The Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs, News and Views from Western Massachusetts

On this edition of the podcast is a double-header examining both sides of what has become a controversial subject: the implementation of a ballot question allowing the State Auditor to audit the Massachusetts Legislature. There have been questions about the constitutionality of the issue. I interview the State Auditor Diana DiZoglio as well as Jerold Duquette, Professor of Political Science, Director, Public Policy & Management, Central Connecticut State University. It's an important topic, so give a listen!

Welcome to a new edition of "The Ink-stained Wretch" with G. Michael Dobbs. In this episode I speak with Mayor John Vieau of Chicopee, MA. Chicopee has a fascinating history as a classic new England water power mill town that also was for many years the home of Westover Air Force Base, an important Strategic Air Command base, home of B-52 bombers. When the base was made into a reserve base, the city wound up with a lot of excess property which it turned into a successful industrial park, attracting new industries and jobs. Mayor Vieau spoke about a number of issues confronting the city from traffic safety to the redevelopment of the former Uniroyal Tire plant to turning the massive Cabotville complex into apartments.

The congressional race, while in its early stages, is heating up and these two interviews will give you an idea of the differences between the two Democratic candidates: incumbent Richard Neal, the dean of the Massachuisetts House delegation and Jeromie Whalen, school teacher  and activist. 

Tracye Whitfield id a seasoned city councilor who now has the opportunity of guiding the council through some challenging times. The city has lost federal funding – like all municipalities – but also faces the loss of casino mitigation funds as well. This will be a very interesting year and Whitfield has a lot she wants to accomplish.

In this episode, I'll tell you about some great holiday events taking place in Springfield and then have a discussion with community activist Karen Lee about the selection of a site for a new Hampden County Courthouse. She provides interesting details. Please listen! "Funky Boxstep" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hi folks! In this episode we'll look at the SNAP crisis and what Holyoke and Springfield are doing in reaction. First I'll talk about what Springfield is doing and then you'll hear from Holyoke Mayor Garcia about the city's financial situation and then its response to the SNAP issue. If you want to help those facing greater food insecurity  in Springfield, here is where to make a donation. Cash donation can be made online at: www.foodbankwma.org. As Mayor Sarno noted at his presser, the city of Springfield departments and local partners will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which will serve as the distribution center for all of our local food pantries. All our Springfield Library locations will serve as collection points for non-perishable food donations. The Hampden County Sheriff's Office will provide logistical support to get donations delivered to the Food Bank. In addition, Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris announced the City of Springfield will also support our local food pantries in the community with a $45,000 grant. In Holyoke, here is how you can make a difference. The Holyoke Board of Health is coordinating a food drive city-wide. There are several locations you can drop off boxed shelf-stable foods and canned goods to help with No 1 Hungry Holyoke initiative. These locations include: -> Any of the Holyoke Fire Department fire stations throughout the city. -> Holyoke Police Department station. -> Holyoke Public Library -> Holyoke Tax Collector Office at Holyoke City Hall -> The City Clerk's Office at Holyoke City Hall -> The Board of Health at the Annex Building -> Mayor's Office at Holyoke City Hall

Welcome back to "the Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs" and the first show of the second season is all about cancer. Specifically, prostate cancer and how it has affected my life. No, this is not one of those narcissistic social media posts that is intended for attention and pity. Rather, I want people to understand what goes into a diagnosis of cancer and one of the treatment options. I would like any man listening to this episode to ask their doctor for the simple blood test that can initially determine if there is something wrong with one's prostate. It can easily be part of an annual physical.   I have a lot of cancer in my family history and I had not been tested for years. In January, I had my annual physical and asked the doctor for the test. You should as well.   And don't let a doctor tell you that you are too young to worry about this cancer or that this cancer is so slow that something else will kill you be it does, as my doctor did. Speak up and get tested.!

On this week's podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking again with Congressman Richard Neal who gave me an insider's look at what is happening in the House. This conversation was recorded several days before House narrowly passed President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." After than converation, I'd like to share the health journey I've been on since January.

