The Evolution Will Be Televised

Host Christine Falzarano interviews Meghan Collier, MVES intake case manager, on the process involved when an elder contacts the agency.

Some things just seem to get better over time—fine wines, gourmet cheeses, and… cable shows! MVES recently released a new episode of its cable show, A Community of Elders, for spring 2007. Viewers may notice that there is something that sets this episode apart from those that have preceded it—A Community of Elders is evolving from modest beginnings into a more polished-looking program.

Since the first episode aired in September 2004, A Community of Elders has delivered valuable information and resources to elders in the communities of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. The high level of quality information included in the half-hour program remains unchanged. But over time, the show has matured into a more professionally produced and visually pleasing program. With practice, the cable show crew, made up of MVES staff and volunteers, is gaining experience and as a result is putting together a more technically advanced end product.

“The first couple of episodes of A Community of Elders were filmed solely in the studio,” says Sean Maney, MVES’ director of marketing and public relations and director of the show. “We still used the original studio talk-show format in this episode, but we added some visual extras that really make for a more interesting viewing experience.”

One example of these visual extras is animated graphics. Such graphics are used to introduce an interview, expand upon information discussed by a studio guest, and visually clarify a complex concept. Other extras in this episode include more interviews and footage filmed from the field as well as more voiceovers to enhance the segments.

A Community of Elders is hosted by Christine Falzarano, president of the MVES Board of Directors. “I was really impressed when I saw the finished product,” says Falzarano, referring to the most recent episode. “There is so much that goes into producing the show after we do the original studio shoot.”

Even as the show evolves, its foundation remains the same. A Community of Elders will continue to serve as an easily accessible resource for area elders and caregivers in MVES’ eight-community service area. This episode features four segments that include information on safety in the home, Project SAFE, the process involved when an elder contacts MVES, and a new mental health initiative. Please click here to watch a clip from each of the segments.

Tune into your local public access station to find out when A Community of Elders is airing in your community. When you watch the newest episode, see if you notice the evolution!