“What’s Up” has won the Rika Welsh Community Impact Award for 2024.

Given by the Alliance for Community Media – Northeast Region, this award recognizes an individual or group — who have generated a project – that uses public, education or government channels to reach the community. The Awards Committee selected “What’s Up” in large part due to the dedication of the hosts and crew, contributing to the longevity of the show and its service to residents of Methuen. The show remained in production in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

In 1999, the Methuen Senior Center understood the potential for reaching out to seniors in the community via local cable TV. Partnering with Methuen Community Studios, “What’s Up,” a monthly TV program, was created to share information on activities and programs. Started by Domenic Stella and Susan Riccio, the show has also been hosted by staff and trustees such as Madeline Abati, Louise Flynn, Connie Grew, Maureen Morin, Lynne Moss, Monica Pitman, Don Riccio and Genevieve Marks, the current president of the Trustees. Activity Coordinator Jennifer Loiselle and Trustee Linda Bongiorno are the current hosts.

Currently directed by Tom Gradzewicz, the crew has been made up of volunteers trained by MCS, including Harvey Marks, Geralyn Friedrich, Carol Rousseau, Jane Galluccio, Marilyn Freeman, Donna (Moylan) Eddy, Joanne Vietor, Fred Lyon, Barbara Stella, Leo and Theresa Roy, Al Grant, Robert Stier, Jackie Cloutier, Sal DiStefano, Arthur Ouellette and Tom Panzini.

In 25 years of “What’s Up,” hosts and volunteer crews have passed the torch more than once.

“I’m sure we missed a few names here, but suffice to say, ‘What’s Up’ remains a staple of our offerings and gives seniors the chance to create their own program for other seniors,” said MCS Executive Director Karen Hayden.