Void should be filled with local talent
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
There's lots stuff floating around my cranium this week..
That venerable Holyoke Institution Nick's Nest has expanded to include soft-serve ice cream. Now this may not be earth-shattering news, but for those of us who either lived or worked in the Paper City, the restricted but yummy menu the eatery offered was great tradition.
But change is good!
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It's not often you see businesspeople advocating for higher permit fees and more potential fines, but last week representatives of Pride, F.L. Roberts and B & D Petroleum did when they met to come to a stricter ordinance governing the sale of tobacco products in Springfield.
They are to praised for their efforts to come to an agreement that will hopefully make sure young people don't start smoking.
It's too bad that Springfield's Department of Public Health shot down a suggestion that stores that pass compliance checks receive a letter confirming their adherence to the law. Everyone a needs a little positive reinforcement.
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Well, my buddy Steve Bissette, professional Vermonter, has already begun his gloating to me that Springfield, VT, won the "Home of the Simpsons" designation in a national contest. As I'm sure you've heard our Springfield came in fourth out of the 14 communities competing for the title and as a location for the world premiere.
Certainly there might be people who saw this contest as goofy why be connected to the most famous dysfunctional family on television? The reason is that this would have been another talking point about Springfield and a fun talking point at that.
This was a matter of civic pride and, ultimately, economic development. Wouldn't it have been great to say that Springfield is the birthplace of basketball, Dr. Seuss, the American gas-powered car, the American motorcycle and Bart Simpson?
If you're from Springfield and didn't vote, hang you head in shame.
Anyway, a big tip of the Dobbs summer panama hat to all of those who helped in the making of our little film and in its promotion. Thanks!
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With the departure of Howie Carr from the local airwaves, one wonders who fill his sport on WHYN AM. Hmmm.let's see, like Howie, I'm in my fifties, my hair is thinning and I'm not svelte. I'm a working newspaper guy and I have broadcast experience. Some people like what I do and some don't.
Of course, my politics are different than his and I'm not one of the beautiful people. I'm not making the money nor have the lifestyle Howie has. I actually give out Halloween candy, too. Maple High Six Corners isn't an exclusive neighborhood. I'm not obsessed with gangsters. I actually buy clothes.
That might count against me. And, unlike Howie, I actually love this region.
I know one thing for sure. It would be refreshing if a local radio station actually had original non-music programming during the afternoon drive period. The conventional wisdom in the industry is to put syndicated programming in that time slot.
This column represents the opinions of its author. Send your comments to Remiderpublications.com or to 280 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, Mass. 01028.
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