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Here’s a kiss of death for you: our two new generators have been installed
and are now operational, and power outages should be a thing of the past. Not that I’m superstitious or
anything, but I do worry about tempting fate with a blanket statement like that.
Anyway, thanks to a WARN grant (Warning, Alert, and Response Network) from
the federal government, generators have been installed at both our transmission site in East Peoria and
our master control site along Peoria’s riverfront. The purpose of the grant is to enable public
television stations like WTVP to distribute geo-targeted emergency alerts to participating commercial
mobile service devices, e.g. mobile telephones. The side benefit is that this is allows us to stay on
air whenever events like squirrels doing themselves in on electrical lines would otherwise cause us to
lose power and go dark.
I am pleased to say that the generators both sport Caterpillar logos, that
the fuel tanks were fabricated in Chillicothe, and the installation was done by a NECA electrical
contractor and IBEW electricians. This project did create jobs in Central Illinois.
The hottest PBS series of the last two years was arguably Downton Abbey,
though there are those among us that would argue for Inspector Lewis and Sherlock. Season 3
of Downton Abbey premieres early next month, and Season 2 will reprise Sundays from 8-10 p.m. this
month, so look for information about that in other parts of this publication. Also check your mail for an
invitation to a very special WTVP fundraising event. An
Evening Inspired by Downton Abbey will be held
on January 5, 2013 at the Peoria Civic Center Theater lobby. Please call (309) 677-4747 for details in case
your invitation was misplaced.
As the end of the year approaches, please remember WTVP as part of your holiday
giving. A contribution to our Year-End Program Fund would be a most welcome addition and strengthen our ability
to acquire and produce the high quality programming that you have come to expect from WTVP and PBS.
Finally, from WTVP’s entire staff and the Board of Trustees, all best wishes to
you and yours for a festive, peaceful and blessed holiday season. Thank you for all you have done throughout
the year to support public television. It is greatly appreciated.
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