This week on the podcast, the second part of my conversation with author and folklorist Joseph Citro. As I mentioned last week, Joe's many books collect odd histories and occurrences throughout New England have earned him an enviable reputation. Joe is not a ghosthunter. He researches and chronicles fascinating people, events, and the unexplainable. In today's podcast, Joe relates when his success with his non-fiction books – remember he is also an acclaimed horror novelist – led to a possible ghostwriting job with self-proclaimed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. That name doesn't ring a bell? Some of their books have inspired a franchise of horror films, The Conjuring series. Their written works has also brought about the haunted doll series "Annabelle." The Warrens became celebrities and darlings of the media and although both have passed, their names and reputations – and estate – have grown thanks to the movies. Joe sheds some light on the pair, especially Ed Warren, in this candid conversation. The Netflix documentary I mentioned is "The Devil on Trial." It is very much worth watching. Want to learn more about Joe's works? Once gain here is his page on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joseph-A.-Citro/author/B001JSJOOK?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true And if you want to learn more about the reissue of Joe's horror novels – his latest is "The Gore" – here is a podcast with more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxx3k6wyZ80.  

It is a personal pleasure to share with you a two-part presentation of a conversation I recently had with my good friend Joesph Citro. I've had the good fortune of knowing him for decades as he not only just a great person he is also a very talented writer. A Vermonter through and through, Joe has established two careers as a writer – the first as an acclaimed horror novelist and the second as a folklorist and historian who has collected in book after book odd and inexplicable New England stories. With considerable research, Joe has recounted hundreds of stories about hauntings, odd historical events, lake monster and Big Foot sightings, ancient stone structures and much more from all the New England. As Joe is quick to point out, he is not a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator, but rather a writer with an open mind looking for a good story. And boy, has he found many! Recently, he has been putting his earlier novels back into print, including "Shadow Child," "Lake Monsters," and most recently "The Gore." Check out Joe's books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joseph-A.-Citro/author/B001JSJOOK?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Next week, the conversation will turn to Joe's experience with controversial "demonologists" Ed and Lorraine Warren.

My guest today is Karen Finn, the executive director of the Springfield Culture Partnership. If you've not heard of the partnership, here's a little history, according to the organization's website: In 2018, the Springfield Central Cultural District, Springfield Cultural Council, City of Springfield and the Mass Cultural Council partnered to form the Springfield Cultural Compact. The three partners work exclusively on cultural activities to boost the local economy through creative expression separately, signed a "cultural compact" on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at Springfield City Hall, to increase collaboration and partnership, together. "The compact includes regular meetings and communication as well as Springfield-specific goals like integrating public art into the metro center, also known as downtown. Springfield was one of six pilot cities including Harwich, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, and Worcester for this initiative across the state of Massachusetts, and the first in the state to hold a signing ceremony." The mission is to "connect artists, institutions and audiences to create and celebrate creativity in Springfield." The arts is an economic driver for the city as you will learn in the interview. Consider the following: in 2022 (the last year for stats)  Springfield's nonprofit arts industry alone generates $82.4 million in economic activity annually – spending by organizations and their audiences – which supports 1,483 jobs and generates $15.3 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. Give a listen. And I'll explain what my wife and I are doing to try to prevent some of the impacts on current federal government policies as well as tariffs.

Today on the podcast my guest is Kelly Fellner the superintendent of the Springfield National Historic Site, one of the federal parks in Massachusetts (https://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm). The week starting April 19 is National Park Week and the museum has a number of events. Check out their on-line calendar at https://www.nps.gov/spar/planyourvisit/calendar.htm. Personally, I love the museum because the armory and the arsenal that preceded it has played such a major role in not just the history of Springfield and the Pioneer Valley but also the nation. I appreciate having the opportunity of speaking with Fellner about the history of the armory as well as the events offered by the museum.

