Talk of the Towns 2/14/24: Roxana Robinson, author of Leaving

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
Interview with Roxana Robinson author of Leaving, published by W.W. Norton and Company, 2024
– What is the context and overall plot for Leaving?
– Leaving, like your other novels, explores bonds that hold within families, and the forces that test those bonds…. What is your curiosity about families that keeps you returning to them in your writing?
– The main characters Sarah and Warren are late middle age, each with claims made on them by life, family, jobs… as they reconnect after more than 30 years, they each contend with these claims, providing the major tension in the story
– Sarah and Warren also have strong connections to place… Sarah to her home outside of New York City, Warren to his summer home on Mount Desert Island… what is the nature of the claims that these places have on Sarah and Warren
– You are known both as a writer of fiction, and as the biographer of Georgia O’Keefe. That book was recently republished with a new foreward … what led you to research and write O’Keefe’s story?

Guest/s:
Roxana Robinson www.roxanarobinson.com

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 1/10/24: Town Planning for Climate Resilience

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
– Many towns, business owners and home owners think about and plan for the future in some way… how has the issue of climate sharpened focus on the need to plan for and adapt to sea level rise and warming?
– What does “climate resilience” look like from each of your perspectives… what examples provide you with inspiration?
– What are the key challenges you face as you engage your communities and plan for climate resilience? Who do you get to answer sceptics?
– Where can other communities get help with these challenges? Other examples of working within and across town boundaries, etc.

Guest/s:
Kathleen Billings, Town Manager, Stonington
Susie Arnold, director Center for Climate and Community Resilience, Island Institute
Carla Guenthher, Senior Scientist, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Linda Louise Nelson, Director of Community Development, Stonington

FMI: 
www.stoningtonmaine.org
coastalfisheries.org
www.islandinstitute.org/priorities/climate-solutions/
www.aclimatetothrive.org

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 12/13/23: Making Music, Making Community in Maine

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
Profiles of three community music organizations: Bagaduce Music, Ellsworth Community Music Institute, and Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Maine.

– Signature programs of each organization? How has each organization evolved?
– Make up of “faculty” and creative leaders? Target participants and audiences?
– What is your organization’s mix of teaching and performance?
– What is your mix of local talent and inspiring musicians from away?
– How does making music benefit those involved?
– How does making music build community? (examples of collaboration?)
– How is each organization led and funded?
– Where might listeners learn more about your organizations and how to get involved?

Guest/s:
Bennett Konesni, Executive Director, Bagaduce Music
Nancy Colter, founder, Ellsworth Community Music Institute
Pepin Mittelhauser, Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Maine

FMI: 
www.bagaducemusic.org
www.ellsworthcommunitymusic.org
www.gilbertsullivanmaine.org

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 11/8/23: Elected: What Is It Like to Serve as a Member of Local Town Government

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
– What are some of the differences and commonalities of these forms of governing: selectboards, town and city councils?
– What motivated our guests to seek an elected position in their community, what do they find satisfying about that role, what are some of the challenges?
– What are some of the issues and concerns in Belfast, Blue Hill and Bar Harbor, and what is the role of elected officials in dealing with them?
– How does what used to be known as “common civility” play out in your community… how does your selectboard or council manage dialogue with citizens? Have you any techniques or projects that have improved public discourse?

Guest/s:
Jill Goldthwait, former Council Member, Town of Bar Harbor
Eric Sanders, Mayor, City of Belfast
Jim Dow, Selectboard member, Town of Blue Hill

FMI: 
www.cityofbelfast.org
bluehillme.gov
www.barharbormaine.gov

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 10/11/23: Hometown Careers and Apprenticeships Linking Mainers with Jobs in Public Service

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
– Background on the work of Maine Municipal Association and the apprenticeship program of Maine Department of Labor
– With Maine municipalities facing a wave of retirements, what opportunities are there for folks new to the workforce and those with experience who might want to change careers?
– What is the range of jobs and careers within municipal government?
– What are some of the more traditional pathways into careers in municipal service?
– How does the Maine Apprenticeship Program work? Can you actually get paid while apprenticing in a job in your town government? What are the other advantages to participating in apprenticeships?

Guest/s:
Peter Osborne, Director of Educational Services, Maine Municipal Association
Rebecca Dansereau, Career Center Consultant, Maine Apprenticeship Program, Maine Department of Labor

FMI: 
www.mainehometowncareers.org
www.mainehometowncareers.org/videos.php
www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_training/apprenticeship/

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 9/13/23: Island Readers and Writers and the Dear Teacher Conference in October 2023

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
What is the history and mission of Island Readers and Writers (IRW)? Offer some examples of how authors have connected with student readers, using their books to inspire student readers to become writers as well.
Where does reading and writing fit into the aspirations of pre Kindergarten to 8th grade education in Maine? IRW belief in essential role of reading to foster the healthy development of children as confident, curious, and engaged learners, and empathetic and active citizens.
How does IRW connect with classroom teachers and their schools? What is the engagement before, during and after the visit by authors?
What is life like for classroom teachers and their students in the present day? Expectations, aspirations and realities? How did Covid impact teachers, what are the lingering effects?
What are your hopes for the October 2023 Dear Teacher conference?

Guest/s:
Kelsey Buckley, Director of Communications, Island Readers and Writers.
Alison Johnson, Director of School Programs, Island Readers and Writers.
Deb Jamison, Principal, Pembroke Elementary School.
Stephen Costanza, author of The King of Ragtime: the Story of Scott Joplin, illustrator and musician, toured IRW partner schools.

FMI: islandreadersandwriters.org

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 8/9/23: Writing and Landscape

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:
What are the ways in which landscape inspires these writers.. one often starts with an experience and then looks for facts, the other starts with a fact and looks for ways to put it into context… both pay close attention to landscape and spark their readers’s own powers of observation and curiosity.
What was the inspiration for Linda Cracknell to write about Erraid, off the west coast of Scotland and the setting for the opening chapters of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped?
How did Catherine Schmitt come to write The President’s Salmon, and the story of restoration of Maine’s Penobscot River?
What do these writers hope readers take from reading about landscapes that we inhabit or visit?
What are the ways these writers teach others about writing?

Guest/s:
Linda Cracknell, author of Writing Landscape, published by Saraband Books, 2023
Catherine Schmitt, author of The President’s Salmon, published by Downeast Books, 2015

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.

Talk of the Towns 7/12/23: Preview of Reimaging Exploration, College of the Atlantic’s Summer Institute July 31-August 4 2023

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves
Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording.

Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities

This month:

  • Overview of College of the Atlantic’s Summer Institute, in collaboration with the National Geographic Society
  • Reflections on what “exploration” means in the 21st century
  • Preview of sessions led by Nadia Rosenthal on the science of viruses and implications for global health
  • Preview of session led by Kim Stanley Robinson, on Space: Our Last Great Commons

Guest/s:
Darron Collins, President of College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor
Nadia Rosenthal, Scientific Director, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor
Kim Stanley Robinson, author of The Ministry for the Future, science fiction writer

Other links:
Summer Institute at College of the Atlantic
Can Science Fiction Wake Us Up to Our Climate Reality? – The New Yorker, January 24, 2022

About the hosts:

Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals.

Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor.