This week at Salem Rotary we heard a collaborative presentation from Patrick Kennedy, Executive Director of Salem Access Television. Patrick grew up in the San Francisco bay area before moving east to attend Endicott College. He spoke about the reality of public access television. Any cable company in Massachusetts must provide some public access outlet to the city, town, or area that they provide cable access in.
Salem Access Television is a non-profit organization and corporation with five full time employees and a Board of Directors. It has always been an independent entity. They provide coverage of local government, general public access, and education. On Comcast/Xfinity, you can find three SAT channels; Channel 9 is public access television, Channel 8 is the SAT education channel, and Channel 22 is the local government channel.
Salem Access Television is an educational outlet. Members can sign up and learn how to create their own content and shows. Obviously in the city of Salem this draws any number of unique individuals. It really does showcase what is going on in Salem. SAT provides coverage of lots of cultural events in the city, like the recent Jazz and Soul Festival. Patrick mentioned interviews with people prominent in the city, like a recent discussion with the owner of the Daily Table. SAT covers city council meetings. Funding mostly comes through Comcast, and a challenge is presented by cord cutting. SAT has branched out to YouTube and is revamping website. They are getting into the future -or the present- with regards on how to reach people. They are pushing the state house to pass legislation to have streaming services help in funding public access in Massachusetts.
Patrick is always looking for ways to find new revenue streams. He hopes to provide exposure for local businesses and organizations like Rotary. While it is possible to monetize from Youtube, that is very difficult. They offer underwriting and sponsorships to local businesses where they advertise on specific programs, as well as educational partnerships, such as internships with Endicott, Salem State University, and Salem Public Schools. In the past had even taught classes at local schools and are looking to bring that back. Memberships are available for $25 a year for an individual, $35 for a family or organization, and $55 for a business. Individuals can also pay $15 to be trained on the technology and equipment.
Public Access Television is a mirror of the community it serves.
Patrick brainstormed with members of the Salem Rotary to come up with ideas how on the two organizations can work together:
SAT can interview local businesses and organizations, including those owned or operated by Salem Rotarians
PSA featuring Salem Rotary, This Month in Rotary
Announcements for things like Community Hero
Production videos highlighting successes of Salem Rotary
In studio round tables featuring Salem Rotarians
Advertise things like Scholarship application deadlines, sponsorship of auction
Salem Public Schools
Breakfast Discussion and Brainstorm
I am reaching out to invite you to join Mayor Pangallo, myself, and members of our team for a breakfast discussion and brainstorm session on Monday, September 23rd from 9-10am at Collins Middle School. As we dig deeper into our strategic plan, we are hoping to explore ways to expand career exposure and interest-based learning for our middle school students. Research says (and we agree) that middle school is a critical time for students to develop their interests, and we'd like to connect with partners about potential strategies and mutually beneficial opportunities for our city. We are also in the second round of a grant application that could bring resources to the table, so we want to dream big and with you.
The Salem Rotary provided dinner at Lifebridge last week. The real hero of the evening was Gerrit Bradley and his Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole. You can find the recipe here. Gerrit's tip is to add extra cheese, which is advice I never need. Additional sour cream is nice too.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Stephen Bradley sold by Gerrit Bradley
50:50 RAFFLE
Pot: $1160
Players: Scott Grover and Leslie Levesque
No winner this week!
Jokes of the Week:
What do you use to count cows?
a Cow-lculator
What's a reptile's favorite movie?
The Lizard of Oz
They can't all be winners.
VISITING ROTARIANS & GUESTS
Patrick Kennedy, our speaker, joined us for lunch.
The three bedrocks of Rotary are our members, our Foundation that benefits the World, and spreading the word of all the good things we do to positive impact our communities.
Join us October 8, 2024, at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield, for an interactive session focused on these three important Rotary topics with information you can take back to your Club and use immediately, dinner with fellowship, and a keynote speech from PDG Tom Gump from Rotary District 5950 in Minnesota.
Tom has founded multiple innovative Rotary Clubs, is a member of RI's Membership Growth Committee, has spearheaded local and large international grants, and is currently Aide to our Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.
Scott Grover welcomed a new grandchild, Otis Hamilton Grover.
Joe Amico went to the annual car club event in Provincetown. Attendance was down due to outrageous prices. Bed and Breakfasts are being bought up and converted to single family homes. They are looking at new venues, and Joe is hoping to move it to Salem.
Dakota Russell was so proud that the House of Seven Gables hosted 39 new citizens as they took the oath of allegiance. The judge spoke about the American tradition of welcoming immigrants into our country, and reminded folks about the importance of republicanism and playing the role in voting
Rinus Oosthoek joined Medicare and saw the Boss in Baltimore. We do not know if those facts are related.
Gerrit Bradley led a group of Salem Rotarians in climbing Mount Monandnok
Club Announcements
Service Opportunities
Salem Pantry
Saturday, November 9
10am-12pm
Shetland Park
We will be heading down to our friends at the Salem Pantry to prepare bags of food for home delivery.
Fun and Fellowship
Dutch Drinks
October 4 at 5 pm
LOCATION TBD (likely NOT downtown)
The Dutch part: Everyone is responsible for their own drink/food bill, which is very different from a Dutch oven.
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
Dutch Drinks
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