Today on the podcast, I'll share a discussion I recently had with three members of the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee, a non-profit organization, that is currently raising money to fund a monument in Springfield to denote the Global War on Terror. The city has monuments for veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The committee is undertaking several up-coming fundraisers for the project. On April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be an event at Dewey's Jazz Lounge at 232 Worthington Street in Springfield. The entry donation is $25, with an option to donate $25 more for free passed appetizers and beer. Weather permitting, the event will be on Dewey's patio. Tickets are available online https://www.eventbrite.com/e/springfield-veterans-activities-committee-fundraiser-tickets-1304787647979?aff=oddtdtcreator or in person at Smokey Joe's Cigar in downtown Springfield. The second event is a golf tournament on June 7, which you will hear more about in the podcast. If you're a vet or the family member of a vet or someone who is concerned about vets, I hope you consider attending the event on April 16. "Funky Boxstep" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With all the turmoil happening daily in the Trump Administration, I welcomed the opportunity to speak once again with Representative Richard Neal over Focus Springfield and this podcast. Neal answered a number of questions which I think many people will find illuminating to what is happening on the federal level. And this week, I'll talk about the new movies I've seen.

This week on the podcast we have an interview that was supposed to be very different. Steve Cary, the executive director of Focus Springfield community television, had labored for weeks negotiating an appearance of Cannabis Control Commissioners as part of a discussion about the effort the commission is undertaking in setting up the regulations for social consumption or in non-government-ese, cannabis smoking lounges. The commission's website reports the commissioners should have these rules established sometime in the middle of this year. The commission agreed that two commissioners – Bruce Stebbins who had lived in western Massachusetts and Nurys Camargo – would appear with two licensees. After some discussion, Focus Springfield asked Payton Shubrick, owner of the Six Bricks dispensary in Springfield and former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, founder & CEO of Apex Noire Cannabis in Boston. They both readily agreed to participate. It should be noted that both dispensary owners have been critical of the commission's activities or lack of activity about key issues facing the cannabis industry in the commonwealth. The night before the interview, Stebbins told Cary that the two commissioners would not be there as Camargo felt "uncomfortable" discussing the issue with licensees. The decision was made to move forward with the interview, though, with Shubrick and Jackson. As discovered after the program was taped, both Stebbins and Camargo were indeed in Springfield and having lunch at the famed Student Prince restaurant a few blocks away from the Focus Springfield studio. They were eating with two members of the Liberty Bank staff, one of whom decided to post a photo of the group on social media. I've included the photot of thre two commissioners hard at work.  This interview will give listeners an opportunity to hear the answers I posed to the two licensees about smoking lounges. They gave informed answers about what they know about how lounges here could work and how lounges in other states operate. It's enraging to me that the commissioners did what they did. They are public officials paid by tax dollars and they should be willing to discuss issues. Perhaps they should consider finding a new job.

The year is still young from a legislative point of view here in Massachusetts and I recently had the pleasure of speaking once again with State Senator Jake Oliveira. The senator spoke about his own legislative agenda as well as clarifying for me the need for a rail station in Palmer, MA, for the upcoming increased west-east passenger rail service. It was a good talk and I hope you will listen. After the senator, I'll talk about what I'm watching – movies, TV.

On this week's podcast, I speak with Ayanna Crawford, a woman who wears many hats. She is the chief of staff for state Rep, Orlando Ramos and has her own media consulting company. The reason for our talk this week is about a program – Take the Mic (https://www.facebook.com/TaketheMicProgram)  –  she has developed and runs that teaches young people – and adults as well – how to overcome their fears of speaking in public. She is having a special event on Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. called "Empower Her Calendar Launch at The Venue at 1205 Liberty Street in Springfield, MA. It is a fundraiser for her Take the Mic program. RSVP by calling 413-886-9089. After the interview, say tuned for an announcement that hopefully some of you will find interesting. That's a tease, isn't it?!

