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04/09/2014 12:00 AMFor the past 30 years, Guilford Community Television (GCTV) has been operating as a non-profit providing the town with pertinent programming helping citizens exercise their First Amendment right to free speech. Showcasing tapings of town meetings as well resident-created, -directed, and -produced shows, GCTV has recently unveiled a new programming schedule-and a new way of accessing those shows.
Some of the new programs offered include Bob Paul Watercolors, a painting program highlighting the teachings of local watercolorist Bob Paul. In addition, there is a weekly broadcast of the Bethel Assembly of God sermon and the show Mass of Two Dimes, a math program taught by Guilford 1st graders.
"We are always offering new programs and expanding our lineup," said GCTV Operating Manager Shannon Gale.
Funded by a grant from Comcast, GCTV is available on Comcast channels 18, 19, and 20 and U-verse channel 99. It is also available on YouTube (search GCTVguilford), which is a new aspect of the television channel's offerings. Gale explained that this originally started only for town meetings, but has spread to other programs, and the residents have really responded well to it.
"The YouTube on demand has been a great benefit to the community," Gale explained.
With room to expand, GCTV is always looking for high school and college student interns interested in ramping up their skills in the area of media production. In some cases, students can earn course credits or fulfill community service hours, while at the same time learning new skills to add to résumés.
"We offer an abundance of opportunities here for people of all ages. We try hard to make sure that people are exploring all the aspects of programming that they can, so they can find out what they are most interested in, and focus on that," Gale said.
She added that there are also many mentoring programs available, which pair volunteers so they can learn from one another.
Besides offering a political and informational forum for the community at large, GCTV also offers a media platform for several different organizations, such as the Girl Scouts, the Guilford Poets Guild, the Guilford School system, churches, and other non-profits. Some upcoming programs to look out for include the Third High School Bowl, which will air at the end of the month and a special program about Guilford 375th Anniversary Celebration event, Guilford and the Civil War.
GCTV is a non-profit with only one part-time employee; it recently received a grant from the Guilford Fund to purchase an iMac computer and four field cameras for residents to use to tape footage for programming.
To learn more about volunteer and internship opportunities through GCTV, email Gale at info@ guilfordtv.org or visit www.guilfordtv.org. Annual GCTV memberships cost $15 for individuals, $20 for families, $6 for students under 18 and for seniors, and $25 for businesses. Members get the opportunity to vote at GCTV annual meetings. Mail checks payable to Guilford Community Television to GCTV, 725 Boston Post Rd., Unit 4, Guilford, CT 06437.