2025 May June Connect Magazine by WCNY CONNECTED

MAY | JUNE 2025

Miss Austen on MASTERPIECE

Sunday, May 4 at 9 p.m.

Grantchester on MASTERPIECE

Sunday, June 15 at 9 p.m.

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 10

Why more people say, “Take me to Crouse.”

MARY CASSATT / BERTHE MORISOT

ALLIES IN IMPRESSIONISM

May 24 – September 1, 2025

Thrust together due to their involvement in the Impressionist circle, Cassatt and Morisot have always served as an interesting comparison for art lovers. Discover the influence these two artists had on one another and their overarching impact on the Impressionist movement.

Sponsored in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, The Clark Foundation, and Nellie and Robert Gipson. The exhibition catalog is made possible through a generous gift from Denise Littlefield Sobel.

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926), Summertime, 1894. Oil on canvas, 39 5/8 x 32 in. Daniel J. Terra Collection, Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago, 1988.25, Photo courtesy of Terra Foundation for American Art

THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY

19TH-20TH CENTURY

ORIGINAL MASTER PRINTS

May 24 – September 1, 2025

120 iconic images by 120 different photographers.

Sponsored in part by Nellie and Robert Gipson.

Organized by Photographic Traveling Exhibitions. Los Angeles, CA.

The

William

1984

Steve McCurry (b.1950).

Afghan Girl, Sharbut Gula, Pakistan,

Clift (b.1944). Georgia O’ Keefe, New Mexico, 1981

CONNECT MAGAZINE

Publisher Mitch Gelman

Executive Editor Amanda Hayden

Editor

Lauren Easton

Graphic Designer

Alexis Cleveland

Photographers

Eric Hayden

Francis Tavino

VP, Philanthropy

Shannon Hanrahan

VP, Sales & Marketing

Rich Ezzo

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair Michael Humphrey

Vice-Chair Francisco Suárez

Shanelle R. Dawson

Michael D'Eredita

Diane Gayeski

Thomas Griffith

Jon Jensen

Peter G. King

Don McPherson

Daniel Mera

Maria Murray

Tere Paniagua

Treasurer Greg Fedele

Secretary Hanka Grabovica

Deryn Pomeroy Vijay Srinivas Colleen Viggiano

Directors Emeriti Shiu-Kai Chin Robert Daino Evelyn Ingram Ronald A. Teplitsky

Robert J. Daino

Broadcast and Education Center 415 W. Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13204

Phone: (315) 453-2424

Fax: (315) 451-8824

Email: wcny.online@wcny.org Website: wcny.org

Postmaster: Send address changes to 415 W. Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13204

© 2025 WCNY CONNECT Magazine (USPS 863060) (ISSN 1541-261X) is published bimonthly by The Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York, Inc. dba WCNY. All rights reserved. Subscription is a benefit of paid membership, covered by membership dues.

President's Letter

At a Congressional hearing on March 26, Paula Kerger, the president of PBS, testified amid questions from legislators intent on ending federal funding for public media.

There were a couple of lighthearted moments, as Ms. Kerger denied that Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, and Elmo—perhaps aided and abetted by Daniel Tiger—were part of a vast conspiracy to brainwash kids through what the committee called the “Anti-American Airwaves.”

But the hearing was not a laughing matter. The following day, Ms. Kerger said, “While the questioning was tough, it was an honor to … make the case for public media.”

Here are excerpts of her remarks:

"There’s nothing more American than PBS."

"We have been proudly fulfilling our mission for nearly 60 years: using the public airwaves and other technologies to help educate, engage, and inspire the American people. Especially in rural areas, PBS stations are the only outlets providing coverage of local events, and local stations partner with other community organizations to address issues like veterans’ affairs and the opioid crisis."

"We celebrate what makes our country great. 'A Capitol Fourth' and the 'National Memorial Day Concert' honor our nation’s ideals and service members."

"And I strongly believe that the programming PBS offers to prepare children for the future is the most essential work we do. Today, more than half of all preschoolaged children are not enrolled in prekindergarten programs. Our content has helped tens of millions of children prepare for success in school and in life, with free programming that is available everywhere kids are: on-air, online, and in the classroom."

Indeed, at a time when essential services are being cut across the country and around the world, PBS is facing similar headwinds. With your continued support, WCNY is committed to staying the course and providing the programming and community services that Central New York and the Mohawk Valley deserve from public media.

