CETconnect.org

We really love our volunteers. We can’t say it enough or show enough gratitude to them. From asking for donations, to making sure our letters are properly folded and stuffed, to helping us organize fundraisers and functions, they do it all. CET would not be what it is without them. That’s why I’m excited to share this article about two of our volunteers, Sharon Roehm and Carol Fuchs.I hope these ladies, and all of our volunteers, know how much we appreciate them. I’m afraid it’s nearly impossible to express, though. I’m glad the folks over at the Enquirer saw how much time they give to us and wrote an article about them. They are hard workers who never ask for anything. 

Of course the article doesn’t get everything. It didn’t mention what it’s like to work evenings with these ladies for pledge (it’s fun, I can tell you from personal experience) or how many cut-outs of ballet slippers they’ve cut and tied to gift bags for our Angelina Ballerina Tea Parties (that’s probably somewhere around 89 bazillion) or even just how nice it is to see their smiling faces passing through the halls.

So thank you Carol and Sharon and the rest of our volunteers, for all that you do.

And by the way, if you’re interested in joining the ranks of these fine women, call Sharon, our volunteer coordinator at 513-381-4033, ext. 323. -Katie

The year is 2107 and scientists are baffled again. It seems a steady stream of people is aimlessly wondering around a downtown Cincinnati vacant lot. What they came for and what they are looking for is unknown. No one seems to be able to explain why each year, in the spring, these people from all walks of life, from all neighborhoods and communities, feel the urge to assemble on this seemingly non-descript parcel of land. They all describe this “sense of being needed and wanting to help.” But none can say what it is that they are to do or for whom.

According to lore, this area was once a center for the performing arts and entertainment. A search of the databanks at the Historical Society indicates that this specific site was once the headquarters for some kind of a media organization and the building once located here must have been in a floodplain since it was built on pylons.      

As anthropologists explain it, at one time people received video entertainment from special centers called “TV Stations.” While a quaint concept now, it seems that it was very common during the beginning of the last century. We know from pictures and property records that this particular site had a very large building and that excavations show evidence that this was one of those “Stations.”    

A recent archeological dig on this site surfaced even more strange findings which to this day have defied explanation.  Archeologists found among the rubble various types of electronic gear that seems to have been used to produce and distribute these video programs. This of course is consistent with what they expected. What they did not expect was what they found in one vary large chamber. This chamber had a very high ceiling and concrete walls and lots of lights. 

One of the walls was covered with a heavy residue. The scientists took a sample of the residue and found that it contained a combination of burnt cheese and tomatoes. How and why this wall would have such a coating is a mystery. It is known that groups of people gathered in this chamber periodically, perhaps for some kind of worship. But what cheese and tomatoes have to do with this phenomenon is still unclear. 

Another finding that continues to mystify researchers is the repeated use of the same series of numbers. The numbers 5136514800 and 3471111 have been found engraved on several articles retrieved from the dig. The investigation continues. The groups of people continue to assemble.
– Jack Dominic

It is getting busier and busier around the CET studios this week as we get closer to the on-air Auction. Amidst the hustle and bustle connected with getting ready to go on the air, it is neat to step back and watch how so many volunteers work so hard for CET. Some have been here every day most of the past year. Other volunteers work only in the weeks before the actual event. Some work from home or office to find items and contributions. It is humbling and gratifying to know that these women and men are giving of their time, talent and pocketbook to make sure that CET continues to be a vital institution integrated into the very fabric of this community. 

The 40^th edition of the Auction runs next Wednesday thru Friday 5 PM-11 PM and Saturday (Wine Day) 3 PM – 11 PM.

– Jack Dominic

You know, I have been volunteering at CET almost a year and a half now. Everything from on-air to sometimes moving tables!! ( You show up and someone grabs you.) And in that time I have grown to think about all the great folks at CET like a second family. The more I work with them the better my understanding of just how much of Cincinnati’s daily life they really are. Everything from educating our children to incredible daily educational programming.

We here in Cincinnati take a lot of really great things for granted, and we should stop a second and see how great this city really is. CET is like a jewel in the Queen City’s Crown, their efforts in keeping us informed and entertained in my mind at least does not go unnoticed. What we all may sometimes forget is that CET is OUR Public Station, and that word OUR is very powerful indeed. They not only support our schools but our businesses too, and ask little in return.

