Aug 13, 2019
About the episode:
George A. Smith of Mount Vernon has done a lot of things in his life, from writing comprehensive plans for rural Maine towns to managing statewide referendum campaigns. He served as executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine for 18 years, growing the membership from 4,000 to 14,000 and making it one of the state’s most influential organizations.
George left SAM at the end of 2010 to write full time. He writes an outdoor news blog posted on his website and the website of the Bangor Daily News, cited by the Maine Press Association in 2014 as the state’s best sports blog. He has written a weekly editorial column published in the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Morning Sentinel for 28 years, columns for The Maine Sportsman magazine since 1977, and special columns for magazines and the newsletters of various Maine organizations.
In the episode:
3:59 – Nancy starts off by asking George about the lake he lives next to, which also happens to be where they are recording this episode.
5:06 – George talks about how things have changed in his lifetime – starting with writing using a typewriter.
8:40 – George shares how he started his career and began writing.
10:35 – George describes how he writes with limited use of his hands due to ALS.
11:13 – George confidently states that he would not change a thing about his career, before sharing adventurous stories.
13:11 – Nancy points out the correlation between writing and reading – that reading helps you become a better writer.
16:05 – George shares how he made connections while working with newspapers and TV shows.
18:13 – George describes how he uses Facebook to share his writing.
19:11 – George starts talking about SAM, his role lobbying at the legislature and his connections with Angus King and Jared Golden.
26:38 – George shares how he deals with ALS, including the inspiring stories of others with ALS.
29:42 – George explains how he stays involved with politics and news through people like governor Janet Mills and Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso.
30:12 – George and Nancy share stories about fly fishing, whether working with Orvis and L.L. Bean or how Governor Mills enjoys fly fishing.
34:16 – George shares how his family has helped after being diagnosed with ALS and suggests that they should be on the podcast.
36:36 – Nancy asked what resources George finds helpful and George talks about how talented Maine writers are.
Quote:
On staying positive with ALS: "Try to make the most of every day. You know, it's all you can do and realize that you're very limited in what you can do." - George Smith
Links:
Whatever It Takes by May Davidson
The Canoe Maker by David Moses Bridges
A Lifetime of Hunting and Fishing by George Smith
Looking to connect:
Email: georgesmithmaine@gmail.com
Website: www.georgesmithmaine.com