Syretha Mitchell, who had been answering the phones at MTN since 1996, died on December 16, 2001. Just a few nights before that she and her husband participated in the “Celebrate MTN” event, which was cablecast live. At that event, producer Patrice Winston recognized Syretha for her contributions to MTN. E veryone who called MTN or walked down the hall by her office remembers Syretha, her smile, and her font of advice and wisdom. She is missed around here. Her funeral was on Friday, December 21 at First Trinity Church of God In Christ in St. Paul.

Spring is in the air. The season of rebirth. The past winter was a time of loss, especially here in my office.  As mentioned above, we lost our receptionist of nearly six years, and my office mate, Syretha Mitchell.  It was heart warming to share and celebrate with a large extended church family at her memorial home going service, yet I feel an emptiness around here.  I think the lesson learned is to appreciate the wide range of people who use our media center.  Previously lost producers who come to mind include Warner Jackson, Jim O'Connell, Dick Pirson, & Mel Riley. This column celebrates some of the committed visionaries who come to public access to exercise freedom of speech. New members are using digital format cameras and non-linear edit systems to speed up and jazz up their programming for MTN's channels. Our two in-house studios have never been busier, with new graduates eager to practice their production skills. Call me at extension 329 if you are interested in volunteering for a production, or drop by the information workshops every other Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. to get involved. At MTN we have had some extremely active producers, both new and veteran.  Patrice Winston, with the assistance of Brother Jerome Love, has been tackling politics since before the election last fall. They have interviewed Mayor R.T. Rybak, city councilmembers and other politicians in two direct conversational programs: "Moving Forward" (Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 17) and "The Difference Makers" (Tuesdays at 5 p.m. on Channel 67). Jose Serrano has a music video, starring himself as the Vampire, which he has just closed post-production on. "Acutus" is editing his fourth season of "Body Rock," with new visual effects he is excited to introduce (Fridays at 11 p.m. on Channel 17). Tony Geer has been following the post-season adventures of the U of M Women's basketball team, the Gophers. Watch for his show only on MTN.   MTN has been showing a collaboration between Deep Dish TV and the nationally syndicated "Democracy Now !" radio show since September 11 (Mondays at 10:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on Channel 67). The program features a very different side of foreign policy than that presented by the mainstream media. I look forward to seeing more productions come to fruition this spring.  Drop by to catch a bit of the energy, and to learn more. - Doug Cain

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