Our Town

(First airdate: July 4, 2017) DRIVING DOWN THE SUPERHIGHWAY OF AMERICAN DREAMS. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Robin Bergstrom, owner of Bergstrom’s Antique & Classic Autos. Robin sells vintage cars and extraordinary dream cars – such as the one that one Oscar winner had customized to the point where the door posts were carved into replicas of his treasured Oscars. But the shop is selling much more than cars: it’s an emporium of the all-American obsession with motor vehicles. It’s as much a museum as a shop and plenty of Robin’s personal collection is not for sale. Enter the door to “petrolomania,” a fantasy world suitable for any man cave (or woman cave, for that matter).

(First airdate: June 20, 2017) FIGHTING FOR JOBS ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Brian Kuh, executive director of EDC Team Jefferson. Visitors have long fantasized about starting their own company here on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. But few manage to get past the daydream stage. Brian and his team at the Economic Development Council are working behind the scenes, helping entrepreneurs turn those dreams into reality.

(First airdate:  June 6, 2017) HOW MANY WIFI SHED BOYS ARE THERE? Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Ned Schumann, the founder of olympus.net, the Olympic Peninsula’s own ISP (Internet Service Provider). Schumann offers tips on how to improve your security and privacy online. But he also notes that generally you get what you pay for: if you pay for an internet service or application, you are the customer. But if it’s free – you are the product. And, yes, you can be a wifi shed boy and mooch “free” internet service. But, as he explains, there are certain risks.

(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: 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.