Between The Lines

Kathy Silverberg, former publisher of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s southern editions, was the guest of Gary Olson and Steve Norris on WSLR’s Local Matters at 6 PM on Thursday July 22. Kathy commented on some of her various editorials which have recently appeared in print and gave the radio audience her viewpoint on current issues of interest in the news.

Mary Catherine (MC) Coolidge makes a return visit to the timeslot and program hosts at WSLR that first brought her to the airwaves. Host Gary Olson (pictured with MC) and special guest Francis Scheuer chat with Mary Catherine about her writings and career as well as specific issues related to mentoring, differences between men and women, and dating relationships on Between The Lines.

Gary Olson interviewed guests from the YMCA of Sarasota including Paul B. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer; Ed McBride, Safe Children Coalition (pictured); and Layla McCarty, Director of the new Kalish House Resource Center. Listeners were given a full description about the local YMCA and its role in supporting kids and families in the city of Sarasota and surrounding counties.

Gary Olson speaks with Mike Lesche, a founder of the Florida Bicycle Association and a leader of Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocates, regarding current biking legislation, ideal places to bike in the Sarasota area, new trails opening up for casual and serious bikers and other topics related to all folks who enjoy bicycle riding.

Habitat For Humanity in Sarasota was reviewed on Between the Lines this week as host Gary Olson interviewed Renee Snyder, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity-Sarasota. Also participating were Mark Usher, Chairman of Habitat for Humanity, Sarsota's Board of Directors and Janet Pederson, director of Volunteer Operations. Discussed during the program were the history of Habitat, the various programs Habitat has in operation in the area, and the opportunities for volunteers to participate in Habitat for Humanity activities.

Sarasota resident Bill Welch is this program's featured guest. Host Gary Olson discusses with Bill all aspects of preparing for and enjoying retirement in Sarasota including worthwhile fun and "giving back" activities of all kinds.

Ed McCrane, Director of Emergency Preparedness for Sarasota County, joined WSLR's Gary Olson and Joe Hendricks for a detailed discussion of preparing for the upcoming Hurricane season which officially starts June 1st. Also reviewed was the role of the County in dealing with a potential disaster from oil in the Gulf of Mexico and the possibility it may affect our coastline.

WSLR's Gary Olson interviews Melissa Wandal (pictured in center) of Bradenton and Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Ronald Reagan (pictured at left) regarding the Mark Wandal Safety Act -- a bill just signed into law by Governor Chrlie Christ. The legislation will take effect July 1st and deals with vehicles which fail to stop for red lights at intersections.

John Krotec former volunteer chairman of the Regatta Organization Committee and Paul Blackketter, Benderson Development Property Manager and Project Manager for the Sarasota Rowing Park join Gary Olson for a Between The Lines analysis of the new Rowing Park in Sarasota and its implications for growth in the community as well as international attention and participation.

WSLR Guest hosts Joe Hendricks (pictured) and Ted Lindenberg welcomed Steve Reid, publisher and editor of the Longboat Key News to the WSLR studios. Steve shared his insight on the town of Longboat Key's preparations pertaining to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He also discussed the ongoing debate over the proposed Key Club renovations, the latest developments taking place at The Colony, the town of Longboat Key's upcoming budget process, the peacock situation on Longboat Key and how the Longboat Key News has embraced modern technology in its news distribution efforts.

Gary Olson (pictured at right) interviews Ed Ogiba, President, Board of Trustees, Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota (pictured center) and DJ Magnus, disc jockey at WSLR, who suffers from severe hearing loss, regarding the problems of hearing loss and how to cope with them. Conversation includes discussion about types of hearing loss, how to select a hearing aid, programs available to assist hearing loss suffers, tinnitus, captions, and new technology and its influence on this widespread problem.

Paige St. John, investigative reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, was interviewed by Gary Olson and WSLR staffer Joe Hendricks regarding the property insurance crisis in the state of Florida. The conversation revealed some disturbing findings including the lack of oversight by public officials, underfinanced companies being permitted to sell insurance, incompetent entities being authorized to provide insurance to Florida home and condo owners, and other serious flaws. This is an ongoing investigation and updated reports will be presented on Between The Lines in the future.

This new WSLR program debuted with two guests: Alan Roberts - the producer of "Deadly Closure" - a film playing at the Sarasota Film Festival featuring Florida talent and shot in Sarasota & Derek Thompson - youth pastor at Church of the Palms, Presbyterian discussing the "Cry Out For Justice" project which involves 100 young people and attempts to inform the community about human slavery taking place in our area.