Community Conversations​
Interviews with leaders and changemakers across Chautauqua County.
All Episodes
CCS-TV Community Conversation: Supporting Kids, Strengthening Community
CCS-TV Community Conversation: 2026 Chautauqua Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Preview
CCS-TV Community Conversation: Inside the Chautauqua Institution’s Year-Round Mission
CCS-TV Community Conversation: The Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program
CCS-TV Community Conversation with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund
Fighting Cancer with Every Swing: CCS-TV Community Conversation
Tarp Skunks 2025 Preview: CCS-TV Community Conversation with Dre Guinness & Jason Sample
NFL Star Champions Inclusive Sports in Jamestown, NY
Community Conversation: Stephen Carlson on Jamestown, the NFL & Hall of Fame Honor
Helping Kids Affected by Domestic Violence – Amanda Case's Story
Chris Herren: Overcoming Addiction and Inspiring Change
Lewis Black: Comedy, Wings & The Future of Funny
Inspiring Youth Through Basketball
CCS-TV Interview's NFL Star Harrison Phillips
MG Media Students Interview Jamestown's Mayor, Kimberly Ecklund
MG Media Students one-on-one with Chautauqua County's Executive
Chris Herren Interview
CCS-TV Community Conversation: Supporting Kids, Strengthening Community
This episode of Community Conversation focuses on how local partnerships support children and families—featuring insight on Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Chautauqua County, the foster care community, and NextGen Jamestown making an impact in local schools. Original Air Date: 02/28/26
CCS-TV Community Conversation: 2026 Chautauqua Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Preview
The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame unveils its Class of 2026 and previews the upcoming induction ceremony. Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson shares insight into this year’s inductees and what to expect on induction night. Original Air Date: 02/07/26
CCS-TV Community Conversation: Inside the Chautauqua Institution’s Year-Round Mission
CCS-TV travels on location to the Chautauqua Institution during the winter season for a Community Conversation exploring its mission, history, and year-round impact. Host Will Schlemmer sits down with Deborah Sunya Moore, Jill McCormick, and Jordan Steves to discuss a new partnership with CCS-TV, the Institution’s legacy of education and dialogue, and what’s ahead as the 2026 season approaches—including new opportunities for student broadcasters. Original Air Date: 01/31/26
CCS-TV Community Conversation: The Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program
The Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program supported young women across Chautauqua County for years, leaving a lasting impact on students, families, and the community. In this CCS-TV Community Conversation, we explore the program’s history, hear from a former participant, and learn how its mission continues today through a Community Foundation Scholarship and the Ladies Red Carpet Gala. Original Air Date: 01/24/26
CCS-TV Community Conversation with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund
Host Will Schlemmer sits down with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund to reflect on her first two years in office, discuss Next Gen Jamestown, and share what’s ahead for the city in 2026. Original Air Date: 01/17/26.
Fighting Cancer with Every Swing: CCS-TV Community Conversation
CCS-TV spotlights the Italian-American Charity Golf Association and its mission to fight cancer through community, tradition, and giving. Learn more at iacharitygolf.com.
Tarp Skunks 2025 Preview: CCS-TV Community Conversation with Dre Guinness & Jason Sample
CCS-TV is BACK for another unforgettable summer at the ballpark! In this special Community Conversation, CCS President Patrick Smeraldo sits down with veteran Tarp Skunks play-by-play announcer Dre Guinness and CCS-TV mentor Jason Sample to preview the 2025 Jamestown Tarp Skunks season.
NFL Star Champions Inclusive Sports in Jamestown, NY
CCS President Patrick Smeraldo teams up with NFL star Harrison Phillips to expand inclusive youth sports in Jamestown. From a 68-mile walk to the launch of unified curling, this conversation highlights how Harrison’s Playmakers is making a difference in our community.
Community Conversation: Stephen Carlson on Jamestown, the NFL & Hall of Fame Honor
In this Community Conversation, Stephen Carlson reflects on his journey from Jamestown High School to the NFL. He shares memories of his hometown, college days at Princeton, and his pro football experience—all before his induction into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
Helping Kids Affected by Domestic Violence – Amanda Case's Story
In this CCS-TV Community Conversation, Amanda Case shares her personal journey as a survivor of domestic violence and provides heartfelt advice for kids in similar situations. She explains how friends, family, and community support can make a life-changing difference.
Chris Herren: Overcoming Addiction and Inspiring Change
Join Matthis Baehr and Anthony Wood as they sit down with former NBA player Chris Herren in this exclusive interview ahead of his impactful talk at Falconer Central School. Herren shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction and the importance of resilience and hope.
Lewis Black: Comedy, Wings & The Future of Funny
CCS-TV's Anthony Merchant, Connor Johnson & Patrick Smeraldo interview Lewis Black at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. From his sharp insights on the future of comedy to his hilarious take on wings (blue cheese or ranch!?), this is one interview you don’t want to miss.
Inspiring Youth Through Basketball
Join CCS's Patrick Smeraldo as he sits down with Ben Cecchini-Ramos, the visionary founder of Give’n Grow Basketball. In this insightful interview, they look back at Ben's beginnings, explore the importance of his innovative program, and discuss the significance of bringing it back to his hometown of Jamestown, NY.
CCS-TV Interview's NFL Star Harrison Phillips
Exclusive Interview: Maple Grove High School Students Sit Down with NFL Star Harrison Phillips
MG Media Students Interview Jamestown's Mayor, Kimberly Ecklund
MG Media students interview the City of Jamestown's first Republican elected female Mayor, Kimberly Ecklund.
MG Media Students one-on-one with Chautauqua County's Executive
MG Media students interview Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. on top subjects across our county, and nation.
Chris Herren Interview
Maple Grove High School students interview Chris Herren during an event in Jamestown, NY.
