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.