This composition was first heard as a radio essay on the “Sunrise” program of WUML, 92.5 FM, at UMass Lowell. Executive producer Chris Dunlap assembled writers in the area for the daily essay feature, a popular component of the morning public affairs show that was broadcast for a few years in the…
Read More »
Tonight, I will be at the Pollard Memorial Library on Merrimack Street next to City Hall at 7 pm, talking about “Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park.” The format is brief remarks, a short reading, and then questions-and-answers. “Mill Power” ($25) is available at the National Park…
Read More »
Thank you to everyone who last night attended or wanted to attend (but could not) the book launch for ‘Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park.” We had a big crowd at the National Park Visitor Center. UTEC provided the food. Park staff made all the…
Read More »
My book “Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park” begins with a chapter that offers the reader historical background for the late 20th-century story about to be told. I wanted to provide context for readers unfamiliar with Lowell and to set the stage for the enormous…
Read More »
I’m late in posting, or re-posting, this sketch that I wrote in 1991 and which has appeared a few times on this blog. The loosestrife shows up in high summer along the rivers and in wetlands all over the region. This past week in local vacation travels I noticed patches…
Read More »
It’s here. Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park. The publisher is offering the hardcover edition for $45, a 40% discount if ordered directly from the publisher. Link here to the discount order form.
Read More »
For someone with such a sunny disposition, it was fitting that summer sunshine this morning graced the dedication ceremony for the Armand W. LeMay Garden at the corner of University and Gershom avenues in Pawtucketville. About 100 people gathered to share in the recognition of one of the most natural…
Read More »
If one of the priorities is to get more Lowell and Greater Lowell dollars circulating in Lowell because that will help in various ways, then we may need to make it easier for people in the area to spend their money in the city. I’m thinking about something like an…
Read More »
The following is excerpted from a notebook in which I wrote about the first Iraq War or Gulf War. With talk of a third Iraq War, I went back to look and decided to share these fragments from 23 years ago.—PM Gulf War Notebook (1991) Feb. 15. Iraq’s Revolutionary Command…
Read More »
I’ve posted this prose poem from 1978 on the blog before. It was written soon after the experience that provided the brief story thread. In those days, I was constantly on the lookout for images and incidents that could feed a new composition. I wanted to write, write, write. It’s a slight piece, but…
Read More »