Larry Akers is the new police superintendent in Springfield but he prefers being called "Chief." Akers is a 39-year veteran and the first African-American to be named to the job. His perspective in law enforcement is both practical and humane. It was a pleasure to speak with him on Focus Springfield "Government Matters." I hand out some onions and orchids to dserving folks from last year. It's an award show in a matter of minutes and doesn't require dressing up!

On this week's podcast I had the privilege of talking movies with my friend and former colleague Matt Conway. Matt and I worked at Reminder Publishing together and he was a great reporter who has since left journalism full time to work for the city of Greenfield, MA. Like me, Matt loves movies and has written reviews for a number of outlets, including The Reminder. We had a freewheeling conversation about some recent releases. My rant this week is an announcement about a decision I made that ends almost 25 years of an activity that I loved to do. There is an end for all good things. I hope you will listen.

Thanks for listening to my first podcast of 2025 and in this episode I share an interview I did for Focus Springfield Television with state Senator Adam Gomez and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez. Both men just were sworn into a new session of the Massachusetts Legislature and had a lot to say about the last session and what was accomplished as well as what they are seeking to accomplish in 2025. Also on the broadcast today, I'll share what stuff I've been watching in theaters and on streaming.   

This week on the podcast, I had a very interesting discussion with Christopher DiMauro  about the rebirth of an organization in Springfield honoring Italian culture. Chris, along with his wife Lisa, has become very well known in the region for a series of podcasts, which I detailed. We also spoke about podcasting, the status of media in the region as well as some of his future projects. To stay current with Chris and Lisa with their efforts, be sure to follow DiMauro Media at https://www.facebook.com/ArtintheGame.

Gary Hallgren is a very respected illustrator, painters and cartoonist and is my guest thos week. In the days of the undergound comix in the ealry 1970s, Hallgren was part of the Air Pirates, a group of artists who decided to parody the characters owned by Walt Disney.  They were sued by the Disney company and a judge found their work to fall outside of the protections of freedom of speech and was deemed as copyright infringement. The judgement did not prevent these artists from going on with their careers, I'm happy to report. In years following, he had a limited series of comic books from Marvel and did work for MAD and other humor magazines. He is the artist for the nationally syndicated comics strip "Hagar the Horrible." Gary's artwork is being featured in an exhibit at the Art for the Soul Gallery at Tower Square in downtown Springfield. MA. "A Retrospective: 1971 – Presents: Gary Hallgren" features a wide range of his paintings and sculptures. The exhibit is on display through Jan. 19. Gary excels in taking elements of popular culture and looking at them through his own lens. For instance, there are refences to Blondie and Dagwood, Buck Rogers, Nancy and Sluggo, among others. There are metal sculptures made by found objects.  He mixes and matches different mediums in a work of art. There will be a pop-up shop of crafters at the gallery on Dec. 15 and Gary will be in attendance. 

One of the most over-used words on the English language is "expert." There appears to be millions of experts out there, especially about media trends. On today's podcast, though, I have the pleasure of speaking with a genuine expert, Michael Harrison. Michael is the publisher of Talkers, once a magazine and now a website that covers the talk radio industry. It's been called the bible of the industry and rightly so. Take a look for yourself at www.Talkers.com.  I've known Michael for years and have been privileged to have attending many of his annual conferences. I view him as not an authority about talk radio but in media as well. Michael was an early advocate for podcasting. He saw how technology could change listening habits and that podcasting freed broadcasters from a schedule to develop a much larger audience. There was a lot to cover and we didn't get to it all, but  and Michael and I will speak again in the future. Also on the podcast, I talk about our local media and its status, which is discouraging at this point. 

I had the privilege of speaking with Carrie Salso of NEPM's "The Rundown" and political consultant Anthony Cignoli about the election results from micro to macro recently. I think, if you are a politic wonk (as I am) you will enjoy the discussion.

