Catherine K. Riessman: Joys of public radio

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Published: 12-23-2024 12:13 PM |
Thoroughly enjoyed Raymond Fontaine’s Dec. 21 guest column about his memories of public radio [”Memories of public radio past still glow”]. I also appreciated Robert J. Lurtsema, who hosted Morning Pro Musica for many decades; one summer in 1976 when I was finishing up the writing of my dissertation. I made myself wake up to his chirping birds. It was a signal to get to my desk and write, which I did until 1 p.m. when he went off the air, and I allowed myself a break.
I thanked Robert J. in the acknowledgments in the dissertation and sent him a copy at WGBH. He wrote back congratulating me and added: “This is my first and last contribution to psychiatric epidemiology” — my field at the time. It is wonderful to see that Robert J. still lives, albeit in memory.
Another jewel of a program (that Raymond Fontaine did not mention) is “Jazz a la Mode,” which has been on our public radio station in the evening for 40 years. One of the hosts, Tom Reney, educates listeners as Robert J. did about the history of music he is about to play — the jazz greats. He also publicizes live jazz concerts in the Valley. We are blessed to have WFCR to guide us through our lives.
Catherine K. Riessman
Easthampton
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