Sep 07, 2009 — Today we have another story from the youth and senior producers of our Common Wealth, Common Wisdom project. Kolby Weaver pitches for the Canton High School baseball team, and he's been a fan of the sport for as long as he can remember. From an era of steroid scandals and millionaire celebrity players, Kolby looks back to a time when the Dodgers still played in Brooklyn, and baseball was more than just a game.  Go to full article

Aug 31, 2009 — Today we begin a four-part series of stories from the youth producers of our Common Wealth, Common Wisdom project. Each Monday this month, we'll hear from a teen and a senior pairing, exploring the concept of entrepreneurship during the Great Depression, and today's Great Recession. This morning, producer Jennifer Sibert brings us the story of the Huntleys, who just celebrated their 50th anniversary. They say that behind every hard working man is an even harder working woman. Behind Roger Huntley, who just retired after four decades as an auctioneer, is the tireless and indominable Ann Huntley. Roger and Ann take us back to the day they met, through a lifetime of collaboration on the farm and under the auction tent.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Aug 14, 2009 — Senior adults who would like to learn to play a concert band instrument are invited to a workshop in Potsdam next Tuesday. Dig out that old clarinet or trumpet from the attic, or try out a new instrument. Music education students at the Crane School of Music will conduct band rehearsals starting next month. Brass player Ron Barry came up with the idea of starting a band for seniors based on his experiences, as an adult, at summer music camps through the New Horizons International Music Association. He told Todd Moe that beginners are especially welcome.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Aug 11, 2009 — Interns at North Country Public Radio have spent the summer curating a blog about entrepreneurship in hard times. They've interviewed depression-era elders and done interviews around the North Country, including last week at the Gouverneur County Fair. You can see some of their work and meet the interns and elders this Friday evening at the Silas Wright House in Canton. Todd Moe talks with two of the teenagers about what it's like to hear about the stories of people 72 years older than themselves.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Jul 24, 2009 — A familiar voice has returned to the North Country. Gregory Warner, former host of All Before Five, is back working on a special project connecting the region's young people with seniors. Gregory talked with Jonathan Brown about the project, called Common Wealth, Common Wisdom.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2009 — A piece of news yesterday brings us the next installment of our new series, "Story 2.0". We're revisiting stories from the North Country Public Radio archive to see what's happened since. CITGO, the U.S. branch of the national oil company of Venezuela, is stopping shipments of free heating oil for poor families in America's cities. That word came yesterday from the non-profit organization that distributes the fuel. CITGO also donates free heating oil to native tribes, including the Akwesasne Mohawks. The company has given away $1.5 million in heating oil to Mohawk families. David Sommerstein was there in 2006 when CITGO began the program, sparking some geopolitical controversy.  Go to full article

Jun 27, 2008 — An education forum today at Paul Smiths College is looking at building communities for all ages. It's co-sponsored by Mercy Care for the Adirondacks. The keynote speaker is Dr. Nancy Henkin, founder and director of the Center for Intergenerational Learning at Temple University. Henkin told Todd Moe that with youth and elders making up an increasing proportion of the population, it's critical for the two groups to join together on issues like housing, education, transportation and healthcare.  Go to full article

May 02, 2008 — Todd Moe visits a spiritual care program at a nursing home in Kingston, Ontario, where the power of poetry is making connections with seniors. It's haiku that inspires and comforts people with dementia. The project has resulted in a book of haiku, Signs of Spring, and a series of murals in the home's garden patio. Todd talks with program coordinator Marjorie Woodbridge and Kingston haiku poet Philomene Kocher. They say it's not a cure, but the project does show the sense of humor, deep wisdom and capabilities of people with dementia. For more information about the booklet, "Signs of Spring - haiku poems by persons with dementia", contact Marjorie Woodbridge: mwoodbridge@cityofkingston.ca  Go to full article

Mar 03, 2008 — The Spitzer administration is proposing a major boost to state funding for doctors in under-served areas. That could help the North Country attract more physicians. But critics say the Governor's spending plan also strips millions of dollars from nursing homes and home healthcare programs that are already struggling. As Brian Mann reports, local leaders say the budget could mean some facilities closing their doors.  Go to full article

Jan 23, 2008 — Check out your local bookstore or library and you'll find lots of books for infants and toddlers with vivid images and bold colors. But, how about the elderly? A Vermont woman is creating a series of picture books for seniors. The first is titled Lavender Ladies. Natalie Tucker Miller told Todd Moe that she got the idea for the books after reading stories to a group of residents at her mother's nursing home.  Go to full article