WCMU Public Media May 2024 Guide

May 2 0 2 4

For Our Members ...

Every May, I revel in Mother Nature’s finest, her glorious sights, sounds and smells: the flowering trees, the birdsong, the lilacs! I look forward to sowing seeds and digging plants into my own garden, tending it daily to ensure an abundant harvest in the weeks and months ahead.

Even if you think you have a “brown thumb,” I encourage you to plant a few seeds or plants in your own yard or garden, or even in a container near your door. I promise that you will bring joy to yourself and everyone who sees the results of your partnership with Mother Nature.

Check out “From the Ground Up!” (9:35 a.m. Saturdays; 1:34 p.m. Tuesdays, and at wcmu.org) I hope this weekly feature will inspire you to “get out and get growing!” You can even pick up a few tips on page 27.

At WCMU, we do our best to present our finest each day! Our radio and television teams work to bring you thoughtful and upto-date news, information and

Our Cover

National Memorial Day Concert 2024

Tune in to the 35th annual broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance on Sunday, May 26 at 8 p.m.

entertainment, sowing seeds of knowledge and enlightenment, and cultivating friendships and partnerships as we go out and about gathering the stories that our listeners and viewers can “harvest” every day. You enjoy the “fruits of our labors” because of the ongoing support that you have shown for more than 50 years. As you go out and about, please remember that WCMU can be with you wherever you go, and we truly value that special relationship.

Judy Wagley Producer/Midday Host Producer/ Host “From the Ground Up!” Producer “The Children’s Bookshelf”

Great Peformances

Hamlet

From The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Set in a desolate post-George Floyd world, this contemporary production is a present-day take on the Bard’s tale of family and betrayal. Watch on Friday, May 10 at 9 p.m.

Audra McDonald at the London Palladium

Enjoy Broadway hits and more performed by the six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald. Watch on Friday, May 17 at 9 p.m.

Purlie Victorious

Enjoy this comedic play starring Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon. Watch on Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 80th Anniversary

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 80th Anniversary features an all-star cast at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, including Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden and more. Watch on Friday, May 31 at 9 p.m.

Independent Lens

Space: The Longest Goodbye

NASA’s goal to send astronauts to Mars would require a three-year absence from Earth, during which communication in real time would be impossible due to the immense distance. Meet the psychologists whose job is to keep astronauts mentally stable in outer space, as they are caught between their dream of reaching new frontiers and the basic human need to stay connected to home. Watch on Monday, May 6 at 10 p.m.

The Tuba Thieves

What is the role of sound and what does it mean to listen? Hard of hearing filmmaker Alison O’Daniel uses a series of tuba thefts in Los Angeles high schools as a jumpingoff point to explore these questions. Through several d/Deaf people telling stories in a unique game of telephone, the central mystery of The Tuba Thieves isn’t about theft of instruments; it’s about the nature of sound itself. Watch on Monday, May 20 at 10 p.m.

Think Wednesday

Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons

The most famous bear in the Tetons attempts to raise four cubs. But she makes increasingly unexpected and consequential choices to protect her family. Grizzly 399 stands as a symbol of the clash between humans and the wild. Watch May 8 at 8 p.m.

Saving the Animals of Ukraine

Ukrainian YouTuber Anton Ptushkin documents the work that Ukrainian citizens have done to rescue and care for the pets and zoo animals abandoned during the war. Watch May 15 at 8 p.m.

Wild Ireland: Kindom of Stones

Ireland is renowned worldwide for its lush green landscapes and wild Atlantic coast. One of its greatest natural treasures is a desert of grey stones called the Burren, which is home to some of Ireland’s most enchanting wildlife.

Watch May 22 at 8 p.m.

Secrets in Your Data

Whether you’re on social media or surfing the web, you’re sharing more personal data than you realize. Host Alok Patel leads a quest to understand what happens to all the data we’re shedding and explores the latest efforts to maximize benefits–without compromising personal privacy. Watch May 15 at 9 p.m.

Pompeii: The New Dig

Decoding the Universe

Trace the ground-breaking discoveries that have transformed our picture of the universe, from an age when we knew of no planets beyond our solar system, to today, when we have evidence of thousands and estimate trillions more. Watch May 22 at 9 p.m.

Follow the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation. Nearly two years in the making, with exclusive access to the dig and the all-Italian team of archaeologists, the series follows the excavation of an entire city block, unearthing what life was like in Pompeii before the eruption and the horror faced by the victims, and those who survived, when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Watch May 15 at 10 p.m.

