Perspectives

Tallahassee’s Fourth Annual Family First Week and Family First Summit takes place during the week of May 7. In advance of that occasion WFSU presents a multi-media panel discussion on how the Capital City’s private and public sectors can work together to make the area more supportive of families. The panelists are: Dustin Daniels, chief of staff with the Office of Tallahassee Mayor; President of Bow Stern Marketing Communications Tom Derzypolski; and Multi-cultural Outreach Coordinator with

Forty years ago, it seemed a given that Florida’s Old Capitol would soon be demolished. But a focused grass-roots campaign saved the structure and resulted in the lovingly restored building that still symbolizes state government to millions of people. To talk about that preservation effort and the significance of this iconic building are: Tiffany Baker, museum director of the Historic Capitol Museum; Christie Koontz, coordinator of Save the Old Capitol Night; Dave Ferro, retired historic

From Educator Henry Louis Gates Jr’s popular PBS series “Finding Your Roots” to the fascination with African heritage ignited by the blockbuster film “Black Panther,” everyone is interested in where they came from and how their personal history figures into that of America and the world. To explore these issues are: Dr. Anthony Dixon, assistant professor and archivist at Bethune Cookman University; Bill Lowman, author, speaker, HBCU advocate and African history proponent.

Both research and practice now show that animal interaction can have undeniable benefits for people, especially older folks. To talk about it are: Dr. Natalie Sachs-Erickson with the FSU Dept. of Psychology who, along with the Dept. of Sociology’s Dr. Dawn Carr, studied the impact of companion animals on an aging population through the Health and Retirement Survey; and from the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Animal Therapy Program, Stephanie Perkins and Heather Gainey. In their study of

All the advances in cancer diagnoses, treatment and survivability means a lot more people with lymphedema. That’s swelling caused by compromises to the body’s lymphatic system, which results in an accumulation of fluid. So far, there is no cure, but there are multiple therapies that can reduce the symptoms and threat of greater problems. To talk about it are: Sheree Porter, rehab program manager at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare’s Rehabilitation Center; Kelly Uanino, occupational and certified

The Monticello Opera House hosts an All-Star Blues Revue on March 10. In advance of the occasion, some of the participating musicians, Jim Crozier, C.S. Holt and David Cotton, discuss this ancient and uniquely American musical form and its ongoing influence on many other kinds of musical expression.

Bees not only produce delicious honey, but are a critical component in the production of other plant-based food sources. Members of the Apalachee Beekeepers, Bob Jackson, Leah Steelw and Rick Flagg, talk about their fascinating hobby and the group’s Introduction to Beekeeping Course being offered to everyone on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Wakulla County Extension Office in Crawfordville.

Now nearing the third anniversary of its dedication, the Tallahassee National Cemetery is a valuable regional asset for departed military veterans and their families. To speak about the facility and the many services and honors it provides is: Cemetery Director Raymond Miller; and the Cemetery’s Media Liaison Clark Brookstone.

Tallahassee’s two universities generate hundreds of millions of dollars in research every year. Much of this will eventually have commercial applications. Meanwhile, Tallahassee Community College stands ready to train the workforces needed to turn the research results into actual products. To discuss this pipeline and its promise to transform the area’s economy over the long term are: Dr. Gary Ostrander, vice president of research at Florida State University; Larry Lynch, program consultant in

Nearly a decade ago, the Florida State University Foundation launched a unique program to keep more of the school’s female grads connected to the university and the greater community. Since then, Women For FSU has been a mechanism to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions of time, talent and treasure. To discuss that effort, four members of the program’s executive committee: Cassandra Rayne Gross, executive committee chair; Alicia Crew, student engagement chair; Michelle Futo, member