UCP Telethon Broadcasting Live Throughout County
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UCP of the Berkshires Executive Director Christine Singer told the Berkshire News Network there are some major changes this year. Normally, the telethon is seen live on Pittsfield Community Television, serving Pittsfield, Dalton and Richmond, with a two-hour delay broadcast on Community Television for the Southern Berkshires. Northern Berkshire Community Television has been producing its own version of the UCP telethon for several years but this year, that changes.
For the first time, the UCP Telethon will be seen live countywide through the work of Time Warner Cable. Local talent from the Northern and Southern Berkshires, who normally would appear on their own version of the UCP Telethon, will take part in the broadcast coming out of Pittsfield. In addition, Singer said the telethon will run from 1 to 5 p.m. instead of the customary 2 to 6 time period on NBCTC Channel 15 in North Adams, CTSB Channel 16 in the Southern Berkshires and PCTV's Channel 16.
The theme for this year's telethon is the same as it has been for many years: "Children are the Bridge to Our Future." Hosts will include Larry Kratka of WUPE/WUHN/WBEC/WSBS, who has been a co-host on the telethon for 20 years. Other hosts include Dave Winchester of WNAW/WSBS, Dan Dillon of Greylock Federal Credit Union, Jennifer Shumsky, Children's Health Program and UCP volunteer for more than 15 years, Adams Town Clerk Paul Hutchinson and Rod Bunt from the North Adams Mayor's Office of Tourism.
Entertainment will include Dancecapade from Adams, the North Adams Self-Advocates doing the jitterbug, bands from Taconic High School and Richmond Consolidated School, the Ferrell School of Irish Dance, the Albany-Berkshire Ballet Junior Company and Senior Academy of the Canterella School of Dance, the Youth ALIVE Step Dance and Drumline, the Happy Heart Voices, Berkshire Music School's "Bings Strings Too," Mary Verdi and the Pittsfield Pipsqueakers and the Oldies but Goodies Rock 'N' Roll Show.
Special guests will include North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright, Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto, state Reps. Christopher Speranzo of Pittsfield, William "Smitty" Pignatelli of Lenox and Denis E. Guyer of Dalton and state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing. Chairmen include Fran Marinaro and Dan Dillon. In addition, Whoopee FM (100.1 FM) and 1110-AM will be hosting its own Radiothon from the Crowne Plaza from 1 to 3. Eric Green will be hosting the Radiothon that's now in its 10th year.
Singer said this year's goal is $35,000 with all the money staying in Berkshire County to pay for services and programs. Donations are accepted by contacting Tammy at 413-442-1562.
