Maine Calling

The Common Ground Fair begins today, so what better time than now to look at the fiber arts in Maine? Maine has a rich community of people who work in fiber arts — from people who spin wool and knit to those who paint silk or create cloth sculptures. We'll learn more about the wide range of creations that fiber artists make, the practical uses, and the contributions of fiber artists to Maine's economy and brand.

What is it like to be an immigrant in Maine – how are they received and perceived?  We'll learn about the opportunities and challenges facing those who are new to the state, and how they become part of the greater community.  We’ll also hear about a state-wide art project that addresses the theme of migration—and how it applies to our immigrant population.

How can the arts contribute to rural community development in Maine? Some of our state's smallest and most isolated towns have found that promoting arts and cultural opportunities have brought them new life. In advance of the Maine Arts Commission's conference on this subject, we explore the role of the arts in rural development.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older people in Maine. Our panel of experts offers practical solutions for people of any age to prevent falls and to recover from them.

Bowdoin College biology professor emeritus Nathaniel T. Wheelwright shares his latest project — a series of videos filmed almost entirely in Wheelwright's backyard that are designed not so much to entertain and astonish, but to encourage mindfulness and curiosity among viewers; to educate and empower them to make their own discoveries about nature. Joining Nat will be Patty Jones, Bowdoin assistant professor of biology and director of the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.

Sara Just was named Executive Producer of "PBS NewsHour" after more than 25 years at ABC News, where she had most recently served as ABC’s Washington Deputy Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Producer for "Good Morning America." She previously spent 17 years at Ted Koppel’s "Nightline."

Service animals don't just help those who are disabled, and they're not just dogs. We learn about different categories and species of service animals, as well as what regulations exist to stem the trend toward over-using the term 'therapy' animal.

What is the role of school counselors in Maine? With societal pressure on children growing, is there a growing demand for counselors at all grade levels?

Our panel discusses the latest news regarding Supreme Court cases and decisions as well as issues raised during the Senate hearings regarding Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

The recent news about hundreds of dead seals washing ashore in New England raises questions about the health of marine mammals in and around the Gulf of Maine.

The PBS series "American Masters" this week debuts its documentary film about great American painter Andrew Wyeth, who painted many of his most famous works in Maine. We discuss Wyeth's life and legacy with those who knew him and have studied his work.

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date Juyl 24, 2018); no calls will be taken.

Why is it so difficult to admit when we are wrong? Our panel offers insights into why owning up to a mistake is so very hard for most people to do, and how this relates to conflict and divisiveness in today’s society.

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (July 16); no calls will be taken.

Jim and Deb Fallows spent 5 years travelling in the small propeller plane to small towns across America, including Eastport, Maine.  In their new book, they share stories of civic and economic reinvention taking place in parts of the country we often don’t hear much about.