A Brief History Of The Future

Cook’s Country

Great Performances: Now Hear This Old Friends

Antiques Roadshow: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Head to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, OH for treasures and a find up to $375,000! Monday, May 6 at 8 p.m.

Test Kitchen

Making North America: Human

Steves’ Europe Ireland: County By County

Art Happens Here With John Lithgow

Destination Michigan Under The Radar Michigan The U.S And The Holocaust Yearning To Breathe Free (1938 - 1942)

Cook’s Country America’s Test Kitchen

Nature Season Of The Osprey

Great Performances Now Hear This: The Composer Is Yoo

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

The Story Of China With Michael Wood Ancestors/Silk Road and China Ships

Midsomer Murders Who Killed Cock Robin Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances: Now Hear This The Composer Is Yoo

Steves’ Europe Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Nature Big Little Journeys: Home

Elton John & Bernie Taupin The Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

Paris Murders From Father To Son

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

Great Performances: Now Hear This Beethoven’s Ghost

Maryland Guilt

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

NOVA Making North America: Human

Antiques RoadshowCharleston Hour 1

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

Roadtrip Nation Start Up

The Express Way With Dule’ Hill Texas

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

Nova Making North America: Human

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

A Brief History Of The Future Together

Independent Lens Space: The Longest Goodbye

Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Roadtrip Nation Ideas For All Part 1

Frontline The Last Survivors

Roadtrip Nation Ideas For All Part 2

Rick Steves’ Europe Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

A Brief History Of The Future Together

Possession

Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story

Photographer Corky Lee’s epic quest to document Asian American history, culture, and activism for five decades. Monday, May 13 at 10 p.m.

Collapse

Pati’s Mexican Table Pati’s Mexican Table Rick Steves’ Europe

Great Performances: Now Hear This The Composer Is Yoo

Destination Michigan Under The Radar Michigan

Ireland: County By County

Great Performances: Now Hear This Beethoven’s Ghost

The U.S And The Holocaust The Homeless, The Tempest-Tossed (1942 -)

Pati’s Mexican Table Pati’s Mexican Table Rick Steves’ Europe

Nature

Grizzly 399: Queen Of The Tetons

Great Performances Hamlet

America’s Test Kitchen

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

The Story Of China With Michael Wood The Last Empire/The Age Of Revolution

Midsomer Murders Dark Autumn Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances Hamlet

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Great Yellowstone Thaw

Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen Lee Stroud’s Wild Harvest

Paris Murders Possession

Best Of The Joy Of Painting Rick Steves Art Of Europe

Maryland Guilt

America’s Test Kitchen

Best Of The Joy Of Painting Rick Steves Art Of Europe

NOVA A Brief History Of The Future Tomorrows

Antiques RoadshowCharleston Hour 2

Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen

Roadtrip Nation

Lee Stroud’s Wild Harvest

Start Up

The Express Way With Dule’ Hill Chicago

Kevin Belton’s New Orleans

Photographic Justice The Corky Lee Story

Rick Steves’ Europe

Roadtrip Nation Degree Of Impact

Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Frontline: A Dangerous Assignment Uncovering Corruption in Maduro’s Venezuela

J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom Rick Steves’ Europe

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

NOVA A Brief History Of The Future Tomorrows

Pearl

The Ghost Army

Take

Going

to War

Veterans of various conflicts reveal universal truths of combat with unflinching candor. Monday, May 27 at 10 p.m.

Nature Green Island, White Desert Ireland’s Wild Coast

Great Performances

Purlie Victorius

Simply Ming Taste Of Malaysia With Martin Yan Confucius Was A Foodie

The Ghost Army The Seabees On Iwo Jima

Midsomer Murders Ring Out Your Dead Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Paris Murders In The Spotlight

Bay By Air

National Memorial Concert(continued)Day National Memorial Day Concert

Simply Ming

Taste Of Malaysia With Martin Yan Dream Of Italy: Travel, Transform, and Thrive

NOVA Decoding The Universe: Cosmos Pompeii The New Dig Part 2

Antiques RoadshowAlbuquerque Hour 1

Confucius Was A Foodie

Roadtrip Nation Start Up

Finding Your Roots

Lucky Chow

Going To War

Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

American

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

Frontline South Korea’s Adoption Reckoning

NOVA Decoding The Universe: Cosmos Pompeii The New Dig Part 2

The Burren: Heart of Stone

See Celtic rainforests, underground caverns, mysterious lakes, and wildlife of the Burren. Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m.

Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue

American Experience The Riot Report

Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue

Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue

Chilorio for Cinco de Mayo!

“Made by cooking meat in orange juice until tender and then finished off in a non-spicy ancho chile sauce, it screams out Fiesta in every single bite. Not only because of the richness of its colors and flavors, but because of how fun it is to assemble. Just serve it at the table with a side of warm flour tortillas and your guests can roll their own burritas or burras, however skinny or chubby they want them to be.” -Pati

Sunday Night Drama

MaryLand

Sisters Becca and Rosaline find themselves thrown together by the sudden death of their mother, Mary. They come to find out that she was living an entirely secret life on the Isle of Man, far from her home with her husband, Becca and Rosaline’s father. As the sisters travel through the early days of grief and discover their mother’s secrets, they meet their mother’s quirky friend Cathy who seems to know more about their mother than they do. Mary’s death offers Becca and Rosaline a chance to not only reframe their relationship but fundamentally reshape who they are. At its heart, MaryLand is a love story of two sisters. Premieres May 5 at 9 p.m.

Call the Midwife

Miss Higgins receives an unexpected visitor, and Sister Monica Joan ruffles feathers. Poplar votes for its Mother of the Year. Watch the Season 13 finale on May 5 at 8 p.m.

The Riot Report and A Final Landing

American Experience: The Riot Report

Revisit 1967, when inner cities across America erupted in violence. LBJ appointed the Kerner Commission to investigate and the Commission’s final report would offer a shockingly unvarnished assessment of race relations that still resonates today. Watch on Friday, April 5 at 9 p.m.

A Final Landing on Iwo Jima

Follow two men as they visit the historic war sites. One is a 100-year-old veteran of the 4th Marine Division who returns to Iwo Jima for the final time after being wounded there in the battle decades earlier. The other is the son of a marine who has spent decades searching for details of his father’s time on the island with little luck. He finally visits Iwo Jima to piece his dad’s wartime puzzle together. Narrated by sportscaster Jim Nantz, the film details events leading up to, through and after the Battle of Iwo Jima via veteran interviews, archival material and recreations. Watch on Monday, April 8 at 9 p.m.

Live stream avaliable at WCMU.org/family

Kids and families can spring into the season with MILO, a series co-produced by Fourth Wall and DeAPlaneta Entertainment that follows an adventurous cat who loves to use role-play to explore the amazing world of jobs and vocations with his best friends, Lofty and Lark. Milo is curious about what it would be like to be a fireman, or a detective, or an astronaut, and many other kinds of jobs when he grows up. So, off he goes with his friends on an exciting role-play adventure. MILO will premiere May 13 at 12 p.m.

Donkey Hodie: Bedtime Stories

8 new whimsical read-along shorts will help kids snuggle into bed and relax before saying goodnight. Stream May 27 on the PBS KIDS app.

Look for WCMU Create TV Weekend Marathons createtv.com/marathons

Spring has Sprung Starts Friday, May 10

Springtime is abloom inside and out as Create hosts celebrate the season with dishes and decorations that bring a little sunshine to your home.

Memorial Day BBQ with Steven Raichlen Starts Friday, May 31

Fire up the grill and get ready to sink your teeth into mouthwatering barbecue dishes with tips and tricks.

Donor Spotlight

Bob and Mary Weyand have been regular PBS viewers since moving to the Suttons Bay area in 2016. They favor political, scientific (NOVA), and historical (American Experience) programming, as well as Masterpiece Mysteries and Call the Midwife.

The Weyand’s met while living in the same dormitory at the University of Michigan. Mary was studying nursing, while Bob was studying in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Bob completed his MBA at Michigan State University, and Mary began her first job after graduation at Sparrow Hospital, later moving to county public health. Depending upon the location, this was the backbone of Mary’s career until her retirement in 2015.

Bob’s career included stints in food service operations, commercial kitchen design, equipment sales and distribution, warehouse management, logistics, and inventory management programming. His career choices moved the Weyand’s from East Lansing to Brighton to northern Illinois and finally settled in Suttons Bay, where they rejoined family members who had lived in and loved the area for many years.

In retirement, Mary is involved with the State of Michigan Foster Care Review Board and enjoys singing and cantering with the church choir. Bob volunteers with Township tax classification appeals, participates in church administrative activities, and supports Great Lakes Stewardship as a sailing crew member with the Inland Seas Educational Association (ISEA). For recreation, they enjoy cycling, walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, all of which are natural activities when living in northern Michigan.

