GBH and CAI (Cape and Islands Radio) are beyond grateful to the five fantastic runners who are lacing up their shoes on behalf of CAI in the ASICS Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 16. Our inaugural road race team spans generations (from high schoolers to retirees) and locations across the Northeast, but they share a love for public media, especially their local station.
Since they’re going the extra mile(s) to raise funds for CAI for its 25th anniversary, we thought you’d like to get to know (and perhaps support!) these wonderful folks. Plus, don’t miss the chance to cheer on Team CAI in The Garden Lady’s Bloom & Boom Cheer Zone at the corner of Elm Road and Surf Drive (Mile 3.5) in Falmouth.
Steve Bratt
Location: Orleans, Mass.
Why did you decide to run the Falmouth Road Race with Team CAI this year?
We are so fortunate to have a local public radio station that provides not only a conduit to national content, but also programs specific to the Cape, Coast, and Islands. I was particularly motivated to support CAI this year due to the loss of federal funding for public media.
What’s your favorite CAI show or program and why?
It’s hard to pick just one from the large selection of local programs, but I’d say The Point is right up there. Mindy Todd and colleagues dig deep — with a local focus — into topics including housing, the environment, politics, health, history, culture, etc. I especially like the Friday News Roundup, with local reporters providing their observations and perspectives on these topics and more.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I’ve never run with music — likely an indicator of my age. I love to listen to the birds, wind, and trees — and also vehicles, as a means of self-defense! It’s important to let my mind wander wherever it wants to go; it clears my head.
Favorite post-race food?
Bananas, yogurt, Kind bar, beer, and warm soup (especially after a cold race day).
Favorite hobbies?
Family, running, golfing, skiing, music, sailing, and small construction projects.
Fun fact:
One of my retirement projects is starting a classic rock band with friends. It’s called “King Tide.” We have a number of gigs lined up on the Outer and Lower Cape. We’ve just started our social media channels (Instagram and Facebook) and will be adding videos soon.
Vickey Huestis
Location: Orleans, Mass.
Why did you decide to run the Falmouth Road Race with Team CAI this year?
Running Falmouth and raising money for CAI is a complete win-win. I get to be a part of this fun community event; I get to take my daily run (with thousands of other runners!) on a spectacularly beautiful course; and I get to support the radio station that means so much to me, the Cape, and Islands.
What is your favorite CAI show or program and why?
The little, 30-second snippets CAI airs between programs where some local talks about anything, really! I love these little glimpses into someone’s mind and heart. They make me laugh, cry, shake my head, and feel alive.
Do you have any special stories about CAI to share?
Like a lot of listeners, I’ve stayed in my car — far longer than I’ve intended to, far too many times to mention — just to hear the end of a program.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I’m old school (and old). I’ve never listened to music while I’m running. I love to hear the sounds around me and let my mind and ears just go wherever it is they want to go.
Favorite post-race food?
Ice cream! It’s my favorite food, period.
Favorite hobby
Anything where I’m moving my body. I love running, biking, hiking, yoga, swimming, playing platform tennis and pickle. I love spending time with my family and friends, and meeting new people. I also make a mean cookie; I fancy myself a creative baker.
Fun fact:
My husband is the number one fanboy of CAI’s Gilda Geist!
Eli MacIver
Location: Nantucket, Mass.
Why did you decide to run the Falmouth Road Race with Team CAI this year?
I’ve always wanted to run this race, and when the opportunity came up, I was thrilled to participate. It’s great that I get to be a part of the CAI team, because my mom and I spend Sunday mornings listening to Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me while we watch the waves at the beach here in Nantucket.
What is your favorite CAI show or program and why?
Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me is my favorite. I like the different games they play, and the contestants always make it fun. We try to answer the lightning round questions along with the contestants to see if we know the answer.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
“Where You Are” by John Sumitt
Favorite post-race food?
Donuts
Fun fact
I’m a pretty good chess player; I learned to play when I was in second grade.
Favorite hobby
I love surfing the beaches on Nantucket.
Alinna Hanna
Location: Mashpee, Mass.
Why did you decide to run the Falmouth Road Race with Team CAI this year?
I decided to run with Team CAI because I really believe in the importance of independent, local journalism. Cape and Islands Radio does such a great job keeping our community informed and connected, and I’m excited to support an organization that has such a positive impact here.
What is your favorite CAI show or program and why?
My favorite CAI program is The Point because it dives into important local issues and conversations that directly impact our Cape and Islands communities. I appreciate how it brings together different perspectives and helps keep listeners informed about the topics that matter most.
Do you have any special stories about CAI to share?
Growing up and living on the Cape, CAI has always been a reliable source for local news and stories that matter to our community.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
“Slow Down” by Selena Gomez, however this changes every week
Favorite post-race food?
Chicken Caesar salad — it’s filling but not too heavy post-race!
Favorite hobby
Baking cookies and making blankets
Liz Kirn
Location: New York, New York
Why did you decide to run the Falmouth Road Race with Team CAI this year?
I’ve had a strong tie to the Cape and Islands since I was born, and running is a huge part of my life. It’s important to support the places and things you love, and it’s been the background to so many special times.
What is your favorite CAI show or program and why?
I love The Food Report! I am a sucker for a good farmers market and even more so in the summertime there’s always something good in season. Also, I have a brother who owns and runs his own farm up in Maine, so supporting local farmers is something near to my heart.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I listen to all sorts of music while I run — my favorites are usually 1990s bangers! I love “Sandstorm” by Darude and “Levels” by Avicii.
Favorite post-race food?
A nice, crispy Diet Coke and a pickle
Favorite hobby?
Running, duh!
Fun fact:
I’ve been running as a serious hobby since 2007, and my parents have either come to or tracked me in every race.
Leading the team as captain is GBH’s very own Senior Development Officer Lauren Mason. If you’re interested in learning more about the race or getting involved, please contact her at teamcai@capeandislands.org.
Join fellow CAI supporters at Elm Road & Surf Drive (Mile 3.5) in The Garden Lady’s Bloom & Boom Cheer Zone for Team CAI! Consider supporting our runners’ fundraising efforts and check out CAI’s reporting and programming.
