Fall 2021
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO, PAUL GROVE
Thank you so much for everything you have done to support WEDU PBS this past year.
Because of your loyalty and commitment to WEDU, we’re able to keep our promise to educate, inspire, and entertain everyone in our region.
We also want to thank our sustaining members for their monthly contributions, which play a special role in making all the programs you find on WEDU possible.
Because we have friends like you by our side, WEDU has exciting plans for 2022, including new programs to enjoy, new seasons of old favorites, and important perspectives and storytelling you won’t find anywhere else. Together, we’re creating a more informed community, celebrating diverse ideas and cultures, and continuing to embrace creativity that helps our whole West Central Florida region grow.
I look forward to starting the new year with you by our side. Thank you for your steadfast support.
American Veteran
American Veteran: Testimony From Those Who Have Served
In honor and celebration of Veterans Day, observed on November 11, WEDU is proud to air American Veteran, a four-part special that traces the veteran experience.
From soldiers who fought in the nation’s earliest conflicts, to the men and women in today’s all-volunteer armed forces, it is a rich and deeply moving story told through personal remembrances that draws civilian viewers into an unfamiliar culture.
Hosted by a lineup of famed veterans among the likes of Drew Carey (former Marine), Senator Tammy Duckworth (Iraq War Army veteran), Wes Studi (Vietnam War veteran), and J. R. Martinez (Army veteran).
The series also explores our evolving understanding of the relationship between Americans who have served and those who have not.
Airs Tuesdays, beginning October 26, at 9 p.m.
Call the Midwife — The Holiday Special
The holiday season is in full swing at Nonnatus House. Traditional celebrations with all the trimmings are in the works — but, as is common on Call the Midwife, nothing is going as planned.
Lucille and Cyril are planning a Christmas wedding! Originally, they were planning a long engagement so they could return to the West Indies for their nuptials. But in the Season 10 finale, they had to rethink the logistics of that plan and whether they wanted to wait to tie the knot. Now the happy couple is planning a Poplar wedding instead, which is exactly what we hoped for.
Airs Saturday, December 25, at 9 p.m.
NOVA: Universe Revealed
Our universe is full of secrets. Its spectacular vastness is difficult to contemplate — and it’s incredibly fascinating to learn about the mysteries of what lies beyond our planet.
This fall, WEDU will share NOVA: Universe Revealed, an awe-inspiring five-part series that explores our place in a universe shaped by forces across time and space. The series will take you inside black holes, across the Milky Way, through the big bang, and more.
Alongside the series, behind-the-scenes and additional content will be available on the web.
NOVA: Universe Revealed premieres Wednesday, October 27, at 9 p.m. Watch live or stream anytime with WEDU Passport and the PBS Video app.
Nature Season 40
This fall, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series Nature celebrates its 40th anniversary with new wildlife episodes full of action and emotion.
The Elephant and the Termite
First, The Elephant and the Termite explores the creation of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife meeting places and the site of extraordinary drama: the water hole. From mighty elephants to tiny termites, an entire community of creatures call the water hole their home.
The Elephant and the Termite premieres Wednesday, November 3, at 8 p.m.
Born in the Rockies
And, on Born in the Rockies, you’ll journey deep into the wild heart of North America’s Rocky Mountains in a two-part immersive special. Discover the iconic wildlife and rugged land of the Rockies while following newborn animals as they make their way in one of the most challenging and spectacular habitats on Earth.
Born in the Rockies airs Wednesdays, November 10 and 17, at 8 p.m.
All Creatures Great and Small is back on Masterpiece!
Season 1 of the fan-favorite series was a hit — and viewers can’t wait to return for more. That’s why WEDU is excited to announce the show will return in January! This season, James will be faced with a life-changing decision, and you don’t want to miss the twists and turns that follow.
Haven’t yet checked out the smash-hit series? Catch up anytime with WEDU Passport!
Premieres Sunday, January 9, at 9 p.m. Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Martin Scorsese Presents The Oratorio
An oratorio is a large-scale musical performance — and, this month, icons Martin Scorsese and Jim Gaffigan team up to tell the story of one such performance on The Oratorio: A Documentary with Martin Scorsese.
The film showcases a special performance, lost to history for nearly 200 years, that introduced Italian opera to New York City and forever changed America’s cultural landscape. Now, it’s been rediscovered. Scorsese and Gaffigan will take you on a journey about the richness of the immigrant experience as it examines bridges between the old and new world. It will also explore the beginning of a cultural awakening in America.
The documentary is followed by Da Ponte’s Oratorio: A Concert for New York, a special restaging concert by an Italian opera company at the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Airs Friday, November 5, at 9 p.m.
Independent Lens Uncovers Racism, Ageism, and More
Stay in the know about today’s most pressing issues with two brand-new Independent Lens documentaries.
Ferguson Rises
On Ferguson Rises, Michael Brown Sr. reveals his personal story in seeking justice and healing after his son was killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.
Ferguson Rises airs Monday, November 8, at 10 p.m.
Duty Free
And on Duty Free, you’ll take a look at the state of older Americans and the complicated obstacles they face. It often seems that our elders are invisible to the people around them — sometimes, that even includes their own families. Without help from their loved ones, millions of older people do not have enough money to get through retirement. Sian-Pierre documents his own mother’s journey to find work and uncovers the pervasive ageism older Americans face that leads many to financial instability.
Duty Free airs Monday, November 22, at 10 p.m.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Spiced Hot Chocolate
Adrianna Adarme of Fresh Tastes
(yields 4 servings)
3/4 cup whole milk or almond milk
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
Pinch of ground cayenne
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 ounces dark chocolate
Directions:Add milk, cinnamon stick, star anise, salt, cayenne, and sweetened condensed milk to a small saucepan. Stir until combined. Bring mixture to a very warm temperature and turn the heat off and cover. Steep for 10 minutes.
Melt chocolate in the microwave or double boiler. Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick from the milk mixture and pour in the dark chocolate. Turn the flame to medium-low and whisk in the melted chocolate until combined. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
There are many wonderful ways to support WEDU PBS during the year, including making creative noncash gifts:
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 fast pickup 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:
CALL: (813) 739-2959
EMAIL: [email protected]
VISIT: wedugiving.org
