One program I'm really looking forward to this month is the second season of All Creatures Great and Small. It follows a young veterinary surgeon as he treats animals throughout the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. My wife and I especially love watching ACGAS! Over the last few years, we''e worked with area rescue groups and shelters by fostering (and helping find homes for over 100) kittens and their moms. (My wife's retirement passion!) We're no stranger to the veterinarian's office and the many homeless and abandoned kittens/cats who are "Great and Small." Season 2 premieres on Sunday, January 9, at 9 p.m. on WHRO TV 15. Other exciting shows this month include Around the World in 80 Days, a thrilling new adaptation of Jules Verne's classic adventure novel. Watch it on Sundays at 8 p.m. starting January 2.Antiques Roadshowreturns on January 3, and a new season of Finding Your Roots premieres January 4.
Perhaps you've seen the renowned dance troupe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when the Virginia Arts Festival brought them to Hampton Roads. This talented group of dancers is the legacy of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey. In a new program premiering Tuesday, January 11, at 9 p.m., American Masters examines the life of this trailblazing pioneer whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Music fans can also look forward to a new season of Paul Shugrue's Out of the Box Sandler Series this year. We hope you will join us for these free concerts on Thursday nights starting this month. Visit whro.org/events to see the full schedule.
Our Emerging Leaders Board is also working withIndependent Lensagain this year to host documentary screenings. These events provide opportunities for community dialogues around crucial topics. This month's screening will happen on January 20 and features the film Missing in Brooks County. This film introduces viewers to Eddie Canales, a community activist who is the last hope for families trying to find missing loved ones. Learn more at whro.org/events
Lastly, our education team is gearing up for a new year of school visits and competitions. Our first competition of the year, the annual Young Storytellers Contest, is now open for entries. You can read the details on page 3. I look forward to seeing a lot of great entries this year!
The work we do would not be possible without your support. As we start 2022, I want to say thank you for being so generous throughout the last year. We look forward to serving you this year by continuing to provide the informative news, programs and music that you enjoy.
Happy New Year!
Bert Schmidt President & Chief Executive Officer