Maine

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date May 3, 2019); no calls will be taken.

Granges have been integral to the history of rural Maine, serving not only as places for farmers to organize and advocate for themselves, but as educational sites, social hubs, and community centers. We learn about how some Granges have carried on the traditions of the past, while others have evolved to serve new purposes in their communities, bringing new vitality to rural Maine.

Farming in Maine is in transition. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, in the five years from 2012-2017, Maine lost 10 percent of its farmland and 573 farms. On the other hand, Maine has more young farmers per capita than just about any other state. Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal is responsible for helping grow and promote agriculture in Maine. Beal has recently been in the news pushing to extend federal aid to members of Maine’s wild blueberry industry. She’s also requested that the federal government finalize its proposed “origin of livestock” standards for organic dairy farms. We’ll discuss the other initiatives Beal is engaged with and the priorities of the Mills’ administration.

Our panel discusses the value of seaweed to Maine’s economy, some potential ways to grow Maine’s seaweed industry, and the questions associated with seaweed harvesting in Maine. Fishermen and others are turning to growing or harvesting kelp and other seaweeds as demand grows for use in foods, medicine, fertilizer and more. It is also seen as a way for fishermen to augment their livelihoods.

Thousands of kids across the state are in their final month of summer camp. The camp setting has often been viewed as a therapeutic experience that can teach kids social skills and teamwork and build self-esteem. But many camp administrators in Maine say they're seeing more kids with social and emotional issues, including anxiety and attention deficit disorders, and now camps are responding to those needs in a number of ways.

Time for Three describes their music as standing “at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop and classical music. To experience TF3 live is to hear the various eras, styles and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew.”

Members of the group join Portland Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director Melissa Reardon to talk about their stories, what distinguishes their approach, growing worldwide interest in the old art of chamber music and to preview upcoming music festivals in Maine. And they’ll play live in our studio.