WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Grandparent Caregivers

Guest host: NULL

Many of us imagine reaching retirement age and finally being able to relax a little more, and maybe even pamper ourselves a bit. That's not the way it works for the over two million seniors across the country who've assumed full responsibility for raising their grandkids. These grandparents step in during a time of family trouble and take on an extra load - emotionally and financially. For seniors on a fixed income, the challenge is even greater. In the District, there are over 8,000 grandparents who are raising children, and many are doing the job on a tight budget. Now, city officials want to make it easier for these caregivers to get financial assistance. WAMU's Sarah Hughes reports.

Water Pollution Trading

Guest host: NULL

Virginia has long had the reputation of lagging behind when it comes to taking steps to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. But in March, Virginia Governor Mark Warner signed three bills designed to help clean up the bay. One dedicated a 50-million dollar fund to help sewage treatment plants upgrade their facilities. Another created a legislative committee to study long term funding options for reducing pollution. The third sparked some debate in the environmental community - legislation that will allow sewage treatment plants to buy and sell water pollution "credits." Not only have some environmentalists opposed the idea, they also said they were uncomfortable with the fact that the environmental group the Chesapeake Bay Foundation worked privately with state officials on the legislation. Jeff Corbin, the Virginia Deputy Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation joins us from Richmond.

Commentary by Fred Fiske - The Demise of the Newspaper

Guest host: NULL

In an age of changing technologies and access to instant news online, Fred wonders whether he'll still find his morning paper on the front porch much longer.

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Saxophone

Guest host: NULL

The baritone sax. In the saxophone family, it's the granddaddy. In purely visual terms, it's The Big Saxophone - big enough to crush the average musician. It's capable of a growling, honking percussive sound one moment, and then of soaring into the higher registers for warm, melodic lines the next. But it would never be accused of being simply "pretty." Kenny G doesn't play the bari sax.

When taking a survey of the DC music scene, some big names leap to mind - Duke Ellington, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Chuck Brown. Well, this guy's name might not have the same marquee value, but for the past 20 years it has been nearly impossible for local music fans to ignore a baritone saxophonist by the name of Chris Watling. He's a member of the roots rock band The Grandsons, but seems to play with everyone in town. The man and his sax have been partly responsible for giving the DC roots rock scene its unique sound. Reporter Gail Wein has this profile.

You can see and hear Chris Watling playing with his band, The Grandsons...they have two big shows coming up. They'll be playing at Bangkok Blues in Falls Church on Thursday, May 5th. And they'll be playing the Hungry For Music Crawfish Boil next Saturday at 3pm in Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria.

Washington Youth Garden

Guest host: NULL

For lots of kids in Washington, spending time outside means concrete and street lights. But since 1971 the National Arboretum's Washington Youth Garden has been getting city kids to experience the joys of dirt, helping them learn about science, the environment...even how to make toppings for a pizza fresh from the garden. WAMU's Stephanie Kaye visited the Washington Youth Garden, and spoke with Kim Rush, director of education programs. She says the youth garden has a down-to-earth mission.

Nature with Mark Garland - Patapsco Valley

Guest host: NULL

Naturalist Mark Garland joins us every few weeks on the show to highlight some of the lesser-known natural areas around Washington. This time he brings us to what he says is one of the best spots for spring wildflowers in the region - the Daniels area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. I met Mark along the banks of the Patapsco River, just west of Baltimore.

Theatre Review by Bari Biern - Alice in Wonderland

Guest host: NULL

The Puppet Company in Glen Echo Park is celebrating its first anniversary in its new playhouse with a production of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. And, according to Metro Connection theatre critic Bari Biern, there are a few surprises in store.

Alice in Wonderland runs through June 2nd at the Puppet Company in Glen Echo Park. For more information, you can call 301-320-6668.