Blog

Duval County students are sounding out about failing schools, high crime rates, and poverty on the First Coast. Myesha Miller, Workforce Development Trainer with the Jacksonville Children’s Commission, and Joey Baker, senior at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, were here this morning to speak about this effort, called Duval Youth Voices Council. The group volunteers, attends conferences, and sits on panels to discuss the issues that matter most to today’s youth in the area.

Melissa also spoke with U.S. Senate candidate, Kendrick Meek about this year’s election.

March is National Nutrition Month. In an effort to promote healthier food choices, Duval County Health Department’s Division of Community Nutrition is enacting a campaign to get the word out about healthy meal planning, balancing diets, and making smart and healthy food choices. Twanna Gould, and Daniyel Macomber, with the Duval County Health Department’s Division of Community Nutrition, spoke today about the issue.

We wrapped up with Susie Coughlin, who spoke about The Tom Coughlin Jay Foundation, that has helped hundreds of families of children with cancer.
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund invites the Jacksonville community to an event with live music, a silent auction, and food on Friday, March 12, 2010, 6-9pm at the Modis Building, 1 Independent Drive.

If you’d like to continue the conversation, just add comment.

Today on our show, we welcomed veteran reporter Jessie-Lynne Kerr. She recently marked her 46th anniversary at the Florida Times-Union. She spoke about her battle with cancer and her past experience being a pioneering journalist.
Also, Dignity U Wear is launching its fifth annual drive to collect underwear for those in need. Development Director Radha Weeder spoke about the Undie Sunday, Undie Monday campaign.
Undie Sunday–May 16, 2010
Undie Monday–May 17, 2010
Author Michael Wiley introduced us to his new book, “The Bad Kitty Lounge.”
If you have questions about this show, just add comment.

Blues Horizon endeavors to deliver the most comprehensive lineup of blues/rock/guitar legends ever assembled in one 60 minute show.  Tonight is no exception.

Calling all First Coast kids in kindergarten through third grade – the WJCT PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is underway! Children are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to WJCT by March 19. WJCT will judge the local stories and select winners and award prizes. Local winners will be entered into the national level of the Contest where a renowned panel of judges will identify the national winners. Visit the WJCT Ready To Learn web site for forms and more information. Then start writing!
Until next time!
Beth

Clay County is looking into changing a long-standing ban on alcohol sales on Sunday morning. Currently, Clay County can’t sell alcohol until 2 p.m. on Sundays, and there is movement to extend those hours.
In studio to talk about the issue today, was Eric Jaffe, lead pastor at Journey Church at Clay County. He said he doesn’t believe that you can legislate this issue, which is more a matter of the heart.
Also, the Colon Cancer Awareness Walk in Jacksonville Beach is coming this Sunday
Dr. Jim Kimberly and Jan Pratt, a colon cancer survivor and organizer of this weekend’s Colon Cancer Awareness Walk, were here to speak about the event.
The walk is Sunday March 7th at 7:30 a.m. 1st Street Jacksonville Beach .
Jan Smith, president of the Fernandina Farmer’s Market joined us to talk about The Inaugural Amelia Island Garden Show, produced by the Fernandina Farmers Market. The event will take place on March 6 & 7, at Central Park in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.
We rounded up the show with Laura Capitano, entertainment collumnist with the Florida Times-Union.

If you would like to continue any of the conversations from today, just click Add Comment.

As efforts continue to help Haiti, we spoke today with an elite medical team that has been working to provide aid to those devastated by the earthquake.
Karen Ketchie, RN, and paramedic Paul Major just got back from Haiti, and they spoke with us about what it was like giving medical assistance to this devastated country.
So far, HHS Emergency Response medical teams have seen more than 30,000 patients in Haiti.
Later, Times-Union collumnist Abel Harding joined us to discuss the upcoming legislative session and how the state is planning on filling a potential $3 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year.
And we discussed an upcoming special event at the Beaches that is designed to raise awareness about anorexia and bulima.
The panel “Eating Disorders: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask” will take place Thursday March 4, 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra.

If you would like to continue todays discussions, just click add comment.

TONIGHT March 1st @ 11pm we feature a tribute to Eric Clapton.
In celebration of his current tour we have allowed old slowhand to take over our show for a night. We premiered on 89.9 FM on February 1st. So we are celebrating a one month anniversary. As part of the “After Hours” series on 89.9 we are in stellar company. Many thanks to all who have contributed to our show making it this far!

Mayor Peyton is back again! He joined us in studio to kick off the month of March with Ask the Mayor Monday.

Mayor Peyton answered questions on topics ranging from a nuclear carrier at Mayport, to appointing schoolboard members, to this weekend’s tragic accident on the Buckman Bridge.

If you’d like to continue the conversation on our blog, you can add comment.

