(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!
(First airdate: December 20, 2016) A DESIGNING WOMAN WITH AN EYE FOR BEAUTY & STYLE. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Dana Petrick, the owner of Dana Pointe Interiors in Port Ludlow. Interior design has always been her passion and she shares insights about getting rid of “debilitating clutter.” Petrick also thinks that the “ugly stepchild” of Jefferson County (the Tri-Area of Port Haldock, Irondale and Chimacum) is a glowing gem and could help solve our affordable housing crisis.
(First airdate: December 6, 2016) IT’S A BAZAAR AND IT’S NOT THAT BIZARRE. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Kerri Hartman and Numahka Swan, the duo behind the fiber emporium Bazaar Girls. It’s a haven and heaven for crafters who knit, crochet, felt, spin or do anything at all with fiber. On one level, Bazaar Girls is a shop. But with events such as “Crafternoon” or the evening “Nip & Knit” it’s also a vibrant community center.
(First airdate: March 1, 2016, Reprise airdate: November 22, 2016) Step Back in Time & Meet Me at the Soda Fountain. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Sam Johnson, long-time waitress at the Soda Fountain at Don’s Pharmacy. There’s semi-official designated seating for regulars and the shadow City Council meets every Saturday morning. If you are a 90-year-old regular and miss your usual coffee time someone’s going to call you . . . it’s just that kind of place.
(First airdate: November 8, 2016) Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Carr Tyndall, the general manager of the Port Townsend Paper Mill, which is the biggest employer in town. Since opening in the 1920s, the mill has constantly evolved to meet changing markets and regulations. Tyndall details some of the innovative practices the mill is using to reduce its carbon footprint. The latest? Trucking in compressed natural gas. That move will result in a 25% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
(First airdate: October 11, 2016) Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson. Stinson started her career as a techie at the jails in Oklahoma and rose through the ranks until she saw her company acquired by Microsoft. She fell in love with “jaw droppingly gorgeous” Port Townsend the first time she saw it. After moving here, her passion for local issues propelled her into political office for the first time in her life.
(First airdate: September 27, 2016) THE KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE: WHERE MEDIOCRITY WINS. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Janet Emery, President for Life of the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. The queen (“kween”) will be crowned (“krowned”) Saturday night, Oct. 1, at the Koronation Kostume Ball at the Legion Hall. But don’t forget the competition in the quicksand, the dismal bog and even the obstacle course. Lunacy prevails when engineers live out their artistic fantasies.
(First airdate: September 13, 2016) READING THE POLICE BLOTTER IN BUCOLIC PORT TOWNSEND. Our Town Host Maryanne McNellis interviews Port Townsend Chief of Police Michael Evans. Although our crime rate is relatively low, police here must be prepared for everything from petty shoplifting to an “active shooter” situation. Chief Evans explains how our police work closely with the sheriff and fire department to resolve issues as peacefully as possible. Treatment via mental health and/or drug court is a preferred option in PT. The old ‘lock ’em up and throw away the key’ mentality is largely a thing of the past.
