WATERTOWN, NY (December 31, 2024) – From the WPBS-TV studios in Watertown, N.Y. comes a brand new talk show featuring in-depth interviews with influential community members from the nonprofit sector. Each episode highlights the work of outstanding leaders dedicated to tackling pressing social issues and meeting the needs of North Country communities. Through candid conversations, guests share their personal journeys, the challenges they face, and the successes they’ve achieved in creating positive change.
Hosted by WPBS’s own Cynthia Tyler, each episode provides viewers with valuable insights into the nonprofit world, celebrating the passion and dedication of those volunteering to make a difference while inspiring others to get involved and give back.
Episode #1: January 9, 2025
Joe Rich is well known in our community as the founder of the Disabled Persons Action Organization. Karen Cross sits on volunteer boards such as the Seniors Association in Kingston and The Canadian Chamber of Executives of Canada, when she’s not at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as CEO.
Episode #2: January 16, 2025
Barbara Perez is an avid volunteer with Scouting America, where she enjoys working with today’s youth. She’s also the Executive Director of Watertown’s Habitat for Humanity. Aileen Martin volunteers her time at many different organizations, including Literacy Volunteers, Volunteer Transportation Center, North Country Prenatal Perinatal Council, North Country Library Services Outreach Council, and much more. That’s in addition to her position as Executive Director of the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living.
Episode #3: January 23, 2025
Stacy Snyder-Morse, the Director of the Orleans Public Library and Town Historian of Orleans, has an extensive volunteer history. She shares her motivation behind giving back. And Ticia Aumell is the co-founder and artistic director of Stagenotes, which provides high school students with an opportunity to star in local theater.
Episode #4: January 30, 2025
Paul Elsley is one of Eastern Ontario’s most prolific volunteers. He initiated the Blessings in a Backpack program in some of Kingston’s schools, preparing and delivering food boxes to families in need. He’s also a champion of child literacy through First Book Canada. He’s also an active member of the Kingston Rotary Club. Erika Flint’s passion for child safety led her to establish the Safe Schools Endeavor, providing funds to schools for projects that address school safety. She’s also the Executive Director at the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization.
Episode #5: February 6, 2025
Joseph Foy is the President and Founder of HarmoNNY Performing Arts, which helps foster musical and creative talents in Northern New York. And Sylvia Buduson has been a volunteer with Hospice for over 37 years. She also donates her time to several other organizations.
Episode #6: February 13, 2025
Ken Knapp is a local historian with an interest in indigenous First Nation peoples – and enjoys educating others about their fascinating history. And Dawn Cole, Executive Director of the United Way of Northern New York, shares her passion for helping those less fortunate, and how you can get involved.
Episode #7: February 20, 2025
Jessica Sheldon is the founder of FAITH Riding Center in Watertown. An Occupational Therapist, she helps children and adults of all abilities connect and heal through horseback riding and horsemanship. And transplant recipient Theresa Walen-Witjes has volunteered her time for over 13 years with the Transplant Advocate Association in Kingston, Ontario.
Episode #8: February 27, 2025
Dennis Crowley shares how his cancer scare helped spur him on to help others. Today, this active survivor volunteers with Hospice, Cancer Support, Literacy Volunteers, and more. And an illness of a different kind spurred Judith Gould to help those with mental health and homeless issues, creating Art and Self-Expression workshops at local hospitals in Kingston, Ontario.
Episode #9: March 13, 2025
Julie Garnsey is the co-founder, along with her husband Jeff, of Garnsey’s Feral Acres in Clayton, New York. Their 158-acre sanctuary houses abandoned or injured domestic pets and livestock. Julie is also the Executive Director of the Clayton Opera House. And Garry McColeman is a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston. He enjoys working and encouraging children to be their best.
Episode #10: March 20, 2025
Donna Chatterton is the director of Gwen’s Food Pantry in LaFargeville, where she’s volunteered for over 50 years. She’s also volunteered her time as an EMT with the LaFargeville Fire Department, among other organizations. And Kylie Schell’s son is the inspiration behind her calling to create Encompass Recreation, the North Country’s first sports organization for disabled children and young adults.
Episode #11: March 27, 2025
Joe Austin is well known to those in Lowville as the Lowville Fire Department’s volunteer chief. This community-focused organization rose to the occasion during the floods in Lowville last summer, helping residents and businesses battle flood waters. And Kathleen Hannon was instrumental in getting the Adams Community Playground Project off the ground. She’s also an avid volunteer with Hospice and New Life Church.
Broadcast dates are subject to change and will be updated in program listings if applicable.
All episodes will be available for on-demand viewing anytime after Initial broadcast on the WPBS video player at watch.wpbstv.org.
About WPBS
WPBS is a PBS station serving approximately 600,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario via cable, satellite, Internet and over-the-air distribution. WPBS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire diverse communities with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. Its vision is to be the premier provider of relevant public service media that instills wonder and curiosity across generations and cultures. More information about WPBS, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Download the free WPBS Mobile App to follow WPBS on the go.