Will it be more challenging to maintain the quality and consistency that we expect at WCNY? Yes. But, with your help, please be assured that we are up for the challenge.

Mitch Gelman President & CEO of

WCNY

Fabulous Food Trucks in CNY

Calling all foodies! As the weather warms up and you venture around Central New York, check out some of these incredible food trucks! Whether you're craving a quick bite or a sweet treat, there's something delicious waiting for you.

Food Truck Battle

Check out more food trucks beyond this list at the largest gathering of food trucks in Central New York history! The Syracuse Food Truck Association is bringing you a two-day battle of the trucks, complete with low-cost food samples, live music, craft beer and wine slushies, yard games, and more. Spend the day tasting items from over 50 locally owned trucks and cast your vote for the best. The event takes place on Friday, May 16 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Learn more at syrfoodtrucks.com.

Did You Know?

The first food truck dates back to the 1800s.

Blueberries & Lace

Onondaga County

This bakery is Central New York’s premier mobile café, specializing in pastries, coffee, and tea. Partnering with local vendors, this food truck offers customizable treats to match any theme!

Downtown Danny's Broome County

For delicious, high-quality food at an affordable price, check out this hot dog cart! Along with the classic favorite, Downtown Danny’s also serves up European specialties from Germany, Poland, and Italy. You won’t be disappointed!

Doug's Fish Fry ToGo Trailer Cortland County

With its distinctive bright red trailer, Doug’s Fish Fry dishes out crispy seafood, golden fries, creamy coleslaw, and more at events all over Central New York. It’s not just a food stop—it’s a fried-fish fan frenzy on wheels!

Alanna Manning Public Relations & Social Media Intern

McGill's Whiskey Tavern and Grill

Oneida County

Nicknamed "McGill's Hell's Kitchen on Wheels," this food truck brings the restaurant’s famous chicken riggies and fried fish platters on the road. If you want to try some delicious home cooking, be sure to stop by!

On The Street Pitas

Tompkins County

Crafted with fresh ingredients, the pita sandwiches and salads at this cart are sure to keep you coming back for more! Customize your meal just the way you like it with their made-toorder service.

PB&J's Lunch Box

Onondaga County

Indulge in award-winning gourmet flavors at this food truck! From a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich with roasted pecans to a gourmet cranberry turkey or chicken Caesar wrap, PB&J’s Lunch Box offers a unique twist on classic favorites.

Silo Food Truck

Tompkins County

Rosalie’s Cruisin’ Cucina

Onondaga County

Bringing authentic Tuscan flavors on the go, Rosalie’s Cruisin’ Cucina serves scratch-made meals crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each dish is prepared with care to deliver a delicious, top-notch dining experience.

This award-winning food truck features homemade recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. Known for their unique take on fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and other delicious recipes, the team at Silo Food Truck aims to serve fresh dishes that are sure to wow your taste buds!

Ty’s Taco-ria

Delaware County

The Bearded Bear BBQ

Cayuga County

Craving some delicious, slow-cooked barbecue? The Bearded Bear BBQ is the place to go. With a menu full of smoky, saucy dishes made from quality ingredients, there’s something for every meat lover to enjoy.

Enjoy fun, fresh, and flavorful tacos made with locally sourced vegetables, beef, and dairy! Ty’s Taco-ria offers a variety of delicious Mexican classics from tacos to nachos. No wonder they are the “‘Taco’ of the town.”

Strawberry Honey Smash

1 Cocktail

This summer cocktail recipe for a strawberry honey smash is complete with a sugared rim.

Ingredients

• 4 juicy strawberries, plus 1 more for garnish

• 1 tbsp simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)

• 1 oz. honey liqueur

• Juice of half a lemon

• 2 oz. vodka

• Ice

• Sugar (for glass rim)

Directions

1. Slice the strawberries and muddle together with the simple syrup and honey liqueur.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the strawberry mixture with the lemon juice and vodka. Add ice and shake.

3. Strain the mixture into a glass with a sugared rim and garnish with a strawberry on the side.

WCNY's monthly Foodie-guide looks at the best of PBS Food content, recipes, cooking videos, and more!

One Broadcaster, Four Channels

WCNY’s four digital channels can be viewed for free across Central New York.

