There are people you meet when you are young who set an example. If you’re lucky, they are people of great character.
I hit the Lotto. Three times, at least.
Integrity. Intelligence. Kindness. Empathy. Determination. Goal driven. No Bullshit. I had a boss who was the kind of leader who made you want to be your best. His name was Steve Marx. In 1970 he donated studio equipment to my high school, so that I could build a low power radio station.
Sometime around 1977, he hired me for my first morning show in Worcester at WFTQ Radio. My news guy was a sharp journalist named Steve D’Agostino. He’d cock his head and crack a smile if I said something clever, which was not very often. Sometimes he’d just shake his head.
Steve Marx hired me again a few years later. In the early ‘80’s I would graduate to the FM dial at what was and still is a big rock radio station – WAAF Boston. Wouldn’t you know it? Another wicked smart newsperson. Lana Jones. She was on a mission to be a great journalist. When I was truly funny, she’d have a warm smile and laugh. But when my wit was lacking, which was often enough, she’d just roll her eyes.
I used to tell my son Andrew that if you hang around people smarter than you, it will rub off. I wonder if he remembers? Conversely, if you lay down with the dogs, you wake up with the fleas. How do I know this?
Tons of research, son.
Lana Jones and Steve D’Agostino got married and had terrific careers as journalists. I would not see them for another 30 plus years. In 2015, we had a radio reunion party. I got to tell them both how much they meant to me. Once I was sober, I realized how lucky I was to work with so many people who were so sharp and talented. Throughout the years. You all know who you are.
Lana passed away suddenly this morning. And I’ve been thinking about her and Steve all day. And wouldn’t you know it? I’d gotten to know and admire him again in the past few years via Facebook. Within just a few hours hundreds of colleagues and co-workers were sharing their condolences and memories. I felt a loss more profound than I would have guessed.
I knew Lana had done well. I didn’t realize how powerfully good until I saw the Boston media all come together to honor her. If you have a minute, take a quick look.
Cherish the good people you meet. If this story reminded you of someone you haven’t thanked, make a phone call. And do your best to be the good person that someone else gets to know.
Bob
https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2018-04-25-a-carl-stevens-poem-for-lana-jones/
