A busy morning at WLRN. . .

The "significant other" and I manned the check-in desk at WLRN Public Radio & Television this morning. We were there to welcome distinguished guests and about 150 youngsters from the Primary Learning Center, a Dade County-sponsored school for Pre-K, K and First Grade kids from the surrounding neighborhood of the Downtown Miami studio.

They were here to participate in the "Premier" of ENERTIPS, a new WLRN original TV series that educates kids about caring for the environment.

Among the distinguished guests we welcomed: Alberto Carvalho, the new Superintendent of Miami Dade County Schools, Dr. Lawrence Feldman, the Chairman of the School Board, and an assortment of young actors who are the voices of the animated characters in the TV program.

To add to the excitement, volunteers passed out plastic bags of popcorn and some kind of drink to the kids as they settled down on the floor of the TV studio to watch the film. I found myself sitting next to the actor who voiced Matthew Handy, the film's main character. He's the one who singlehandedly saves the Town of Tipsville from the evil Mr. Backhand and his plan to abuse energy and the environment. At the conclusion of rhe film, I complimented him on being the "good guy". He seemed pleased.

Benard and I both love WLRN and are quick to say yes when Ulie, the head of Volunteers, calls on us for various jobs. The station just went through it's annual fund drive, an extremely important means of keeping public radio and TV on the air with State budgets cut to a bare minimum these days.

While we are both regular members of the station, I must admit I made an additional small pledge on the day it qualified you to enter a drawing to win an overnight visit at the Great Ape Rescue Center near Tampa. While the Center is not open to the public, the winner gets to stay overnight in a cabin within the grounds and also gets a personal tour and introduction to the resident apes. Benard is not as thrilled as I am about the possibility of living with simians for forty eight hours. I, on the other hand, am keeping my fingers crossed, just waiting to hear my name called.

That would make a helluva blog, don't you agree????
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