Ilion, Herkimer, Mohawk, Little Falls, Old Forge, Clinton, New

Cortland, Ithaca

Oneida, Hamilton

Syracuse, Oswego, Fulton, Auburn, Boonville, Cazenovia

Norwich, Delhi, Walton

Ilion, Herkimer, Mohawk, Little Falls, Old Forge, Clinton, New

Local WCNY Highlights

Spatchcock Funk, Season 2

Watch Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV Season 2 of "Spatchcock Funk" continues with epic celebrations! Master the art of the perfect office party, conquer the trails with off-roading and a picnic feast, tailgate in style at a Buffalo Bills game, and cap it all off with a spooky, New Orleans-inspired masquerade bash.

Cycle of Health, Season 18

Premieres Thursday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. on WCNY-TV

This season on "Cycle of Health," Dr. Rich O’Neill is joined by top health and wellness experts to address a new slate of public health concerns and investigate the latest research and advancements in the medical field.

CONNECT NY: Prisons Watch Monday, May 26 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Host David Lombardo leads a discussion about the upheaval in the state’s prison system following the murder of an incarcerated New Yorker in December and an illegal strike by prison guards earlier this year.

May Highlights

Nature: Hummingbirds of Hollywood

Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Amid the glamour of Hollywood, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds, unraveling a magical tale of love, fragility, and healing.

NOVA: Ultimate Crash Test (Two-Part Series)

Wednesday, May 7 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Despite extensive crash testing, real-world accident behavior remains unclear. A first-ofits-kind experiment now seeks to reveal what happens in multi-vehicle pileups.

Bugs That Rule the World (Four-Part Series)

Wednesday, May 7 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV

This four-part global investigation explores the fascinating world of bugs—the planet’s most populous yet least appreciated creatures—and their vital roles in nature.

Antiques Roadshow: Junk in the Trunk 14

Monday, May 19 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV

A brand-new episode takes viewers on an exciting journey through all five cities of the Season 29 Tour, uncovering remarkable treasures, fascinating stories, and hidden gems at every stop.

American Experience: Mr. Polaroid

Monday, May 19 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Explore the life of Edwin Land, the visionary inventor who revolutionized photography with the Polaroid camera. Follow his groundbreaking rise, dramatic downfall, and lasting legacy.

Great Performances: Kiss Me, Kate

Friday, May 30 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV

The 2024 "Kiss Me, Kate" revival at Barbican stars Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar. Directed by Bartlett Sher, Cole Porter’s classic blends Shakespeare with timeless Broadway hits.

Featured Program

Miss Austen on MASTERPIECE (Four-Part Series) Sunday, May 4 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

"Miss Austen" takes a literary mystery—the notorious burning of her famous sister Jane’s letters by Cassandra Austen—and reimagines it as a fascinating, witty, and heartbreaking story of sisterly love. The drama begins in 1830, some time after Jane’s death. Cassandra rushes to see her friend Isabella, who is about to lose her home following her father’s death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help, but her true motive is to find a stash of private letters that, in the wrong hands, could ruin Jane’s reputation.

June Highlights

Patience (Six-Part Series)

Sunday, June 15 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Patience Evans’ quiet life shifts when Detective Bea Metcalf, a sharp but chaotic investigator, recruits her for her keen deduction skills, pulling her into a thrilling world of crime and mystery.

Grantchester on MASTERPIECE, Season 10

Sunday, June 15 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Geordie and Alphy return for more crime-solving in the picturesque village. Alphy finally feels at home—until buried secrets resurface, forcing him to confront his past.

Walking with Dinosaurs (Six-Part Series)

Monday, June 16 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Uncover the story of a dinosaur excavated by top paleontologists. With cutting-edge science, experts reveal how these creatures lived, hunted, fought, and died with unprecedented accuracy.

American Masters: Janis Ian —Breaking Silence

Friday, June 20 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Journey through the life of trailblazing artist Janis Ian, who, at 15, shook the world with "Society's Child." She overcame fame, controversy, and adversity while creating a lasting musical legacy.

Caregiving

Tuesday, June 24 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Follow a diverse group of caregivers of all ages, on their personal journeys, dealing with family dynamics, mental health, work productivity, and long-term planning.

Human Footprint, Season 2

Wednesday, June 25 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV

Biologist Shane Campbell-Staton returns to travel the globe, exploring humanity’s lasting footprint and discovering how our actions reveal who we truly are.

Memorial Day Specials Honoring Our Heroes

Proud Supporter of WCNY

More than 30,000 households in the greater Syracuse area turn to Eagle News’ five weekly newspapers as their trusted source of community news. Across the nation, community newspapers are the most trusted provider of local news.

