CH 9 Volunteer Orientation Gains Popularity

Last spring a push was made to create a more organized volunteer program at CH 9. Students from the business school at Washington University were asked to develop a program that would track each volunteer, the hours they have contributed and general contact information as well as other helpful information in recruiting previous volunteers for work in and out of the station. While that was being done volunteers were invited in for an informative session with Volunteer Coordinator, Brittany Carter, to discuss the pro's and con's of volunteering and potential changes and improvements that could help the volunteer program at CH 9. Following this meeting a volunteer committee was created, as was very intelligently suggested at the meeting, and a small group of volunteers began to meet semi regularly to discuss further ways to assist the volunteer program and KETC/Ch 9. Including a variety of ways to become more involved in the community. Through the successful discussions between staff and volunteers it was decided that required orientation sessions should be held for volunteers on a regular basis.

In April the first Quarterly Volunteer Orientation was held at the station. Over 30 volunteers attended the meeting that provided an overview of the station, it's mission and purpose, a bit of history, and an overview of upcoming events as well as the various needs that volunteers could fill. With the Belleville Art Fair only a few weeks away it was a great time to recruit the many volunteers needed to help man the KETC booth. For anyone who offered to spend a part of their weekend helping at the fair a small thank you gift was offered. T-shirts, bags, and  mugs were all for the taking. The meeting was a success and many of the volunteers that attended have been seen around the studio in a variety of positions since then. I was given the opportunity to share some of my own experiences with the future volunteers that night. Having been dubbed the volunteer "cheerleader" I was hoping to spread some of my excitement and enthusiasm for volunteering with those attending.

Clayton Art Fair is right around the corner now, and with it arrived the second Volunteer Orientation. (Volunteers are only required to attend once, unless they choose to return). A few changes were made to the presentation this time and I was added to the mix of presenters as well as being asked to welcome everyone and introduce the CEO and President, Jack Galmiche. With my camera in hand, I snapped photos leading up to the start of orientation and after my introduction. Brittany had set up a great power point presentation to take us through the orientation, and as in April, she and Jess covered the core of the information. The guidelines and expectations were up to me to relay to our eager listeners. I snapped a couple photos from up front, earning a few giggles in the process, but maintaining the upbeat tone already set by Brittany and Jessica. The presentation seemed well received and I was thrilled to see so many people turn up! A fellow fabulous volunteer, Angela and her daughter, took my spot as cheerleaders and shared the vast experiences that they have had during their time volunteering. With over 50 future volunteers in attendance, the room was packed and sign-ups for the upcoming events, Clayton Art Fair, Trash or Treasure, and Live Pledge Nights, were all nearly filled, while the refreshments practically disappeared. Again gifts were given to those who signed up for the events. From Cardinals caps to autographed posters from the cast of Wicked, and tickets to some of the hottest shows in St Louis. This time though, names were taken from a bowl to determine who would leave with the more coveted prizes.

Everyone seemed pleased with the evening and left excited about the upcoming opportunities to help out. The next orientation guarantees to be even better as everyone becomes more familiar with the information and presenting it in an entertaining and timely manner. I'm hoping to be a part of the next one as well. Hope to see you there too!

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephalioto/VolunteerOrientation082502#

A Celtic Evening

This post is long overdue and for that I am sending out many apologies. My return visit to the Fabulous Fox theater was just as enjoyable as the first. So on November 3, 2009 I donned my new handmade tartan gown and made my way excitedly to my first Celtic Thunder Concert. (yes I was just as ridiculously giddy as I sound. Even at a ripe 28 I have my starstruck 16 year old flashbacks)

Although I had not anticipated the thrill of watching Chris Botti from the orchestra pit back in September, I had been anxiously, anticipating the Celtic Thunder concert for several months.  Pledge drive arrived in June '09, and I was on the phone the first morning guaranteeing that I had my ticket for the November concert. That first conversation began my volunteering with PBS, and got me a ticket to see Celtic Thunder. Having loved Celtic music for years it wasn't hard to become a fan of five handsome men singing some of my favorite music, but the variety of talent these men have, and each a great in his own genre, only adds to the value, charisma, and character of the group. Paul Byrom, and his classic opera stylings send shivers of delight down any listeners spine. George Donaldson's upbeat, yet ofttimes sentimental, and inspiring folk tunes bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. Damian McGinty offers the audience sheer delight and thoughts of "yesteryear" with his classic oldies, Keith Harkin's genuine surfer style produces the ideal setting for both traditional Irish tune and original work, and Ryan Kelly's energetic pop hits make you once again remember why good girls fall for the bad boys. Watching individual performances could present initial misgivings at the ability of these five performers to blend as well for the group numbers, yet the perfect harmonization, and brilliant dynamics in their rousing performances of Caledonia, Irelands Call, Take Me Home and many others illustrate the phenomenal musicality of the group as a unit. The CT band is just as much fun to watch as listen to as they interact with one another and the singers. Entertainment value of the show is truly immeasurable as George, Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian smoothly transition through each song with growing energy and exuberance. The stage and audience is alive with laughter, as the performers react to one another and the audience as well. Celtic Thunder has been significantly surprised at their own success, but to see a show you could hardly doubt that these men still have a great deal more coming to them. They remain ever gracious and appreciative of their fans and still as altruistic as they were before the fame.

