zangari. Get advice on a healthy lifestyle without the guilt or preaching. Click here to hear our latest show. Updated weekly.

Ken's Korner with host, Ken Landry. Ken's not afraid of being labeled a "Liberal". Perhaps he thinks 'the L word' is Landry. Airs Wednesday evening from 6 to 7. Click here to hear our latest show. Updated weekly.

On The Money. The longest running financial talk show in Rhode Island radio with host Ed Careau, of The Careau Group in Woonsocket. Airs Thursday evenings from 6 to 7. Click here to hear our latest show. Updated weekly.

Prime Time Talk with Larry Poitras. Airs Monday thru Friday from 5pm to 6pm. 'Over the backyard fence' style telephone talk. Click here to hear our latest show. Updated daily.

Woonsocket Open Line. Airs Monday thru Friday from 4pm to 5pm with host Joe Ferierre. Click here to hear our latest show. Updated daily.

Coffee An' Program. Airs Monday thru Friday from 8am to 9am. Click here to hear our last show. Updated daily.

Coffee An' on May 17, 2006. Guest is Rhode Island Lt. Governor Charlie Fogarty, running for Governor in the November statewide elections.

Mount St. Charles Christmas Concert

North Smithfield HS Holiday Concert

Woonsocket HS Holiday Concert

Burrillville HS Holiday Concert

The Greater Woonsocket Hall of Fame 2005 induction ceremonies for Mr. Raymond H. Bacon.--broadband connection required

Division 3 Championship Game TV, WHS vs. Burrillville HS 12/03/05

Thanksgiving TV football 10/24/05

High School Hockey. Burrillville High wins 2004-2005 Division 2 Boys Ice Hockey Championship in two games. Game One.

High School Hockey. Burrillville High wins 2004-2005 Division 2 Boys Ice Hockey Championship in two games. Game Two.

Stadium Coffee Concert. The third and final one of the 2004-2005 season, on March 16th, 2005 with Charley Desaulniers, Louise Tetreault, Jack Cook, and starring the Stadium's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. In broadband and stereo.

Landmark Medical Center is Greater Woonsocket's community hospital and has undergone great and numerous positive improvements over the past few years. They commissioned a video project which spotlights their movement into the future of healthcare and have given us permission to broadcast it. It's only 8 1/2 minutes long, but says a lot.

The 9th Annual Blackstone Valley Jazz Festival. Including a demonstration of Irish folk music by exchange students from Ireland before the Jazz Festival. Recorded live at the Stadium.

Dedication ceremonies for the Lt. George Dubois Museum addition to the Woonsocket Museum of Work and Culture, featuring the Merci Boxcar.

The Public Health and Workplace Safety Act Roundtable, sponsored by the Woonsocket Task Force on Substance Abuse.

King Jace the 11th, (Tom Ward) the mysterious and merry monarch of the 2005 Woonsocket Mardi Gras, shares his 'home movies' and snap shots--in broadband. From his visit to the children's Mardi Gras in the afternoon, to his unmasking in the evening, King Jace sets the pace of having fun.

The New England Football League "AA" All-Star game, held for the benefit of The Milk Fund on Saturday, December 4th at Barry Field. Lou Mandeville and Tommy Brien on the call.

"Coffee Concert" at the Stadium Theatre November 10, 2004. Featuring Charles Desaulniers, Emily Luther, and Jack Cook at the Stadium's Wurlitzer Organ. This was the first in what is hoped to be an every-other-month series of daytime concerts of this type. Sorry, it is offered in broadband only. If you have a dial-up internet connection, this file will not play for you.

The second in the Stadium Coffee Concerts was performed on January 12th, 2005. Joining Jack Cook at the mighty Stadium Wurlitzer is opera soprano Marilyn Ross, and the very talented Gorgone brothers, Alex and Matthew. In broadband.

"Issues At Large" was a pre-recorded, weekly, (Saturday) feature of the O-N News Department. This half-hour show from the mid 80's is one of the few which survive. The host is long-time afternoon newscaster, Glen Manseau.

