Tell us what MPT means to YOU!

All over the United States, people have been sharing in writing, pictures, sound and video the way public TV and radio fits into their lives.

Right now you can see and hear everyday viewers and well-known figures such as Jimmy Carter, Barbara Bush, Kevin Bacon, Judy Woodruff and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar share what public TV means to them. We'd like you to tell everyone how MPT fits into YOUR life.

You can type a few lines, even attach a picture, video or audio. We'll share your submission online, and you could be invited to the MPT studio for a follow-up interview! To see what others have said, or to to share your thoughts, check out MPT's new mysource page.

MPT viewer Dan Kaufman shared his story (above) with us recently. He was inspired by the documentary Anyone & Everyone, which tells the emotional stories of parents of gay youth. "Maryland Public Television is my source for understanding all different kinds of families," he says.

What's MPT YOUR source for? Tell us today!

Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North

History books tell us that American slave trading was strictly Southern business. But history was turned upside down for filmmaker Katrina Browne when she suddenly found out her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history—and that her family's prestige and wealth was tied to human trafficking.

In her P.O.V. documentary, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North—airing on MPT January 27 at 10 p.m.—Browne and nine cousins retrace the Triangle Trade and gain a powerful new perspective on the black/white divide.

On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the historic inauguration of America's first African American president, MPT and a distinguished group of panelists will discuss if racial healing is possible in America Sunday, January 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in downtown Baltimore.

The event—held in conjunction with the broadcast premiere of Traces of the Trade—is free (but an RSVP is required; call 443-263-1875 to book your spot!), and part of MPT’s ongoing Campaign for Love & Forgiveness.

Dr. David Terry, executive director of the Lewis Museum, will head the discussion with a distinguished roster of panelists, and special guest Tom DeWolf, author of Inheriting the Trade and family member featured in the film, will also be available to provide insight into the documentary and answer questions from the audience.

If we haven't grabbed your attention just yet, check out the clip above. We hope to see you there!

A single table and a common goal

MPT’s outreach initiatives make a real difference in our communities. This entry—by Elyn Jones, Deputy Director of Maryland’s Department of Human Resource’s Office of Communications—is the last in a series on MPT’s recent foster care phone bank, which elicited over 100 viewer phone calls seeking more information about how everyday people can help foster care children in Maryland. We’ve posted a video mix of that exciting evening above. (Keep your eyes open for Lt. Governor Anthony Brown answering phones with the rest of the gang!)

From our very first meeting there was electricity behind this project that just could not be denied. All of the partners around the table were anxious to be a part of what we knew could be a wonderful event. On Thursday, November 20 during MPT’s broadcast of Foster Care Stories: A Place To Be and its accompanying live phone bank, we were all proven correct.

The appeal for volunteers for last month’s phone bank went out several weeks earlier from Faith Wachter, MPT’s Director of Community Outreach Initiatives, with a special request to secure a few extra volunteers in case of possible last minute cancellations. We needed 25 volunteers to answer phones, so you can imagine our surprise—and delight—when that number was surpassed! A whopping 43 volunteers made the trek out to MPT to donate their time and knowledge to help educate callers on foster care.

Included in this number were Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Governor’s Chief of Staff Michael Enright and Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald. They were assisted by Miss Maryland, Louise Schlegel and Melissa Smith, President of the Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center. Also on hand and ready to answer phones were Delegates Talmadge Branch and Guy Guzzone.

After the very first interview segment, which featured the Lt. Governor and Secretary Donald, studio phones lit up and continued to ring throughout the remainder of the program. At night’s end, some 105 calls had been taken.

This was truly an example of what can happen when partnerships are formed around a common goal. We will follow-up with the callers from the program, and will work closely with them should they choose to become foster or adoptive parents. There are over 9,200 children in foster care across the state. If we are able to get a handful of adoptive or foster parents from the 105 calls received, that will make a tangible difference for some of those children, all thanks to the joint effort of MPT all thanks to the join effort of MPT, its partners, a single table and a common goal.

Elyn Jones
Deputy Director, Maryland Department of Human Resource, Office of Communication

Get ready for digital TV!

Yes, in a mere 64 days, all U.S. television broadcasters will be going digital. It's sounds scary, but trust us, it's not.

Here's the lowdown: digital television (or "DTV," as us industry folks call it) will free up space on the valuable broadcast spectrum, which will be used for public and safety services (such as police and fire departments) as well as advanced wireless services. It will also offer viewers television with better picture and sound quality.

If you receive your television signal over the air, i.e. with "rabbit ears," and you haven't prepared for "the big switch"--or maybe you've already purchased your digital convertor box but are having problems using it--fear not!

The lovely folks at WGBH in Boston have prepared a great how-to DTV guide, featuring famous do-it-yourselfers Norm Abram and Kevin O'Connor of This Old House. The duo visits several homes in a Boston suburb to prepare the homeowners for digital TV.

As always, if you have questions about DTV, visit www.mpt.org/dtv or call or e-mail MPT’s Viewer Services with questions or concerns Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or by email at dtv@mpt.org.

