October, 2025

🇺🇸 Greetings to our friends on both sides of the border! 🇨🇦

Won’t you be our neighbo(u)r? Inspired by the spirit of Fred Rogers, this new monthly newsletter is our way of connecting with you—our cross-border community—with stories that inform, inspire, and reflect the values we care about: kindness, curiosity, and connection.

Each month, you’ll get a thoughtful mix of public media highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and ways to stay connected with what matters most in our region. We’re glad you’re here!

-- Mark Prasuhn, WPBS President & General Manager

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR Bushtuka!

Support Public Media

WPBS Annual Fundraising Auction

WPBS will be using a new approach to our beloved charity auction programming. Starting this year, we will be consolidating our two annual auctions into one major event at the kickoff of the Holiday Season.

More Than a TV Station: Fred Roger's Powerful PBS Testimony

In 1969, Fred Rogers went before Congress to defend the power of public television. His heartfelt words helped secure vital funding-not just for a channel, but for a safe, educational space for generations of children. Because every child deserves PBS KIDS.

Watch Here

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More Ways to Support

Help WPBS stay strong so we can continue bringing you quality content like this newsletter — and so much more!

YOU are the "public" in public media. When you give, you're fueling the programs you love — and helping build a stronger community through trusted public resources.

Your support powers everything we do — one neighbo(u)r at a time.

Food & Fun

Wood Fired Bagels

What happens when you mix the expertise involved in making the perfect New York City Bagel with a North Country twist? We find out on Johnny on Fire where Bagels meet Johnny Spezzano’s woodfire grill with some help from special guest, Sean Hennessey

Get the Recipe

Halloween Events

🎃 Halloween is right around the corner, and we've got two SPOOK-tacular events to share! Join WPBS at the annual Fort Drum Trunk or Treat and Malloween at Salmon Run Mall — both free and open to the community. Costumes, candy, and fall fun for the family!

Get the Details

Music & Media

Road Trip Playlist

Paul and Chris, hosts of View Finders, LOVE music. Each episode features a carefully selected soundtrack that complements the stunning scenery of their adventures. Tune in to WPBS Saturday at 6:30 am and on Create TV (WPBS-2) Thursdays at 5:00 pm. Their playlist just might be the perfect soundtrack for your next road trip!

Listen Now

WPBS Livestreaming

In May 2025, video streaming overtook broadcast and cable viewing for the first time. The convenience of streaming and on-demand access across devices is clearly the future. WPBS is committed to meeting viewers where they are. That’s why we now offer six 24/7 live streaming channels!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

As a bi-national PBS station serving Northern New York and Eastern Ontario, WPBS is in the fortunate position of celebrating Thanksgiving not once, but twice each year!

To mark Canadian Thanksgiving on Monday, October 13, join us in streaming travel documentary series Seeing Canada with Brandy Yanchyk, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of Canada.

Stream Now

Education & Children's Media

Whiz Quiz

The beloved high school trivia competition Whiz Quiz returns for its 45th season, hosted once again by Northern New York favorite, Mel Busler. Taping kicks off in early October at the WPBS studio, with new episodes premiering weeknights at 7:30 pm, starting October 20 on WPBS. Tune in to watch live or stream anytime on the free PBS app!

Learn More

Play an Apple Picking Digital Game with the Kids! (PreK-K)

This digital game from PBS Learning Media reinforces reading, writing, and representing numbers. Numbered apples are floating in the water on their way to the cider press. Help Curious George and Jumpy grab the right ones to fill the gaps in the apple number line. (Grades PreK-K)

Play Now

SPONSORED IN PART BY Neighbors of Watertown and Rakabot!

Travel & Local Attractions

Hooked on the North Country

WPBS’s Director of Broadcast Engineering & I.T., Mike Ortiz, shares his deep passion for fishing — a tradition, a challenge, and more than a little obsession. For fellow outdoor enthusiasts, the latest episode of Park It ! is streaming free through NOV 30.

Mike's Story

Upstate Attractions

New York State is second only to California in its number of museums. Some are world-renowned and many are smaller hidden gems. Discover more Upstate Attractions Thursdays at 7:00 pm. An all new episode premieres OCT 16 on WPBS!

What is WPBS Passport ?

WPBS Passport is a member benefit that gives members extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming, including your favorite local shows and PBS national programs - anytime, on any device.

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Stories Worth Investigating

Fall into mystery this season with a lineup of compelling detective dramas - Streaming NOW on the PBS app with member benefit, WPBS Passport! Misery loves company… and these are stories worth investigating.

Watch Here