Talk of the Towns 12/8/17

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Engineer: Amy Browne

Community concerns and opportunities: Revitalizing Maine’s Main Streets

Key Discussion Points:

What trends led each of your communities to undertake downtown revitalization? (malls, on-line retail, cost of buildings and renovations?)

What strategies and programs have you used to advance your downtowns/ main streets??

What is your relationship to local government, chambers of commerce, etc.

What challenges are you encountering? How are you overcoming these challenges? (including labor force development, demographic trends, housing costs, etc.)

What are some of the complementary trends are supporting revitalization efforts?
(historic preservation, local food movement, the arts, people seeking greater authenticity, etc?)

What advice would you have for other communities wanting to revitalize their downtowns? What resources can you suggest (Maine Downtown Center, etc)

Guests:
Brook Minner, Main Street Bucksport
Cara Romano, Heart of Ellsworth
John Burns, Blue Hill Downtown group

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 12/7/17

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

We’ve all been hearing a lot about the tax bill that is still wending its way through Congress but that is not the only thing going on these days. Two other events in Washington promise to have a huge impact on our digital lives, and, of course, technology has not stopped moving at a breathtaking pace, including when digital tech is used in ways that its inventors didn’t anticipate. For example, watch here as thieves steal a newer car simply by reading the signal that the fancy car’s key emits – from inside the house.
RFID repeater used to steal Mercedes with keys locked inside a house

Reproductive Left 12/6/17

Producer/Host: Abbie Strout

Issue: Social and political issues that impact our sexual and reproductive health produced by WERU in collaboration with Mabel Wadsworth Center – www.mabelwadsworth.org.

Program Topic: Women in Leadership with Councilor Sarah Nichols

Key Discussion Points:
Just over a year ago, we interviewed the executive director of the Maine Women’s Lobby, Eliza Townsend, about why the federal courts matter and how they impact our daily lives. She highlighted the power a president holds in regards to their nominations and the impact of their appointments. A lot has changed since November 2016 and on this episode, we invited Eliza Townsend back to give us an update on “Why the Courts Matter.” To learn more you can visit: www.mainewomen.org/mwl.

In our “Ask Mabel” segment, Nurse Practitioner, Lindsey Piper gives us an overview of all the birth control options and we announce an exciting addition to our podcast starting next year.

Guests:
Eliza Townsend, Maine Women’s Lobby
Lindsey Piper, WHNP Mabel Wadsworth Center