Each week, we do our best to provide our readers with timely, accurate community news, as well as coverage of education, features on interesting community members, and the best high school sports coverage around. We see it as our role to highlight the good things that are happening in our communities, and to shine a spotlight on the many wonderful volunteers and organizations that might otherwise go unrecognized. Unlike any other news agency in the area, we drill down to the core issues at the neighborhood level.

To subscribe or contribute to Eagle News, visit www.eaglenewsonline.com or call 315.434.8889 ext. 333

May WCNY Daytime Schedule

June WCNY Daytime Schedule

Exceptional Stroke Care at Guthrie

During Stroke Awareness Month, remember that immediate medical attention can save lives, and our board-certified specialists are ready to act quickly when seconds matter most. With three certified Primary Stroke Center locations, we provide expert care when it’s needed most.

Our commitment goes beyond treatment. From inpatient rehabilitation to community support groups, we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.

Visit Guthrie.org/stroke to learn more about Guthrie’s comprehensive stroke care.

May Create Weekly Schedule

Food, travel, home & garden, arts & crafts, fitness, and other lifestyle interests.

TUE P. Allen Smith's Garden Home J Schwanke's Life in Bloom Quilting Arts Painting and Travel with Roger & Sarah Bansemer The Garage with Steve Butler

Country

Test Kitchen Dream of Italy

Beyond the Lens THU My World Too Yoga in Practice

GardenFit Family Plot: Gardening in the Mid-South

& Porter's Love of Quilting Pocket Sketching with Kath Macaulay American Woodshop Yoga in Practice

of Quilting Canvasing the World with Sean Diediker Ask This Old House This Old House

SUN Happy Yoga with Sarah Starr Make Your Mark

and Travel with Roger & Sarah Bansemer

Taste of Malaysia with Martin Yan

Christopher Kimball's Milk Street Television Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope

Steves' Europe

For

fbcny.org/ donatenow

The Seward House Museum Presents: SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDENS with Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park’s Productions of: OTHELLO Wednesday, June 18th

TWELFTH NIGHT Tuesday, August 12th

Shows start at 6:00 PM and are free and open to the public. For more information, call 315-252-1283 or visit sewardhouse.org.

May WORLD Weekly Schedule

May/June PBS KIDS Weekly Schedule

May Programming Schedule

Ivory Tower Dirigo: Maine at Gettysburg

Laura Flanders & Friends

Kitchen Pati's Mexican Table: Jalisco Classics

This Old House: Urban Gardens, Apron Driveway

This Old House: Irrigation Add-On, Stripped Holes

The Lawrence Welk Show: Musical History Makers— Clay and Sally Hart

Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan: Pete Buttigieg Opportunity Knocks: Presenting the Opportunity Finder

This Old House: Westford— Septic, Stairs, and Subs

NOVA: Critical Condition— Health in Black America Antiques Roadshow: Recut Filoli, Part 4

Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story POV: Liquor Store Dreams Firing Line with Margaret Hoover ACL: 10th Annual Hall of Fame

This Old House: Westford— Side Hustle

Celebrity Antiques Road Trip: Natasha Kaplinski and Michael Buerk Chef's Life: Chasing Trout Brit Floyd: 50 Years of Dark Side— 2023 Version See Memory PBS News Weekend

Call the Midwife: Season 14, Episode 6 Miss Austen on MASTERPIECE:

NOVA:

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Cook's Country: From the Indigenous Pantry Lidia's Kitchen: A Meal to Make You Smile America's Test Kitchen

Lawrence Welk Show: Salute to the Ladies—Myron Floren

History Detectives: Jackie Robinson All-Stars, Modoc Basket, Special Agent Five

Flanders & Friends

New York Optometric Syracuse, NY

At New York Optometric, we’re committed to providing thorough, comprehensive eye exams to patients throughout the Syracuse area. Our exams are designed to detect eye diseases and identify any abnormalities early on. With licensed, experienced optometrists and a strong focus on personalized care, we’ve proudly served the local community as a locallyowned practice since 1999.

Hearth & Home

East Syracuse, NY

At Hearth & Home, we believe finding the right fireplace should be simple and safe. That’s why we help you choose the perfect unit, provide a custom estimate, schedule a home consultation, and handle installation with our certified technicians. Fireplaces are complex, and improper installation can be dangerous. We’re committed to keeping your home and family protected.

