We are very thankful to the Nantucket Atheneum for reaching out to see if Time and Tide would be interested in collaborating on a podcast for this year’s 1 Book 1 Island series of events. The book “The Yellow House” is a powerful memoir by author Sarah Broom, that tells the story of her family’s house in New Orleans, the loss of the house during Hurricane Katrina, and ties in the mythology of the storied city where she grew up and the notion of what home means. At the office we put our heads together to see who on island could lend some insight on the topics being discussed, and Ritch Leone’s name came to the top of the list.
Ritch is a beloved teacher who taught for 34 years on the Nantucket. I can personally attest that many of my own friends who grew up here consistently say that not only was Mr. Leone one of the best teachers they ever had, he also remains a great friend to this day. Following retirement in 2008 Ritch went to work for FEMA and was on the front lines for major relief efforts that includes tornados in Oklahoma, Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey to name a few. On this episode Ritch sits down to tell these stories, and what it’s like to see firsthand, the effects and response to natural disasters that can forever change individuals, families and communities.
We would like to give a big thank you to Ritch Leone for sharing his story, and also special thanks to the Nantucket Atheneum for inviting us to collaborate for this year’s 1 Book, 1 Island event. Hope you enjoy!
Producer and Host: Evan Schwanfelder with special guest Ritch Leone
Music Composed and Recorded by Evan Schwanfelder