Appreciation Awards Given Out at MATV Heroes of Access Dinner Show
This week, in accordance with our By-laws, MATV held its 17th annual membership meeting at Anthony’s on Canal Street here in Malden. The theme for this year’s gathering was “Heroes of Access” and featured a special screening of a video highlighting the TV series, Ablevision edited by the program’s instructor, Alisa Brugnoli. The show is produced by adults with disabilities through a special collaboration program of Triangle, Inc and MATV. That night, the Ablevision crew received the first ever MATV “Heroes of Access” award for the extraordinary work they have accomplished over the six years.
The night began with a short video featuring the executive director, Ron Cox having trouble coming up with a super hero costume to wear. The audience watched him consider various ideas from Superman, to Batman and then Aquaman as he humorously contemplated why they wouldn’t work. Finally, after several shots of Ron in tights and wigs, he settled on “Hiro Nakamora” from the popular TV show, Heroes. Right after that, the show went “live” and MATV station manager, Terlonzo Amos was introduced.
He arrived at the podium dressed as the comic hero, “Blade” to arousing applause. Many had expected him to show up as Batman, but as Terlonzo explained, he wanted to do the unexpected and demonstrated a little “campy” sword routine with his props. He then introduced MATV assistant director, Anne D’Urso-Rose who didn’t wear a costume and commented to the audience that she represented the members who didn’t want to wear a costume but didn’t want to miss the party. Terlonzo warned her that Ron had expected her to wear one and he might be disappointed when he saw her. Anne answered that she would handle it when Ron later appeared.
When it came time to introduce the executive director both Terlonzo and Anne realized that Ron was back at the studio, probably still working on his decision on what costume to choose. When Terlonzo pushed the button to check on the remote camera set up at the studio, sure enough Ron was back in his office daydreaming. Terlonzo woke him up and Ron raised his head wearing a black wig dressed as the Heroes character, Hiro Nakamora. Terlonzo suggested that he get himself down to Anthony’s as quick as he could and Ron then proceeded to “time travel” himself to the annual meeting. It was a very funny introduction and Ron eventually entered the function hall dressed as the popular Asian-American TV hero to begin the meeting as the audience laughed and applauded.
The actual meeting was called to order by the MATV Board President, Bill Spadafora who gave a speech focusing on the past year and his term as president. He confessed that when he was first asked to join the board of Directors by former President, Kevin Duffy, he didn’t really know a lot about the inner workings of MATV. But over the past year after being convinced by Mr. Duffy to take over the presidential duties, he has come to appreciate the resources of Malden’s Media Center, as well as the incredible work the members and staff do every day at MATV.
He highlighted his involvement with the highly successful MATV fundraiser, “Fight Night with Dana Rosenblatt” and announced the establishment of the Dana Rosenblatt Scholarship that will be given to students from both Malden Catholic and Malden High School students starting next year.
Bill also praised the MATV staff for all their hard work they have done over the past year especially the tireless efforts they made during the week of the fundraiser. Mr. Spadafora added how MATV needs to seek alternative sources of funding and that Fight Night would become an annual event. He also commended on the diversity of the community and how crucial the resources of MATV are in getting all the various groups to share their ideas and talents with everyone in Malden. It was MATV that provided that connection and gave those participants a voice.
He concluded by reminding the audience that MATV needs to seek alternative sources of funding and that while the City of Malden has successfully negotiated a new 10-year contract with Comcast, Malden’s Media Center needs to broaden its base of support by reaching out to community businesses as partners and continuing the commitment to having successful fundraisers. In the end, the Board President praised his good friend, Ron Cox for his leadership and the direction he has let MATV.
Also, during the meeting a series of appreciation awards were given out. Trophies for Volunteer of the Year were given out to Board Secretary, Christine Murphy and volunteer member, Brent Robie for their outstanding work editing various projects over the past year. The Producer of the Year award was given to Sal Kahn and the Golden Video Award went to Greg Osgood for his show, The Knucklehead Zone. A special award was given to former Board member, Kevin Duffy in appreciation for his 6 years of service, three of them as Board President. MATV members, Karen Lynch, Daniel Nozea, Leslie Weston and Carl Zompanti were honored with flowers and a MATV baseball cap for the amount of hours they have volunteered over the past year. These are the people who are the backbone of MATV and make it possible for the media center to do the things they do.
The evening also had a Comic Book Trivia, as well as a costume contest led by Jim Blanchette from New England Comics, who also helped sponsor the event by donating prizes and props for the production. MATV would also like to thank Kappys Liquor for donating 10 bottles of sparkling wine that were made into superhero centerpieces by Ron Cox and given out as prizes as well. Of course, Malden Access Television is also grateful to Albert Spadafora, who not only helped sponsor the buffet dinner, but graciously participated in the opening video written by Ron Cox and edited by Educational Access Coordinator, Lindsay Alaimo.
It turned out to be a very entertaining evening of celebration and spirited fun and the over 100 participants had a wonderful time. Look for the video of the event that will soon be seen on channel 3. Thanks to everyone who came and supported MATV that Monday night.
