“Talk of the town” host to pass torch

ALPENA, Mich.– For 35 years, one woman has helped build connections between Alpena residents and their local non–profits. Now, she’s getting ready to pass the torch.

Nancy smithem launched her “Talk of the Town” program on WBKB in the late 1980s. Since then she’s highlighted the works of multiple non–profits and volunteer agencies, thanks, in part, to her many connections.

“I know all the players. I feel like I’m a volunteer for all of them”

She said her show not only kept the public up to date, it also served as a meeting place where community leaders could plan and help each other.

“Somebody would come in and they would say ‘man, we need school supplies for our kids.’ And one of the guests would say ‘oh, we have school supplies!’ Then one of the other guests would say ‘I can get the library and museum together.’ And they would come up with ideas they could collaborate on together.”

Now, after 35 years, she’s ready to let someone else take the interview chair: Brad Somers, of Alpena’s Boys and Girls club.

Smithem said she selected Somers for his camera presence and speaking ability.

“He’s always the guy we call when we have a cancellation because he can talk  so well that he can fill a whole segment.”

You can watch Smithem’s final talk of the town on Sunday, March 27, at 7:30 AM.