Be Informed

What’s Growing At The Community Idea Stations

Bert and Ernie stand guard near the entrance to a garden here at 23 Sesame Street. Staff at the Community Idea Stations (WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS and WCVE Public Radio) began work on the garden only recently. The 100 x 25 foot garden will feature a few tomato varieties (both regular and “cherry” types), yellow squash, summer squash (or zucchini), cucumbers, cantaloupe, peppers (sweet and hot), radish, eggplant, sweet corn, beans and sunflowers. A corner of the garden will also have herbs such a basil, oregano, rosemary and lavender.

Governor McDonnell Signs Budget Bill; Includes Line Item Veto that Affects a Portion of PBS Funding

From Curtis Monk, President and CEO of the Community Idea Stations: “While we’re disappointed any time there is a reduction in State Funding, particularly one that directly impacts our educational mission, we remain committed to providing the very best programs and services for the communities that we serve. This clearly reinforces the importance of the support that we receive from our viewers and listeners.”

Immersive Online Experience to Help Kids Understand Music

Chuck Vanderchuck’s “Something Something” Explosion!

Chuck Vanderchuck and his sidekick, Ramona, are obsessed with learning everything there is to know about music. Together they will present five different musical genres: Salsa, Jazz, Rock, Country, and Reggae. Children will learn about different instruments used for each musical style, and play games through which they will have the chance to identify instruments, write lyrics, compose melodies, create costumes, and play in a virtual concert with Chuck and Ramona.

The Hot Seats to Record AC&T Performance

From Lanny Fields, Community Idea Stations – Local band The Hot Seats will be recording their upcoming performance at Ashland Coffee and Tea. Recently I e-chatted with band members Josh Bearman and Graham DeZarn about all things Hot Seats.

New PBS Web-only Series: The Parent Show

Angela Santomero, the creator of Super WHY!, will host the new PBS web-only series The Parent Show which launched on the PBS Parents website recently. Join Santomero in her wise and wacky interviews with parenting experts, PBS personalities and everyday caregivers, to find how others are working with kids on a daily basis.

Virginia Bluegrass Guitarist Larry Keel

From Lanny Fields, Community Idea Stations – I’ve had the pleasure of seeing flat-picker Larry Keel perform on many occasions. The Virginia-born guitarist has been turning heads since his days as a teenage phenom at the Galax fiddlers convention and other jam sessions around the state. His playing style is reminiscent of acoustic pickers Tony Rice and Doc Watson – fast, hot licks coupled with raw emotion.

Take PBS With You: Free PBS App for iPhone

Watch popular and current PBS programs free on your iPhone or iPod touch with minimal interruption. The PBS App features more than 300 videos, including full-length episodes, segments and previews with new content updated daily.

“With a huge library from nearly 360 member stations and 1500 public media producers, PBS is delivering a rich on-demand experience and is now one of the first broadcasters to bring full-length video to the iPhone,” said Jason Seiken, SVP, PBS Interactive, Product Development and Innovation.

Asperger’s Syndrome Topic of “The Courage to Succeed”

On Monday, April 18, WCVE Public Radio, in conjunction with Commonwealth Autism Service, taped a panel discussion on autism in front of a live audience at our Richmond studio. The panelists for this discussion included Erik Laursen, Ph.D., VP, Learning and Program Development at Charterhouse School (UMFS), Donald Oswald, Ph.D., Director of Research and Diagnostics at Commonwealth Autism Service, John A. Toscano, MSW, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Autism Service, and a student with Asperger’s Syndrome as they discuss both the challenges facing young people with Asperger’s Syndrome in post-secondary education and the unique program they’ve developed within their partnership.

WCVE Forum April 17: “Tehran Rising: Persian Power in an Unstable Region”

From America Abroad – As citizens rise up across the Middle East, they fear more than reprisals of their own rulers. Many worry that leaders from Iran are looking to capitalize on a de-stabilized Middle East. They fear Iran wants to acquire more power and influence in the region.

The balance appears to be tipping in Tehran’s favor: Iran has solid footholds in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza. And it’s eyeing potential openings across the Arab world… From Riyadh to Washington, alarms are sounding.

Tune in for WCVE Forum on WCVE Public Radio, Sunday at 6:00 PM.

Interview with David George Gordon, Bug Chef Extraordinaire

WCVE Public Radio producer Steve Clark says, "Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Entomophagy is the practice of eating them! Broadly, Entomophagy also refers to eating arthropods that are not insects, such as spiders and centipedes. Yummy." Steve and Dr. Art Evans were joined by a special guest to talk about this unusual food fare.