Video wins regional award

Bob Audette

Nov. 6, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BRATTLEBORO -- With a lot of help from the staff at Brattleboro Community Television, Theresa Maggio created an award-winning documentary for senior citizens and their families about the transition from living in the country to living in the city.

"The award is a nice affirmation of my training through BCTV," said Maggio, whose "Living in Town, a Choice for Seniors" placed second in a regional video competition for non-professional video makers, sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media, Northeast.

All of the techniques she used in crafting the video she learned at BCTV, said Maggio.

"I could not have done it without BCTV," she said. "I am so thankful to have this resource here."

Maggio created a video of what it was like for one husband and wife to move from their long-time home in the woods of Marlboro to the urban life in Brattleboro.

"Moving to town might be a good idea for some because they would be closer to services and to cultural happenings," said Maggio. "It might be safer and more comfortable if they could tear themselves away from their lovely, lonely houses and live in town."

It would make it more convenient to get to their doctor, church, a supermarket and even their families, she said.

"I don't know how many people will be convinced by this movie to leave their old digs," said Maggio. "But Janet did a great job of presenting an argument for moving to town once you reach a certain age."

"I was delighted

to collaborate with Theresa on her film," said Janet Cramer, 74. "My experience mirrors the experience of many other elders."

She and her husband built their home in Marlboro in 1980. Twenty-one years later, they moved to the hustle and bustle of Brattleboro.

Though they weren't able to buy a place right away, they stayed with a family member who lived at Morningside Commons.

"I realized it was a very good place, not just to perch in but to live," said Cramer.

Moving to Brattleboro has given her new opportunities to be involved in the community, she said.

"The opportunity to be part of a community keeps elders young and keeps a community more vital," said Cramer.

Nonetheless, she said, she and her husband recognize that their decision isn't for everybody.

"But sometimes it's important to go toward something else, not just away from something," said Cramer.

The video was commissioned by the Successful Aging Collaborative, whose members include the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, The Gathering Place, the Windham Regional Planning Commission, the Brattleboro Housing Authority, the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, the Vermont Department of Health, the Brattleboro Area Hospice, Pluhar Associates and the United Way of Windham County.

The video gives elders and their families a chance to consider how their lives might change for the better if they were to move closer to services, said Lynn Bedell, executive director of The Gathering Place, which provides adult day and community based services for those who are frail, disabled or isolated as well as support for their families and caregivers.

"This video heightens awareness about what to think about as we age," she said.

The executive director of BCTV, Cor Trowbridge, said there was a very positive response to Maggio's video during the time it was aired on Channel 8.

"We've had numerous calls to the station from viewers who saw Theresa's program and admired both the subject matter and the way she presented it," she said.

"Living in Town, a Choice for Seniors" was one of three videos submitted by BCTV for the competition.

"Theresa has worked at BCTV for a number of years, learning how to translate her journalistic skills into storytelling. She knows how to tell a story and knows how to go from a human interest story to a larger issue."

Maggio said she spends much of her free time at the station offices in Brattleboro's Municipal Building.

"I practically live here," she said, crediting the staff for all their help in creating the video.

BCTV's core mission is to make video production and training available to anyone who wants them, said Trowbridge.

Maggio's video can be viewed online at www.ibrattleboro.com/bmedia/manager/index.php?mode=view&recnum=268.

Bob Audette can be reached at raudette@reformer.com, or at 802-254-2311, ext. 273.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0475-39517048