I would love to share something with all of you: money in this world seems to be the biggest driving force there is, BUT as I am sure you know Public Television employees are not the highest paid careers. Like teachers, policemen, firemen and other public servants the folks at CET do it for the love of working with the community. And this I see in each and everyone’s face and conversations.

Personally I feel very proud that they allow me to help in anyway I can, and just last week I had an epiphany!! Working with CET has fulfilled a life long desire of mind to be a part of something bigger than myself, to feel I am giving back to my beloved home town. And for that I thank EACH AND EVERYONE at CET. –Michael Baker

Look at these guys. Isn’t that a great-looking trio? Nate (left) and David (right) are production team members here at CET, and Michael (middle) is one of our volunteers who among other things interviews people on CETconnect.org. Actually, on Monday, right before our CETconnect Partners Celebration, he was moving tables in our lobby, but that’s another story. But let’s just say we have a good partnership with Michael.

I’ve been thinking a lot about partnerships over the past few weeks. As CETconnect.org approaches its first birthday, I can’t help thinking about all the content partners that help make it work. We are fortunate to have some solid relationships with our content partners. Some of the partnerships are at a high point; some are on the rise; some are off to a good start and need constant tending. That’s the way it is with partnerships.

Partnerships can be great. Or not so much. Have you heard the phrase “herding cats”? At times no one agrees. At times everyone agrees but no one knows how to move forward. At times you’re the odd one out … the Juror #8 in Twelve Angry Men. Or maybe you’re not that righteous … maybe you’re more like Juror #3. (Rent it this weekend and figure it out.)

The jury isn’t a good analogy, though. In partnerships, whether you are right or not, or whether you think you are right or not, it’s the give and take as well as the support for each other that furthers the relationship.

CETconnect staffers are grateful for the partners who have signed on and support our work together on a daily basis. We list our content partners on the left side of our content areas (such as Arts & Culture or Lifelong Learning). Together we provide Greater Cincinnati with the best content in videostreaming available to our community. Come see.

-Patsy

It’s the time of year to give thanks and to look ahead.

I have the privilege of serving as CET’s President and CEO, and I would like to thank the talented CET staff and the dedicated CET Board of Trustees, who all work together to make CET’s important programs and services possible.

All of us at CET would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous donors and wonderful volunteers for the great support you provided this year.

Nearly 70% of CET’s budget comes from this community, and it is that support that has enabled us to enhance and expand our programs and services in 2006.

We have some exciting plans for 2007 that will shine a bright light on CET and provide even more evidence that CET is an indispensable community resource.

Let’s all be proud of what we accomplish together! –Susan

This is a guest blog by CET volunteer Michael Baker.

I have been asked to write a short blog about my relationship with CET. Well here goes, hold on to your hats - I don’t know how big this thing will get! My name is Michael Baker, and you don’t know it but you most likely already know me. You have either heard my voice or seen me on the CETconnect Web site doing interviews or on CET during Pledge drives.

It all started many years ago when my daughter and I started watching Doctor Who on Saturday nights. Little did I know that this would start a love of Public Television that would grow in the upcoming years. We watched many programs together and it gave us many hours of wonder and enjoyment. Now she’s grown and in college. About a year ago, I was looking back at all the wonderful times we had and wondered to myself, CET has given so much to my family … how can I give back something that has been so much a part of my family’s life?

So, I just dropped by CET for a visit and to thank them and say what a huge part of my life they had been. I ran into Grace Hill (who has to be the most beautiful person I have ever met) and told her my story. She was so warm and genuine that our discussion led to me asking what could I do to give back a little. And before I knew it I was doing voice over spots, interviews and Pledge drives. !

Every single person I have met (and the list would go on for a while) from the camera crew I work with, the Pledge folks, the CETconnect gang, and my close and personal sometimes odd (did I say SOMETIMES?) friend Brian Snape has been warm, friendly, dedicated and extremely wonderful to work with. They have made me feel like not just a well-received volunteer, but a part of their family. I love each and every one of them.

With all the wonderful folks at CET, Cincinnati has something to be very proud of! And I am glad to be a part of something so wonderful.

Thanks, Family!

Several of us on the staff and other guest bloggers will regularly post updates about what’s going on at CET, in public broadcasting and in our community. We want to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how your public television station operates, and we’ll provide information about upcoming PBS and local programs and special educational projects. While we are launching a new bimonthly member magazine with information about CET programs and services, our blogs will enable us to post the most up-to-date information and to answer your questions.

We hope you will find these posts valuable … please let us know what you think.

Susan Howarth

President & CEO