WOONSOCKET – Dave Richards is more than just a local radio personality, says City Councilor Valerie Gonzalez, he’s part of the very heartbeat of Woonsocket.
The City Council has unanimously named the River Island Art Park stage in honor of Richards, christening it “The Dave Richards Community Stage,” a “meaningful step,” that Gonzalez, as sponsor of the resolution, said permanently memorializes the contributions of Richards and weaves his legacy into the community.
Gonzalez said it was her honor to introduce the resolution recognizing a man who not only has a wonderful radio voice, but maintains a deep commitment to Woonsocket and all that’s good here. Through his radio station, WOON 1240 AM / 99.5 FM, he informs, connects, and engages, she said, broadcasting every Autumnfest celebration, council meetings, and the Levitt AMP concert series. He does it all with constant integrity, she said, and often completes projects at his own personal expense.
“That kind of dedication isn’t required, but it was chosen, and it speaks volumes about who he is,” she said.
Gonzalez said the deep care for the community is reflected in his commitment to the Milk Fund since 1949. Richards invests in people, she said, and has repeatedly shared his wisdom, time, and genuine care for her. He has impacted so many people beyond broadcasting, she said, building relationships and touching lives.
The Dave Richards Community Stage will be a place that brings people together just as Richards has done for so many years, said Gonzalez. She invited everyone to an official naming ceremony on opening night of the Levitt AMP series on Friday, June 12, at 6 p.m. at River Island Art Park on Bernon Street.
Gonzalez said this is the easiest unanimous consensus she’s ever seen on the council, and they are all so grateful to Richards. Showing just how much widespread goodwill he’s built up, she said, she spoke to Roger Bouchard of competitor WNRI about the honor and he supported it 100 percent, saying it’s well deserved. That speaks volumes for the respect Richards has earned across the community, she said. Her resolution, she added, was more than a recommendation, it was a heartfelt thank you and a tribute for a lifetime of quiet, faithful service for someone she considers a friend and “a true champion of our community.”
Prior to the council’s approval of the name change and standing ovation for Richards, he commended the council and Mayor Chris Beauchamp for how they’re leading. He said he was speaking to North Smithfield Town Administrator Scott Gibbs that morning of May 6 and sharing with him how the Woonsocket council dedicates 40-45 minutes to public good and welfare comments from residents, and he said Gibbs was shocked by that news. Other communities don’t afford their residents that kind of time to vent their frustrations, said Richards, and he’s proud to live in a city where officials listen attentively and gave eye contact as people air their frustrations. They felt safe to speak publicly about their problems, he said, and that speaks volumes.
“Thank you so much for your work,” he said.
He came to Woonsocket when hew as 16 years old, said Richards, and at that time, “you could find the river with your nose,” and he and his friends were convinced the city was beyond repair.
“But we didn’t give up, and I’m very proud of where we’ve come here in Woonsocket,” he stated.
Councilor Jim Cournoyer said the naming recognition was well deserved, and thanked Gonzalez for spearheading the effort. He said this was an easy decision, also thanking Richards for his kind comments. Officials keep plowing ahead seeking to make Woonsocket a better place, Cournoyer said, and though progress is sometimes slower than they’d like, it does come. He said he appreciates the positive attitude and lack of despair displayed by Richards.
Beauchamp echoed others in commending Richards, saying Dave and his wife Denise have been doing things without fanfare or a pat on the back for many years, and this is a deserved recognition.
The mayor said he agrees that there’s a lot to be proud of in Woonsocket, and though the city has its challenges, he wishes more people, like Richards, would say how good this community is.
Council President Dan Gendron also thanked Richards for his impact, calling him a friend and someone he respects a great deal for what he does. Richards has helped guide him many times, said Gendron, often steering him in a new direction that ended up being the right move. He thanked Richards for the personal help and for what he does for the city.
After a vote and standing ovation, Beauchamp joked that Richards should run for mayor.
“Settle down,” Richards responded.
