An open letter to you, our loyal viewer

Summer is approaching here in west and southwest Michigan, and things are changing and growing here at WGVU. We’re just over a month away from the digital TV transition, happening on June 12. The government coupon program is back up and running, so if you need a converter box, and you haven’t requested a coupon yet – or, if you had a coupon that expired unused – you can request up to two coupons now at dtv2009.gov. The program will only accept requests until July 31, or until the funding for the program runs out, so don’t delay! If you have questions about the transition, please call us at 800-442-2771. We’ll be hosting our next on-air DTV Test on Wednesday, May, 27 at 5:45 p.m. and you can find a 24-hour-a-day test on channels 35.4 and 52.4.

In April, we concluded our Spring Membership Campaign on WGVU Radio, as well as our online Auction. I’d like to thank personally all of the volunteers, donors, members, viewers and listeners who helped during both events. In these challenging times, we find ourselves depending on each as never before. WGVU is your source for news and current events, as well as drama, comedy, mystery, scientific discovery, history and the best children’s programming on the air. We’re your window on the world – on every aspect of the world. You rely on us to keep you informed and entertained and we rely on your support to allow us to continue and expand our programming. Thank you for making this community possible.

This month brings several exciting events to WGVU, including Independent Cinema at the UICA on May 5, the Cool Teacher Banquet on May 12, ClubHouse Day at Gymco on May 23 and The Kalamazoo Food & Wine Fest on May 29. I hope that you’ll join us at one of these opportunities. Remember that as a WGVU member, you can purchase tickets for our Kalamazoo wine event at a $5 discount until May 15. We’re also in the planning stages for two big events for kids and families this summer – a WGVU weekend at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, June 20 – 21 and KidsDay at the John Ball Zoo on August 7. Stay tuned to our web site for updates.

If you’re part of the online community, don’t forget that WGVU is now on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn – just search for WGVU Connect and sign up to become a friend or follower. You’ll get updates on WGVU events and programs sent right to you every day! Thank you for your continued support of everything that we do here at WGVU – have a great month!

Michael T. Walenta, General Manager, WGVU