Perspectives

The yearly Bluebird Run for Brookie B. takes place on Monday, September 2 at the J.R. Alford Greenway. This event is to focus attention on and support for local suicide prevention initiatives and resources for the survivors of suicide. To talk about it are: Mary and Bill Bowers, for whose daughter the run is named; and Maria Mosca whose friend died by suicide.

From fewer than a handful a generation ago, the Tallahassee area now has scores of farmers markets, featuring locally grown produce, as well as dairy and meat products. The Frenchtown Farmers Market even has a state-of-the-art kitchen to encourage more local food product commercialization. Jim Bellamy, executive director the Frenchtown Neighborhood Improvement Association is on hand to talk about that. Meanwhile, the demolition of the Market Square Pavilion means that market is relocating to the

On Monday, Aug. 19, Tallahassee’s Good Samaritan United Methodist Church will host a community-wide discussion on how the concept of restorative justice can be used to reduce the area’s crime rate and the overall cost of the criminal justice system. Providing a preview of the event are: Longmont, Colorado Chief of Public Safety Michael Butler (the event’s keynote presenter); Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell; and Dr. Jeremiah Murphy, representing the Community Connection that

Most area residents may not think of Tallahassee as a major visitor destination, but Visit Tallahassee Executive Director Kerri Post says the Capital City attracts more than 2.5 million visitors a year, most of them unconnected with either the Legislature or college football. Post discusses the latest promotional efforts to further increase those visitor numbers and their economic impact on the region.

Today’s so-called “blue collar” jobs are high-skill, high-tech and HIGH-PAID. Training partnerships and apprenticeships are springing up to accommodate the demand for more of these workers. To talk about the trend are: Kimberly Moore, vice president for Workforce Innovation and TCC2Work; Catie Goodman, TCC Career Center Director; and Bill Hambsh, CEO of North Florida Women’s Care, one of the area’s largest healthcare employers.

Last year’s Hurricane Michael not only caused economic and ecological destruction. The storm also left shattered minds and emotions in its wake, especially among its younger survivors. Now a partnership is bringing significant mental health resources to the areas most impacted by Michael. To talk about it are: Ellen Piekalkiewicz, Director, Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children; Karen Oehme, Director, Institute for Family Violence Studies; Katrina Boone,

In 2024, Tallahassee and Leon County will mark a 200 th anniversary. That observance is now in the planning stage. Members of the Tallahassee Historical Society talk about those preparations as well as efforts to enlist the help of the community at large to make this the most inclusive and comprehensive celebration possible. On the panel: Tallahassee Historical Society President Bob Holladay; Dave Lang, THS past president, board member and former Leon County Court Clerk; Claude Kenneson, board

Thanks to a coordinated effort by researchers, educators and entrepreneurs, there is literally new life in the trouble Gulf oyster industry. And what is advancing the new paradigm of aquacultured oysters may also prove beneficial to the region’s wild oyster resource. To talk about it are: Gulf oyster ranchers Rob Olin; and Deborah “Oyster Mom” Keller; Tallahassee Community College Wakulla Environmental Institute Associate Director Albert Wynn; and Florida State University Vice President of

Many people have heard the sad story of the puppy found injured outside a Liberty County school. That puppy is now under the care of the Leon County Human Society. On Perspectives we get an update on Everett and talk about ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of animals living throughout North Florida—from injured wildlife, to adopting pets, to advocating for the animals in your community. Joining the discussion are: Michael St. John, Assistant Director of Animal Services for the City of

Since 2001, Jack Romberg’s tenure at Tallahassee’s Temple Israel has been marked by community outreach and involvement beyond the temple walls and a dedication to fostering dialogue and understand among all people of good will, including nonbelievers. With his retirement and departure from the Capital City imminent, he talks about his theology, his philosophy and plans, which include a book and other projects.