This week on the podcast, we have a two-fer. I've conducted interviews with both Congressman Richard Neal and his opponent in this election, Nadia Milleron. They were undertaken as part of my gig as the host of "Government Maters" on Focus Springfield.  First up is Milleron, an independent who is both an attorney and a farmer from Sheffield, MA, who came into prominence questioning safety issues after she lost her daughter in a place crash. She said that if elected she would caucus with whichever party has the best idea about a bill. Then will be Representative Neal, the former chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and a very prominent, though low key, longtime member of Congress. Neal recently  came under some criticism from a story posted on Politico (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/24/richard-neal-son-congress-lobbying-00181853)  about ethics issues regarding his lobbyist son. Neal addressed that issue and others in the conversation.

One of the things I love about Western Massachusetts is the fact it's home to everyone. There are so many ethnic groups here adding a great deal of culture and diversity to our region. I regularly have promoted small business and businesses owned by what is called minority owners. We frequently see stories about Black, Hispanic and women owned businesses but there is a new group of people who are adding businesses and jobs to our area and that's Indian immigrants. In this edition of the podcast, I spoke with two business owners Raj Sanghvi of Chicopee, who owns two businesses there, and Dinesh Patel who is the owner/ managing partner of the Springfield Marriot. In my commentary I speak about the reasons people vote. Thanks for listening!  

This week on the podcast, I spoke with a fellow Springfield guy, David Starzyk, who has had a very diverse and successful acting career. He has been on stage, in films and on television . He has acted with people such as Valerie Bertinelli, Eva Longoria, Betty White, Don Johnson, Charlie Sheen, James Spader, Robert Urich, Eric Braedon, Mary McDonnell,  among others and has appeared on shows such as NCIS, Magnum PI, Veronica Mars, Hot in Cleveland, SWAT, Criminal Minds, Bones , Mad Men, and many many more. He's the type of interview with whom I could spend hours talking. My rant this week is about the removal of the 136-year-old granite bench from a downtown Springfield park. As you might guess, I'm not happy about it. 

Today on the podcast is a conversation I recently had with state Sen. Jake Oliveria that was broadcast over Focus Springfield. We talk about what's going on in the Legislature and his opinion about the ballot questions facing Massachusetts voters next month. Also I get a bit peeved at actions in Springfield that resulted in the removal of a 136-year-old granite bench from a historic park.

This week on the podcast, I get to discuss local and state races with a guy whose political acumen I admire and respect, Matt Szafranski. Matt, an attorney and writer,  is the founder of Western Mass Politics and Insight blog (https://wmasspi.com) and has been writing about politics since 2006. We talk about the outcomes of the recent preliminary and what's coming up in November besides the presidential election. After that discussion I'll share my opinion about the sale of the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Springfield

Hi folks. Every now and then I will be featuring an interview with someone who isn't from Western Massachusetts and this week is one of them.   I traveled up to the Mountains of Madness in Vermont to talk movies with my friend Stephen R. Bissette. For those who may not be familiar with him, Steve is a highly acclaimed and very influential artist whose work on the "Swamp Thing" comic book as well as his own creations such as "Taboo" and "Tyrant" have earned him fans around the world.   He is also as movie crazy as I am – perhaps more so if that is possible – and has contributed commentaries to many DVDs and Blu-Rays, most recently to the Vinegar Syndrome releases of two classic big monster films "Gorgo" and" Reptilicus." He and I have collaborated on two commentaries – those for the animated feature "Fritz the Cat" as well as "The Lady and the Monster" on the recent collection of Republic Studio horror films released by Kino Lorber.   Steve has written several books about film: one  about David Cronenberg's movie "The Brood," as well as several volumes about Cryptid Cinema – movies that feature in Steve's words, "Bigfoot, Bayou Beasts and Backwoods Bogeymen." His books are available on Amazon.   I brought my high school scrapbook to the meeting as I thought it could spur a conversation about a once great summer tradition, drive-in theaters. And I was right.   The ads in newspapers for the movies playing at the local drive-in fascinated me as a kid as many were movies of which I had no knowledge. I used stare at them and wonder, "What is this thing?" Even after I got my driver's license, I wasn't able to go to the drive-ins as we had a family farm and staying up late at night just wasn't prudent.   Of course I watched movies at every other time I could!   So go to the concession stand and get some snacks, adjust your car seat, hang your speaker on your window and get comfy for a trip back to the drive-in on this edition of The Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs. And yes, that's an actual drive-in speaker I'm holding in the photo.

