Church unveils new format for cable show

Warwick — Since fall of 2003, a weekly cable program broadcast by Cablevision and produced by Christ Episcopal Church in Warwick, has been offering an mix of interviews with local authors, entrepreneurs, entertainers, historians, and community activists, young and old, from all walks of life. The show has been slowly building an audience of loyal viewers, and fine-tuning its production values along the way. Through the efforts of an experienced group of volunteers, and with the assistance of Cablevision’s Dan Rosado, the show is now in its third season, with a new look and feel, broadcasting an array of themed programs which provide an opportunity for viewers to explore spiritual, social, local, and global issues in an engaging and entertaining way. Father J. Scott Barker, rector of Christ Church, hosts the show. Allison Kroll and Steve Laico lead a segment called “Alive Side,” which explores topics of interest to young people, including teen politics, current events, and creative arts. It offers an often humorous look at the cutting edge of modern media, with Web site and music reviews, and suggested reading materials on current issues and trends. The new approach means taking the cameras to the streets, as Kroll and Laico did recently for a visit to the Sugar Loaf firehouse to be aired this week. Three years ago, parishioner Betty Hurd created the concept for the show and recruited a group of volunteers who quickly learned all aspects of producing a television show - from set design, to make up, to program editing. Many of the volunteers are young people, who learn valuable skills while giving of their time to this community outreach project. The Christ Alive Show airs every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. and on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. on channel 77. Christ Episcopal Church is located at 50 South St. in Warwick. For more information, call 986-3440 or email fatherscott@christchurch.org.