The Weyand’s raised three daughters. Julie (Lake Orion), Susan (Grand Rapids), and Carolyn (Ankeny, IA). Their families include spouses Dave, Tim, and Jesse and grandchildren Jack, Luke, Lucy, Charlie, Simon, and Evelyn.

The Weyand’s support WCMU because it is a resource that is part of their lives. They also believe financial support is a small way to give back.

ALPENA

Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan

BELLAIRE

Grass River Natural Area

BIG RAPIDS

Galloup Guitars

FLINT

Flint Institute of Arts

Flint Institute of Music

HARBOR SPRINGS

Perry Farm Village

Polly’s Planting and Plucking

Tom’s Mom’s Cookies

LANSING

Elderly Instruments

Impression 5 Science Center

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

MACKINAW CITY

Mackinac State Historic Parks

MARQUETTE

Travel Marquette

MIDLAND

Alden B. Dow Home & Studio

Chippewa Nature Center

Dow Credit Union

Eastman Party Store

Grace A. Dow Memorial Library

Midland Area Community Foundation

Midland Center for the Arts

MyMichigan Health

Rallye Import Automotive

Unitarian Universalist

Fellowship of Midland

MT. PLEASANT

Buckley’s Mountainside Canoes

CMU Bookstore

CMU Faculty Association

CMU Libraries and Friends of the CMU Libraries

CMU Speaker Series

University Events

Greentree Co-op Grocery

Krapohl Ford Lincoln

Mt. Pleasant Area

Community Foundation

Mt. Pleasant Tire Service

NABET-CWA Local 412

Northwind Investments

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan

University Theatre at CMU

PETOSKEY

Ameriprise Financial / Osborne/Klein

American Spoon

Blissfest Music Organization

Reusch Jewelers

Spring & Porter Restaurant

REGIONAL

Consumers Energy Foundation

Enbridge Energy Foundation

Mercantile Bank

REMUS

Wheatland Music Organization

ROYAL OAK

Mindful of Motion

SAGINAW

Temple Theatre

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Sault Symphony Orchestra

TRAVERSE CITY

City Opera House

Morse Moving and Storage

Munson Healthcare

University Center

Marshall M. Fredericks

Sculpture Museum

Saginaw Valley State University

WESTPHALIA

Dr. Deborah Gadille, DDS

For information regarding sponsorship opportunities with WCMU Public Media call 989-774-3105 Featured

Buckley’s Mountainside Canoe

4700 W. Remus Rd, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 (989) 772-5437

WCMU Public Radio

1-800-727-9268 radio.WCMU.org Oscoda WCMB 95.7 FM

Mt. Pleasant WCMU 89.5 FM Bay City WUCX 90.1 FM Alpena WCML 91.7 FM Traverse City WCMV 94.3 FM

WWCM 96.9 FM

Public media is a fixture in communities across the country, bringing educational content, reliable journalism and entertaining television to all. And individual donors enable us to do just that! Without them, we couldn’t maintain the independence that is key to our public service mission. Please donate to WCMU on Public Media Giving Days, May 1 and 2, to give back in celebration of all that #PublicMediaGives.

Give now at WCMU.org, or scan the QR code on this page.

WCMU wins prestigious Broadcast Excellence Awards!

WCMU Environmental Reporter Teresa Homsi was recently honored to receive two Broadcast Excellence Awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Teresa received a ‘Best’ award in the Spot News category for her coverage of PFAs contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. Teresa was reporting on the Department of Defense expanding its cleanup efforts in the region.

Teresa also received a ‘Best’ award in the Community Involvement category, for her efforts to introduce students at Cheboygan Middle School to journalism. In 2023, Teresa established a newspaper club, engaging 15-20 students from 4th to 7th grade in the art and ethics of journalism. This initiative not only introduced young minds to the world of media, but also fostered a new generaton of informed, critical thinkers.

WCMU Public Television was also recognized with two ‘Merit’ awards. In the Sports – Outdoor or Recreation category, WCMU’s Stefanie Mills, Chris Ogozaly and Matthew Ozanich were honored for the program ’50 Years Later: The Impact of Title IX.’ And in the Community Involvement category, WCMU’s Renee Mahon, Adam Miedema, and Chris Ogozaly were recognized for two events focusing on indigenous cuisine during Native American Heritage Month.

