Several residents from MPTF were guests of George Lopez at the taping of his show “Lopez Tonight” which aired February 10^th. It was his special Valentine’s Day show and not only did the ladies get front row seats for the show, but they each got a kiss from George. And if that wasn’t enough, guest Ashton Kutcher saw the MPTF lovelies on his way on stage and just had to stop and wish them a happy Valentine’s Day and give out a few kisses of his own.

During the show, George played a segment he had taped days earlier at MPTF where he interviewed female residents about love, romance and what they want from a man. The show ended with MPTF resident Lee Zenziplr giving a toast to George, saying that “you’re never too old or young to fall in love on Valentine’s Day.”

It was a special day for the MPTF residents who got to go to the show, and the producers really rolled out the red carpet and treated them like celebrities. And “Lopez Tonight” viewers across the country got to see some of the wonderful ladies and gentlemen of the MPTF Country House on late night television!

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Thanks to the vision and generosity of Mel Shavelson and financial support from entertainment industry companies like NBC Universal, the MPTF was able to create a closed-circuit television station for the residents here on campus.

Every week we are creating original programming that is written and produced by an amazing combination of residents, employees, and volunteers of all ages. Jennifer Clymer, Channel 22’s executive producer is the miracle woman who makes it all happen. Her partner in miracles is associate producer Marie Tang, who provides unfailing support to help keep our small but vital station on the air.
Both have been joined by an incredible team of volunteers.

Our volunteers run the gamut from retired pros to high school kids. Every day, this cross-section of generations comes together to create something unique for our residents. Veteran editors teach film school students how to tell a story visually; students show vets the new dimensions of technology. Younger camera people can get real-life experience working at the station; writers can try their hand at a new form. A retired pro like make up man Del Acevedo not only makes everyone on camera at Channel 22 feel beautiful, he shares the tricks of his trade with newer members of the industry.

We thank Merrill Barr, Bill Cappelman, Dominic DiMascio, Kevin Dobson, Sean Dobson, Bernie Fisher, Sandra Greenspoon, Sigi Hart, Vera Hart, Frank Kratovil, Ellen Levine, Marganit Lish, Skip Lusk, Virgil Mirano, Charlie Romano, Bobby White, Amy Wieseneck, Deppie Wieseneck, and Charlie Ziarko, as well as our junior volunteers Daniel, Jen, Joanne, Kenny, Lex, Lexie, and Max.

Where would the world be without those who volunteer to help others, no matter what the needs? How fortunate are we here at MPTF to have the volunteers necessary to keep our so unique Channel 22 on the air. Thank you all, the angels of Channel 22 and we invite everyone reading this to consider joining our wonderful team of Channel 22 Volunteers.

One for all and all for one, that’s us, the Miracle of Channel 22, and you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

– Joe Sutton

PS: There are SO MANY opportunities to volunteer for the Motion Picture & Television Fund. Please call us and we’ll help you find the best way for you to get involved – on campus and across Los Angeles!

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