The Point

Mindy Todd talks with bestselling author Louise Penny before a live audience at Sandwich High School. The mystery writer talks about her new book Kingdom of the Blind, and the other books in the Inspector Gamache series. We also hear about her writing process and get a glimpse into her life in a small village south of Montreal.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: three men with Cape Cod ties are named in the national college admission scandal; two people are killed in a Wellfleet house fire, pointing to larger difficulties for firefighters in that area; and community leaders meet to tackle the problems of litter and plastic pollution.

Many of us are familiar with the song of the humpback whale or the clicking of dolphin echo-location but we may not have considered the design, engineering, and field work necessary to collect those sounds. Captain Bob Wallace and Biologist Peter Tyack join us to discuss the pioneering work of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution bio acoustic engineer Bill Watkins, and how his recordings helped launch the marine mammal conservation movement. 

A new symphonic work explores the complexities of one specific body of water: Buzzards Bay. The composition is titled Postcards From Buzzards Bay and composer Michael Donovan joins Mindy Todd on The Point to discuss the inspiration behind the music.

On The Point, we talk with Suzan Bellincampi about her latest book The Nature of Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a collection of her nature essays that originally appeared in the “All Outdoors” column of the Vineyard Gazette and includes photographs by Tim Johnson.

Mindy Todd talks with Ken Gloss of Antiques Roadshow and owner of Brattle Book Shop in Boston. They discuss some of the indications an item might have value, whether it’s better to sell an item yourself or go through a dealer, and some of the most unusual items Ken has run across. 

On The Point's monthly birds show, we discuss the seasons's news from the avian world. Who's nesting already, who's arriving from afar, and how to protect their habitats. We get tips on how to design our landscapes to maximize the attractions for birds: a diversity of forage is the key. Mike Tucker, naturalist, is our guest.  

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station has been moved out of the worst-performing category; the Washington Post reports that computers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution may have been breached by international hackers; and Cape veterinarians are seeing a rise in dogs accidentally eating marijuana products.

As we grow older, our housing needs change. There could be a need to downsize, eliminate stairs, or enter assisted living. Others might want to age in place or reduce their housing costs. We discuss different housing options, plus new zoning bylaws that might allow for accessory apartments that could create housing or rental options for seniors.

Described as one of the fastest growing winter sports in the world, curling involves propelling granite rocks along ice to land on or near a bulls-eye. The sport has had a loyal following on the Upper Cape and is expanding to the Lower Cape and Islands. We talk about the joys and physical benefits of the sport with local curlers and Tyler George, member of the US Curling Team that won gold at the 2018 Olympics.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: a coalition of local groups wants a portion of the new short-term rentals tax to be dedicated to long-term regional improvements; an empty chair at a Barnstable County Commissioner’s meeting draws sharp criticism; and land clearing begins for Aquinnah bingo hall.

When military service members return to civilian life, daily routines, work responsibilities and personal relationships are re-established, and this can be challenging both emotionally and financially. Some veterans who have served in combat are also dealing with PTS or changes to their physical capabilities.  We discuss the supports and services offered through Heroes in Transition, the Cape-based non profit for veterans and their families. 

On this month's book program for The Point, we explore the world of Irish literature. Jill Erickson, of Falmouth Public Library, and Nelson Ritschel, Author and Professor in the Humanities Department at Mass Maritime Academy, join host Mindy Todd in the studio to discuss their top picks, along with listeners from around the region calling in or emailing suggestions and comments.

A serious or life-threatening illness can make us look at life differently. It can bring our priorities into sharper focus but also leave us struggling with larger questions. Terri Luanna da Silva was 37, and had a young daughter, when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Terri decided to write about her experience in a blog she shared with friends and family.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: a provider of pediatric palliative care is ending its services on the Cape; the state approves the Cape's police academy; reaction keeps coming to a controversial social media post by a Barnstable County Commissioner; and a plow driver faces charges that he intentionally sprayed a group of protestors with snow and ice.