In this week's program, I will be presenting a recording of the debate I moderated for Focus Springfield between incumbent state Sen. Adam Gomez and challenger Malo Brown, a member of the Springfield City Council. There's not a lot of local races here in the region but this is an important one. If you live in Springfield or Chicopee I hope you take time to listen. I want to emphasize the statement Councilor Brown makes about Gomez being incarcerated is simply not true. It's difficult as a moderator to fact-check live, but I want to make it clear the statement is inaccurate. And if you want to watch the debate, you can at https://focusspringfield.com/state-senate-debate/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1wvlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSw9LfVHDg9_5YEdsa1dLlKKflj-h-fSM7pPTnweE1I78QfOsDyxsMMGAA_aem_FTka4402VPRYkHDw2XYsfg      

This week on the podcast I speak with John Dobrydnio of Amherst, who, in my book, is a real renaissance guy. John describes himself as a monster kid, who is someone who fell in love with horror films at a young age and has been enjoying them his entire life. He loves them so much that he has been hosting, along with his friend Marty Caron, their own horror film show called Graveyard Cinema since 2016. It's seen on more than 20 cable access stations in Massachusetts and it streams nationally on The Monster Channel (https://themonsterchannel.com). But John is also a life-long music fan who has recently released his own new music (which can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCps7h53qoOmttROWazdSokA ). As Johnny D and the Moonlighters, John's music reflects the songs he heard in his youth. And we talk about both music and horror films in this interview. I also relate my experiences at the great vintage film ferstival CapitolFest in this episode.

Springfield photographer Chris marion is just not well known in the region, his work for the National Basketball Association has brought him new heights of recognition. He has literally been all over the word for the NBA. I spoke to him at his studio in the Gasoline Alley complex in Springfield. https://www.chrismarion.com I also recorded a story about Cookes, the internationally known cannabis company, coming to Springfield. The long anticipated business is going into the South End on South Main Street. 

Many people in the greater Springfield area have wondered about the former MacDuffie School property. It was sold to John Foley in 2011 to continue its educational mission. To be clear the name MacDuffie and its curriculum was acquired by a company that established a private school in Granby, MA at the site of the former St. Hyacinth's Seminary. I recently sat down to interview Angelene Huang the woman who worked with a group of investors to purchase the school and her Head of School Beth Moriarty for Focus Springfield. We sat in Angel House one of the buildings on the campus that is being renovated. Some of the buildings have been closed and still reflect the damage of the 2011 tornado. Huang is intent on reopening all the buildings. The two women met at the New York Military Academy where Huang had been brought in to revitalize that school. After her success there she wanted to do the same at another school. Please watch this edition of Government Matters on Focus Springfield (it will be available on-line), but right now you can listen to our conversation. For my tip this week, I'll tell you about two great books about aspects of movie history you may not have considered. "Ethernight Club" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Maple Leaf Rag" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week on the program we will have Chris Maza. You may know him from his role as a long-time reporter and now managing editor at Reminder Publishing. Yes, Chris survived working with me for years. You might also know him for his podcast called Maza's Musings. We are talking about another of his endeavors – helping foster kids and their families through the work of All Our Kids, Inc.. The seventh annual Homebrew Showcase for All Our Kids will take place at Paddy's Irish Pub on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 12-3 p.m. The Pub is located at 1060 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. This beer-tasting event is a lot of fun. Entry at the door is $20. Additionally, raffle tickets can be purchased in advance online. Designated drivers receive free entry, though a donation is appreciated. This is a 21+ event. "Maple Leaf Rag" and "Ethernight Club" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We have a two-fer with interviews this edition with one about politics and one about a local artist. First up is State Sen. Adam Gomez whose district includes much of Springfield and part of Chicopee  and who is up for re-election. He is being challenged by Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown. I had the opportunity of speaking with Gomez on "Government Matters," the program on Focus Springfield that I host. Steve Cary, the executive director of Focus Springfield, graciously allowed me to share the audio here on this podcast.  If you want to learn more about what legislation Gomez supports, go to https://adamgomezma.com. Springfield's Ken Harris is a writer, an actor and a puppeteer and he has a new one-man show he will be performing three times in the region. The show is "Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard" and it is playing on July 21 at 1 p.m. at the Castle of the Knights in Chicopee; on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. at Gasoline Alley on Albany Street in Springfield; and on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.at Holyoke Media, 1 Court Plaza, Holyoke. To learn more go to his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.harris.16547.   

