By Steve Kabelowsky Contributing Columnist Published Jan 21, 2015 at 3:02 PM Photography: shutterstock.com

One thing I’ve found true is that exposing young people to the possibilities of what is available in life – education, careers, travel, meeting different people – can only present them a better path as they move forward.

In the media business, this has been the case for a long time. In radio, many of the people still in the broadcast game got an early start because someone saw a spark of interest. In print, digital and television I would hear stories of a teen ager who took the time to volunteer so they could learn more. Or, they remember going on a class trip in elementary school and always knew what they wanted to do later in life from that early exposure.

Commitment and perseverance go a long way for a media career, but it is often that first moment of piqued interest that serves as a motivational force in this highly competitive industry.

The places that go the extra mile to present what is possible to the next generation deserve special recognition for setting us up along a better path for the future.

This Saturday, the Urban Ecology Center’s annual Winterfest will be at Milwaukee’s Washington Park. The event will offer a number of activities like sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing and dog sled demonstrations.

The "stained glass" ice block igloo returns as well.

Time Warner Cable, a Winterfest sponsor, and will add an educational element to the event by demonstrating how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles make activities like sledding possible. Through its Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) project, Time Warner Cable is presenting a little "how this works" for a younger generation.

Jack Herbert, a regional vice president with Time Warner Cable, said the company is proud to support Winterfest.

"We are proud of our long history of community service in Milwaukee, and encourage everyone to come down and see what Winterfest has to offer," he said.

As we are used to in Milwaukee, some of events could be canceled by the weather conditions. Officials suggest checking in at http://urbanecologycenter.org/ before heading out on Saturday.

Lianna Bishop, Urban Ecology Center’s corporate relations manager, said the event is a great way to get out and enjoy the amazing Wisconsin outdoors.

"This is the 5th year we’ve held Winterfest at Washington Park, and each year it gets bigger and better.  Last year more than 500 people attended the event, and we expect even more this year," she said.

SEINFELD SALUTE: Tonight is the Milwaukee Admiral’s third annual salute to the sitcom "Seinfeld." This year, the special guest is actor Danny Woodburn, who played Kramer's friend Mickey Abbott.

Woodburn will be at the game against the Utica Comets and will be available for autographs and pictures with fans.

The puck drops at 7 p.m., and more information is available here.

GOLDEN HYDRANT: Comic George Lopez found work.

But that’s not all that happened at the "World Dog Awards" that aired on CW last week. Milwaukee Brewers’ dog, Hank, has been named the 2014 "Dog of the Year."

After being found as a stray at the baseball team’s spring training grounds, the pooch has had special treatment in media and with fans who have made special trips to Miller Park just to meet him.

After winning the most fan votes, Hank was given the "Golden Hydrant" by Paris Hilton at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

On a serious note, Hank has worked with the Wisconsin Humane Society to help raise funds to feed, care for and shelter homeless animals. The Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation have raised more than $150,000 through this program. I’d say that’s work enough to earn a special golden item to leave his mark.

Steve Kabelowsky Contributing Columnist

Media is bombarding us everywhere.

Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.

The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.