Off The Gravel Road
Off the Gravel RoadRobb Ellis is a husband, father, grandfather, educator, tradesman, and public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to small-town life and hands-on learning. Born in Los Angeles, California, Robb moved to Vermont in the 1980s, where he began his first career in law enforcement. After retiring from the field, he transitioned into the plumbing and heating industry—eventually becoming a technical trainer at FIA, where he now helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals across New England. Robb’s journey has taken him through Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire—where he and his wife Kristen...
The Art of Conversation: SOAR Kids Take the Mic
Send us a text
In this special episode of Off the Gravel Road, we sit down with our SOAR after-school kids to kick off “the art of conversation.” From summer adventures and first-day-of-school stories to a few surprises, these quick chats capture the energy, honesty, and humor of our youngest voices. This is just the beginning—soon the kids themselves will be leading the interviews and sharing stories on stage for family and community. Tune in for a heartwarming glimpse into the next generation finding their voice
“A Life Well Built: My Father, Bob Ellis”
Send us a text
In this very special episode of Off the Gravel Road, host Robb Ellis sits down with his father, Bob Ellis, to capture a remarkable life story. From growing up in Massachusetts with deep roots in Prince Edward Island, to serving in the Coast Guard, building a career in construction and consulting, and even running the Arlington Inn in Vermont, Bob shares the experiences that shaped him across nearly nine decades.
Alongside tales of hard work and adventure, he reflects on 57 years of marriage, raising three sons, and the pride of watching...
“Shaping Barnstead: Roots, Growth, and Community with Nancy Carr”
Send us a text
In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, we sit down with Nancy Carr—planning board chair, town moderator, and longtime community leader. From childhood memories of gravel roads and ice skating on the river, to the explosive growth of Locke Lake Colony, to preparing Barnstead for its 300th anniversary, Nancy offers a heartfelt look at how small towns evolve while holding on to their roots.
She shares stories of family traditions in civic service, the challenges of balancing growth with preservation, and the importance of local democracy at to...
Casting Lines & Lessons with Camdon Drolet
Send us a text
In this special Off the Gravel Road staff spotlight, we sit down with Camdon Drolet, our newest SOAR team member. At just 14, Camdon has already reeled in tournament wins, earned a black belt in Okinawan karate, and balanced school, sports, and family life with a drive well beyond his years. From teaching kids how to fish for the very first time, to learning patience on the water, to chasing his passion for bass fishing on the tournament circuit, Camdon shares insights, humor, and a glimpse of the future he’s...
Kids at camp - Charlotte and Eleanor
Send us a text
Introduction: A Summer of Cows, Soil, and Curiosity
This episode of Off the Gravel Road invites listeners into the joyful, curious, and surprisingly profound world of two young campers—Charlotte and Eleanor—who attended Cow Camp at TL Storer. The conversation begins with host Robb Ellis setting the scene: TL Storer is a place where children from the local community gather for day camp activities like fishing, hiking, and arts and crafts. But this year brought something new and transformative—a focus on cows, soil, and the interconnectedness of land stewardship.
...
School Finance on the Edge — From Claremont to IEPs to Forest Classrooms
Send us a text
What happens when a school district runs out of money just days before the first bell? In Claremont, NH, families are finding out the hard way. Facing a $1–5 million deficit, the school board cut 19 newly hired teachers and paraprofessionals before they even started, saving $1.8 million but leaving educators and students reeling.
And Claremont isn’t alone. Pittsfield overspent its budget by $1.9 million. Timberlane and Merrimack Valley slashed millions more. Behind these headlines lies a deeper story: the rising cost of special education and a broken funding mode...
Roots and Reasons
Send us a text
Off The Gravel Road: Introduction and Community Programs
In the inaugural episode of Off The Gravel Road, host Robb Ellis introduces himself and shares his journey from Los Angeles to New England, where he now spearheads various community programs. Rob details the impactful initiatives such as the SOAR afterschool program, Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL), the National Safe Tractor Machinery Operation Program, and Cow Camp. These programs focus on teaching hands-on skills, conservation, soil health, and fostering a sense of resilience and discovery in young people. The episode also touches on the...
Off the Gravel Road Podcast Trailer
Send us a text
