Meet the New President and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Tanya McBride Robles

Meet the New President and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Tanya McBride Robles

Tonya McBride Robles, incoming President and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, joins the show ahead of her August 17th start date to talk about her background, what drew her to the RPO and what she hopes to build here in Rochester. Tonya shares her path from the Peabody Conservatory to senior executive roles at orchestras around the country, what two decades of following a naval officer around the world taught her about music and community, and why arriving at the RPO feels like the culmination of her life's work. She also talks about what she sees in Rochester that excites her, where she thinks the RPO can grow and what she plans to do first when she walks through the door. Spoiler: she plans to listen. Learn more about upcoming RPO performances and programs at rpo.org [http://rpo.org].

The 15th Annual Fairport Angels Blood Drive Is This Thursday. Here Is Everything You Need to Know.

Diane McClure, mother of Meredith, and Katie Hout from the American Red Cross join the show to talk about the 15th annual Fairport Angels Blood Drive, held this Thursday June 18th from 1 to 7pm in the gym at St. John of Rochester in Fairport. Diane shares the story behind the drive, what these 15 years of gathering have meant to the families of Hannah, Bailey, Meredith, Sarah and Katie, and why this particular way of honoring them has resonated so deeply with the community. Katie explains the very real and urgent need for blood donations heading into the summer months and what this drive has meant to the region year after year. Every donor who gives this Thursday will receive a $15 gift card by email. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. Schedule at redcrossblood.org [http://redcrossblood.org], use the code FAIRPORTANGELS to make sure your donation is credited to the drive, use the Red Cross mobile app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Finding Nature This Summer: ROC Ecology Partners

Chris Widmaier, Executive Director of Rochester Ecology Partners, joins the show to talk about getting outside this summer, where to go and what his organization has planned for kids, families and educators across the region. Chris shares some of his favorite underrated spots across Monroe County, from the west side to the east side, talks about what makes Rochester's parks and waterways genuinely special compared to other cities he has lived in, and offers a simple way to connect with nature even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Coming up this summer Rochester Ecology Partners has the Growing Good youth program at the Food Link Farm on Lexington Avenue, Eco Expeditions for students in grades first through sixth on July 1st and 2nd at Seneca Park and a Nature Based Learning Symposium at Durand Eastman Park in late August. Find the full event calendar and program details at rochesterecologypartners.org [http://rochesterecologypartners.org] and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Food Is Love: Pam Ayers on What a Little Green Building in Spencerport Is Doing for Its Neighbors.

Pam Ayers, founder of the Spencerport Free Food Pantry and principal at Impromptu Consulting, joins the show to talk about food insecurity in the suburbs, why it looks different than most people expect and what five years of running a no barrier, no questions asked pantry in the village of Spencerport has taught her about community. Pam talks about the misconceptions around suburban hunger, what is happening with SNAP benefits and why she believes food is the most basic way to show love to another person. She also shares the story behind one of her most loyal young donors, a little girl named Brooklyn, whose family's generosity carries a deeply personal reason behind it. The pantry is open around the clock at 222 South Union Street in Spencerport. No income limits, no eligibility requirements, no paperwork. Just take what you need. Find current shelf updates and more on Facebook at Spencerport Free Food Pantry.

Taproot Collective Is Growing Food, Building Skills and Employing Rochester Youth One Garden at a Time

Nathaniel Mich, Executive Director of Taproot Collective, joins the show to talk about community gardens, youth employment and what his organization is quietly building across Rochester's neighborhoods. Nathaniel shares why Rochester is uniquely positioned for this kind of work, what Taproot Collective actually does for the 120 plus community gardens in the city, and how 40 to 45 young people from Monroe County households get their first real work experience every summer through the program. He also talks about what the recent changes to SNAP benefits mean for food insecurity in Rochester and why community gardens matter more right now than ever. Tools and Tunes at Taproot is this Friday June 12th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Taproot office and teaching garden on First Street across from the Rochester Public Market. Free admission, live music, farm tours led by youth leaders and a visit from the Southeast Area Coalition's mobile tool shed truck. Volunteer, get connected to a garden near you or learn more at taprootcollective.org [http://taprootcollective.org]