NCPR News Staff: Todd Moe, Morning Host and Producer

In our series "A Fresh Start," we're asking leading thinkers to share their thoughts on what Barack Obama's administration should be paying attention to as the president-elect takes office this month. In his public appearances, Obama has been known to quote poetry and harken back to his school music teacher. He likes the works of Stevie Wonder, Toni Morrison and Ernest Hemingway. Obama formed a national arts committee as part of his presidential campaign, to the delight of Heather Hitchens, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts. Not usually a hot-button topic in presidential politics, Obama has issued a comprehensive statement in support of arts and arts education in the U.S. Hitchens says she's hopeful that Obama will be true to his pledge of support for arts education.

In our series "A Fresh Start," we're asking leading thinkers to share their thoughts on what Barack Obama's administration should be paying attention to as the president-elect takes office this month. In his public appearances, Obama has been known to quote poetry and harken back to his school music teacher. He likes the works of Stevie Wonder, Toni Morrison and Ernest Hemingway. Obama formed a national arts committee as part of his presidential campaign, to the delight of Heather Hitchens, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts. Not usually a hot-button topic in presidential politics, Obama has issued a comprehensive statement in support of arts and arts education in the U.S. Hitchens says she's hopeful that Obama will be true to his pledge of support for arts education.

A benefit skating event will be held at the Olympic speed skating Oval in Lake Placid tonight. Christie Sausa is organizing “Skate into ‘09” from 10:30pm-12:30am. She told Todd Moe that last year’s event drew 600 skaters and raised $2,600 for local youth sports clubs, and she’s hoping to raise $3,000 tonight.

Trained dogs can detect bombs and help the physically challenged. Now, some educators say they're helping youngsters learn to read. Teachers and librarians say even though reading is difficult for some children, reading out loud, especially to dogs, helps build confidence. A group of therapy dogs in the North Country has been visiting local libraries as part of the “Read to a Dog” program. The volunteer canine corps brings dogs to the Canton Free Library a couple of times a month so children can practice reading out loud in a non-threatening environment. Todd Moe has more.

This year's economic downtown has had an impact on animal shelters in the region. They've seen a surge in numbers as stressed owners give up pets they can no longer afford to keep. The Potsdam Humane Society is planning to expand its current facility that was built back in the '50s. They're in the midst of a capital campaign and recently turned to the internet for a boost. Todd Moe talks with Linda Caamano, a Potsdam Humane Society board member.

The Chris Norman Ensemble preforms "In the Fields of Frost and Snow" at the Church in the Hollow in Saranac this Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Lead by renowned flute virtuoso Chris Norman, the seasonal program will celebrate winter and five centuries of traditional music from Canada's maritime musical heritage. The concert and Saturday night's English country dance are sponsored by Hill and Hollow Music. Acadian soprano Suzie LeBlanc will join the ensemble as featured guest artist. Todd Moe has a preview.

There are two shopping days left before Christmas, and Saranac Lake merchants are offering an incentive to “buy local”. The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is handing out shopper passports to help keep local residents shopping for their holiday gifts at local stores. The idea was prompted by the Community Store last month. Todd Moe talks with Kathy Steinbrook, co-owner of Scotts Florist, about the “buy local” campaign this winter.

What if the British had won the Battle of Plattsburgh? Adirondack author retired Colonel David Fitz-Enz's new novel, Redcoats' Revenge is historical fiction that brings the Duke of Wellington to North America in 1814. It includes a montage of the personalities and battles, real and imagined, of the War of 1812. Todd Moe talks with Colonel Fitz-Enz about his story of "what might have been." Fitz-Enz visits Borders Books in Plattsburgh, Saturday, noon-4 pm.

Host Stuart McLean brings The Vinyl Cafe Christmas Show to the George Hall Auditorium in Ogdensburg this Friday night. Tickets are still available. The special event is the finale of a yearlong celebration of NCPR's 40th anniversary. The live holiday show will feature McLean's stories for the season and special musical guests. Todd Moe spoke with McLean about The Vinyl Cafe radio show that airs Sunday afternoons at 3 pm on NCPR.

Musician and folklorist Dave Ruch's new CD includes song material found in dusty archives, diaries and obscure songbooks. The Oldest was Born First includes traditional songs and tunes interpreted with guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and voice. Ruch lives in Buffalo but spends summers in the Adirondacks, and travels the state for research and concerts. Thursday night, from 7-9, he'll play and tell the stories behind some of the songs from his new CD at Traditional Arts in Upstate New York in Canton. Todd Moe has this preview.