Bob Charland has become a bit of a legend in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut through his non-profit organization, Pedal Thru Youth. Originally starting as an effort in his home's garage to repair donated bikes and get them to kids who want a bike but can't afford one, Bob and his volunteer staff now have programs including getting backpacks of necessities to homeless people, baby clothes to those who need them and now medical equipment.  He works with the Hampden County Sheriff's department, various municipal police departments, emergency food pantries, schools and other organizations to get these items to people who really need them. Bob is a humble guy who is far more interested in helping someone out rather than in public praise. I appreciate him taking some time from his labors to sit down in his huge headquarters in West Springfield. Pedal Thru Youth can be reached at its website www.pedalthruyouth.org Plus this week, I rant about faith and politics and offer a tip about a great breakfast place. 

My guest this week is an up-and-comic cartoonist and writer named Tanner T. Ogle. The Easthampton resident has just released two new comics that don't featured a superhero, but instead a mediocre attorney who is the epitome of Murphy's Law – "anything that can go wrong will go wrong." Working in the medium since 2018, he has been featured in two anthology books, and now has completed two solo volumes featured his unlikely hero, Murph: "Murph starring in Blunderdog" and "Giant Sized Murph." Murph involves the hapless attorney narrowly avoiding the machinations of a crooked prison warden. I found the books to be different and fun. In this age of superheroics they are refreshing. Tanner and I talk about the creative process and the challenges creatives have in getting their work to the public. Tanner will be appearing at the Springfield Comic Con at the MassMutual Center July 13-14. To buy his books go to www.lesserknowncomcis.com.

Perhaps the best known "lost" film of the past 30 years, the 1994 version of the venerable comic book "The Fantastic Four," is currently the subject of a Change.org petition effort to finally and legitimately release the film. Marty Langford, the director of the acclaimed "Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four," talks with G. Michael Dobbs about the film and the new effort to make it available to all fans of the comic book series. Also, Mike gives unsolicited advice to candidates running for local seats this summer and his tip of the week. 

Art historian and former teacher David Barsalou of Chicopee, MA, is now featured in the new documentary, "Wham! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation," by director Jim Hussy. Dave started his reserach years ago that Licentenstein, whose work now fetches milltions of dollars in auction, was ripping off images created by comic book artists. Dave talks to me about his long journey.  Also in this episode I rant about Massachusetts Gov. Healey and her recent trip to Rome and offers the first weekly tip. 

A social media post containing a phone conversation between Springfield School Superintendent Dan Warwick and Lead Chief Schools Officer Kimberly Wells defamed family members of School Committee member LaTonia Monroe Naylor. The call comes days after a tumultuous selection process for Warwick's replacement as he is retiring at the end of June. Mike Dopbbs takes a look at what is known at this point and what questions still go unanswered. 

This episode starts a new podcast dedicated to news and opinion from Western Massachusetts by veteran journalist G. Michael Dobbs. In the first episode the mayor of Holyoke, MA, Joshua Garcia, discusses the challenges and recent successes in the nation's oldest planned industrial city. Also Mike shares his weekly rant.