Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Defying Labels: Jack Soley

Jack Soley is reimagining the way in which Maine approaches and builds workforce housing.  This is an interesting turnaround for someone who admits that his initial entry into real estate was somewhat begrudging. In the late eighties, he was teaching at Portland’s King Middle School, working on Outward Bound courses and designing furniture, when one of his brothers first floated the idea for a new professional path. Jack eventually agreed, and approached this the way he approaches all of his varied pursuits: with robust intellectual curiosity. His interests and education in theology, service and design have contributed to his desire to make it possible for Maine people to live in beautiful, affordable spaces. Learn more about Jack Soley’s passion for this important work today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Setting the Pace: Chris Strong

Chris Strong has always lived up to her name. She grew up in Thomaston, Maine– a coastal town so small that her beloved high school (Georges Valley) no longer exists, having since merged with those in other local communities. The lessons she learned there, however, have had an outsized impact on Chris. After almost losing her leg in a freak childhood accident, Chris would go on to play alongside the boys on the town’s only soccer team, long before this was a widely accepted practice. Her resilience and tenaciousness served her well as a Division I basketball standout at the University of Maine. Chris has carried these traits into adulthood, through careers in law, athletic training/coaching, and, most recently, real estate appraisal. Join our conversation with this strong, inspirational Maine woman, today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Liz Prescott’s Art World: Creating,Teaching and Community

New England native Liz Prescott loves to teach, and her passion for painting is apparent when she talks about process and technique. Liz earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maine College of Art in Portland, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. A lifelong learner, she names Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being as a recent source of inspiration. Liz loves being in nature, and incorporates beautiful settings into her teaching through her Monhegan Island workshops. Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Liz Prescott today on Radio Maine. 

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Liz Prescott is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. Click here to view her art.

From Ireland to Maine: Artist Christopher O’Connor

When artist Christopher O’Connor arrived in Maine, one of the first things he did was to visit a few of the state’s many islands. A native of Ireland, he soon noted the similarities and differences between the two coastlines. Christopher spent many childhood hours exploring the Irish seashore, clambering over ledges covered with moss and lichen, due to the country’s persistent damp weather. He quickly became intrigued by the stark angularity of Maine’s rocky coast, which proved a source of inspiration for his abstract yet intricate work. Join our conversation with Christopher O’Connor today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Christopher O'Connor is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. Click here to view his art.

Maine Architect Scott Simons on Design Excellence and Team Building

Scott Simons has spent three decades creating an enduring architectural legacy. Founder, Partner, and Principal of Simons Architects in Portland, Scott’s exceptional work has been incorporated into residential and commercial buildings across Maine. While his success is due in no small measure to his design excellence, Scott suggests that the efforts he and his colleagues have put into team building have had an even more significant impact. As Scott enters “the next third” of his life, he understands the need to make room for future generations in his field. At the same time, he sees the value he still has the opportunity to add. His father, Richard, worked until five years before his death in 2022 at the age of 95. After retiring as a judge from the State of New York at 70, Richard provided 20 years of legal counsel to the Oneida Nation, earning him the respect of an elder in that community. Scott acknowledges that his father’s long-standing service and approach to aging provided him with invaluable role modeling. Join our conversation with Scott Simons today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode!

 

A Maine Legacy: Thos. Moser’s Furniture, Family and Future

Founded by former Bates College professor Tom Moser, the Thos. Moser company is venerated for its handmade American furniture and highly respected for showcasing Maine craftsmanship to the world. Thos. Moser has benefited greatly from the involvement of Tom’s sons, each of whom has had a role in the company’s growth. Chairman Aaron Moser has been integrally involved with this evolving local business. Aaron draws on his experience as he reflects on the Thos. Moser commitment to strong design and quality, their upcoming 50th anniversary, and the family dynamics that make this all possible. Join our conversation with Aaron Moser today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Breaking the Mold: Shannon Richards’ Company, Hay Runner, Reimagines the Home Building Process

Maine native Shannon Richards has always had a strong and committed vision for her life. Acting upon that vision, Shannon founded an innovative business called Hay Runner, which assists homeowners with everything from planning and construction to interiors and plant design. Given her exuberant personality and strong work ethic, it’s unsurprising that Shannon has surrounded herself with a team of professionals who can take on nearly anything home-oriented. When she’s not working, Shannon navigates the ocean waters in a wooden boat she owns with her partner, architect Caleb Johnson. Join our conversation with Shannon Richards today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.

Art Consultant Returns to Maine to Support Artists: Phoebe Cole

Maine native Phoebe Cole wants art, artists, and art lovers to thrive. A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, Phoebe’s bachelors degree in arts administration focused on the “business of art.”  She regularly uses this foundational knowledge and expertise in the nuances of art collecting in her work with Powell Fine Art Advisory. Phoebe expertly navigates the sometimes competing needs of finding something a client loves, ensuring that it is a good art investment and respecting budgetary considerations. Originally from Damariscotta, Phoebe recently moved back to her home state, and has been refamiliarizing herself with Maine’s rich art history and talented contemporary artists. Join our conversation with art consultant Phoebe Cole today on Radio Maine.

Joining Medicine with Clinical Herbalism and Art: Meet Jill Skrabalak

As a registered nurse and clinical quality specialist who has worked in primary care for many years, Jill Skrabalak is well-acquainted with the traditional tools of her trade. At the same time, she deeply understands that healing can come from many sources. Jill is in the process of completing a master's degree in clinical herbalism as a means of adding the power of plants to her toolbox. As the wife of Portland Art Gallery artist Cooper Dragonette, it may come as no surprise that Jill also believes in the curative nature of creative pursuits. Following her mother's death in March 2022, Jill moved her mother's baby grand piano from upstate New York to Maine, sustaining their lifelong connection through their shared love of music. Join our conversation with Jill Skrabalak today on Radio Maine. 

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.

Your Maine Concierge: No One Knows Maine Like Food and Travel Expert Vanessa Santarelli

Vanessa Santarelli is passionate about Maine. A graduate of Cony High School in Augusta, Vanessa credits her Italian grandparents for instilling in her an abiding love of food via their restaurant, which was located on Water Street in that same town for many years. Vanessa’s clients benefit from her lifelong connection to the state through her Rockland-based business, “Your Maine Concierge.” In addition to being familiar with Maine’s coastal towns, Vanessa has spent much time exploring the rural interior of the state, and puts her knowledge to good use when planning accommodations, eatery visits and outings for others. Like her grandparents before her, Vanessa admits that being a small business owner is not always easy, but her fierce resilience leaves no doubt that she will continue the family legacy of hospitality for many years to come. Join our conversation with Vanessa Santarelli today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.