Jim Lehrer's kinda funny!

Yes! Can you believe it??

In case you haven't caught the new promo we're airing (or maybe you have and just want to see it again! We certainly wouldn't blame you!) for next month's PBS series, Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America, we've taken the opportunity to post it here on The Buzz.

The six-hour comedy epic showcases the most hilarious men, women and moments in American entertainment. Hosted by funnyman Billy Crystal and narrated by Amy Sedaris, the documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social and political change.

Until it airs, enjoy this 31-second gem. We definitely did!

Anúna: Christmas Memories

On the set of Anúna: Christmas Memories here at MPT. Hard to believe it was in the middle of summer!

Whaddaya get when you mix vintage Christmas specials, twin Irish brothers, six live instruments, three dancers, 12 more Irish singers and a crackerjack set at MPT?

Anúna: Christmas Memories, of course!

If you're in need of some holiday cheer (and aren't we all?) look no further than Anúna: Christmas Memories, airing on MPT Sunday at 6 p.m. (With program encore broadcasts Monday, Dec. 22 at 10pm and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 11pm.)

But you don't have to just take our word for it! Check out what WBAL had to say about the special earlier today.

The best part about having the Anuna crew here over the summer? They were totally fun! Here are Anuna creators Michael McGlynn (in red) and brother John McGlynn being interviewed for WBAL back in June. Hey guys! How's the weather in Ireland??

Meet the 3 Mo' Divas!

The critically acclaimed, diva-licious 3 Mo' Divas stopped by Maryland Public Television yesterday to put the finishing touches on a national pledge special destined to be a hit from coast to coast.

The trio—Laurice Lanier, Nova Payton and Jamet Pittman—are sure to become household names. Jazz, blues, opera, gospel, even disco, the divas do it all—with soul, feeling, style, and yes, a little well-timed attitude.

Wanna meet 'em? You're in luck!

We stopped by to say hello to the ladies in MPT's green room. They introduced themselves and yes! even sang a little. Check out the videos below and tune in Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. for a special rebroadcast of their fabulous special. This may be the first time you've heard of the Divas, but it certainly won't be the last!

“I never looked back.”

My name is Ed Kilcullen, and I am the State Director for Maryland CASA Association, a network of 15 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs serving children in Baltimore City and 16 counties throughout the state. CASA recruits, trains and supervises adult volunteers who are appointed by the court to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers thoroughly research their assigned child's life, interview all relevant parties, and make recommendations to the court based on the child's best interest. In the last year, more than 1,000 volunteers advocated for 1,400 children but, with approximately 11,000 children under the protection of the courts in Maryland as a result of abuse and neglect, CASA must recruit many more volunteers to reach all the children.

Please consider volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for an abused or neglected child. It takes only a few hours a month to make a huge difference in a child's life. Some of our CASA volunteers recently took some time to talk about their experiences with our organization. Read on!

“As a CASA volunteer I am able to help children navigate through the court process and the multiple agencies that they often come into contact with when they are in foster care. Often this process is difficult for the children because of the disruption to their home lives that impacts all aspects of their lives. You can provide them with a stable relationship that they can count on in times when little else may remain consistent in their lives. I can tell you this work will bring joys as well as frustrations, sharing good times as well as bad and one of the most satisfying relationships you can have with children who need it most. It also provides me with a sense of accomplishment when I can advocate for a child that can’t speak up for themselves. If you are looking for a volunteer experience that will change lives I urge you to become a CASA. There are so many children who have a need that you are uniquely qualified to fill – all it will take is a few hours a month.”

Allison Butlien
CASA volunteer since 2001
CASA of Baltimore

“Throughout my years as a teacher, I began to realize that I had many students who were living in unhealthy and abusive environments. Though they usually kept their home problems to themselves, sometimes it was apparent and could not be missed or ignored. One of my students reported to class with a completely shaven head (before it was in style). When I asked him what happened, he told me his father did it to punish him. He also had bruises on his arms, neck and other areas which he could not hide. He had difficulty looking at me. My heart broke for him, as he was very polite and never a problem in class and may have been a "shining" student under healthier circumstances. Aside from notifying the nurse and administrators, I could do nothing more to help him. It was frustrating and depressing knowing that some children have to endure the most hideous and painful situations on a daily basis. Now that I am a CASA, I am in a position to do more. CASA volunteers make every effort to see that children get what they need and what they deserve. It is a wonderfully gratifying feeling knowing you may actually have made a significant difference in improving a child’s life. Believe me, you get way more than you give when you advocate for a child.”

Adele Hammerman
CASA volunteer since 2007
CASA of Baltimore County

“I had been retired for seven years when I decided to train to be a CASA volunteer. A few months later my CASA supervisor asked me to take my first case – a 14 year old girl. I never looked back. She just turned 18 and, after 3½ years of representing her best interests, I can truly say that this was the most meaningful volunteer experience that I have ever had. I think I may have made a difference in her life and in so doing made many new friends.”

