Host Brian Buckley brings us an inside look at a local treasure—author and Camptonville leading citizen Shirley DicKard. Shirley’s father was a physician, mother was a nurse. At the time, becoming a doctor wasn’t encouraged for women, but the nurse route was. Degrees from UC Davis and UCSF involved meeting husband, Dick, who became a dentist. From early experiences as a childbirth educator, practicing on a Navajo reservation and working in Florence Italy, emerged a desire to settle into a congenial environment and community. A dental practice in Nevada City helped the young couple discover their ultimate home with compatible folks in Camptonville. Work as a school nurse brought insight into the need for community support for children’s health, and the founding of a community health initiative which resulted in measurably less violence in both the school and community. She is the editor of Camptonville Courier, and author of the novel, Heartwood, which has won several awards including a national prize for visionary fiction.

Host Lori Burkart Frank brings us a detailed look at veteran’s issues and the man who manages them in Nevada County with an in-depth interview with Veterans Service Officer David West II. Graduating from high school in Sacramento, he decided he wasn’t ready for college, joined the Marines, and was named “Marine Of The Year” for the Pacific Fleet during his service in Okinawa. The transition back to civilian life was tough for David; his skills and experience weren’t initially valued. A period of homelessness and an experience he called “mental boot camp” put him back on the path to success. When the construction industry crashed in 2008, he went back to school at Sierra College in Rocklin, became an activist for veterans’ support services and helped start a veterans resource center that became a statewide model. It all led to work with the VA, marriage, and a move to Bakersfield to work in the gas and oil business to start a family. A coincidental meeting on a plane back from Washington DC led to applying for his present position in Nevada County, where he advocates for and assists veterans with medical and mental health issues, homelessness and other needs. He still sees himself in the process of transitioning from Sergeant West to Daddy.

Host Hollie Grimaldi Flores explores all things aviation, and traces the story of General Chuck Yeager's aircraft with Nevada County Airport Manager, Keven Edwards.

Host Taylor Wolfe provides an in-depth introduction to one of two Grass Valleys’ two newest City Council members, Tom Ivy. Born and raised in Nevada County was magical, and Tom then found another place in the woods with lots of recreation opportunities when he went off to UC Santa Cruz to study biology and other things in the process of finding his life’s direction. A class on the UC farm provided the insight that he belonged close to the earth, and influenced him to major in environmental studies and agriculture. After college he made his way back to work locally in the family construction and plumbing business. Maybe one day, a small farm will again be part of his life. A two year stint on the Grass Valley Planning Commission provided lots of information about public policy issues, and became a gateway for interest in public office. Running for office during the Covid pandemic was scary, but encouragement from friends and colleagues helped make it happen. Tom has found reconciling politics and democratic affairs with a contractor’s sense of urgency and focused decision making has been a continuing journey. Tom encourages all of us to communicate with elected representatives to share their opinions and concerns, and to volunteer for the many opportunities exist that make our community better.

Host Keith Porter leads our exploration of the life and times of Michael Selby. From a Catholic Seminarian in his youth and young adulthood, to serving as a parole and probation officer, to corporate trainer, to consultant; all underlain by a love of music and a lifelong focus on service. Realizing his dependence on alcohol brought him into the twelve step process. Moving from Marin County to Lake Wildwood in Nevada County brought a pleasant surprise about the amount and level of music performance in our community, and acceptance of a position on the board of InConcert Sierra. He continues to serve his community through helping neighbors with household projects. A very modern "man for all seasons."

Host Brian Buckley leads our exploration of excellence in education by telling the story of award-winning Nevada Union High School Drama Teacher Rob Metcalfe. Fresh out of college with a theater degree, he stage-managed a children’s production and fell in love with the impact  drama had on kids. He learned a lot about good teaching from both the great teachers as well as the terrible teachers in his past. Growing up in Turlock, there was space to be free as a kid. Despite an average GPA, he was accepted into UC Santa Barbara--mostly because of his high test scores, numerous school clubs and activities, and a great submission essay. Work in professional theater held little promise as a career, and teaching proved to be the way to follow his passion. In his 17th year at Nevada Union, he continues to be impressed by the “heart” of the school community and the staff’s commitment to quality education. A critical benefit of the arts for young people is that it gives them a place to belong, and to be themselves without worrying about what others think. How can we help? Support kids’ performances at all age levels! 

Hollie Grimaldi Flores marks her hosting debut by introducing us to Gil Mathew, Executive Director of Nevada County’s Economic ResourHollie Grimaldi Flores marks her hosting debut by introducing us to Gil Mathew, Executive Director of Nevace Council, a businessman with a half century of experience building successful enterprises and a playwright, and so much more. For Gil, the secret to our success as a community revolves around building relationships. A key factor in his life is the desire to be of service, and for him the personal rewards of service are immense. Membership in Rotary has helped fulfill that need in his life. Gil’s parents lived in Nevada County and he decided to move here from Orange County in 1981 despite their counsel that it was too slow and small a place for him. He came nonetheless, expressed his love of drama by joining the board of Foothill Theater Company, and never looked back. Our community is home to a significant number of nonprofits which provide immense opportunities for involvement and service. Having a world-class hospital, an institution of higher learning and a first-class airport--all set in the woods--makes this place special. Now back at the ERC, his goal is to help create and sustain thriving businesses in our community, and people with a heart to serve are most welcome to join the effort as volunteers. Gil says one of the joys of life is that the world changes, and we get to learn how to change too. 

Host Brian Buckley brings us the inside story of Janeth Maroletti, the Executive Director of Gold Country Senior Services. Growing up with her grandparents in Mexico helped inspire her life’s work and led to a Master’s degree at CSU Fullerton in Public Health with a specialty in Aging. Building and Enhancing connections between generations despite today’s pressurized life styles is one of her great interests. A weekend visit to Nevada County piqued her--and her husband’s--interest in moving to Nevada County, and a house and jobs for both came about within 3 months. She now oversees Gold Country Senior Services with their multiple programs, including meals on wheels and free firewood for seniors, and their current initiative to remodel a building and open a Senior Center with a coffee shop on Colfax Avenue in Grass Valley. Janeth teaches part time at CSU Sacramento, loves to travel and enjoys life with dogs, ducks, chickens and a few great programs on Netflix. 

Taylor Wolfe, our newest Sages host, interviews founding hosts Brian Buckley and Keith Porter, and the man who put it on the air at KVMR, Ralph Henson. With quotes from the Sages project godfather Gary Quehl and founding host Norm Westmore, they celebrate the show's anniversary and discuss how and why civic engagement makes great radio.