June Programming Schedule

See pg. 12 for WCNY daytime, pg. 14 for Create, and pg. 16 for WORLD and PBS KIDS programming. Visit wcny.org for up-to-date programming.

Lawrence Welk Show: Salute to Gershwin—Ralna

Knocks: Do Families

Their Goals? This Old House: Nashville— Welcome to Music City, USA This Old House: Nashville— Moving Day Celebrity Antiques Road Trip: Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor: American Stories Nature: The Ocean's Greatest Feast PBS News Weekend

NOVA: Extreme Airport Engineering Washington Week with The Atlantic Antiques Roadshow: Albuquerque, Hour 3

Paper Mountain Girl, Part 1

on MASTERPIECE: Season 10, Episode 1 Atlantic Crossing

with Dinosaurs: Band of

Laura Flanders & Friends Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan: Bad Days, Tough Seasons or Clinical Depression?

Knocks: Opportunity Coaches Reunion

History Detectives

Flanders & Friends

Me More with Kelly Corrigan: Hyper Connected and Never Been Lonelier

The Lawrence Welk Show: Thank You, America— Bobby Burgess

Knocks: Reaching Beyond Original Goals

American Masters: Little Richard— The King and Queen of Rock and Roll Finding Your Roots: Secret Lives Austin City Limits: Jorge

NOVA: Great Mammoth Mystery

City Limits: Jorge Drexler Patience: The Missing Link

and Company Antiques Roadshow: New York City, Hour 1

Michael Lawrence, Enrolled Agent

July 7-21

Monday–Friday • 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. WCNY-TV Studios in Syracuse, NY

You can make a simple frame for your masterpieces using sticks and nature items you find outdoors. Frame your favorite photo or artwork with a nature-inspired picture frame. Then, hang up your framed photo for everyone to see.

Materials

• Sturdy sticks

• Twine

• Safety scissors

• Hole punch

• Clips or clothes pins

Directions

1. Gather at least four sticks of similar length and thickness, along with nature materials for decoration.

2. Arrange the sticks into a square, rectangle, or triangle to form your frame.

3. Attach the corners by overlapping the sticks and wrapping twine around them in an X pattern. Secure with a knot or bow, then trim the excess. Repeat for each corner.

4. Cut a piece of twine slightly longer than the frame’s width and tie it to the top for hanging.

5. Attach photos or artwork by punching holes in the top and bottom of the paper and tying it to the frame.

Save the Date and Celebrate Classic FM with Us!

WCNY will host its spring Classic FM fundraiser on June 25-27. The three-day event will feature special programming, gifts, and voices typically only heard behind the scenes at WCNY.

This annual event is critically important to WCNY’s ability to offer new programs and crystal-clear classics on our FM station and livestream.

Friends of WCNY can make donations online at wcny.org/supportclassical or by calling 800-451-9269 now through June 27.

Each gift will strengthen WCNY’s commitment to providing exceptional programming and classical music to our listening region. Thank you for your additional support during this fundraiser.

Shannon Hanrahan VP of Philanthropy

Liner Notes

Are you ready to head outside and enjoy the sunshine? We hope so—and we hope you bring WCNY Radio with you!

This is the time of year when we take a close look at our programming—and your feedback—to find the best ways to enhance your listening experience. We have a couple of specials coming up in May and June. Tune in for our Memorial Day special on Monday, May 26, and our Pride Month special on Monday, June 16. Both specials will air at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Classic FM.

If you’ve been listening regularly, you may have heard us mention a small change to our Sunday broadcast schedule. Beginning Sunday, May 4, you can hear “Wind and Rhythm” at 2 p.m., right after the “Sounds of Jazz” archival broadcasts. Plus, “Feminine Fusion” moves to its new time at 4 p.m., right after “Early Music Now.”

We’re also coming to the end of the Metropolitan Opera season. Starting Saturday, June 14, look for operas from around the world courtesy of the WFMT Radio Network. Last year, we heard performances from the Utrecht Early Music Festival in the Netherlands, the Royal Opera House in England, and La Scala in Italy. We look forward to even more exciting performances this year!

Keeping Classic FM—and our three additional streaming stations—going strong 24/7 takes a lot. That’s why we’ve set aside a few days for our semi-annual fund drive, happening June 25–27.

Every day, you tell us how much Classic FM means to you, and how its steady presence provides an anchor in your daily life. Thanks to your support, we can continue bringing you the familiar works you love while introducing you to new favorites. Your generosity also helps us showcase local arts performances, feature artist interviews, enhance your opera experience, and share your requests on the air.

