Connections
May 2018
A Remarkable 34-Year Challenge Not a trivial pursuit Low ceilings, four cameras and the rumbling of bowling balls from the bowling alley next door, made for a challenging place to produce a local high school quiz show. A lot has changed since GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE (GSC) started in the basement of the UNH Memorial Union building. Today, nine cameras, the lofty expanse of Studio A and a full live studio audience now sets the scene for GSC. And once again, change is in the air. The man at the helm of the long running high school quiz show is stepping out of the limelight. Host Jim Jeannotte is wrapping up his 34-year career asking high school students tough questions. After taking the reins from Tom Bergeron, the first GSC host, Jim stepped up to the podium. “I was calling a few UNH hockey games for New Hampshire PBS and Sam, the director, asked if I would like a shot at trying out for it,” said Jim. “I don’t even think I had to try out; you can’t really prepare for this type of thing.” Looking back, one story about a shy student really stands out in Jim’s mind. “There was a young lady from Hillsborough who was the captain, and she led her team to two or three wins. After they lost we got a note from the coach saying what the game meant to this girl, who was a wallflower, and no one paid attention to her in school. This game brought her out of her shell,” Jim recalled. GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE has always been a place for kids to shine in math, science, history, arts and current affairs.
“You have to be talented and smart, but then you have to be courageous enough to press the button,” Jim said. Over the years, Jim has become a legend among GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE alumni. “I work at probate court and I’ve had many a lawyer come up to me to say they were on the show, and it meant so much to them, and they always tell people they were on GSC,” Jim said. Some of the alumni come back as coaches, and in one case, an alumnus came back as the show's director. Rob Fagnat, a 1993 team captain from Woodsville High School, stepped into the director's chair two years ago and has brought a fresh new energy to GSC. "His excitement about being back was contagious," Jim said. "It's been like a welcome home party for all of us." Never missing a beat or a show, Jim is famous for his expertise, quick response, never-ending knowledge and boundless energy. From everyone on the production team to the coaches and students, we owe our gratitude to Jim and what he has brought to GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE over the last 34 years. As for next season, Jim will be watching from home. “It will be fun to play next year when I don’t know the answers," Jim chuckled. We're pretty sure Jim will be up for the challenge. GRANITE STATE SUPER CHALLENGE
Saturday, May 12 • 6PM on NHPBS
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May is all about the March Sisters Little Women on Masterpiece
As engaging today as in 1868, Louisa May Alcott’s story, "Little Women" follows sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy who, together with Laurie, journey to adulthood. With their father away at war, the sisters come to terms with their new life alongside their mother Marmee.
Sunday, May 13 & May 20 • 8PM on NHPBS
Louisa May Alcott: American Masters
Examine the literary double life of this celebrated author who wrote scandalous works under a pseudonym. Elizabeth Marvel and Jane Alexander star.
Sunday, May 20 • 10PM on NHPBS
Orchard House: Home of Little Women Be transported to the 350year-old home in Concord, Massachusetts that is steeped in literary and historical significance. It is here where the classic novel "Little Women" was written and set.
Sunday, May 20 • 11:30PM on NHPBS
Royal Wedding Watch
Don't miss this five-part nightly series of special programs leading up to the live broadcast of the royal wedding on Saturday morning, May 19, on NHPBS. American news anchor Meredith Vieira and British television presenter Matt Baker will update viewers on the preparations for the much-anticipated wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle. From cakes to choristers, banquets to bouquets and gowns to crowns, viewers will get a fun and informative insider’s briefing on royal etiquette and an unprecedented look at the elaborate planning, secrecy and care that is going into this royal wedding. During the week prior to the ceremony, which will occur in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor, the hosts will be joined in-studio by experts, commentators and special guests. BBC presenter and host Anita Rani will report live from Windsor each night, and English historian Lucy Worsley, Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, will delve into the pageantry, pomp and protocol surrounding Harry and Meghan’s nuptials. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images News
Monday-Thursday, May 14-17 • 10PM on NHPBS Friday, May 18 • 10:30PM on NHPBS Royal Wedding • Saturday, May 19 • Time To Be Announced • NHPBS EXPLORE
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Saturday, May 19 Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
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Primetime Picks NOVA Wonders
Take a journey to the frontiers of science, where researchers are tackling some of the biggest questions about life and the cosmos. NOVA Wonders will explore the mysteries of astrophysics, the secrets of the body and the challenges of inventing technologies that could rival—and even surpass—the abilities of the human mind.
Sunday, May 6 • 3pm Wednesdays starting May 9 • 9PM on NHPBS
Hedy Lamarr: American Masters
Discover the ingenious inventor behind the pretty face as the Hollywood star tells her own story in a newly discovered interview. Hedy Lamarr’s pioneering work is the basis for secure WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth.
Friday, May 18 • 9PM on NHPBS
Nature: Natural Born Rebels
The Great American Read
Wednesday, May 9 • 8PM on NHPBS
Tuesday, May 22 • 8PM on NHPBS
Meet nature’s greatest rebels. From a promiscuous prairie dog to a kleptomaniac crab and an alpha chimpanzee who reigns with an iron fist, this three-part series introduces the most rebellious animals in the natural world. But are these creatures really misbehaving? And could being a rebel be the key to their success in the wild?
Do No Harm: The Opioid Epidemic
Changing the perception of addiction— understanding that it is a mental health issue, not a crime or moral failing— is critical. This perceptional change needs to be recognized before we can improve treatment. Educating communities, both large and small, on the disease of addiction will be explored in this 3-part documentary.
Starts Thursday, May 10 • 8PM on NHPBS
Get ready to vote America! THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, a new eight-part television competition, explores the power of books and the joy of reading through the lens of America’s 100 best-loved novels. Authors, celebrities and notable figures will share their personal stories and connections to their favorite titles. And you'll get to vote for your favorite book!
An American Solo
New Hampshire resident Col. Norman Phillips (USAF ret.) went from his parentless childhood in a Massachusetts mill town, to decorated WWII fighter pilot, Commander of the first nuclear-armed fighter squadron, and Vietnam veteran to celebrated artist and teacher. Watch this captivating local documentary.
Thursday, May 24 • 9:30PM on NHPBS
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New Hampshire PBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs and services on-air, mobile, online, in classrooms and in communities. Beyond its award-winning television programs, New Hampshire PBS is a leader in education and community engagement. (603) 868-1100 • themailbox@nhpbs.org
NHPBS CONNECTIONS VOLUME 6, NO. 5
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MAY 2018