First hour: A tribute to Bob Smith
Second hour: Previewing the return of PBS' Home Fires
Former WXXI host Bob Smith passed away Friday morning at the age of 63. Bob was the original host of WXXI’s midday talk show, 1370 Connection, for more than 25 years. Every day, Bob led community-driven conversations on everything from education and the environment, to music, dance, arts, and culture. During his career, he interviewed a number of newsmakers and opinion leaders, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rudolph Giuliani, Mario Cuomo, Diane Rehm, Susan Stamberg, Dave Brubeck, and B.B. King. This hour, we will remember Bob's life and work, and reflect on his enduring legacy.
Then in our second hour, we'll preview the return of the PBS show, Home Fires, with a discussion about how World War II impacted families and individual communities. We'll listen to some music from the time, hear about local history, and a World War II veteran will share his story. Our guests:
- Peter DuPre, World War II veteran
- Dr. Carolyn Vacca, Monroe County historian and associate professor and chair of the History Department at St. John Fisher College
- Michael Lasser, host of WXXI’s “Fascinatin’ Rhythm”
Danielle Abramson Swartz, WXXI's director of station events and special projects
