Potsdam, NY, Nov 04, 2011 — A Potsdam woman was one of the founding members of the Women's Air Force Band back in the early 1950's. Beverly Washburn was also the first female tuba player in an Air Force band and the ensemble's assistant conductor.

The WAF Band was organized in 1951 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Washburn was one of the first eighteen women musicians in the ensemble. In its ten-year lifespan, the group toured the country and marched in three presidential inaugurations.

As she prepared for the 60th reunion of the musicians in Arizona next week, Washburn spoke with Todd Moe about her tuba-toting military career.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, May 06, 2009 — Non-profits make up one of the biggest chunks of the North Country economy, providing jobs and services to thousands of people. But NGOs have been slammed by the deepening recession, as foundations and governments closed the tap on grants and other funding. Today as part of our Year of Hard Choices series, Brian Mann talks with Michael Washburn. Washburn has led the Residents Committee to Protect the Adirondacks for the last year. But he's engineered a merger of the RCPA with another green group and plans to leave the organization by the end of the summer.  Go to full article

May 01, 2009 — Two of the Adirondack Park's most influential environmental groups have agreed in principle to join forces. The Residents Committee and the Association say they hope to consolidate their operations by mid-summer. Meanwhile, the director of the RCPA says he's stepping down. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Dec 23, 2008 — Two of the Adirondack Park's most prominent environmental groups are considering a merger or some other kind of partnership. The Residents Committee to Protect the Adirondacks and the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks made the announcement on Monday. As Brian Mann reports, the talks were prompted in part by hard economic times that have squeezed non-profit groups.  Go to full article

Jan 04, 2008 — One of the region's most influential environmental groups has a new leader. Michael Washburn, from Saratoga County, is taking over as head of the Residents Committee toProtect the Adirondacks. Washburn trained as a forester and after working with the US Forest Service has been a leading figure in the sustainable logging movement. Washburn told Brian Mann that encouraging green timber practices will be a growing part of the RCPA's role.  Go to full article