Making $ense: Full Episode

Watch the full episode of “Making $ense” – an in-depth, informative program that examines some of the economic problems facing our region, and explores some of the innovative approaches northern New Englanders have developed to weather the storm.

What’s happening in your community?

During these unsettling and challenging economic times, communities are coming together in various ways to help one another. For example, across the country local farmers and foodbanks have formed partnerships to provide food to the hungry. How are people joining forces in your community to help those in need?

Live Web Chat

Join live chat (Thursday, 4/16 from 8 – 9 p.m.)

Watch the show online and chat with our panel of moderators.

Marada Cook
Owner, Crown O’ Maine
Newport, ME

Monica Kimball
Time Bank Coordinator, Onion River Exchange
Montpelier, VT

Randy Roody
Counselor, SCORE
Bedford, NH

Time Banks

In these tough economic times, Time Banks provide their members a way to exchange services without using money. People use time credits that they can earn by providing work that they enjoy doing, or are skilled at. This system also helps remind individuals of their personal worth during a stressful period of unemployment. VPT will visit with people currently making use of the Time Bank system.

Food Clubs

Food costs take a big bite out of everyone’s budget. In Portland, Maine people are getting together to fight the problem. The Portland Food Buying club, which is part of the Portland Food Coop formed a year and a half ago. The Food Buying Club buy local and natural foods, and offers a better deal on many products than the big natural foods stores. They have no overhead and mark up the food by 10 percent so they can keep prices relatively low.

Mortgage Deferment

Maine’s Gorham Savings Bank has instituted a mortgage deferment program for its customers. If customers find themselves in a financial tight spot, they can apply to skip a mortgage payment. About 130 customers have taken part so far, for a variety of reasons – job loss, medical problem, etc.

Buy Local

This story from Portland, Maine examines the growing “buy local” movement, and look at how a gift purchased from a locally-owned store affects the local economy.

Small Business

SCORE is a community based, volunteer organization of small business owners (active and retired) who counsel other small business owners on starting, marketing and making a small business successful. SCORE is available throughout northern New England. The southern NH chapter serves, on average, 700-800 clients per year. We’ll hear what small business owners are doing to survive the recession.

Eating Well on a Reduced Budget

The NH Food bank offers Operation Frontline, a statewide program offering classes on how to prepare good meals on a reduced budget. Despite the economic conditions we live with, everyone still needs to eat. Cutting food costs should not lead result in poor nutrition. Chefs will show viewers how to maximize their food dollars. Plus, Portland’s 1 1/2-year old food co-op “Local Sprouts” is experiencing a surge in interest and is looking to grow. Members prepare meals for each other and do catering for non-profit groups, and also take part in a food buying co-op.

10% Shift

10% Shift is a grassroots coalition of businesses, citizens and government agencies working together across Northern New England. Their goal is to shift 10% of their annual spending from non-local businesses to local independents. The result, they say, is a direct stimulus to the local economy. We’ll learn from citizens and business owners about how the program works and the implications of the 10% Shift.