WCMU Reporter Teresa Homsi and New Director Rick Brewer

WCMU PUBLIC RADIO

• Asian View at 5:04

• StarDate at 5:19 & 7:47

• BBC Topline at 6:42 & 8:42

• Marketplace Morning Report at 6:51 & 8:51

• Climate Connections at 1:31

Stardate at 8:35

• The Children’s Bookshelf Wednesday at 11:04 a.m.

• Central Focus Wednesdays at 4:44

• Marketplace Minute at 5:48

• Central Focus Thursdays at 8:45 The Moth Radio Hour

• From the Ground Up Tuesdays at 1:34

• Birdnote at 2:31 • StarDate at 7:04

• Central Focus Fridays at 2:34

From the Ground Up at 9:35 The Childern’s Bookshelf at 8:37

Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me Left, Right & Center

It’s Been A Minute Reveal Ted Radio Hour Throughline

Planet Money/ How I Built This CodeSwitch/ Life Kit The Moth Radio Hour This American Life The Pulse The Splendid Table Bullseye Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me All Things Considered

Stardate at 5:35 Stardate at 8:35

Juke

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Join WCMU Classical for a live broadcast on May 24 at 10:40 a.m. German conductor David Afkham makes his DSO debut, and violinist Veronika Eberle will shine in Brahm’s monumental Violin Concerto, performed with her 1693 Stradivarius. Then, the full orchestra takes center stage, performing Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.

Learn how to listen to WCMU Classical by scanning the QR code on this page, or visiting WCMU.org/Listen

Staff Spotlight: Tina Sawyer

This month, we’re getting to know WCMU’s Tina Sawyer. Tina is your local host weekdays during Morning Edition.

What is one of your most memorable interviews?

One of my most memorable interviews was with funeral service expert Tom Buist from The Dodge Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tom’s ‘straight talk’ interview made learning about all the intricacies of green burials very easy to understand, which I believe will help many people who are interested in not only helping the environment after they leave this world but also while planning for it financially.

What is your goal when you come to work every day?

My goal is to laugh at least once every day. Or to make one person smile. Life is too short to not enjoy every minute, whether working or not.

If you could interview any historical figure, who would it be and why?

One woman I would LOVE to interview is poet, screenwriter, and activist Maya Angelou! I would love to know how she pushed through childhood trauma, mutism, and adversity to find the courage to seek out her identity in the world.

What are you reading right now?

I just picked up the children’s book The Adventures of Cece and The Sheriff by Mt. Pleasant, Michigan author Dominic Thrasher. I love supporting local artists and this book is so fun. Plus, I’m a kid at heart always. So, how could I pass it up?

Secrets to Stunning Hanging Baskets with From the Ground Up!

Everyone loves to see the colorful displays of blossoms that cascade down from hanging baskets, but keeping those flowers looking their best can be a challenge.

Janice Jenkins, along with her husband Mike, has owned Elm Creek Garden Center in Farwell for 36 years. She shares some practical advice on caring for your hanging baskets this spring:

One: Make sure you have the correct plant for your chosen location—sun or shade.

Two: Water the basket daily, using about one quart of water poured into the soil. More frequent watering may be required on very hot days.

Three: Janice advises weekly feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Plants confined to containers need plenty of nutrients to keep those flowers vibrant and abundant!

Four: The last important step for keeping baskets beautiful is pinching and pruning. Janice advises pruning back one-third of the plant’s growth three times during the season to keep it from getting “straggly.”

Now that your hanging plants look gorgeous, what if you must be away for a few days?

Janice recommends taking the plants down and getting them out of the direct sun. To keep up with watering, try a wicking system, find a helpful neighbor who will water for you, or take your basket with you if you can!

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Restoration work continues for 91.7FM and TV Channel 6

Work is continuing to restore WCMU’s broadcast services in northeast Lower Michigan, following the February 28 fire that destroyed our transmitters for 91.7FM and TV Channel 6. WCMU is committed to being back on the air in the northeast as quickly as possible. You can view the latest updates at WCMU.org/Fire.

WCMU congratulates our student employees who are graduating this spring.

Kenzie Louise

My plan after graduation is to continue my degree in BCA at CMU and continue to gain experience in making films and playing my saxophone in the CMB. I’m excited to start graduate school at CMU. At my time at WCMU it has helped to meet a crew of amazing people and really explore more about myself. I love working here and getting to speak to people all over Michigan and help them to the best of my ability.

Lauren Konsdorf

Being at WCMU has helped me gain experience in the field and meet a lot of new people!! I am hoping to land a job in Michigan so that I can be close to my family. Iexcited to see what the future holds for me after graduation!