Bob Ralston joined the "Lawrence Welk Show" in 1963 as the sixth pianist and one of the show's arrangers. A few years later, when the show's beloved organist Jerry Burk died, Ralston asked if he could have a chance at the job. It took some finessing on Ralston's part, but he took his place in the orchestra. For the next 42 years, Ralston was, as Welk put it, the "King of the Keyboards." Ralston is interviewed on "Pennsylvania Inside Out" at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8. Ralston discusses his entry to show businesses and how he grew up in a show business environment. His mother was Walt Disney's 13th employee in the 1920s. She was Disney's head inker and was his inspiration and the first voice for Minnie Mouse.
Monday, June 5
-- 7 p.m. "Pennsylvania Inside Out"
"Where's Charlie?" visits the Swigart Museum to learn about antique automobiles in Huntingdon; a preview of "Our Town: Cresson Area," a video-scrapbook of the Mainline area; stop-motion animation with Chris Morrow, an animation enthusiast; and the Pennsylvania Summer Special Olympics with guest Tom Songer, director of volunteers.
Tuesday, June 6
-- 7 p.m. " Pennsylvania Inside Out: Your Health"
The topic is diabetes management and weight control with host Kristine Clark and guest Carla Miller, assistant professor in Penn State's Department of Nutritional Sciences.
Wednesday, June 7
-- 7 p.m. "Pennsylvania Inside Out"
The topic is a compelling documentary surrounding the environmental issue of the "Road to Nowhere," a road at the heart of several historical human conflicts in North Carolina, with guest Ryan Witt, a videographer for Penn State Public Broadcasting and producer of the documentary.
Thursday, June 8
-- 7 p.m. "Pennsylvania Inside Out"
Topics are Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization from Tipton, dedicated to freeing chained dogs and bringing dogs into homes with guest Tammy Grimes; and an interview with Bob Ralston, pianist in the Lawrence Welk Orchestra who recently performed a concert in Clearfield, and with guest Carol Schickling, the concert organizer.
Friday, June 9
-- 7 p.m. "Pennsylvania Inside Out: Issues"
Topic is the American Association of Retired People (AARP) with guest Fred Griesbach, state director of the Pennsylvania AARP.