First Show

After watching the 40^th anniversary celebration program on Piscataway Community TV that featured awards for the many volunteers that enable most of the programming – there are only 3 full-time employees – I decided to look into joining. As luck would have it, there was a volunteer class coming up that I was able to be part of. We learned about production techniques as well as getting hands-on experience as camera operators, working the sound and video boards, editing, and even directing. All the behind-the-scenes roles were covered, and we even got to work as crew for shows the station produces.

When that class ended, we were asked if we would like to be part of a second level class that would focus on creating and producing a real show. I jumped at the chance to be part of it and joined a couple of fellow classmates and several others who had taken a previous intro course. The station manager took us through the processes of ideation, script writing, and other production skills and led us as we developed our concept. He gradually switched from teacher to guide, allowing us to run with our ideas and practice the various roles involved in making a show.

As a team, we decided that our show would be called “Bridging the Gap” and would focus on improving communication and connection within our communities. Learning by trial and error was encouraged during development and recording of practice episodes. We took turns at the various roles both on and off camera and got additional experience by working as crew for other shows, always encouraged to try new roles by the station’s staff.

After about 6 months of preparation and practice, our first episode aired on December 17, 2025. I co-hosted with another team member, and we had a great conversation with the Public Safety Director of Piscataway Township and a police officer, covering topics around better connecting the community and the police department. With some technical difficulties holding up recording, we got an instant dose of all the little things that have to fall into place to make a show happen. Once we got those issues corrected, recording commenced and the 27-minute episode was completed in 1 take. Here’s a link to it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5JBMSXo2p2s

It was weird – and pretty cool - seeing myself on TV and I learned a lot by watching myself that will help me be better next time. Though, I really want to get behind the scenes and learn the Technical Director, Director, and Producer roles. I wound up in front of the camera by default as many team members are not ready for that yet. My co-host for that episode, Joyce, has her own show on the station – “Women Talk” – and working with her and watching her show have been very educational both in front of and behind the camera.

When I retired, working as crew for local TV much less being part of a production team for a show were about as far from my mind as going back to work in corporate America. And if I hadn’t stumbled onto that 40^th anniversary show it never would have happened. You never know when opportunity will knock so you have to be ready to answer the door when it does. I’m thankful that I did and I look forward to working with the production team for more episodes of “Bridging the Gap” and continuing to work crew for other shows and events. All while learning and growing in ways I never considered.

Even though I am not taking my annual “get the hell out of NJ in February” trip this year, I am taking off for Presidents’ Day so next post will be 2/23/2026.

Enjoy the upcoming long weekend!

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  02-02-2026