Community Advisory Board
Questions about the Community Advisory Board? Please contact Audience Care:
audiencecare@ctpublic.org · (860) 275-7550
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Office Location: 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
MISSION
The Community Advisory Board shall reflect the communities served by Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR) through the review of programming and policies. The CAB shall also advise station administration and the governing board with respect to the educational and cultural needs of the communities and to make recommendations it considers appropriate to meet such needs.
As Connecticut's public broadcasting network, our mission is to serve our diverse audiences to the best of our ability. The Community Advisory Board represents the interests of our viewers and listeners, and communicates these interests to us.
The Community Advisory Board's advice helps Connecticut Public ensure that effective community input goes into our program planning and development.
MEETINGS
Community Advisory Board Meetings are open to the public. For more information email audiencecare@ctpublic.org.
Meeting Dates
- December 12, 2023
- March 12, 2024
- June 11, 2024
- September 11, 2024
- December 10, 2024 - Hubbard Room at the Russell Library in Middletown, CT
- March 12, 2025
- June 10, 2025
All meetings will be held virtually, beginning at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Learn More
- View our Connecticut Public CAB Bylaws (Amended February 17, 2022)
OFFICERS
Gwendolyn Edwards-Chair
Norwalk, CT
Member since 2017
Gwen is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning broadcast journalist, television producer, and community talk show host. Among her many honors, Gwen has won three Gracie awards. She was named to the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches’ 100 Most Influential Blacks and as Connecticut Hall of Fame’s Best Community Talk Show of the Year.
“My childhood, education, socialization, communication skills and my life-long career in broadcast journalism all were greatly influenced by PBS. I believe it is my duty to give back.”
Claire Dalidowitz-Vice Chair
Kensington, CT
Member since 2020
Claire is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center specializing in food allergies. She developed the Clinical Nutrition Department when the hospital opened. Previously, she was a Saint Joseph College tenured professor and a National Practice Chair for Women’s Health. Claire is also a Master Gardener and specializes in native plants.
“I believe in supporting Connecticut Public because it provides accurate, in-depth programming rather than sound bites. It also offers a diverse palette of programming for all ages and people - you will be well versed if you participate.”
Llyn Kaimowitz-Secretary
West Hartford, CT
Member since 2020
Llyn is a professional consultant to nonprofits. Her areas of expertise include board relations and fundraising. Her personal areas of interest include history, archaeology, music, and quilting.
“Drama, comedy, documentary, or news, Connecticut Public tells the most compelling stories. They always draw me into a fascinating and different world.”
Linda Cavanaugh
Farmington, CT
Member since 2016
Linda’s career as a government manager at the federal, state, and local level includes economic development, community planning, business development, employment, housing, program analysis, and management. She has written opinion pieces, produced community access programming, and volunteered for nonprofits that assist the elderly and disadvantaged.
“Professionally and personally, I’ve tried to provide information to engage, enlighten, or entertain people of all ages, especially the underserved….and that’s our CAB’s mission!”
James Hoyne
Enfield, CT
Member since 2020
James is an avid disabilities and education advocate.
“I serve to bring a perspective of the quality of TV produced from a young adult’s point of view in which I believe my life experiences and advocacy could help influence and inform others how they can get involved in their community.”
Patsy Johnson
South Windham, CT
Member since 2020
Patsy started her career in education as a public school music teacher and private music instructor before embarking on her graduate studies and research in early childhood music. She earned an EdD in Educational Leadership, received the Culbertson Award for her research studying conflict in school organizations, and retired as a tenured faculty member from the University of Connecticut.
"I want to share my expertise and experience in supporting the mission of Connecticut Public to improve and expand the educational, intellectual, and cultural life of Connecticut."
Agnes Quinones
Meriden, CT
Member since 2017
Agnes is an education consultant-program manager for the Connecticut State Department of Education, overseeing state-funded grant programs. She holds advanced degrees and has received national recognition for her vision, leadership, and commitment to equity. She serves on several boards, including as chair of the State Education Resource Center.
“I admire Connecticut Public’s mission. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a culturally-minded organization that creates spaces for all the community voices to be heard and to be seen. By serving, I too learn and grow.”
Natasha Samuels
Manchester, CT
Member since 2016
Natasha is an intellectual property manager at Yale University with a degree in information management and technology and a certificate in legal studies. A native of Jamaica, she served on the board of the West Indian Social Club and the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival planning committee. Natasha enjoys photography and promotes Connecticut through her @Love.Connecticut Instagram account.
"I enjoy being affiliated with an organization that still adheres to ethical standards of reporting by delivering trusted and unbiased news."
Lauren Shafer
West Simsbury, CT
Member since 2020
Lauren is a retired high school English teacher and a teacher-consultant with the National Writing Project. She has worked as a book editor and publications manager, and while studying at the University of Pennsylvania, interned at a PBS affiliate. Lauren volunteers for local nonprofits, and has completed Encore! CT's nonprofit sector immersion program.
“I am passionate about all that public broadcasting has to offer Connecticut residents: stories of our past and present, educational resources, and community connections. Now more than ever we need to support accurate and trustworthy media.”
Dan Smolnik
Hamden, CT
Member since 2021
Dan practices law, lectures, and pens articles in the areas of tax, business transactions, and tax-exempt organizations. He served on the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Advocacy Panel and was awarded the Presidential Silver Citation for his contributions. He also holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and serves on the Town of Hamden’s Economic Development Commission and the Board of the Hamden-North Haven YMCA.
“An informed public is essential to a thriving community, and I have discovered no more effective platform for the sharing of information than Connecticut Public. Participation in its mission is an important part of my dedication to public service, and an outstanding opportunity for me to learn from this distinguished and creative team.”
Leanne Zalewski
New Britain, CT
Member since 2018
Leanne is an Associate Professor of Art History at Central Connecticut State University. She earned a PhD and has published articles on late nineteenth-century American collections of European art. Prior to her academic career, she worked at an auction house and later at an art gallery in New York City. In addition, she is a professional MENAHT dancer specializing in Egyptian-style raqs sharqi.
"As an avid fan of NPR and PBS, I appreciate the opportunity to offer input via the CAB on these valuable public services."