Talk of the Towns 2/28/14

Producer/Host: Ron Beard
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Issue: Community concerns and opportunities

Program Topic: Serving in local town government

Key Discussion Points:
1. Each guest is asked for a thumbnail description of their town: geography, rough description of make of town population, main economic activities
2. What first inspired you to serve, and has that inspiration changed any over the years?
3. How has your town progressed over the years… any particular accomplishments you had a hand in? Has your town evolved, shaped by events and reactions, or are there elements of preparing for and directing change? What were key “pivot” points in recent history?
4. What are some of the challenges or hot button issues in your town, and how are you (your town) approaching them?
5. What are some of the challenges in the process of local government?
6. Any advice to listeners who might wish to get involved in local government, on volunteer boards or running for local office?
7.Wrap up- What gives you hope and inspiration as you look forward in your towns?

Guests:
a. Jill Goldthwait, former State Senator, former Town Council Chair in Bar Harbor
b. Bill Thayer, Selectman, Gouldsboro
c. Gary Fortier, City Council Ellsworth
d. John Bannister, Selectman, Blue Hill (by phone)

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RadioActive 2/27/14

Producer/Host: Meredith DeFrancesco

Issue: Environmental and Social Justice

Program Topic: U Main Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement; Public Hearing on Metallic Mining Bill; Work to Connect Local Farms to Unions and Low Income Mainers

Key Discussion Points:
a) Today we hear some of the testimony given before legislative committee on a bill aimed at opening the state for metallic mining. Water quality, cleanup, and the democratic process were all brought into question at Monday’s hearing.
b) We also look at work to support local farmers and connect them with union members and low income Mainers.
c) But first, we speak with a member of Divest UMaine. This afternoon students met with the University of Maine’s Investment Committee on the impacts the institution could have, if the divested from the fossil fuel industry.

Guests:
A) Iris SanGiovanni, Divest UMaine
B) Senator Chris Johnson, Maine Legislature
C)Chief Brenda Commander, Houlton Band of the Maliseets
D)Rep. Ralph Chapman, Maine Legislature
E) Erin Sweeney, agricultural organizer, Food and Medicine, www.foodandmedicine.org

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Maine Arts Alive 2/25/14

Host: Michael Donahue
Engineer: Amy Browne

Program Topic: Union of Maine Visual Artists

Key Discussion Points:
• History & Programs
• Artist collaborations
• Forum for communications – artist to artist, artist to general public

Guests by name and affiliation:
• Natasha Mayers – Artist, Union of Maine Visual Artists
• Mary Laury – Artist, Director – Schoodic Arts for All, Union of Maine Visual Artists
• Kenny Cole – Artist, Union of Maine Visual Artists
• Anita Clearfield – Artist, Union of Maine Visual Artists

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