Maine Calling

According to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men has experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The problem affects every socioeconomic group. We examine stereotypes and myths about domestic violence, why it remains such a prevalent problem and offer resources where people can turn for help if they are in an abusive relationship.

We learn about the status of asylum seekers who arrived in Portland in June. Many have moved into out of Portland, into host families’ homes or into shelters — with some finding other housing. Most are still dealing with legal delays and paperwork before they can seek asylum status or be able to work. We’ll learn about the logistic and cultural challenges facing asylum seekers, as well as what has gone well so far in their first months in Maine.

Calling attention to the vibrant dance scene that exists here in Maine, Portland Dance Month kicks off on October 4th, showcasing a series of performances featuring different dance forms. We’ll learn about the growing collaborations among dance communities in Maine—from ballet to modern to folk—and ways for people to watch, learn and appreciate dance throughout the state.

Long before the advent of the maker movement, Maine has been a center of fine craft. From textiles to distilling, boat building to furniture making, craft reaches every corner of the state . Our panel discusses some of the many diffe rent aspects of craft, the difference between art and craft, and the changes in selling trends, what people are making, and where and how they are selling it.

It's prime apple-picking season! We’ll talk about growing apples, different varieties, the history of apple orchards in Maine, how much the apple harvest contributes to the economy, and where to go to pick apples. We’ll hear from a few Maine orchard owners, and also discuss John Bunker’s new book “Apples and the Art of Detection,” which explains how to track down, identify and preserve rare apples.

Fewer young people today take part in Maine’s traditional outdoor sports than previous generations. The number of youth hunting licenses, for example, fell 40% from 2002 to 2017. Why is this? We’ll discuss youth hunting, archery, camping and hiking, all of which have a long history and tradition in Maine, as well as what programs are available statewide. Outdoor writer George Smith will call in to share his memories of being a kid experiencing the outdoors and why he feels it matters.

Our panel of Maine editor ial page editors returns to discuss the news that made Maine headlines in September. Issues we may discuss include Maine delegation's reaction to the impeachment inquiry; the Farmington explosion; Gov. Mills speaks out at the United Nations Climate Action Summit; ranked-choice voting; lobsterman and right whales and anti-vaccination petition signatures.

In marking Maine's bicentennial, Maine Calling will look more closely at different aspects of our state's history in the coming year. One such aspect is the history of black people living here in Maine, even from before the state's founding. We'll learn how African Americans in Maine helped create settlements and lay the foundations for the future of the state in various ways, from social to economic to cultural. We'll also hear about the struggles that black residents have faced along the way,

We learn how to prepare your garden for the winter, discuss native and invasive plants, ways to save seeds, and get answers to your questions.

With the arrival of autumn, we turn our attention to another one of the state’s great tourist attractions : fall foliage. We’ll learn about the economic impact leaf-peepers have on Maine and about some of the best places to visit to see spectacular fall colors. We’ll also discuss the makeup of Maine's forests, the physiology of trees, and how Maine’s foliage is affect by climate change.