We are also careful not to dramatically change our programming during our fundraisers. While we bring guests into the studio for a bit of fun and conversation, we continue playing your favorite Classic Choices.

So, tune in for our FUN drive this June and show your support for WCNY Classic FM. (You can get an early start at wcny.org/donate.)

And remember, you can hear Classic FM, Community FM, Oldies, and Pulso Central all day, every day. Go to wcny.org/radio for live streaming links and details on how to listen via TuneIn and Alexa.

Thank you, as always, for listening and supporting WCNY Radio!

Diane Jones

Classic FM Program Manager Host/Producer of Feminine Fusion

Classic FM Weekly Schedule

Adam Fine

Diane Jones Bruce Paulsen Marie Lamb Spencer Phillips Bill Knowlton Jim Battaglia Joey Nigro Leo Rayhill

Community FM Weekly Schedule

programming, produced for and by Central New Yorkers.

the

Community FM Feature

of Jazz with Leo Rayhill Jazz

The Joy of Why

Quanta Magazine’s “The Joy of Why” is a special addition to WCNY Community FM. Hosted by Cornell mathematician Steven Strogatz and senior produced by Genevieve Sponsler (also a producer at WCNY Community FM), the show features Strogatz and co-host Janna Levin, a cosmologist and author, who take turns interviewing leading researchers about the great scientific and mathematical questions of our time.

Tune in for fascinating conversations that dive deep into the mysteries of science and math, and get inspired by the brilliant minds shaping our world. Don’t miss out on these thought-provoking discussions!

Listen to “The Joy of Why” and our other local podcasts at wcny.org/communityfm.

DINNER TICKET • $195

• Cocktail hour with one-hour open bar and hors d'Oeuvres

• Silent auction with fantastic items to bid on

• Three-course culinary dinner journey with recipes crafted by Chef Anne, and stories to accompany each course

VIP TICKET • $295

Enjoy all the benefits of a dinner ticket, plus:

• Meet-and-greet and photo op with Chef Anne

• Live cooking demonstration

• Two-hour open bar and hors d'Oeuvres

• An autographed item

Taste of Fame is an important fundraiser for WCNY. Your ticket purchase directly supports our impactful services, including educational programs and high-quality television and radio programming. Feel good about your tax-deductible contribution and enjoy an unforgettable evening at Taste of Fame!

Early Bird Special

Chef Anne Burrell

Food Network star and Cazenovia, NY native, best known as the host of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, as well as the co-host of Worst Cooks in America.

Create Where You Belong

Continues Online!

1886 Crescent Hotel Eureka Springs, AR

Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique Oswego, NY

Barceló Aruba Palm Beach, Aruba Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

Gros Islet, Saint Lucia

Belair Beach Hotel Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Blue Dory Inn Block Island, RI

Canopy by Hilton Boston Downtown Boston, MA

Caravelle Hotel & Casino Christiansted, USVI

Casa de Campo Resort and Villas La Romana, Dominican Republic

Cedar Point Safari

Tent Glamping East Hampton, NY

Coconut Court Beach Hotel Bridgetown, Barbados

Company House Hotel Christiansted, USVI

Courtyard Bridgetown, Barbados Christ Church, Barbados

Courtyard Charleston Mt. Pleasant Mt Pleasant, SC

Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard Philadelphia, PA

Coyaba Beach Resort St. George's, Grenada

Cutty Sark Motel York Beach, ME

Eagle Aruba Resort Eagle Beach, Aruba

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Québec, QC, Canada

Fairmont Royal Pavilion St. James, Barbados

Frontenac Club Kingston, ON, Canada

Greater Wilmington CVB & Springhill Suites Wilmington, DE

Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa Hamilton, Bermuda

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa Palm Coast, FL Harmony Marina Suites Castries, St. Lucia

Hawthorne Hotel Salem, MA

Hilton Barbados Resort Bridgetown, Barbados

Hilton Cancún Cancún, Mexico

Hix Island House Vieques, Puerto Rico

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

Hodges Bay, Antigua

Holiday Inn Resort & Casino Palm Beach, Aruba

Hôtel De La Porte Dorée Paris, France

Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst Amherst, NY Inn at Perry Cabin St. Michaels, MD

Ladera Resort Soufriere, Saint Lucia Lake George Escape Campground Lake George, NY

