Jack Nusan Porter has a fun column in this week’s TAB pondering the Legendary Locals who failed to make it to Gail Spector’s book.
If you’ve seen the book, here’s your chance to add (or debate) Gail’s list or even Jack’s list. Who do you think is missing from ‘Legendary Locals of Newton’?
Oh and it really wasn’t really a slam, but it makes for a great tongue twister.
A really fun read and a great complement to Gail’s legendary book.
I really thought Gail hit a grand slam with this book. It was balanced, entertaining and informative. I was born here almost 80 years ago, but there were individual featured in the book that I had no idea even existed. But any book that devoted 2 full pages to my good friend Peg Hannigan has to have won my favor. Two names I might have added were Congressman Robert Drinan and Newton Highland’s own Rodney Barker. Drinan galvanized opposition to the Vietnam War and was the first member of Congress to call for the impeachment of Richard Nixon. Rodney is an institution not only in the Highlands but throughout the City though his many decades of public service to this City. He is one of the most principled people I’ve ever met. Get past his gruff character and bluntness and you discover one of the kindest and most decent human beings I have ever known.
Ding, ding, ding – Village14 Post Title of the Week Award goes to Mr Reibman
Here’s a quirky nomination from my neighborhood.
… and here’s another one. Christopher Osborn
Thanks Jerry. Did you just refer to me as quirky?
@Jerry: I love the cotton candy story! Wish I’d known that one.
I can think of dozens of people I wish I could have included in the book. Alas, I had to limit selections to the 128-page mandate I received from the publisher. If I’d been able to get access to a photo, I’d have included Louie C.K., Isaac Asimov and Bette Davis (I can’t remember if I confirmed that one). And, if there had been no limits, I would/might have included Atul Gawande, David Mamet, Al Guzzi, Sheldon Adelson and so many more.
…but not Sydra Schnipper?
I’m not surprised that in the Volunteers, activists and politicians sections, the only ones she included were left-wing ideologue Democrat extremists yet she couldn’t include Sam Robbins, the guy who was responsible for Proposition 2.5?
Sam Robbins has made a much bigger and more positive impact on Newton than Joe Warren, Peg Hannigan, Holly Ryan, Carleton Merrill, David Cohen, Amy Sangiolo, No Show Joe DeNucci, Barney Frank, Setti Warren and Sydra Schnipper Combined!
Because of Sam Robbins, local politicians have to be a little more respectful to their constituents and at least pretend to be fiscally responsible.
@Chris Osborn – quirky? absolutely.