The Sages Among Us

Grass Valley School District Superintendent Andrew Withers is interviewed by Brian Buckley.  Describing his family background and previous experience as a teacher and school administrator, Andrew Withers discusses his thoughts about public education and describes what has been happening in his school district as students and staff emerge from the pandemic years.

Host Lori Burkart Frank introduces us to Melissa Collins, who serves the community as Relationship Manager at River Valley Community Bank, Past President of Grass Valley South Rotary, the Ambassador program through Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and so much more.

On tonight's The Sages Among Us , with host Kimberly Ewing, we talk with Christian Gutt, a music and arts specialist in our community. For decades, Christian has been involved with community music events across California and beyond. From roles like Events Coordinator to Ticket Office Supervisor, Christian has worked and volunteered at the Strawberry Music Festival in the mid 80's to hosting music...

If you enjoy blues on KVMR, you've no doubt encountered broadcaster Richard Tewes. Afterall, he's been cohosting So Many Roads for 37 years! On this episode, we'll get to know Richard's personal story--one of unusual travel, a variety of jobs, and educational achievement. 

Host Hollie Grimaldi Flores and District 3 Supervisor Elect Lisa Swarthout discuss Lisa’s many years in public service including why she continues to step into the political arena and what it takes to be a good elected official.

Taylor Wolfe speaks with Julie Thornberry, Executive Director of The Food Bank of Nevada County

Host Keith Porter traces the life journey of Antonio Ayestaran, a professional chef and decorated caterer who learned to cook from his grandmothers in Mexico City and Redding, California. He went on to study culinary arts, gather awards at international culinary competitions and become an executive chef. A desire to have a more balanced family life brought a transition to catering, where his servi...

  Lori Burkart Frank speaks with the Nevada County Sheriff’s office, Undersheriff, Alicia Burget. She was appointed Undersheriff in 2019 and during her 23+ year career she has held positions in patrol, Court Security/Bailiff, Search and Rescue Coordinator, detective in Major Crimes Unit, investigator in Narcotics Unit and as Jails Commander, overseeing all operations at the Wayne Brown Correctiona...

On tonight's The Sages Among Us , with host Kimberly Ewing, we talk with Greg Cameron, a man of music and talent in sound and motion. Once a touring and recording drummer and member of SST Records (Black Flag's record label), he now is a recording and live sound engineer all over Nevada County for over thirty years. He also has a background in film and TV editing and currently works as a QA engine...

Among the fascinating people in our area is former U.S. Ambassador to both Australia and the African nation of Namibia, Genta Holmes.  As the U.S. Deputy chief of Mission in South Africa around the time of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, to serving in Haiti during a time of intense conflict and upheaval, she has had a front row seat to major events on the world stage.  Retiring after decades...

Hollie Grimaldi Flores interviews Kimberly Parker about her past positions in a variety of roles including the Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento Zoo before taking the helm as the Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation which she recently left after 22 years to take a new position at the county.

Find out how this PhD's career started first in nursing but evolved into corporate leadership. What brought her to Nevada County? And what's on her bucket list? And what does AAUW offer members and the community at large?

Host Taylor Wolfe brings us the inside story of Jeff Goldman, Nevada County’s Chief Probation Officer. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he calls his childhood “poverty with a view” as the family prioritized outdoor activities and moved often to communities that focused on outdoor recreation. He attended 13 different schools and graduated from high school in South Lake Tahoe. Working at the juvenile...

Host Keith Porter helps uncover the fascinating life story of Natalie Adona, Nevada County Clerk-Recorder elect. Growing up as the granddaughter of immigrants in Vallejo, Natalie loved the arts and spent several years as an actor, dancer and teacher in local theaters. A desire to find her true life’s work and make a good living took her back to school, where she worked her way to a law degree and...

Melissa Coneley has been the Supe in the Penn Valley Elementary School District for a little over one year and joins Scott Lay in discussion about how she got here and her vision, goals and plans for the 2022-2023 school year.

Host Lori Burkart Frank gives us the inside scoop on Dan Frisella, Superintendent of the Sierra Nevada Joint Union High School District. Dan served in educational roles in Sacramento, Marin County and in wilderness education central Oregon. He came to Nevada County in 2011, and rose to the Superintendent position this year. Dan grew up in Foster City in a family that was into sports with a single...

On The Sages Among Us , host Kimberly Ewing speaks with Kirsten Casey, Nevada County Poet Laureate and Teacher, about her background in poetry, teaching, and how she contributes to our community exploring Poetry and Arts Education with our local children.

Sandra talks about her upbringing "down the hill" and the example of philanthropy taught to her by her role model mother and aunts.  She is a graduate of CSU Chico and has worked in fundraising for most of her adult life. She speaks of the importance of access to healthcare and her work with the foundation to further that mission.

Host Lori Burkart Frank introduces us to Craig Griesbach, newly appointed Nevada County Emergency Services Director. Craig brings over 17 years of management and leadership experience in local government programs, including collaborating with emergency services and law enforcement and fire agencies. Craig holds a degree in Organizational Leadership, and is a credentialed fellow of the California S...

From a nomadic childhood, she learned flexibility; from the arts, she became a lifelong performer and dancer; from progressively responsible professional jobs she learned management, organization and prioritization. In her latest role as Volunteer Coordinator at KVMR, Marni Marshall is learning and loving the task of herding a couple of hundred independent and creative volunteer broadcasters and s...

Steve Roddy is a Defensible Space Advisor for Fire Safe Council and Lake Wildwood Fire Wise Committee, a hiking guide and naturalist for Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes (Sutter Buttes) and a Stream Monitor/Naturalist for Sierra Streams Institute - all volunteer activities for this retired school teacher.

Lori Burkart Frank interviews Teresa Dietrich Board Member and Sponsorship Chair of the Penn Valley Rodeo.  She is also in charge of Mutton Busting for the Rodeo.  Teresa is a REALTOR, active community volunteer and horsewoman with a wide range of expertise and interests.  

Kimberly Ewing arts educator speaks with Melinda Douros, Program Manager of Child Advocates of Nevada County about her background and how she contributes to our community influencing and advocating for our local children and the court system. 

Host Hollie Grimaldi Flores chats with Debbie Thomas about her upbringing by two philanthropic and involved parents and her life long education in the power of giving back.  She worked 30 years in high tech before spending 2 years as a Peace Corp volunteer and now makes Grass Valley her home. 

Host Suzanne Webb welcomes Elaine Sierra, attorney and advocate for several Nevada County women’s organizations providing reproductive services and advancement for women in careers and school including Business & Professional Women’s Association of Nevada County, American Association of University Women and Citizens for Choice.