3 minute read
Channeling Creativity
Pat Dorning has always enjoyed being an active member of her community. Now, she’s found a new outlet at Masonic Village: Channel 956.
Channel 956 is the resident news channel at Masonic Village at Sewickley, which provides access to information about campus events, birthdays and even entertainment features, such as documentaries and cooking demonstrations. The extensive range of material reflects the interests of residents, so there is truly something for everyone.
Pat serves as one of the hardworking volunteers behind the station’s success. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pat was an enthusiastic participant in her local community. At her Ukrainian Orthodox church, she grew up performing traditional Ukranian dances and later contributed baked goods and pierogies to annual sales.
Pat took her spirit of service with her when she moved to Masonic Village. After visiting the Sewickley campus, she knew it was the right fit for her: close to her beloved Pittsburgh and full of opportunities to try new things.
She got involved with the station after being introduced to the team by friend Jim Lea, who was already working on creating content for the channel. Their efforts, along with the rest of the team’s, ensure quality information and entertainment for hundreds of residents.
Though the process of creating media for the channel is challenging, Pat surprisingly has very little experience with video production. She worked as a secretary in Chicago before attending Robert Morris University School of Business, Shadyside School of Nursing and University of Pittsburgh, ultimately becoming a registered nurse.
In the 24 years she spent as a nurse at UPMC, the most interaction she had with video presentation was adding infographics to PowerPoint slides. “Clip art works pretty well, but it’s nothing compared to what we’re doing now,” she said.
Since Pat began with the station, she has quickly learned the skills required to create the media that appears on the channel.
Each production starts with an idea, usually at the request of a resident about something they want to see on 956.
Next comes the planning process, which includes everything from logistics to casting, depending on the nature of the request.
Once the plan is set, the team records the media and begins the editing process, which is the longest and most difficult step of the operation. When the editing is complete, the media is ready to be released on the channel.
“It’s not Steven Spielberg or anything, but they turn out pretty good,” Pat joked.
The range of requests the team gets for material to show on the channel is certainly broad, including healthcare information sessions, comedy specials, political biographies and movies. The team has also created the historical documentary “Old Economy Village” and a mystery segment titled “Where’s George?”
Pat has personally created media for some special requests, such as features on the history of different types of foods. “People always like the [content] about food,” Pat said.
Regular programs on the channel feature resident birthday shout-outs and information about clubs and events on campus.
Pat’s goal for the extensive offerings is to provide every resident with content that fits their interests. “I hope they enjoy and appreciate it,” she said.
Aside from the requested features, Pat and the team have also offered special content for Memorial Day, Christmas celebrations and other holidays, including their most recent production, “Mrs. Bunny Visits MVS.” The idea for the feature came from resident Phil Fawley, who also wrote the script. For this production, Pat recruited 13 actors and 10 interviewees, and the group rehearsed the script for about a month.
Despite what appears to be a considerable undertaking, residents (and staff) are undeterred and eager to participate in the station’s various productions.
Getting new people involved with the station is one of the things Pat enjoys most about beginning new projects.
“I learn things [about the production process] on my own, and I hope they do, too,” she said.
Pat, along with help from Jim, is currently busy at work on a new project, tentatively titled “Wandering through Sewickley Cemetery with Charles and Pat.” The project will feature Pat and fellow resident Charles Wright as they highlight well-known monuments in the cemetery. These include graves dating back to the Civil War, the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial and more.
Reflecting on her time spent working on content for the station, Pat encourages other Sewickley residents to get involved with Channel 956.
From expanding your social circle to learning valuable new skills, there are countless benefits to getting involved.
By Natalie Torta, public relations associate
