Innovations that are guided by smallholder farmers, adapted to local circumstances, and sustainable for the economy and environment will be necessary to ensure food security in the future.
Bill Gates
Don’t miss The Boston Local Food Festival that is almost here – October 7th, this weekend. From freshly harvested produce and seafood from farmers and fishermen to lively local music and interactive workshops – I’ll definitely be there.
It’s a great pleasure for me to write about this Festival because it’s an absolutely amazing local event. I decided to talk to one of the Festival’s amazing sponsors – WXRV (The River 92.5 FM), a radio station based in Andover. By playing music that many of its listeners grew up with – from the Beatles, U2 – along with contemporary artists like Adele or The Black Keys – the River is a refreshing mix of contemporary rock music from the 1970s to today. The River features a facility on the top floor of its studio called “The River Music Hall”, which was designed for broadcasting live performances, and is still used today to broadcast live performances by touring artists and to record performances for later broadcast.
John Mullett is the Promotions Director at 92.5 the River. Prior to this he worked at the Point Radio Network in Vermont. Steve Friedman is the Senior Account Executive at WXRV-92.5 The River. He has been at The River for 13 years working with clients and community groups and organizations throughout Greater Boston.
What does it mean for you to work at the radio station? Why did you decide to work at The River?
S.F.: It means a lot as before I came to work here I was a listener (still am) and LOVE the station. Besides having the best, most diverse and thought provoking playlist of any radio station in the region, The River remains steadfastly independent and as one of the few locally owned & operated radio stations we have the autonomy & freedom to make quick decisions and to use our resources to support some great local community events & organizations without always looking to the bottom line to see if it generates profit. Our ownership is proud & committed to being good partners with the communities we serve & is not afraid to give back.
J.M.: For me it’s very much about the music. As a music lover and previously a student at Berklee College of Music I love a lot about radio but the core for me is what we play.
S.F.: I came to the River after a 21 year career with Levi’s & then a 4-year stint of owning my own business. During the time I owned my own business I began doing some advertising & used quite a bit of radio. It generated great results for me & while the business never fully took off, it gave me insight into the various media available in the market to advertise on. After closing my business I took a job interview over at The River. Skeptical that selling radio was barely above being a used car salesman, I only agreed to the interview because as a listener I fully appreciated the great product The River puts out on air. It was the best decision of my life to join The River!
J.M.: Working for an Independent station is a dream come true. What the River represents I truly believe. We Support local musicians work closely with local business and vendors and promote being green. I’ve loved the River for years and it’s a pleasure to work there now.
Why did you decide to be a part of The Boston Local Food Festival?
J.M.: It seems like a perfect fit with what the River stands for, Independent, Local and Homegrown. A great match!
S.F.: Because of The River’s dedication to being a locally owned/independent radio station and the ONLY Solar-Powered radio station east of the Mississippi we felt this event was an ideal match. It will afford us an opportunity to partner with other like-minded businesses focused on SUSTAINABILITY and also the opportunity for us to showcase some of our HOMEGROWN River Rising Stars-local acts that receive regular airplay on The River, who remains one of the only stations playing new music & local artists on an ongoing basis.
What are you excited most about the festival?
J.M.: I can’t wait to see the combination of locally grown food and vendors. There is so much that New England has to offer in the way of food and local produce. I can’t wait to see and taste it all in one place!
S.F.: Food glorious food…. Can’t wait to taste all the delicious stuff produced LOCALLY here in Greater Boston/New England!!! I am excited to learn more about our local food & restaurant industry here in Boston and to see the efforts being put forth to BUY LOCAL and use local products.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
J.M.: I’m a huge fan of Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH
S.F.: A great local favorite of mine is Jonathans Restaurant in Ogunquit, Maine. Not only does Jonathan grow much of the food he serves but they also have an intimate music hall that seats approx. 200 upstairs and features a wide array of quality regional & national acts. Great place to see & show & enjoy a fabulous meal before!!!
Describe a place where you sometimes go to eat lunch?
J.M.: I frequently go to a place in Haverhill, MA called the Wicked Big Café. Small coffee shop/sandwich shop. They make the best chicken salad wrap I’ve ever had.
S.F.: The Peddlers Daughter – a great local Irish pub (has two locations-one in Nashua, NH & one in Haverhill-home to The River’s studios!). The BEST fish & chips anywhere this side of the Atlantic. They make their own ketchup & tartar sauce from scratch!!! Worth the trip from anywhere!!!! The owners, Michael & Mags Conneely are the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Warm & welcoming & great partners to the communities they serve, giving back constantly in many ways!
What do you think about local food?
J.M.: Always love to try new local restaurants and support independently owned businesses.
S.F.: If it’s local it’s more likely to be fresh and if it’s bought & produced locally then it benefits our local economy.
What is your mission/involvement in the community?
J.M.: I’d love to constantly help local musicians better there career. Love spreading local music as far as it can be spread.
S.F.: I believe that those of us lucky enough to have success in our jobs have an obligation to give back. My involvement over the years with community groups & organizations has included serving 8 years on the Board of Directors of a local Boys & Girls Club, committee work with The Friends of Boston’s Homeless, Families in Transition, Girls Incorporated, Breathe NH, Child & Family Services, Child Health Services & serving as a donor to a host of performing arts venues. I try to lend a hand to as many organizations as I physically can because I believe in making a difference in my community by being involved & sharing my expertise. A lot of my focus has been on organizations that are youth oriented because I feel if we can steer kids into safe & nurturing environments where they can be given attention and direction early on, that the course of their lives will be guided to become responsible adults who also give back and insure future generations have the opportunities & support they need to succeed.
Everyone can make a Difference. Thank you, John and Steve, for your support of our great local community.
And also for your restaurants recommendations – Apomme.com will definitely check them out!
This post was written by Anna Yudin of Apomme, go check her out!
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