WJCT commemorates Women’s History Month with special programming in March. Many of our programs rebroadcast during the month. Visit wjct.org/tv/highlights for weekly updates, or search wjct.org/tv/schedule for additional broadcast times. Here’s what to watch:

American Experience – Dolley Madison. Dolley Madison, President Madison’s wife and America’s first “First Lady,” defined the roles we still expect of our First Ladies – style icon, gracious hostess, humanitarian, doting mother, trusted political advisor and diplomat. Tony Award-winner Eve Best stars. (Mon., Mar. 1 at 9pm on 7.1)

American Experience – Sister Aimee. A portrait of the controversial evangelist who brought conservative Protestantism into mainstream American culture and politics. (Tues., Mar. 16 at 8:30pm on 7.4)

American Masters – Carol Burnett. The life and career of the gifted comedienne whose edgy, sympathetic characters captivated the nation during the ‘60s and ‘70s.  (Mon., Mar. 1 at 10:30pm on 7.1)

American Masters – Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind the Little Women. Little Women author Louisa May Alcott was actually a free thinker with democratic ideals and progressive values about women. Obie winner Elizabeth Marvel stars. (Thu., Mar. 4 at 10:30pm on 7.4)

Barbara Morgan: No Limits. This documentary chronicles the 23-year journey of Idaho schoolteacher Barbara Morgan, who finally achieved her dream of flying in space in August 2007. (Mon., Mar. 29 at 12am on 7.1)

Betty Ford: The Real Deal. The iconic former First Lady championed women and saved countless lives through her unprecedented openness about her own breast cancer and alcohol abuse. (Tues, Mar. 9 at 11pm on 7.4)

Crown Princess Martha: The American Story. The still beloved Norwegian princess had a lasting impact on U.S.-Norwegian relations, even influencing FDR’s famous “Look to Norway” speech during World War II. (Thu., Mar. 4 at 9:30pm on 7.4)

Cuba Mia: Portrait of an All-Woman Orchestra. Follow the musicians of the all-female orchestra Camerata Romeu as they prepare for an end-of-the-year concert in Old Havana’s Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. (Tues., Mar. 6 at 7:30pm on 7.4)

Helen of Troy. Journey to the Eastern Mediterranean to revisit the Trojan War and discover the truth about Helen of Troy, the woman with the “face that launched a thousand ships.” (Wed., Mar. 3 at 10pm on 7.4)

More Funny Ladies of British Comedy. Penelope Keith hosts a look at some of the funniest moments from the great women of British comedy. (Sat., Mar. 6 at 8pm)

One Bite of the Apple: A Portrait of the Artist Edwina Sandys. The granddaughter of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is a multi-talented artist whose work graces UN buildings, corporate headquarters, museums and cathedrals. (Tues., Mar. 16 at 6:30pm on 7.4)

The Remarkable Red Hat Society. This documentary chronicles the evolution of the Red Hat Society, a “sorority” that brings fun and friendship to the lives of women over the age of 50. (Fri., Mar. 5 at 11pm on 7.4)

Shipping Out: The Story of America’s Seafaring Women. This documentary celebrates the modern-day women of commercial shipping who have persevered to become a valued part of the seafaring community, and helped to redefine “women’s work.” (Mon., Mar. 29 at 11pm on 7.1)

Sweet Tornado: Margo Jones and the American Theater. Theater producer/director Margo Jones was a visionary who pioneered the regional theater movement in the 1940s and ‘50s, and championed new playwrights, including Tennessee Williams. (Sat., Mar. 6 at 11pm on 7.4)

Pictured: Helen of Troy, Betty Ford, Member of All-Female Orchestra Camerata Romeu, Red Hat Society Founder Sue Ellen Cooper, Astronaut Barbara Morgan, Carol Burnett.

–Natalie Tomola

WJCT Create offers programming for the creative viewer, with a 24-hour schedule of arts, crafts, cooking, travel, gardening and home improvement programs. The programs rotate through a six-hour schedule, with Saturdays devoted to special event marathons. Watch on WJCT-TV Channel 7.2 (Comcast 210). Here’s what’s new in March.

Tommy Tang’s Easy Thai Cooking. Thai food expert Tommy Tang brings his latest series to WJCT Create on March 22. Tune to Tommy Tang’s Easy Thai Cooking, to see Tommy explore the flavors of Thai cuisine, the healing powers of exotic spices, and the fascinating history of Thailand. (Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday rotation.)

GardenSMART. Host Eric Johnson brings a new season of GardenSMART, beginning March 10. The series visits gardens across America to provide “hands-on” gardening tips. (Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday rotation.)

Saturday Marathons:

Carribbean Spice. On March 6, you’ll take an exotic jaunt to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Grenadine Islands, and more. Join WJCT Create’s chefs and travel experts, and spice up your life with food and adventure.

Top O’ the Morning. On March 13. you’ll celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by joining WJCT Create’s travel experts on a visit to the Emerald Isles. Don’t miss celebrated Irish folk singer Tommy Makem as he visits Ireland’s most famous churches, pubs and castles.

Creative Quilts. On March 20, you’ll find a day of creative quilts. Join WJCT Create’s crafting experts – Georgia Bonesteel, Donna Dewberry and Nancy Zieman – as they share ideas and tips for quilters at every skill level.

Spring is in the Air. On March 27, WJCT Create’s experts welcome the new season. They’ll show you how to enhance your Passover and Easter celebrations, what to plant in your spring garden, and how to entertain with a spring brunch. It’s time to celebrate spring.

–Natalie Tomola