In the final episode of season 3, I talk with long time SOMSD music teacher Vern Miller. Before Vern arrived in our school district, he played bass in the 1960s garage band The Remains, who have achieved cult status in the rock world. In fact, they opened for The Beatles throughout their final U.S. tour. So we have a lot to talk about!

Website: http://vernmiller.info

Friend of the show, Kevin O'Connor, is back for more! The "This Old House" host and Maplewood native returns to talk about the show's enduring legacy, the advancement of modern construction materials and preserving local landmarks. Plus, more of your listener questions!

Thanks to Vinnie from The Roman Gourmet for introducing this episode.

Instagram: @kevinoconnortoh

Instagram: @THisOldHouse

Instagram: @theromanmaplewood

Instagram: @mapsopodso

Mason Toye is a South Orange native, who grew up playing Cougar Soccer, before becoming a star player at Seton Hall Prep. He's now a veteran of Major League Soccer, currently playing for Sporting Kansas City.

He joins me to talk about growing up in town, his MLS career and the battle over turf vs. grass.

Photo: Courtesy of Sporting Kansas City

www.mapsopodso.com

Instagram: MapsoPodso

Maplewood resident Heath Brown is an expert on Presidential transitions. He joins me at the dining room table to talk about his latest book, Roadblocked - an inside look at the transition from the first Trump White House to the Biden Presidency. Plus, he challenges my MAPSO/SOMA knowledge!

Bluesky: @heathbrown.bsky.social

Way before Sza and The Fugees, The Blades of Grass tore up Columbia High School! Their only album, The Blades of Grass Are Not For Smoking, was released in 1967 while they were still students - and resulted in a top 100 hit!

Singer/songwriter/guitar player Marc Black joins me to talk about the band's beginnings here in town, getting suspended from school and his enduring solo career.

Marc Black Website: Marc Black / Black Market Music

www.mapsopodso.com

Instagram: @mapsopodso

Maplewood resident Jackie Dubrovich won gold as part of the USA Fencing Team at last summer's Paris Olympics. She joins me at the dining room table to talk about the sport, making history at the games and her love of town.

Polaris Fencing Center: www.polarisfencing.com

Instagram: @jackiedubrovich

Instagram: @mapsopodso

Golfers, would you be surprised to learn that the modern tee was invented right here in town? It's true! Dr. William Lowell was a member of the Maplewood Country Club, where he tested his new creation. I get the full story from Elizabeth Beeck of the USGA Golf Museum!

Marc Morial served two terms as the youngest mayor of New Orleans before becoming president and CEO of National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization. The South Orange resident joins me at the dining room table to talk about growing up in NOLA, following in his father's footsteps, his MAPSO experience and much more.

Instagram: @marcmorial

Instagram: @mapsopodso

South Orange native Joe Martinez spent four seasons pitching in the majors and now serves as MLB's Senior Director of On-Field Operations. He joins me to talk about his time on the mound, the league's latest rule changes and his days in South Orange/Maplewood town baseball.

www.mapsopodso.com

Instagram: @mapsopodso

Naomi Soleil was the talk of the town when she competed on the latest season of NBC's The Voice. She joins me in the first episode of season three to talk about her Columbia High School experience, being picked for Team Buble' and her future in music.

Instagram: @naiomisoleil_

Instagram: MapsoPodso

More info at www.mapsopodso.com