Lake Morey Resort Fairlee, VT

London Bridge Resort Lake Havasu City, AZ

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Montgomery, TX

Memorytown Lakeside Inn & Cottages Mount Pocono, PA Mittersill Alpine Resort Franconia, NH

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Monterey, CA

Neptune House Block Island, RI Papagayo Beach Hotel Willemstad, Curacao

Rabbit Hill Inn Lower Waterford,

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Marcellus Together is a community-centered organization committed to bringing people together to strengthen and uplift the Marcellus area. Through shared opportunities, local collaboration, and mutual support, we aim to build an inclusive space where residents, business owners, and neighbors can thrive together. We believe that when we invest in our community, the community grows stronger and gives back to all. Open to everyone in Marcellus, our mission is rooted in connection, support, and the shared success of our town and its people.

Provided by Marcellus Together

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

In the fast-paced world of TV production, it takes remarkable talent to stand out. Luyue “Wendy” Wang brings a unique skill set to WCNY. A visionary producer, Wendy has been behind some of the station's most compelling storytelling.

Her work includes projects like Special Olympics and InterFaith Works packages, where she showcased her ability to weave seemingly abstract video into powerful plotlines. Wendy’s production of spots for local businesses has contributed to WCNY’s community presence. Notably, her collaboration on a special feature with The Reading League has elevated the station's reputation for producing high-quality, heartfelt content.

A Syracuse University graduate, Wendy applies artful editing to supercharge a story’s impact and consistently brings a global perspective—based on her roots in China and informed by her education in the United States—to every tale she tells.

Carol Opee-Stelios VP, HR & Workforce Development

Do You Value Public Media?

Public media is facing an increasingly uncertain future as federal funding— an essential pillar of support— comes under growing threat.

As a community-licensed station, WCNY relies on individuals like you to keep trusted, educational, and inspiring content accessible to all. Your support sustains the programs you love and protects the role WCNY plays in strengthening and connecting Central New York.

As someone who values public media and believes in the power of community, you make a meaningful difference. Visit wcny.org/protect to help safeguard WCNY’s independent, non-commercial service that informs and uplifts the region we proudly call home.

Shannon Hanrahan VP of Philanthropy

Help WCNY End the Fiscal Year Strong

Have you ever stopped to consider your philanthropic impact? What legacy do you want to leave? By supporting WCNY today, you can be part of something greater— something that will resonate throughout our community for years to come. As our fiscal year comes to a close, I encourage you to consider your philanthropic impact.

All of us at WCNY believe in the power of public media to inform, educate, and inspire. With your help, we can continue to provide quality programming that reflects the diverse voices and stories of our community. From captivating documentaries and “Masterpiece Theatre” to children’s educational programming, cooking and travel shows, and local content produced right here in Central New York, your generosity supports our programs and initiatives, allowing us to continue to provide programming and services to our region.

Pending cuts in federal funding could adversely affect stations like WCNY, jeopardizing access to fact-based journalism, educational services, and arts programming. This is a pivotal moment for our organization. Your gift before June 30 th makes a significant impact by ensuring that our mission continues strong as we begin our new fiscal year.

This is the perfect time to consider how you can maximize your giving. One effective method is through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), which allows you to make a direct transfer from your IRA to a charity like WCNY without incurring income tax. This is a powerful way to maximize giving—donors can support WCNY’s mission while also benefiting from tax savings. Additionally, many of our supporters choose to give through Donor Advised Funds, which provide flexibility in your giving strategy and can help you achieve your charitable goals more efficiently. If you are 70½ years old or older, you can make a QCD of up to $100,000 annually. This amount counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) without increasing your taxable income, potentially lowering your overall tax burden. By choosing a QCD, you can give more than you might be able to through cash gifts.

Your generosity can help us continue providing the high-quality educational programs and community initiatives that matter to you. The process is straightforward. Simply contact your IRA custodian and request a direct transfer to WCNY. We’re here to assist you with any information you need to make this gift.

As we close out this fiscal year, your support through a QCD can make a significant difference. We invite you to consider this option and help us continue our work in the community.

We could not do what we do for more than 50 years without the generous support from viewers and listeners like you. Because of you, WCNY has been able to reach countless individuals and communities, providing them with the access to the quality programming we all deserve.

Thank you for being part of our community. With your support, WCNY can continue to champion the values of public broadcasting and continue to serve our Central New York region with integrity and compassion.

To make a gift to WCNY or join PBS Passport, please visit wcny.org/donate or call 800.451.9269.