Phyllis Hoyer CASA volunteer since 2005
CASA of Frederick County

“It was not until I began teaching 17 years ago I that I realized just how many children were being abused and/or neglected every year. It broke my heart to hear of these children being treated in such a manner. When I learned of CASA eight years ago, I had just had a newborn baby. The love and joy I felt for my new baby was so strong that I felt compelled to help other children in crisis. CASA was the perfect match for me. As an educator, I know firsthand what is involved in making sure children's needs are met in the educational environment. As a mother of two wonderful children, I know what children need to feel safe and secure. Additionally, one of the many benefits of being a volunteer is knowing that I made a difference in the life of a child. I am the voice for a child in need. CASA is a part of who I am and what I believe.”

Jennette Mears
CASA volunteer since 2001
CASA of the Lower Shore

Tune into to MPT tonight at 9:30 p.m. for Foster Care Stories: A Place to Be (lauded today by Baltimore Sun critic David Zurawik) with a companion live phone bank so you, too, can learn how to help Maryland’s foster care system.

"It's time for us to find hope."

Shalita O'Neale, former foster youth and founder of the Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center.

My name is Shalita O'Neale,and I'm a former foster youth. I aged out of the foster care system at the age of 21. As a result of my foster care experience, I decided to start a resource center for foster youth, the Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center (http://www.mfyrc.org/).

Growing up in foster care, my peers and I experienced a lot of stereotyping (and still do). There is this belief that all foster youth are troublemakers, thieves and problem children. This is not true. I am a prime example of a youth that is succeeding, and I know many other youth that prove these stereotypes wrong. I did not think I had a voice growing up in care and was seldom asked about how I felt about living in foster care. I did not have the confidence or the knowledge about how to speak up. This is what needs to be changed in the system. Our voice needs to be heard and we need to know that we have one. We need to be around the table when decisions about us and our well being are being made because who better knows of what may work best for us then us? There should be nothing about us without us.

This shouldn't be viewed as threatening either. We are resources that have not been effectively tapped into. We can bring energy and grounding to the programs that are being designed to help us. We can help avoid the failure of child welfare systems by incorporating a perspective that will create programs and policies that make sense for the very youth it is being designed to service: foster youth, US!

I am very happy that MPT is having a foster care phone bank (tomorrow, November 20 at 9:30 p.m.) and hope people tune in and call for information on how to help or just for more information on foster care. So many people have a lot to say about foster care and adoption, and give their opinions about foster youth, social workers or foster parents (much of which is inaccurate), but don't take advantage of an opportunity to educate themselves on the facts. Hopefully people will call in and get accurate information. That will be the first step to breaking down the myths and stereotypes of foster youth. Then we can begin building a foundation of support for them so they can have the same chance at success as those youth with loving families.

It's time for change. It’s time for us to be heard. It's time for us to find hope, and I believe that once the community, foster youth and child welfare join together as a team, all of these things will come to fruition.

Tune in on the 20th! This is National Adoption Month. There are foster youth out there who want a loving and stable home. If you can't commit to that, try mentoring a few hours a month or fostering. Call in to see how you can help. Every bit of contact from positive people makes a difference. I am where I am today because people have taken the time out to make a difference in my life.

"Where will I go?"

I commend MPT for recognizing the importance of bringing issues of foster care in Maryland to its viewers in the program Foster Care Stories: A Place to Be airing Thursday, November 20 at 9:30 p.m. To tie in a phone bank to show how anyone can help a foster child will do much to engage our community with this important population.

My wife and I were foster parents to teenage girls for ten years and adopted two of the teens we fostered. Many people have questioned our sanity for fostering teens! While it can be challenging, it also brought us tremendous rewards. Teens in foster care have many times given up on finding an adoptive family and resign themselves to aging out of the foster care system. This is a tragedy! Even though they will tell you they don’t want to be adopted, they silently hope that someone can reach out to them and accept them as their own.

Many people ask me how I’ve become so involved in foster care, and I tell them the about moment that has changed my life in this regard. I received a call from one of my daughters who was finishing up her first semester at Salisbury University, and she informed me that the university required students to move everything out of their dorm room during winter break. Anyone who has ever moved a daughter into a college dorm knows what this involves! The thought of hauling everything back home only to move it back in four weeks didn’t leave me in a good mood. After the call I noticed our 14-year-old foster daughter wanted to say something to me but seemed hesitant. When I finally asked her if she was okay she said, “Mr. Duane, when I go to college and have to leave for my breaks where will I go?” I realized that for someone growing up in foster care, moving furniture out might not be the biggest problem.

That question from our foster daughter kept running through my mind for the next couple of weeks. I started to research programs on the Internet that provided permanent homes for youth in foster care and identified a program in Illinois. I sent out to form a non-profit organization to replicate the program in Baltimore. After six years of work and a few million dollars, Clare Court was opened in Baltimore to provide housing to families adopting children, grandparents raising their grandchildren and senior citizens. On the day Clare Court was dedicated, I couldn’t help but think about how a question from a teenager in foster care changed my life.

Duane St. Clair
St. Clair Associates