(Officials, CCS-TV students, and supporters gather to celebrate the opening of the CCS-TV studio, a space designed to foster creativity, storytelling, and professional skills for young media enthusiasts.)
JAMESTOWN, NY – CCS-TV (Collaborative Children’s Solutions Television) officially celebrated the grand opening of its broadcasting studio in Downtown Jamestown with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where mentor Justin Gould was honored as the first recipient of the Anthony Senske: Your Smile Changed the World Award.
Collaborative Children’s Solutions (CCS) President Patrick Smeraldo and his wife Jill (CCS Treasurer), Jim McElrath Jr., (Vice President-absent), joined CCS-TV students Elora Watkins, Melina Singleton, Chase Slagle, and Connor Johnson, along with CCS-TV mentors Justin Gould and Danny Mealy, Signature Sponsor John Felton from Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund, other officials, representatives, friends, and family to commemorate this milestone.
The event was made possible with the support of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jamestown. The new studio, the brainchild of mentor Justin Gould, was designed to provide hands-on learning experiences for middle and high school students passionate about journalism, broadcasting, filming, and editing.
CCS-TV, founded in December 2023, is an innovative educational online streaming service operated by Collaborative Children’s Solutions, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth. The CCS-TV Community Club offers a dynamic platform for young broadcasters to showcase their talents, gain practical experience, and inspire learning among viewers of all ages.
“At CCS-TV, we believe in the power of storytelling, creativity, and hands-on learning,” said Smeraldo. “Through our programs and workshops, students cultivate essential skills, collaborate with peers, and develop their potential as future broadcasters and content creators.”
The club builds on CCS’s long-standing history of connecting the community and providing opportunities for children through major community events. CCS-TV is committed to not only educating youth but also informing and entertaining the Chautauqua County community with engaging content.
Just before the official ribbon-cutting, Patrick Smeraldo announced a new honor: the Anthony Senske ‘Your Smile Changed the World’ Award. This award recognizes an individual whose smile has had a profound impact on the community. The first recipient of this award was Justin Gould. Senske’s parents Cory and Kristi Dean Senske were on hand for the presentation.
(Officials, CCS-TV students, and supporters gather to celebrate the opening of the CCS-TV studio, a space designed to foster creativity, storytelling, and professional skills for young media enthusiasts.)
The award was created in memory of Anthony Senske, a Jamestown High School student whose infectious smile and positive spirit touched the lives of many. Despite facing significant challenges, Anthony’s warmth and joy brightened every room he entered. He formed deep connections with his classmates, school staff, medical caregivers, and the community. Whether enjoying music, therapeutic horseback riding, or cheering for the Buffalo Bills, Anthony’s enthusiasm for life was truly inspiring. His ability to communicate beyond words and bring happiness to those around him made him a cherished member of the community.
“Justin has used his passion for broadcasting to inspire and uplift the youth in our community,” said Smeraldo. “Despite challenges, his unwavering smile never fades. It is a testament to his dedication—encouraging young minds to explore their passions, no matter what they may be.”
Smeraldo went on to praise Gould’s positivity and enthusiasm, stating that he creates an environment where “dreams are nurtured, and possibilities are endless.”
“I had the opportunity to work with Justin and the kids at the Hall of Fame dinner,” Smeraldo added. “For the first time, I put on the headphones and heard him constantly encouraging the students as they worked: ‘Good job. Nice picture. You’re a champ!’ His encouragement is truly inspiring.”
In his acceptance speech, Gould expressed sincere gratitude to Smeraldo, the community, and, most importantly, his students.
“I honestly never thought I’d be in this role, working with kids. It was the last thing on my bingo card,” said Gould. “But Patrick, your drive to unite our community and effect positive change is inspiring. What we’re building at CCS-TV is truly next level. I do this because it’s fun. I’ve always loved playing with cameras, and now I get to pass that passion on.”
Gould, who currently serves as Chautauqua County Government’s Media Information Officer, previously founded and operated WNY News Now, a digital news company based in Jamestown. His media journey began at the age of 11, experimenting with audiovisual production equipment in his parents’ basement—a passion he now shares with the next generation of broadcasters.
“At 11 years old, you don’t know much about the world or where you’ll end up,” continued Gould. “But an 11-year-old like Connor Johnson, Chase Slagel, Melina Singleton, or Elora Watkins will one day lead our communities. They don’t know it yet, but we do. I’m blessed to work alongside them and look forward to many more years helping to shape the next generation of Walter Cronkites and Barbara Walterses.”
For more information and to sign up for the FREE club, visit ccs-tv.com/join.
CCS-TV extends its gratitude to Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr., Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, and Congressman Nick Langworthy for their recognition and support of this initiative.
The student focused broadcast channel can be viewed online at CCS-TV.com, Roku, YouTube, and via the CCS-TV mobile app. The app is available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching “CCS-TV.”