The meet and greet while sadly brief and a bit cramped was enjoyable to survey and I managed to grab a few fun pictures for the books. George and Damian were complete gentlemen to the fortunate meet and greet guests, signing autographs and giving hugs to each and every star struck PBS member. I can't say I wasn't a bit star struck myself but the job at hand kept me on the sidelines. Looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for this dynamic and immensely talented group!   Hope you fellow PBS members enjoy the pictures! Look for me at future events and you'll be sure to find more fun memories captured on film and posted here!

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephalioto/DamianAndGeorge#

Chris Botti Meet and Greet

September 18th, 2009 brought me downtown to the KETC studio to assist at the Chris Botti meet and greet. Now, to be perfectly honest up until a couple weeks prior to this event I had never even heard of Chris Botti. Knowing I would be meeting this fine musician and speaking with many fans I thought it prudent to do a bit of research prior to the meet and greet. What I found amazed me. The few possessions Chris Botti owns he carries in two bags, besides his prized 1939 Martin Committee hand crafted trumpet. He doesn't own a home and spends most of his time on the road. His life long career has included playing with musical greats such as Frank Sinatra and Sting. His recent PBS special featured Yo Yo Ma, Josh Groban, John Mayer, Sting and many others. I couldn't have been more thrilled at being able to meet such an amazing musician. His outgoing personality is insignificant compared to the kind and down to earth nature he expresses. His talent is ranked among the best, yet not one egotistical vain could be detected. He was approachable and enjoyed meeting nearly 200 fans within a half hour. 

I spent most of the evening snapping photos of the members as they met Botti and while they waited in the fabulous Ch 9 studio. A most sincere "Thank You" goes out to the kind gentleman who invited me to join him for the concert. Little did I know when I accepted the invitation that I would be headed to the fourth row aisle seat in the Orchestra pit at the Fox theater. Two hours have never passed so quickly or so pleasantly. I only hope I will be fortunate enough to attend another concert in the future. For the many wonderful Channel 9 members please enjoy the photos, and feel free to copy and print if you can. 

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephalioto/ChrisBottiMeetAndGreet# 

A Mixin' and Minglin'

Even I got grabbed for a photo op this time!

With your permission I'll borrow just a minute of your time and introduce myself. Hopefully you'll be reading a lot from me. My name is Stephanie, office manager by day, movie and book enthusiast by night, camera woman whenever possible, avid coffee drinker, chocoholic, animal lover, and full time single mom first and foremost. It goes without saying I'm an enthusiastic supporter of our cherished PBS station, KETC/Ch9. My two young children adore PBS kids, and you'd be hard pressed to get me away from Masterpiece Theater or 9 On Stage. Volunteering for Ch 9 has become a favorite distraction among my busy schedule. While I've focused more on Special events, I'm always excited to lend a hand in as many ways as I can. A camera always in hand. I hope you'll enjoy hearing of my various experiences within and outside the halls of the KETC studio.

CEO and President, Jack Galmich with his staff and volunteers.

Wednesday brought Ch 9 staff and volunteers together for a very well received Mix and Mingle. Our Fabulous Volunteer Coordinator, Brittany Carter, planned an amazing "happy hour" style get together for one and all. Staff had an opportunity to meet those volunteers whose paths they hadn't crossed yet, while volunteers were able to meet the many staff members who they hadn't had the chance to work with yet.

A bit better than typical water cooler chit chat.

Volunteers all have their own talents and CH 9 utilizes those talents by placing each volunteer in a position that will allow him or her to excel at the job at hand. There are volunteers who help out nearly every day during the work week around the studio with a variety of office duties. Others, like myself, help with special events, while some only can make it in to answer phones during pledge drives. With such a focused work effort meeting all of the fabulous staff members from each department can be nearly impossible. Enter the "Mix and Mingle"! "Staff meet our talented Volunteers!" "Volunteers, meet your dedicated Staff!" "So nice to meet you!" Problem solved. We hope. This fun event also served as a spring board to encourage staff members and volunteers to utilize the wealth of resources available from each other.

