Help for seriously ill patients. Support for their loved ones. communityhospice.org • (518) 724-0242

Stock Donate appreciated stock to avoid capital-gains tax while getting a charitable tax deduction. Charitable IRA Rollover A gift directly from your IRA counts toward your “required minimum distribution,” lowering your taxable income, and thereby avoiding income tax on your gift.Life Income Gift You qualify for a significant charitable tax deduction in the year you set up a gift that provides you fixed income for life. There are added tax savings if you fund the charitable gift annuity with appreciated stock. For more information on these and other tax-wise gifts to WMHT, contact Sandra Beer at sbeer@wmht.org or 518-880-3463. Thank you!

TAX-WISE, YEAR-END

GIVING

Exquisite cinematography and a deeply moving narrative tell the story of The Cheetah Children presented by NATURE. For a single mother, raising cubs is a struggle. There is constant danger and the cubs need care and so much training. Producer, cinematographer, and conservationist Kim Wolhuter spent his early years growing up in the wilds of South Africa’s Kruger National Park and much of his adult life filming Africa’s wild animals. He came upon a female cheetah in the forests of Zimbabwe, and he began earning her trust, until she mysteriously disappeared.

Six months later she reappears — she has given birth to five fluffy cubs. “I never imagined making a film on cheetahs, especially in the thick bush country of Malilangwe Game Reserve,” he said in an exclusive interview for WMHT. “But then this cheetah family literally comes to me, almost wishing to show the world how successful they are, even in this bush.” For two years he lived with them, filming and chronicling their lives. “Getting them to accept me really isn’t a process,” he continued. “It’s more an understanding and respect. I don’t do it to show, ‘Hey look what I can do.’” They’re very natural and trusting. “I‘m out there with complete confidence. It‘s important that my confidence comes from the heart, not from the mind. If it comes from the mind and you’re having to tell yourself it’s all going to be fine; the animals pick that up and will sense your insecurity. That’s why I say it must come

from the heart.” As Kim Wolhuter films, you feel as if you are right there with the cubs. They are bundles of energy — playful, curious, and frequently hungry. Their mother is a patient teacher and very protective, but as hard as she tries she can’t fend off all predators. After only a few weeks, one of the cubs is missing and Kim suspects that lions have killed it. “The way I’ve filmed it, so up close and personal, I believe it really helps to engage the audience — they almost get to feel what it’s like to be a cheetah,” he explained. As the cubs grow bigger and strong, they take a greater interest in their mother’s hunting activities. They begin to imitate her, clumsily following her up trees to scan for prey and half-heartedly stalking them. The family faces victories and heartbreak, yet their mother knows that she must teach

the cubs to defend themselves because soon they will be on their own. Watch as the cubs develop and learn the ways of the cheetah’s world. Their journey into adulthood is one you won’t want to miss. Airs Wednesday, November 8, at 8pm on WMHT-TV.

What do you do when your dreams come true? You’re about to find out when Great Performances premieres In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams. For an actor, making it in New York City is tough. Lin-Manuel Miranda conceived of In the Heights when he was a sophomore at Wesleyan College, long before his days of Hamilton fame. Growing up as a first-generation American in one of the toughest neighborhoods in New York City, Miranda struggled to find his identity and place in life. Writing about the stories, sacrifices, and sounds of the people from his neighborhood was a way to share his experiences. In addition to thrilling extended performance sequences of the original cast of In the Heights onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, this program offers an intimate look at the production backstage and off-stage. Producers from @radical.media first identified the show’s potential at one of the early readings and began filming the process shortly thereafter. This provided unprecedented access to the cast as they went through workshops, to off-Broadway, and finally to Broadway. It took eight years, but they succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, winning four Tony Awards. Airs Friday, November 10, at 9pm on WMHT-TV.

Sponsored by The Community Hospice: Expertise – Support – Dignity NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Wreaths for Great Classical Radio!

A great way to start your holiday celebrations is to support the beautiful music on Classical WMHT FM 89.1/88.7 with a contribution of $125 and WMHT FM will have a fresh, balsam holiday wreath delivered to you or your loved one as our gift of thanks.

We must get all our orders in by November 20, so please call 518-880-3400 and thank you!

Children’s programming helps kids of all ages gain knowledge, creativity, critical-thinking and life skills. It is a vital part of WMHT’s overall goals. In Thomas & Friends: Journey Beyond Sodor, Thomas leaves the island for the first time and sets off to the mainland to prove his importance on Sodor. He has experiences beyond his wildest dreams and makes friends with cheerful “Experimental Engines.” Then he makes a wrong turn and gets lost in the

steelworks. When Thomas doesn’t return, James goes after him but runs into trouble himself. It’s up to Thomas to save the day! Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas is all about kindness! A bedtime story for Elmo recalls a gloomy time when Sesame Street didn’t have any holiday spirit until a relative brought tidings of comfort and joy to its residents. The film features guest stars Audra McDonald, Zosia Mamet, and Jim Gaffigan as Santa Claus. These two specials air on WMHT-TV the week of November 20th, please check wmht.org for exact air dates and times.

Learning while having fun...

Thomas & Friends: Journey Beyond Sodorand Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas

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B E Y O N D A Y E A R I N S P A C EDear WMHT Member, As the autumn winds down and we head into the holiday season, I think about all the traditions that anchor our lives and remind us of what we most value. Especially when there is uncertainty in our world, we take comfort at this time of year in the unchanging rhythms of celebration with those we love. If you’re like me, the special holiday programming on WMHT Television is an integral part of your celebrations. Without that cherished music, intelligent humor, or fascinating documentary to share with our loved ones, we’d feel a hole — something essential would be missing. Sustaining WMHT far into the future is a goal we all work toward. You can be a part of this goal by ensuring your valued support has a long-term impact. Consider joining

our growing group of Sustaining Members who make ongoing monthly contributions from their bank account or credit card. You might even consider naming WMHT in your will or estate plan — now that’s a way to turn your loyal generosity into a legacy! Thanks for making enjoyment and support of WMHT a tradition in your life. Because of you, we’ll be here for generations to come!

