Video Club Television Shows on Village TV in May

“BEYOND THE GATES” & “EYES ON BOOKS”

There is a lot happening in Orange County beyond the gray skies this May as the Video Club’s “Beyond the Gates” TV travel show showcases three local festivals. The episode airs on Village Television Wednesdays at 11 am and Sundays at 9 am. Also in May, the Video Club’s “Eyes on Books” show, airing Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 am, introduces Rancho Mirage mystery writer Michael Craft’s 19^th novel, “Desert Deadline.”

Hosted by Cherri Farah and Jonathan Williams, “Beyond the Gates” covers the May 17-19 festival held at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim (pictured above), featuring authentic, delicious Greek food prepared by parishioners of the 450-member church. Visitors will also enjoy craft booths, Greek Wine, beer, food, spices for sale, entertainment, and dance.

The episode also covers the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce Citrus Festival, held May 3-5, featuring a bubble parade on Friday night , a car show, food, rides, and more. In addition, it covers Soka University’s inaugural Peace Festival, held May 4, celebrating harmony and understanding in a serene setting.

At left, “Beyond the Gates” co-host Cherri Farah and Martin Beck, Soka University Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, discuss Soka’s Peace Festival.

“Eyes on Books” co-hosts Teri Kelsall and John G. Peters, Jr. meet writer Michael Craft to discuss “Desert Deadline,” his murder mystery set in the backdrop of the Coachella Valley. The dynamic between Dante, jazz, and the elusive female author adds an extra layer of intrigue to a story that reveals the murderer and motive in a surprise ending.

The Video Club’s Video One Productions team produces the shows with Tom Nash, executive producer; Suzanne Savlov, producer; and Jack Crawbuck, director.

“LAGUNA WOODS STORIES”

In May, Video Club Vice President Dr. Tom Nash (at right in photo), host and producer of the “Laguna Woods Stories” half-hour television show, interviews one of the Village’s most-skilled woodworkers, Ami Gilad (above, left), taking a close look at many of his creations. Featuring Village residents with interesting stories to tell, the show airs on Village Television Wednesdays and Sundays at 12 noon.

Gilad was born in Israel, where he met and married his wife, Rebecca, a Mexican television journalist who was working in Israel at the time.  (Rebecca Gilad is known to the Village for her work with the Community Bridge Builders organization.) Gilad began his education in Israel, then came to the U.S. to complete his advanced degree in mechanical engineering.  His subsequent career was in engineering. After moving to the Village in 2015, he took up woodworking as a hobby.

Gilad’s engineering background came in handy while planning the intricate design of many of his creations. These range from automobiles and aircraft to furniture, decorative bowls, and many more.  He brought examples with him to the studio, and presented pictures of others during the program.

“Laguna Woods Stories” is produced by the Video Club’s Video One Productions team.