On a cold day in November, during the 65th anniversary year of WQED, it was a kindness and cardigan day, both of which came with a warm welcome. Cardigan Day helps resemble the man that started kindness on TV back in 1968. Even after the passing of Fred Rogers, kindness still lingers around WQED, home to his TV show for more than 30 years (1968-2001). Even his famous cardigan still takes residency after all these years. It is a beautiful day in this broadcasting company.
This day introduces a whole new world, whether a new or a longtime fan of Rogers, to him. It brings that feeling of what a true neighbor is and about spreading kindness towards others. WQED spokesperson, George Hazimanolis, explained, “The impact that Fred left is the spirit of kindness. Being friendly towards others was his goal on TV and he made that achievement. He made children understand life through his methods on TV, giving them a better understanding of each other.”
The citizens of Make-Believe (Daniel Striped Tiger, King Friday XIII, Henrietta Pussycat, etc.) and special guests (Julia Child, Tony Bennett, Bill Nye, etc.) told children morals or even what they loved doing. Each character and guest displayed their own abilities and differences to show what made them special.
Hazimanolis stated, “Cardigan Day started last year on the 50th anniversary of the show. It was something for everyone to remember the legacy Fred Rogers left behind after his passing in 2003. We even have talked to Wayne Berzink, an artist from Tennessee, who created his own masterpiece of Rogers. It is going on tour and for today only, it will be on display to be used to help celebrate Cardigan Day,” Hazimanolis added.
Refreshments were provided to visitors for the day’s activities planned at WQED. Children learned about the life of Fred Rogers, while eating cookies and enjoying cocoa.
Life morals were one goal Fred Rogers planned; however, another planned goal would be bringing everyone together. Everyone is different in every way, whether by the way they look or speak, as Fred saw no problems with anyone. “He wanted everyone to come together and become a bigger family,” explained Hazimanoli. “Although a bit cliché, he still made his points—the same on television and in public.”
The impact this show created taught others the way of neighborly love Rogers wanted for Pittsburgh and its residents. Pittsburgh’s own Kim Brooks said “I met Fred Rogers way back in 1998 with my son. When I had shaken his hand, it was an amazing moment to me, as I was starstruck.”
Brooks was a local Pittsburgher until moving to California, coming back to her hometown for this day only with her husband. She has a cardigan business with her husband, using only alpaca wool for her cardigans. “Alpaca wool is completely water-friendly, there are no chemicals, no problems occurring with skin irritation as the wool has no problems.”
Before her move to California, Brooks owned an alpaca farm for twelve years in Butler, PA. She collected the wool, and after a photoshoot with Arnold Palmer (friends with Fred Rogers) began making all of Rogers’ cardigans for the show. For over twenty years, Brooks would be making the iconic cardigans worn by Fred Rogers.
Other than meeting Rogers himself, Brooks explained how his show managed to help her help others with being themselves. “We’re living in a society where we are being pressured to be perfect like everyone else. We must be alike, but in Fred Rogers’ eyes, we don’t. He highlights where everyone is different and that’s okay. A man like him shows no matter who you are, it’s okay to be yourself, “ she added.
As for the Rogers legacy, Tom Hanks slipped into the cardigan to portray him in the movie “It’s A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood,” which was released in theaters on Thanksgiving. The film was shot in and around Pittsburgh, including at WQED, in the same studio where Rogers produced his show. Hanks just received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Rogers in the film.
The time Fred Rogers spent on TV was an experience for everyone. It gave those who needed guidance a helping hand, as he didn’t shy from serious issues going on in our world today, including death, divorce, and illness. He taught children many lessons that remain with them even today: be kind to neighbors and accept those who are different. People will become better neighbors thanks to the help and neighborly love Fred Rogers gave the world.
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