If you’d like to make a tax-smart gift of stock, a grant from a Donor-Advised Fund, or a Qualified Charitable Distribution, please contact katherine.keeney@wcny.org or by phone at 315.551.6838.

Indie Lens Pop-Ups

This past fall, WCNY was awarded the opportunity to be a community screening partner with PBS “Independent Lens” for the 2025 Indie Lens Pop-Up Series. WCNY offered free community screenings of “Free for All: Inside the Public Library” and “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s,” which premiered on PBS nationally this year.

WCNY will host a free community screening of “Free for All: Inside the Public Library,” a documentary that tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free, and the doors are open to all.

The screening will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be time for a discussion session following the film.

Two additional Indie Lens screenings will be hosted by the Kirkland Town Library in Clinton, NY. “We Want the Funk!” is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, spanning from African, soul, and early jazz roots to its rise into the public consciousness. Featuring James Brown’s dynamism, the extraterrestrial funk of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, transformed girl group Labelle, and Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat, the story also traces funk’s influences on both new wave and hip-hop. This will be held Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. A screening of “Free for All: Inside the Public Library” will be held on Thursday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.

To register or for more information, please contact katherine.keeney@wcny.org or call 315.551.6838.

Watch and stream “Independent Lens” anytime on the PBS app.

Katherine Keeney Manager, Membership Legacy & Giving

Community Partner Spotlight

The Hangar Theatre

The Hangar Theatre, located in Ithaca, NY, is the city’s premier regional theatre. Founded in 1975, the theatre offers award-winning plays and musicals, live theatre for children, experimental theatre, new play readings, cabarets, special events, art exhibits, live music, and more.

The Mainstage season kicks off June 19 and runs through August 23, featuring “Million Dollar Quartet,” “Waitress,” and “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B.”

The Hangar actively promotes arts education through year-long programming for children and families. The theatre has been producing plays and musicals for young audiences since 1990. KIDDSTUFF shows feature the work of our Design Fellows, Directing Fellows, and the Hangar Lab Company Performance Fellows, an ensemble of artists in-training from around the country. The KIDDSTUFF season runs from May 15–August 3 and includes three productions: “The Velveteen Rabbit,” “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience,” and “The Hangar Next Gen Musical Presents: Disney’s Frozen Jr.”

For more information and to view the current schedules for Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF, please visit hangartheatre.org.

Manlius Cinema

Originally opened in 1918, the Manlius Cinema has been a staple in the village of Manlius for over a century. It is the oldest movie theater in Central New York and one of the few remaining independent theaters in the region. The single-screen theater is reminiscent of a bygone era, with modern upgrades to seats, lighting, sound, and concessions.

For more information, showtimes, and tickets, please visit manliuscinema.com.

Independent Lens: We Want the Funk!

April showers bring May and June streaming hours with all-new releases!

Nature: Katavi—Africa’s Fallen Paradise: Sanctuary

Available Thursday, May 1 on Passport

Katavi National Park is typically a lush paradise for wildlife in Tanzania. However, the upcoming dry season looms more threatening than ever before. Meet the hippo, crocodile, and lion families who must navigate this change of seasons.

Great Performances: Now Hear This—Chopin’s Polish Heart

Available Saturday, May 10 on Passport

Follow Scott Yoo and pianist Jan Lisiecki as they explore Chopin’s life, his Polish roots, and his journey to Paris, taking a closer look at the composer’s musical evolution and his deep connection to his homeland while living in France.

Independent Lens: Matter of Mind—My Alzheimer’s

Available Wednesday, June 4 on Passport

“Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” is an intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s and how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles and relationships.

My Music with Rhiannon Giddens, Season 3

Available starting Friday, June 6 on Passport

Season 3 follows North Carolina’s celebrated native daughter, Rhiannon Giddens, through her adopted home of Ireland as she interviews and performs with outstanding stars of Irish music, introducing them to millions of American viewers.

Watch PBS and WCNY shows, Anytime and Anywhere!

Support your local station and get extended access to your favorite PBS shows & films. Learn more at wcny.org/passport.

Watch WCNY Passport shows on PBS.org or using the PBS App, available on the following platforms:

As the only area hospital to be named a Best Regional Hospital 10 years in a row, we’re not just raising the bar, we’re setting it.

With the most High Performing designations, you’re getting first-class care from a team that always puts you first.* Because here, being #1 is more than a ranking — it’s the standard.