Twice a month during the noon hour on Fridays, KPTZ host Chris Bricker and co-host Siobhan Canty, President and CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, meet to discuss new developments, new paradigms, and the new normal as we flow into the months ahead. This week, Siobhan and Chris talk about the landscape of good work being done here in Jefferson County and how exciting it is to see relationships develop as complementary non-profit organizations are able to find and work with one another. Chris and Siobhan emphasize the significance of general funds in the life of a non-profit organization, and also the importance of the ability of a non-profit to be able to pay a living wage to its employees. Our hosts also note that the “season of giving” to groups that do good work really needs to last year round.
Local News for 12/02/21
New on KPTZ: Intimacy in Under 10
KPTZ has added a new short feature to the station’s programming lineup! Under 10: A Mini Intimacy Podcast with Dr. Jessica Tartaro is the podcast now airing on 91.9FM, weekly on Thursdays from 5:20–5:30pm. Each episode includes an intimacy tool you can practice immediately to grow your feelings of connection across all your relationships. Click here for more about Under 10 and host Dr Jessica Tartaro.
“Healthy intimacy is not a given. It’s a practice. It asks you for discipline and consistency. And will reward you immeasurably with the kind of love and support you desire. When the resistance comes up, just imagine my voice cheering you on and saying, ‘just do it’, in support of you letting something soften, letting love in and trying again.” ~ Dr. Jessica Tartaro, from Under 10, Episode #45
Jefferson County November 2021 Case Numbers

After our peak of 305 cases in September, Jefferson County recorded 164 cases in October and 139 in November. The other good news is vaccines are now available locally for everyone 5 years old and older.
Unfortunately, we still have a high case rate. The very contagious and potentially more serious strain, Delta, is the dominate form of Covid-19 in Washington and the U.S. Scientists are currently assessing Omicron, the new strain discovered in South Africa with many mutations which may prove to be significant.
Currently, about three out of four new cases in our county are in unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated makes it much less likely that you’ll be infected or get a serious case if you do get infected. Plus, vaccines and masks help all of us stay healthier during the holiday season.
Please note that Jefferson Healthcare Hospital’s workforce is down about 25%, which isn’t enough to operate its 25 regular beds and six ICU beds. On multiple occasions, it has been operating about 15 regular beds and four ICU beds, and they’ve been 100% full. By taking common sense actions to reduce your chances of getting Covid-19, you also make it more likely that people with heart attacks, car wreck injuries, or other emergencies can get the care they need with the limited resources we have for the foreseeable future.
JC MASH – Serving the Under Insured
(Airdate: November 30, 2021) JC MASH (Jefferson County Medical Advocacy and Services Headquarter) provides health and advocacy services for Jefferson County’s marginalized residents – from the underemployed to those who are unable to utilize the mainstream healthcare system. Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can speaks with founder and director Dr. Rotchford and Megan Claflin, UGN (United Good Neighbors) Campaign Manager, to better understand MASH’s impact in our community and how Jefferson County residents can participate in supporting JC M.A.S.H through the United Good Neighbors Jefferson Gives Annual Campaign.
Local News for 12/01/21
Spotlight on December 1-15 Programming Highlights
For a compendium of upcoming featured programs, check out Spotlight for December 1-15.
Many of our program hosts provide specifics about what’s planned for the first half of December.
If you’re not already a Spotlight subscriber, you’re invited to join our Mailing List.
See KPTZ’s current Weekly On-Air Schedule and Daily Program Schedule.
#190 Haden Starbuck: An Artist Struggling Post-Pandemic

(Airdate: November 30, 2021) Our Town host Maryanne McNellis interviews Haden Starbuck, a local artist specializing in jewelry and fiber art through Mystic Beach Studio. The pandemic wiped out her business. Like most of our creative class, Haden is self-employed. As such, she didn’t even qualify for unemployment when the pandemic first hit. The rules changed and self-employed people ultimately did qualify for government assistance. But those programs have now largely ended. After spending through her savings for the past 18 months, Haden’s looking at how she can continue as an artist. She’s launched a new venture called “creatrix compass.” ([email protected]) She’s producing podcasts featuring creative people and hopes to both consult and run classes on creativity. So far there’s no revenue stream, but Haden’s optimistic. She’s also returning to various shows and venues to directly sell her work. But some shows require an $800 or $1,000 upfront fee for the booth and perhaps a cut of sales. It’s a stiff price for anyone post pandemic. But Haden’s sure she can and will make it!
Local News for 11/30/21
Nature Now #543
Economic Benefits of Conservation
(Airdate: November 30, 2021) In addition to the value of being good stewards of the Earth for the health and well-being of all life and ecosystems, Nan Evans and Richard Tucker, Director of the Jefferson Land Trust, explore the documentable economic benefits of conserved and working lands on the North Olympic Peninsula.







