Episodes
71
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN
Community Connections lifts up the people, organizations, and issues that make Maine a better place to live, work, and play.
Emily Southard joins us from the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. The Trust holds over 3000 acres of land in Cumberland County. Many of these parcels are open to various forms of public recreation. We learn why preserving this land is so important, and how the Trust acquires and stewards these properties.
With the onset of the busy summer season, the American Red Cross says the need for blood donations is great. Dan Dowling of the American Red Cross also shares the importance of platelet donations, due to its short shelf life and its usefulness for cancer patients. We also discuss some incentives the Red Cross are offering in the month of June to encourage donations.
We sit down with Emily Gormley, Development and Community Engagement Director of Caring Unlimited. This organization provides crucial and confidential resources for York County residents experiencing domestic abuse. We explore how we define domestic abuse, the resources available, and the impact on children. We also discuss upcoming community fundraising events that supporters can take part in.
We sit down with Angela Stone, founder and Executive Director of Maine Needs. Maine Needs is a grass-roots organization founded in 2019 that collects donations of essential goods for Maine residents in need. Items collected range from clothing to household items to cleaning supplies. We also discuss the upcoming Maine Needs Walk and 5K in Portland on Saturday, May 23rd.
Justin Chenette of Sweetser discusses the overall mission of Sweetser and their work in improving the mental health of Mainers. Of note is Sweetser's free training program, to better equip invidivuduals, organizations and employers on how to be helpful to those dealing with mental health issues.
We sit down with Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. We discuss their work and advocacy to make roadways safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. We also learn about educational offerings for all ages when it comes to bicycling how-to and safety.
We speak with Todd Goodwin of Auburn-based John F. Murphy Homes. We discuss the numerous educational and residential programs to help Mainers with differing abilities thrive.
January traditionally means a shortage in the blood supply, thanks to holidays and winter weather disrupting blood donation events and routine donations. Communications Director Dan Dowling discusses the importance of winter blood donations, as well as the Red Cross's work responding to local fires and national natural disasters.
We are joined by Greg Sirpis, Chairman of Operation Game Thief. This organization offers rewards to those who successfully report poaching cases in Maine. Maine OGT also aims to educate on hunting ethics and responsibility, especially with our younger generation of hunters.
Dan Brennan, Director of Maine Housing discusses heating aid options available to Mainers via the federally-funded LiHEAP program. We also discuss how the ongoing federal government shutdown could impact beneficiaries. We also explore financing options for first-time home buyers, and ways in which Maine Housing is working to increase affordable housing supply in Maine.
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
Claim this listing
