A “First-Person Report” by Josh Weisz-Smith, Rogers HS Faculty Chair of the World Language Department
I have been working with Bike Newport over the past few years in my capacity as World Language Department Chair at Rogers High School, collaborating to develop the “Ciclistas” program – providing bikes and gear to our Middle and High School students, along with the knowledge of navigating Newport streets safely. Over the summer, our collaboration is expanding into other initiatives – including being part of a community ride to Ocean Hour Farm last weekend.
This delightful adventure was designed not only to increase awareness about Ocean Hour Farm’s mission, but also to bolster Bike Newport’s bilingual influence in our Spanish-speaking community – a great example of the immense value that Bike Newport brings to our community.
I was brought onto the team as a Spanish translator, and though we didn’t end up with any Spanish-speakers on the ride, Bike Newport’s executive director Bari Freeman requested that I still incorporate Spanish translations throughout the tour of the farm. This aligned perfectly with the mission of World Language educators throughout the state—to promote bilingualism and create an inclusive environment for all community members—so I was obviously more than happy to oblige. As I translated Beth Alaimo’s (Program Director of Ocean Hour Farm) informational and engaging presentation, the English-speaking members on the tour were supportive and welcoming, reflecting a harmony between cultures. Beth even chimed in with some of her own Spanish-speaking prowess!
Beyond translating, I was excited to step into the role of a bike marshal. Having navigated international city streets on two wheels, I felt completely in my element as I worked with the other marshals to guide our group safely to and from the farm.
We were also fortunate to be joined by Cliverson, a recent Rogers High School graduate and proud Ciclistas alum. Having Cliverson by my side throughout the ride and tour was a highlight of the day—his outgoing personality, bilingual fluency, and insightful contributions during translations added immense value to the tour while demonstrating the true impact of youth leadership in our community.
My colleagues in the Science and MLL Departments at Rogers High School collaborate with Ocean Hour Farm during the school year to bring awareness to our youth about regenerative agricultural practices and sustaining our unique coastal ecosystem on Aquidneck Island. Finally getting our World Languages program involved with the farm’s mission carried great meaning for me. Beth Alaimo, the Program Director, shared her wealth of knowledge with us as she led us around the farm, and her energy and engagement made the whole experience rejuvenating — bringing hope in a world where concern for conservation is often hard to find.
The knowledge Beth shared regarding how we care for the earth, waste and water management, and the relationship humans have with our ecosystems will undoubtedly stick in the minds of her audience, as it did with me. I am already researching the development of a rain garden for my own property, and I will forever keep my lawn at least an inch or two longer than I had before the tour!
After spending the day with Bike Newport and Ocean Hour Farm, I was left with the feeling that I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing: engaging with my community, being active, soaking up the beautiful Newport summer air, and helping spread awareness to maintain a healthy Earth so it can continue to provide in all its glory. I am thrilled to continue working with Bike Newport on future endeavors and will indubitably continue to network with Ocean Hour Farm in my role as an educational leader.
Newport is so much more than sailboats and seafood, and organizations like Bike Newport and Ocean Hour Farm bring invaluable contributions to our beautiful, dynamic, and multilingual community.
Bike Newport