The next couple of hours proved a success as stories were swapped, work experience and general information all exchanged. Snacks and drinks were enjoyed over jovial conversation pertaining to a variety of topics. Even CEO and President Jack Galmich stopped by to say hi! I had fun exchanging a few passing words with Patrick Murphy, several delightful interns, and many of the staff, the names of whom I have since regrettably forgotten. But I hope my upcoming studio visits will help me to refresh my memory. (Must remember old parlor trick; repeat the name of the person you have been introduced to and you are less likely to forget it.)

I speak for many when I say we're hoping to see this fun event come through again, very soon! Looking forward to seeing many of these familiar faces next week at the Volunteer orientation!

The Thunder Returns to CH 9 Studios

The excited chatter of 50 Ch 9 members echoed down the halls of the KETC studio this past Sunday as Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder made a special stop in St Louis as part of a brief and unexpected promo tour for their upcoming fall tour of "It's Entertainment". The atmosphere was tense as the members, mostly women, eagerly awaited the entrance of these two talented young men. So what was the occasion? A special opportunity for current and new members to support Ch 9, and in return spend an evening participating in recording pledge drive breaks promoting the upcoming Celtic Thunder live concert at the Fox theater this October. A fantastic mix and mingle with these well loved Irishmen followed. The breaks will be aired at the end of this month and into September.

Rather than members answering phones while staff members interviewed Ryan and Keith, a cafe style set up was in order for this special event. The enthusiastic Ch 9 members gathered in small groups around each table with Jay "Thunder" Perry centrally located with our two very special guests. Behind the cheers and applause when Ryan and Keith entered the recording studio you could hear several hearts briefly stop beating. To say Celtic Thunder is well loved would be an understatement of the severest sort. And yet, no one would guess at the age range this talented and varied group of singers attracts. Celtic Thunder fans range in age from 3 to 93. Men and women nation wide have found their energy, enthusiasm, love of performance, good looks, and of course, well trained talent create a mesmerizing show.

A small handful of these dedicated fans listened intently as Keith and Ryan answered questions about their own interests, life on the road, performances, and the upcoming show and also reflected on the last few years and the journey that has brought them to where they are now as a group. Then Ch 9 staff and members got a glimpse at the good nature and humor of both Ryan and Keith, when Jay "Thunder" took a page from a local sports caster and played "Rapid Fire". (As the name would suggest a series of rapidly asked and answered questions geared toward gaining a little insight into the life of the answerer.) Ryan Kelly went first and responded to who his greatest influence was, his father; his favorite band, Stereophonics; what he liked best about being on tour and what he liked least among many others. Encouraging several giggles was Keith as he dropped a few non-too-subtle hints for Ryan's choice of greatest influence and who should be playing on Ryan's Ipod, rather than Damien Rice. The laughter continued to roll when Jay got back to Keith during the following break. Keith managed to keep a strait face as he replied that Ryan Kelly was not only his greatest influence, but the best and worst part of touring, who he had playing on his Ipod, his favorite band and not to be out done, made sure to mention that his favorite movie was "Saving Private Ryan" just as Ryan had answered Jay only moments before. Significant efforts were made to quiet the burst of laughter after that final remark. Even Ryan joined in the welcome outburst. (To see the full interview stay tuned to Ch 9 later this month!) Ch 9's on-air presenter, Kate Durban, once again kept the evening moving in a fun and upbeat manner while delivering all the essential information necessary and forgotten in the cafe corner. Kate's cool on air presence is contagious and she has a way of not only engaging her audience but working with everyone else in the studio even when she's the only one on screen.

Once recording wrapped up Ryan and Keith were escorted upstairs to set up and prepare for the Ch 9 members to join them. During the next 45 minutes, autographs were signed, pictures taken, and many smiles created. The chance to meet fellow Celtic Thunder fans and members, while reconnecting with familiar faces made for a very enjoyable evening. Most found the time passed all too quickly and before long best wishes were being sent and "thank you's" given to all. The staff were grateful for the continued support and participation of these enthusiastic members and to Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin for taking the time to stop by and share their love of music and support of PBS. Everyone enjoyed the evenings festivities and became even more excited for the performance this October at the Fox Theater.

Pictures will be forthcoming so check back soon. Sorry they aren't included yet. Stay tuned for more fun CH 9 event updates. And some of the summer trouble I've been getting into with the kids.