When it comes to getting to know people, Lois Whealey does not like to do all the talking.
That's not my style
she said. The best way is to have discussions.
Whealey, 74, has been having discussions with local women on her show, Women Today and Yesterday, since September.
The encouragement of a friend inspired Whealey to start Women Today and Yesterday 10 years ago, but she only filmed four episodes. Last fall she started the show again with more regularity. According to Matt Green, executive director of Channel 23, last Tuesday marked the taping of Whealey's 18th episode.
I've actually learned a lot from just sitting there and listening said Green, who assists Whealey by taping the show.
The public access TV program looks at women in Athens who are doing interesting things Whealey said. She has interviewed women representing organizations such as Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio, American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters. Whealey said that the guests on her show are all active, strong women.
Along with these discussions, Whealey includes history in her show, profiling famous women from Queen Victoria to Janis Joplin.
Whealey's interest in women's history comes from the strong women that have been a part of her life. Her mother was active in politics and academics. Whealey herself is a quarter away from getting her third master's degree, in social sciences from Ohio University. She received her first master's degree in education from the University of Michigan and her second in political science from OU.
Last Tuesday, Whealey interviewed Jane Forrest Redfern, executive director of Rural Action, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economy, environment and social life in Appalachia.
Whealey is a member of Rural Action and asked Forrest Redfern to be on the show. She said she often asks people she knows to participate in the program, especially when their organizations have events or programs coming up.
Rural Action is getting ready to plan a new process for rural renewal, which was discussed during the show. Forrest Redfern said their conversation covered many different topics and was delightful.
(The interview) was like sitting in her kitchen having tea
she said.
According to Redfern, public access TV is important, not only for residents to voice their opinions, but because programs like Whealey's can show the public what is happening in Athens and surrounding areas.
It's important to see the strengths of the place you live
Whealey said. One of our greatest strengths is the women who work and volunteer here.
Whealey tapes Women Today and Yesterday on Tuesdays and it is broadcast on Channel 23 Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m.
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Lois Whealey, right, speaks with women who are doing interesting things in and around Athens, such as guest Jane Forrest Redfern, on her show Women Today and Yesterday.
