Jennifer Boyd

Premieres Thursday, March 25 at 8 p.m. on Connecticut Public Television (CPTV);Encore broadcast Saturday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. HARTFORD, Conn. (March 18, 2010) – All Things Connecticut (ATC) returns this spring with an all-new season of shows displaying interesting people and places in the state.  CPTV’s weekly “tour de force” magazine-style series will have viewers seeing the Nutmeg state in ways they never imagined. The series features segments on the latest technology, offers insights into some of Connecticut’s best food joints, and introduces some local characters that are living out their dreams. In addition the new “Treasure Hunt” segment will have viewers wondering what values are lurking in their basements. The second season premieres Thursday, March 25 at 8 p.m. on CPTV (with an encore broadcast on Saturday, March 27^th at 5:30 p.m.)  Jason Hawkins – known to many viewers as the vivacious host of CPTV’s Eating CT – is now the new host of All Things Connecticut. In the first episode of All Things Connecticut the theme is “Down Under,” examining landmarks and state resources that are “earth bound”.Hawkins hosts the show from Newgate Prison in East Granby, Connecticut. Newgate became the first prison in Connecticut in 1773 after tunnels were left behind by miners burrowing deep underground for copper. Diane Smith returns to host her trademark “Positively Connecticut” segment, highlighting New Haven’s historic Center Church famous for its underground crypt housing ancient gravestones dating back to 1687. Go on a “Treasure Hunt” with a new addition to the ATC team, Brian Smith. He meets Burton Despard and looks at some of the fascinating antiques he’s unearthed over his lifetime as a local antique collector. Ed Wierzbicki returns with the “Spotlight on the Arts” segment profiling the Judy Dworin Performance Project – a collaborative performance group based on movement and dance that brings a sense of social responsibility to its performances. Christina DeFranco sets out again to help viewers go green in “Treading Lightly.” This week DeFranco reveals the important and surprising role that horseshoe crabs play in the pharmaceutical industry. Finally Hawkins introduces a new segment called “Where’s Jason?” He will be reporting from “mystery locations” throughout the state and viewers can tune in for clues to which Connecticut location Jason is visiting, and write in with their guesses. Also show segments in season two feature Eric Clemons. His segment “Inside Out” will detail recreational activities across the state. In addition the “Capturing Connecticut” segment will highlight visual essays on the state’s most distinctive natural and man-made landscapes.  All Things Connecticut is made possible with support from People’s United Bank and Thomas Hooker Brewing Company’s new Munich-Style Lager. All Things Connecticut’s Where’s Jason? segment is made possible by Thomas Hooker Brewing Company’s new Munich-Style Lager.  Watch show segments here.

It’s finally finished!  Watch my new documentary THE BLIZZARD OF ‘78.  CPTV’s newest original documentary about the horrific and heroic stories of one of Connecticut’s greatest natural disasters is premiering this Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. on CPTV (encore presentation at 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 4:00 p.m.).

I’m still looking for film, still photos and/or stories about the Blizzard of 78 (Storm Larry).  Please email me or call Connecticut Public Television (860) 278-5310 with any information.

If you’d like to watch a segment from All Things Connecticut go to this link http://www.cptv2.org/allthingsct/.  You’ll be able to watch all of last seasons shows.

All Things Connecticut begins its fall run on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 PM.  Among other stories, we feature Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Horton Foote, who recently passed away at age 92. His rich body of work over a lifetime in the American theatre seemed to resonate with Connecticut audiences. We take a look at his ten year creative partnership with Hartford Stage and its artistic director Michael Wilson.  

Today’s Children in Tomorrow’s World is a one hour documentary that addresses very serious issues facing Connecticut’s educational system.

Connecticut is losing its competitive edge because it is not preparing today’s students to be educated citizens and skilled workers in tomorrow’s economy.  Ten years ago, Connecticut was one of the top states in the country in terms of academic performance. However, over the past decade, the state’s standing has dropped dramatically.

By 2005, Connecticut had fallen to 23rd in the nation for 8th grade reading and 31st in math.”  This documentary is meant as a call to action,” says producer, director, writer Jennifer Boyd. “We must pay attention to what is happening and take action. An educated citizenry is key to maintaining our quality of life.”

The documentary first aired in June of 2008.  It will be rebroadcast on Connecticut Public Television several times in 2009.  Jennifer is also working with CPTV and the State University System to create a series of public forums around the state to discuss issues addressed in the documentary.

Community groups will be encouraged to use the documentary as a tool to create awareness and to spark discussion on how to best improve education in our state.

If you are interested in organizing a forum and would like to use the documentary, contact Jennifer Boyd at 860-275-7273.  Copies of the show may be purchased at cptv