(First airdate: May 23, 2017) THE CASE FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Mike Glenn, the CEO of Jefferson Healthcare. Careful scrutiny of the demographics of Jefferson County is driving the hospital to focus on cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and dermatology. And while the national debate on healthcare continues, hospitals such as Jefferson Healthcare are trying to focus on improving care.
(First airdate: May 9, 2017) THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’ – FOR A LONG, LONG TIME!
Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Colleen Swantner & John Shortess, the team behind Puffin Shoe Repair. Puffin has been a fixture in Port Townsend since the early 1970s. It’s the place to go to save your favorite cowboy boots, dancing shoes, or even leather jackets or guitar cases.
(First airdate: April 25, 2017) DON’S PHARMACY: THE HOME TOWN ALTERNATIVE. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Don Hoglund, the owner of Don’s Pharmacy in Port Townsend. Don’s father – also named Don – founded the pharmacy but he died unexpectedly when his son was only 17 years old. Don, Jr. stepped right up to the challenge of taking over the family business. He has made Don’s Pharmacy one of the true success stories in Jefferson County. Whether you want to fill a prescription, order a classic milk shake, or buy school supplies or toys, Don’s is the local place to shop.
(First airdate: April 11, 2017) A LASER FOCUS ON IMPROVING PORT TOWNSEND. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Earll Murman, a retired MIT professor who brings his passion and finely trained scientific mind to many community issues: United Good Neighbors, LION (Local Investment Opportunity Network), the Jefferson County Community Foundation, the proposed new swimming pool, and simplifying corporate structure are all on his crowded agenda. Earll is determined to make Port Townsend a better place for all.
(First airdate: March 28, 2017) IF YOU ARE SIX YEARS OLD, HE’S YOUR SUPER HERO. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Peter Braden, first-grade teacher at Grant Street School. The curriculum has changed over the 29 years he’s been teaching, but his boundless enthusiasm for learning hasn’t. Peter is now teaching the kids of moms and dads who were once his students. And those parents appreciate and love a superhero teacher from classrooms past and present.
(First airdate: February 28, 2017) PTSLUGs: TECHNOLOGY AS EASY AS APPLE PIE. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews computer specialist Jim Emery of Elakha Consulting. Jim is also President of PTSLUGs – a group as eclectic as its name (PTSLUGs stands for Port Townsend’s Seriously Laid-Back Users Group). Other computer clubs come and go, but this one’s over 30 years old. The laid-back techies meet like clockwork every month and ponder the power of all things Apple.
(First airdate: February 14, 2017) CHEF STARK: A FOODIE WITH FOCUS. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Arran Stark, Director of Food Services and Executive Chef at Jefferson Hospital. He calls it a blue collar job with a white collar aura. But Chef Stark revels in the artistry of a “trade” that engages every sense – the visual presentation, savoring the smells, listening to the sizzle, and even rolling it around in your mouth.
(First airdate: January 31, 2017) THE CREATIVE WIZARD BEHIND THE BAR AT ALCHEMY. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Michael Vicha, bartender at the popular Port Townsend Alchemy Bistro and Wine Bar. Michael is a renaissance man – a vegan animal rights activist who lived off the grid for years. But now he’s somehow combining his love of theatre and working with his hands by imagining, creating and serving fabulous craft cocktails at Alchemy.
(First airdate: January 17, 2017) DOING HER BEST FOR ART IN THE NORTHWEST. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Jeanette Best, one of the founders and the guiding spirit behind the Northwind Arts Center. This unique institution connects arts and the community through a variety of innovative programs with partners, including the Boiler Room, the Port Townsend Library and the Rose Theatre. The Center’s two galleries often feature art that’s not even for sale – something rather unusual in the world of galleries.
(First airdate: January 3, 2017) Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Steven Willden, the new chief pharmacist at Safeway in Port Townsend. Steve’s a fan of LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) and dresses as the action figure “Thor” during LARPs. He decided that some kids (and adults) might be more comfortable receiving flu shots from Dr. Thor instead of a boring pharmacist, so he came in during his free time to administer vaccinations in full armor. You’d be surprised who showed up!