Sharon SleicherDirector of Membershipand Fellow WMHT Supporter

You’ll hear that amazing pronouncement when you tune in to Beyond A Year in Space. Can you imagine working on Mars? This fascinating documentary begins

with astronaut Scott Kelly’s homecoming after his

12-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS) and updates the testing he and his

twin brother are going through. The study is determining what changes Scott underwent by comparing

him to Mark, who spent the year on Earth. The findings will help scientists understand what it takes for humans to endure long-duration space travel. You’ll then meet Jessica Meir and Victor Glover, two of the astronauts preparing to venture farther than humankind has ever gone. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these astronauts are training to go the distance, and what it means to each of them to be one of the few human beings to venture out of Earth’s orbit, beyond the moon, into deep space, and possibly to Mars. Inhabiting Mars may happen sooner than you think! Airs Wednesday, November 15, at 9pm on WMHT-TV.

The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to Mark Twain. This year, the honor goes to David Letterman. David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize, recorded at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, pays tribute to the humor and accomplishments of this broadcasting icon and features a star-studded cast of his friends and colleagues including top entertainers and comedians. Deborah F. Rutter, president of The Kennedy Center, said: “For decades, David Letterman delivered comedy to America that was smart, authentic, and, frankly, what many of us came to rely upon to elevate our spirits after a long day.” In 33 years on late-night television,

Letterman hosted 6,028 episodes of Late Night (NBC) and

The Late Show (CBS), surpassing his mentor, Johnny Carson, as the longest running late-night broadcaster in American history.

It has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition — the Call the Midwife Holiday Special. This year, the midwives are staying in London, even though they are facing the challenge of the harshest coldest winter in 300 years. It is the winter of 1963, and the whole country is brought to a standstill by blizzard conditions, ice, power outages, and frozen pipes. Despite the weather, the midwives strive to provide the best possible care for their patients. You’ll see Valerie provide comfort and assistance to a young couple who experience a traumatic birth, watch Sister Julienne struggle as she strives to reunite a family torn apart by a tormenting father, and get to know Mabel, played by guest star Anita Dobson. Here’s a sneak preview for Season 7, which starts in the spring of 2018 — Leonie Elliott will join the cast as Nurse Lucille Anderson, the first West Indian midwife to be featured in the series. She

brings new energy to life at Nonnatus House. More details to come... stay tuned. Call the Midwife Holiday Special

airs in December, check wmht.org for exact date

and times.

CALL THE MIDWIFE —Holiday Special—

“I think that’s our future, learning to live and work in space —

on the moon, Mars, and someday possibly, beyond our solar system.”

Based on viewers’ response to the last year’s film, we are bringing Anne and her friends back for the sequel entitled Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars. All of your favorites: Ella Ballentine as Anne Shirley, and Martin Sheen and Sara Botsford as Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, the brother and sister who are raising her on their farm in Avonlea. Anne is now 13 years old and is facing complex issues with her friends and her evolving relationship with Gilbert. She is torn between her free-spirited nature and her own perceived need to become sensible. Achieving her goal is fraught with unfortunate yet amusing mishaps and culinary misadventures. “I don’t care to be 13,” Anne tells Matthew. “It’s much more complicated than even I imagined. One part of me wants to be 12 again, and the other part, I don’t even know what the other part wants.” This endearing story of Anne has characters and themes that people can identify with. “It’s the courage of generosity, the virtue of giving,” explains Sheen. Everyone can enjoy a little inspiration. Airs Thursday, November 23, at 8pm on WMHT-TV.

David Letterman

NOVA presents two fascinating programs that investigate the forces of nature and how they affect our very existence. Killer Hurricanes focuses on the Great Hurricane of 1780 that took nine days to blast its way across the Caribbean and killed at least 20,000 people. It was the highest known death toll of any single weather event in history. To reconstruct what made this storm so deadly, scientists joined historians and NOVA to track down clues, create computer simulations, and embark on new research. The evidence points to a truly terrifying, 300-mile-wide storm with wind speeds probably exceeding 230 miles an hour and 25-foot storm surges that demolished everything in their path.

Was this a one-time occurrence? The picture this paints is disturbing: mega-hurricanes are likely to strike again in our near future, as climate change warms the oceans and fuels more intense storms. In Killer Floods, NOVA goes back in time to study what triggered cataclysmic floods. Geologists and other researchers reconstruct megafloods in the vast expanse of Washington State called the Channeled Scablands; where house-sized boulders seemingly dropped from the sky, in Iceland; and in the English Channel, where hundreds of thousands of years ago, another deluge smashed through a land bridge that connected Britain and France, turning Britain into an island. The question we ask now: “Could catastrophic floods like these strike again?” Killer Hurricanes airs Wednesday, November 1, at 9pm on WMHT-TV. Killer Floods airs Wednesday, November 8, at 9pm on WMHT-TV.

Killer Hurricanes Killer Floods

When nature strikes...

Airs Monday, November 20, at 9pm on WMHT-TV.

A Word from … SHARON SLEICHER2 wmht spotlight wmht spotlight 3

CONTACT WMHT with any questions or suggestions!

CALL 518-880-3400

EMAIL membership@wmht.org

CONNECT ONLINE Facebook.com/PublicMediaWMHT

MAIL WMHT, 4 Global View, Troy, NY 12180

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