From the CEO - April 2017

When this time of year rolls around many people begin to think of spring cleaning. As the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to tackle projects around the house. Growing up in the north, spring meant putting away the shovels, taking out the stakes that indicated where the street ended and the front yard started, and re-seeding the part of the lawn that the plows dug up. For others, it's time to clean out the attic.

It’s funny how one person’s trash can be another’s treasure. Perhaps that is why so many people love Antiques Roadshow. People enjoy discovering fascinating truths about their family heirlooms and flea market finds. We had a huge crowd turn out when the show filmed in Virginia Beach last summer. Now, it’s time to see what treasures they found!

I hope you will join me at our upcoming Antiques Roadshow-Virginia Beach preview party on April 24 at the WHRO studios in Norfolk. Hear from a local antiques expert on what to look for when buying antiques, and watch the first installment of Antiques Roadshow-Virginia Beach along with us. Learn more at whro.org/events.

Speaking of excellent television shows, I’m excited to see The Great War, a three-part documentary that tells the rich and complex story of World War I. It debuts this month in conjunction with the 100 ^th anniversary of America’s entry into the war in April 1917. It airs April 10-12 starting at 9 p.m. each night on WHRO TV15.

We, too, are celebrating a centennial milestone locally. Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station, is celebrating its 100 ^th anniversary this year. Last December, Langley Air Force Base also celebrated 100 years of service in Hampton Roads. We are grateful for all of the men and women who serve, and we are honored call them our neighbors.

We are also very thankful for you, our members. We just completed the television portion of our spring pledge drive, and we enjoyed hearing from many of you. Thank you to everyone who contributed last month! Your support enables us to continue providing quality programs and services to the community.

If you didn’t get a chance to donate yet, we would love to hear from you. The radio portion of our spring drive runs April 1-7. Tune in and give us a call or visit our website to Support What You Love.

Finally, I’d like to extend a special congratulations to the winner of The Virginian-Pilot Spelling Bee. This was our 10 ^th year hosting the bee at our studio in Norfolk and broadcasting it live. In an exciting conclusion, Xuan Tran, an eighth grader at Queens Lake Middle School in Williamsburg won first place. Congratulations! We wish you the best as you compete in the national spelling bee in May.

Enjoy the spring!