Fall 2020
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO, PAUL GROVE
First, I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. As we all navigate these uncharted waters together, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for tuning in to and supporting WEDU PBS.
We’re proud to be your trusted source for the latest news and information on the evolving health emergency in our state, our country and the world. And we’re honored that you turned to us for trustworthy election updates this season.
Despite the uncertain climate, WEDU PBS continues to produce and share quality local content – including our brand-new, hyperlocal digital series Greater, a collection of short-form, device-friendly videos that explore the cultural events, distinguished institutions, people, and businesses that are doing transformative work. And, as we all spend more time at home, your support has allowed us to share the WEDU PBS programs you love, like Masterpiece, Great Performances, NOVA, and educational children’s programs like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
You are the reason WEDU PBS has remained strong, despite the world changing around us. On behalf of the entire WEDU team, thank you for your generous support.
James Corden stars in One Man, Two Guvnors
WEDU Brings Broadway to You
Broadway may be dark right now, but you can still enjoy magnificent theater productions right from home with Great Performances: Best of Broadway! This month, the series will bring three incredible productions to you on Friday evenings in November.
On November 6, watch Tony Award-winning actor James Corden star as Francis Henshall in the comedy One Man, Two Guvnors.
On November 13, watch Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, a special in-depth documentary that tells the timeless story of Fiddler on the Roof. The project explores the reach and depth of the show, highlighting the many ways in which it spans across generations and cultures.
And you won’t want to miss Lea Salonga in Concert, airing on November 27.
Airs Fridays, November 6-27 at 9 p.m.
Celebrate Little House on the Prairie on American Masters: Laura Ingalls Wilder
This year marks the 85th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie, the autobiographical fiction work that helped shape American ideas of the frontier and self-reliance.
Laura Ingalls Wilder transformed her real-life frontier childhood into the best-selling Little House series – and now, American Masters: Laura Ingalls Wilder explores the context in which Wilder lived and wrote, as well as her personality, life and legacy. The series is directed by Emmy Award winner Mary McDonagh Murphy (Harper Lee: American Masters) and features original interviews with Caroline Fraser, who won a Pulitzer Prize for her Wilder biography, as well as other historians and writers who have become experts on the legacy of Wilder and Little House.
Airs Tuesday, December 29 at 9 p.m.
Rise of the Nazis Explores How Germany Fell Into the Hands of Fascists
How, exactly, did Adolf Hitler rise to power as the Führer?
Join WEDU on an in-depth exploration of Nazi Germany on Rise of the Nazis. The three-episode series is told through the eyes of Hitler’s inner circle, those who paved his way to power, and those who tried to stop him.
From political scheming to the breach and dismantling of democracy, the series asks important questions: How did Germany fall into the hands of fascists? And what warning signs, decisions and judgments could have stopped Hitler and changed the course of history?
Tuesdays, November 10, 17, and 24 at 9 p.m.
Politics, Charisma and Secrets on Masterpiece: Roadkill
If you love political dramas, you’ll love the brand-new thriller Roadkill on Masterpiece.
Hugh Laurie (House) stars as Peter Laurence, a self-made, charismatic politician who has racked up many enemies. As his personal revelations spiral, he is shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, expertly walking a high wire between glory and catastrophe as he seeks to further his own agenda while others plot to bring him down. However, events show just how hard it is, for both an individual and a country, to leave the past behind. With enemies so close to home, can Peter Laurence ever outrun his own secrets to win the ultimate prize?
Sundays, November 1-22 at 9 p.m.
Hugh Laurie as Peter Laurence
NOVA: Saving Notre-Dame
Nine grueling, intense hours. That’s how long firefighters worked to save Notre-Dame cathedral after its roof erupted into flames and engulfed the structure. While firefighters saved much of the cathedral, Paris came close to losing eight centuries of history.
NOVA: Saving Notre-Dame explores how engineers and scientists are performing the dangerous and daunting task of protecting and rebuilding the landmark. Join researchers, scientists and other experts as they explain the painstaking process of repairing the stained-glass windows, the ceiling’s original limestone and more.
Wednesday, November 25 at 9 p.m.
Two New Nature Programs to Watch
Your travel plans may be canceled, but Nature is still here, taking you to new lands and introducing you to the world’s most interesting animals.
On Nature: Primates you’ll follow a two-year expedition across the globe to get to know this dynamic group of mammals. From their use of tools to their ability to self-medicate, swim, hunt and form friendships, primates are fascinating to study. Join us to learn more about the species that is considered to be the highest order of animals on the planet.
And on Nature: Santa’s Wild Home, you’ll get an intimate look into life in Lapland, the fabled land of Santa Claus and the actual home of tenacious wildlife like reindeer, wolverines, brown bears, and more.
Primates airs Wednesdays, November 4-18 at 8 p.m.
Santa’s Wild Home airs Wednesday, November 25 at 8 p.m.
Primates
Santa’s Wild Home
Every contribution makes a difference.
Easy Holiday Chocolate Bark
(yields 8 servings)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, semi, milk, bittersweet, or white)
- 1 cup trail mix, preferably one with nuts and dried fruit
Directions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate according to the (brand) packaging using
the stovetop or microwave method. - Spoon the melted chocolate over the parchment paper.
- Spread the chocolate in a 1/4-inch square layer,
approximately 7-inches by 7-inches. - Evenly sprinkle the trail mix over the chocolate edge to edge.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently push the trail mix down to
make sure each piece has adhered to the chocolate. - Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes until firm.
- Cut the bark into 16 even pieces.
- Allow the bark to come to room temperature before serving.
IRA Charitable Rollover
If you’re over 70½, you can donate up to $100,000 to WEDU directly from your IRA, without treating the distribution as taxable income. To learn more about giving from your IRA, talk to your financial or tax advisor.
Gifts of stocks, bonds and mutual funds
Donating directly to WEDU any stocks or mutual funds that you have held longer than one year and that have appreciated in value is a savvy giving strategy to avoid capital gains taxes. Consult with your financial advisor to help leverage your gift for the best tax savings.
Donate your car, motorcycle, boat, RV or even a kayak!
We make donating your vehicle as easy as possible with a fast pick-up and streamlined paperwork. You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus, you avoid the costs associated with selling your car.
Learn more about creative giving opportunities:
VISIT: wedu.org/plannedgiving
CALL: (813) 739-2959
EMAIL: [email protected]
