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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2017
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Sam Marksheid, and Vicki DiStefano | (516) 869-7794
Project Independence Radio Celebrates 6th Anniversary on the Air at WCWP 88.1FM
Town’s senior residents host show that looks at senior issues
North Hempstead, NY – – The Town of North Hempstead’s Project Independence and You Radio Program (Fridays from 10 am.-12 p.m. on WCWP 88.1FM, wcwp.org celebrated its 6th anniversary with a very special show on September 22, which will include a look back at some of the highlights of the show over the years, along with special guests. North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth visited the show on September 15 to honor all the co-hosts with citations.
“Congratulations to all our volunteer radio hosts and Project Independence staff who contribute to making our radio show so informative and entertaining,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “I am sure this milestone will be one of many to come, as the show continues to discover new topics to talk about and new guests to interview.”
Project Independence and You is a service of Project Independence, the Town of North Hempstead’s aging in place initiative. The aim of the radio show is to present information and entertainment geared towards seniors. Past guests have included elected officials, medical experts, mental health experts, and heads of senior centers, comedians, authors and experts from varying fields. The show is produced by Senior Citizen Program Development Specialist Kristina Lew and hosted by John Ryan and Rebecca Miller, Deputy Commissioner for the Town’s Department of Services for the Aging (DOSA). The format of the interviews is informal, free ranging conversation.
Ann Hersh, 69, a retired speech and language therapist from Great Neck, has been a co-host of the radio show since 2014 after seeing an ad in the P.I. Newsletter seeking guests. Following her appearance, she was asked to be a co-host.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be asked,” Ann said. “I was honored and elated.”
She says that listeners to P.I. Radio get an over view of various subjects that relate not only to seniors, but to many people who have obstacles and concerns that need to be addressed.
“The show also emphasizes the importance of staying in the main stream and staying independent,” she added.
Otto Lohse, 80, of New Hyde Park, has served as a volunteer co-host on the show since the beginning and thoroughly enjoys his role.
“I learn new things all the time, I talk with many interesting people and I believe that we provide useful information to those who listen,” said Otto.
According to Otto, the show’s topics encourage seniors to make the best of their lives, keep learning and improving and to find purpose in life. He has also had the unique opportunity to interview many WWII and Korean vets, as they tell their moving stories about their experiences of war.
“What makes our Project Independence radio show so special is the active participation from our senior members,” said DOSA Commissioner Kimberly Corcoran-Galante. “The show reflects everything that our PI program encompasses. There is something for everybody, no matter what stage of life you are in, or whether you are active or homebound.”
“The PI Radio show helps to carry out Project Independence’s mission of allowing residents to age in place safely and independently,” said Lew. Through the Radio Show, we are able to make partnerships with wonderful organizations in the community providing services for seniors and caregivers. I want to give a special thanks to the Radio Show Family, all the cohosts and staff at WCWP. The dedication and hard work that everyone puts in is what makes the show a success.”
“Being one of the hosts of Project Independence and You is rewarding on so many levels,” said Ryan. “In my work with seniors it is so important to stay on top of the concerns and issues that affect the quality their life. Through the varied guests that Kristina brings to the show each week you cannot help but leave the studio more prepared to help seniors with their everyday issues. Also, our senior listeners are rewarded each week with valuable tips for living life to its fullest.”
Other volunteer co-hosts include: David Linden of East Williston; Gerald Peretsman of Great Neck; and Janet Entine of Roslyn Heights. Other frequent co-hosts include: Hal Bock of East Williston; Iris Bunshaft of East Hills; Sabina Miller of Great Neck; Ruth Wolosoff of Great Neck; and Sari Flesch of East Hills. Dan Cox of LIU is the director of Broadcasting.
Due to the success of the program, WCWP has created a whole lineup of senior talk-related programs during the week. The radio show is live at the LIU Post Campus’ Radio Station, which is located at LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, New York 11548-1300. Project Independence and You gets one of the biggest "bumps" of the week on the WCWP web site.
Past episodes are available on http://www.northhempsteadny.gov/pi-home
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North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth (center) celebrates the 6th anniversary of the Project Independence and You Radio Show.