Amanda Milholland is Executive Director of Jefferson County Farmers Markets. They’ve been selected to lead the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. It’s a nutrition assistance program that gives seniors with low incomes the buying power to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. We broaden our conversation to discuss food access and food security, focusing especially on seniors, with Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director of Jefferson County Food Bank Association, and Matt Sircely, Data Systems and Music Coordinator for the Farmer’s Market, about those impending government cuts and what plans are afoot to address them.

KPTZ’s Chris Bricker and Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, explore new paradigms and new developments from our County’s good people doing good work. In this episode, Chris and Siobhan visit the Far Reach Botanical Conservancy with founders Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson, who possess a lifetime embodiment of plant knowledge and a long history of cultivating and conserving rare plants. On 6 acres in Port Townsend, the Conservancy acquires and conserves botanically significant wild and cultivated ornamental plants new to North America with special emphasis on those that are threatened or vulnerable to loss. 

KPTZ’s Chris Bricker, and Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, explore new paradigms and new developments from our County’s good people doing good work. As our Jefferson County Museum of Art + History completes their work to make it more accessible and welcoming, all of us have been curiously anticipating its grand reopening on April 5. With electricians arriving on-site, painters moving into public areas, and key structural modifications underway, much has been happening behind the scenes! The Museum’s Executive Director Tara McCauley, and Board President Ann Welch give us a special preview of the renovations, along with some inside info on upcoming shows.

In this edition of Community Tides, Chris Bricker and Siobhan Canty visit with Ben Wilson, founder of Color of Sound and curator of Black Film in the Pacific Northwest, a weekend celebration of regional Black Cinema that takes place March 14 through 16. Port Townsend Film Festival is co-presenter with Color of Sound for this inaugural event at the Rose Theater.
Also joining our discussion will be filmmaker Anthony Tackett, Director of “June” and “Perspectives on Violence.” along with Port Townsend Film Festival’s Executive Director, Danni McClelland.

Secret deals are often exposed, and right and wrong become crystal clear. That was the case when Washington State governments attempted to cheat the public out of land that had been promised them, and for a pittance in return. One of the richest corporations in the world wanted the land, and the agreements that the state thought they were making with this multinational corporation needed public scrutiny. It was left to the public and the courts to decide the fate of this land. This is the story of a small group of citizens that fought back and won.

On alternate weeks, KPTZ’s Chris Bricker joins co-host Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, to explore new developments, paradigms, and insights with our vibrant community of creative and innovative citizens who do good work.

Early childhood education plays a vital role in children’s development. It provides a strong foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth. In this edition of Community Tides we have two special guests to share their insights about early education, and how important it is for our Communities to support the dedicated teachers and venues that serve our children. We’ll have a conversation with Dr. Scott Mauk, Superintendent of Chimacum Schools, and Sarah Walker, Principal of Early Learning and Director of Inclusionary Practices for Chimacum Creek Primary School.

Each month KPTZ’s Chris Bricker and co-host Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, explore new paradigms and new developments surrounding our County’s good people doing good work. This is the time of year when it’s always good to highlight some our community’s needs, especially in terms of advocacy. Chris and Siobhan speak with Elsa Goits from Foster Care Support of Jefferson County, with Jean Pepper from the P.U.D.’s Rainy Day Fund, and with our dear friends from Jefferson County Immigrants Rights Advocates. We’ll also talk about the importance of the Give Jefferson Campaign as a way to support local direct service organizations.

Each month KPTZ’s Chris Bricker and co-host Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, explore new paradigms and new developments surrounding our County’s good people doing good work. Chris and Siobhan speak with Housing Solutions Network Communications Specialist Eric Jones, and HSN’s Director Liz Revord about results from an important survey fresh out of the oven. It’s real-life and tangible data centering around housing urgency, economic constraints, and housing characteristics. HSN’s mission is to engage its stakeholders and enlighten our Community at large. The published results can also be found at the HSN website. You won’t want to miss giving us a listen!

Hosts Chris Bricker and Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, explore new paradigms and new developments surrounding our County’s good people doing good work! Chris and Siobhan have a conversation with the Food Service Directors Shannon Gray from Port Townsend School District and Justin Oas from Chimacum Schools. They’ll share their thoughts about how food service in the schools has evolved, especially with the incredible network of school gardens and other efforts that bring fresh food to student meals programs.

We’re bringing you a reprise edition of Community Tides and our delightful conversation with Shelby Smith, member of the Board of Directors for the Community Wellness Project. We’re re-airing this episode in anticipation of further conversations that my co-host Siobhan Canty and I will be having with those involved in the school food service programs that are cultivating the health and well-being of students and families alike throughout Jefferson County. Working with school parents, staff, administrators, and school boards, the Wellness Project builds strategic programs that address specific short-term wellness issues, as well as create long-term structural change. And now, let’s join our conversation with Shelby Smith…