SPOTLIGHT: Kate Messner, author

As the weather cools, the air feels crisp, and the leaves change color, Kate Messner and I sit down for a chat about her book The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. Her book paints an evocative picture of autumn, while relating the story of a seventh grader who struggles to finish a science project of collecting and naming leaves from twenty-five different kinds of trees. The award-winning writer from Plattsburgh finds much inspiration in her own life, and in the lives and adventures of the students she teaches as a middle school English instructor. Kate and I talk about the revision process, choosing a good title, target audience concerns, and how her students both learn from her experiences and help her out. "Spotlight" airs on Mountain Lake Journal Extra Thursday night at 8:30 on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats on Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at at 7:30pm and Sunday at 10:30am.

SPOTLIGHT on the Boobie Sisters

The Boobie Sisters take center stage on Mountain Lake Journal Extra. Seriously! Far from being an X-rated burlesque act, these women promote a healthy attitude through the healing power of humor. The Boobie Sisters, with their funny name and humorous songs, actually sing about some pretty serious issues. Their performances tackle breast exams, cancer treatments, dealing with family issues and changing bodies. "Spotlight" airs on Mountain Lake Journal Extra Thursday night at 8:30 on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats on Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at at 7:30pm and Sunday at 10:30am.

SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

This week, Mountain Lake Journal Extra devotes a half hour to "Spotlight." "Spotlight," produced and hosted by Paul Larson, illuminates our diverse community with stories about the arts, education, technology and health care.

PLATTSBURGH STUDENTS: Thirty-five students from Plattsburgh schools take center stage to sing with violinist Andre Rieu and his orchestra at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

BETH WADLEIGH: Her therapy dog Pepper can helps raise confidence and reading skills in students. Pepper's life with Wadleigh is a happy chapter filled with books, kids, and lots of attention, after his life began under sadder circumstances. For more information about Therapy Dogs of Vermont, the website is www.thearpydogs.org

HEIDE MESSING: Women in contemporary society populate the sculptural world of artist Heide Messing. Using stone and bronze, the Montreal-area sculptor celebrates women as business professionals, mothers, romantics,and free spirits. Her work ranges from very small pieces to monumental outdoor displays. The internationally acclaimed artist has exhibited in
many countries, but draws most of her inspiration from close to home. She often bundles her women and children up to brave the Canadian winter. Paul Larson shows us how the medium of stone drives Messing to create, and how she uses art as therapy to work through some serious
family issues. For more information, go to www.heidemessingmcdonald.com