Dedication of the Woonsocket Korean War Memorial, July 25, 2004, as broadcast over WOON. Sorry, audio only

The Coffee An' panel visits the Tall Ships in Newport harbor aboard the 'Myo' on July 15th, 2004

The Sports Roundtable" program airs live each Sunday afternoon at 12 noon Eastern. Here's our most recent show

The Woonsocket United Veterans Council prepares for the dedication of the Korean War Veteran's Memorial by burying and sealing the time capsule containing messages and memorabilia from current living veterans as well as the names of the 26 area Korean War vets and the names, state by state, of all who made the Ultimate Sacrifice. The time capsule is an ammunition box which Commander Robert Ducharme has carried with him since his service in Korea, along with a mitten which served him in the same war.

Woonsocket Sentinels vs.
Tri-Boro Rhinos charity football game broadcast on
Saturday, June 26, 2004.
Lou Mandeville and Brian Gomes on the mikes.

High School Hockey, Mount St. Charles vs. Bishop Hendricken, January 20, 1984. This game is the one and only example of Dave Richards doing play-by-play hockey announcing. Dave was scheduled to engineer and be the "color" commentator and was not prepared to go it alone. But the sports announcer couldn't make it to the game and, well, the show must go on. You'll find that while the announcing was not up to our usual standards, it was a very good game.

Ask Your Preacher, with Lanning Courtney. There are four 25 minutes shows, originally aired on WOON in 1999, in this one file. "L.C." passed away on
June 20, 2004.

R.I. Governor Donald Carcieri
visits the offices of The Call
and broadcast live on WOON March, 11, 2004

2004 Woonsocket Korean War Memorial Ground Breaking, Memorial Day Parade, and
Commemoration at Monument Square

Blackstone Valley Tribute to
The Greatest Generation,
May 30, 2004

Woonsocket Post Office
Named after Al Auclair

Small Things Kid's Show
December 4th, 1984

Small Things Kid's Show
December 5th, 1984

Small Things Kid's Show
December 6th, 1984

Glee Desrosier's Halloween Special 1991

30th Anniversary Coffee An' program from November 11, 1976

Tim McNamarra at the Hillcrest in Slatersville, Early 1960's

Coffee An' circa 1964

A Holiday Visit from the Halliwell School--1997

French Students visit Breakfast Show on Bastille Day

"Up With People" visits WOON March, 1994

WWON 40th Anniversary program part 2B

WWON 40th Anniversary program part 4a

WWON 40th Anniversary program part 4b

WWON 40th Anniversary program part 5a

Tim's Retirement Broadcast, July 5, 2003

Commercial Collage #1

1974 Year in Review Program, Part 1

1974 Year in Review Program, Part 2

1979 Year End Review, part 1 of 3

1979 Year End Review, part 2 of 3

1979 Year End Review, part 3 of 3

1989 September, Gene O'Neill Newscast

2002 Greater Woonsocket
Hall of Fame Induction: Aram J. Pothier

2003 Greater Woonsocket
Hall of Fame Induction: Walter F. Fontaine

June 26, 2003 Live Report
from ACS Fire with Matt Heffernan

First Night Woonsocket 1990-1991

Reports and Interviews from the Montreal premier of a movie about Woonsocket

High School Hockey --
Burrillville High vs. Lasalle Academy --1953

High School Hockey -- Burrillville High vs. Hampden --1953

Ken Coleman Visits--1968

High School Hockey Finals
Mount vs. Bishop Hendricken-March 9, 1987

Gene O'Neill Sports Report, 1989

Welcome to the O-N Radio On Demand Service. To the left you will find links to audio and video clips and visual displays which have been digitized and made available free for your education and entertainment. In some cases, they have been recovered from work tapes in whole or in part and in various states of audio quality. These items have been either stored by the station over the years, or have been loaned to us by others for inclusion here. We cannot adequately express our thanks to these generous individuals for their contributions.
We'd like to explain, to avoid confusion, that while our nickname has been "O-N Radio" for as far back as most of us care to remember, the station's legal name has been both WWON (1946-1992) and WOON (1992-present). The station's "format", that of a full-service, local, community-oriented station has never changed.
When the station first went on the air, the WOON call sign was not available to us because the government will not allow two transmitters with the same call sign letters. When we learned WOON was finally available, in 1992, we made the change of the one letter in order to more closely imply our pride in being Woonsocket's local radio station.
Sometimes radio stations change call letters to make a break with the past. This was definitely not the case with our change. We remain fiercely proud of our station's accomplishments from 1946 to the present day. We like to think of WWON as our 'maiden name' because we're still the same locally owned and operated radio station with the same emphasis on local programming today as we were when we started under the other call letters.