I’m thankful for a nice response to last week’s column where I shared my thoughts on local TV news. I was surprised when WNYT’s Rachel Tiede sent me a private message on X. Seems someone sent her my column! And my good friend Mike Mender, now semi-retired after a career in journalism and city government, also weighed in.
Here’s some of what he said! “I enjoyed your take on the local news personalities,” Mender wrote. “But seriously? No love for Julia Dunn, morning anchor at WRGB? “Ran into her one winter night at George Henry’s (in Warrensburg). She and her wife had been to an event and stopped in for a bite.
She saw that we noticed her, got up from her dinner, came over, and chatted with us. She’s just as down to earth and approachable as she appears on TV. “I find that she’s a great way to start the day with some upbeat sunshine.
I also think Alyssa Caroprese is an excellent meteorologist. WRGB has the strongest weather team, IMHO, with Steve (LaPointe) and Craig (Adams) and Alyssa (Caroprese). Sam Coplin is good on the weekend weather.
“Greg Floyd and Liz Bishop are local icons. Over at WTEN, Anya Tucker was one of the best. Dealt with her several times while at City Hall, and she was always professional and inquisitive without being condescending.
Miss her. “Over at WTEN, I agree, Giuliana Bruno is excellent on the desk on the weekend. I like Rob Lindenmuth on the weather team.
I like Cap (Steve Caporizzo), too, not so much for his weather, but for his advocacy for animals. He’s the driver in the local pet adoption movement. “At WNYT, I agree, Rachel Tiede is a rising star.
I also like Caitlin Irla and Subrina Dhammi is excellent. “And let’s not forget Kumi Tucker who anchors the weekends and is that late-night comfort who greets you when you’ve fallen asleep in the recliner and wake up just in time to catch the 11 pm news. She’s also the lead in to Saturday Night Live.
“I probably watch way too much news.” I probably watch way too much news as well, and I agree with Mike about Anya Tucker. She was easily the best TV reporter in Albany for many years.
And she’s a very nice person. I still chat with Anya on occasion. She now works for the state Department of Transportation.
I also think Julia Dunn is terrific. I just don’t watch much morning news, as Lord knows I need my beauty sleep! And I forgot to mention that I like Christina Arangio and Ryan Peterson at WTEN as well! Oh, and if you haven’t seen Giuliana Bruno’s live shot at the Altamont Fair with a pair of sea lions , check it out! It’s on her Facebook page and the station’s as well. It’s hilarious! Raising crazy amounts of cash for Operation Santa ClausLast Monday, I attended the Snowball Rally 3000 Go-Cart race at The Adventure Family Fun Center in Queensbury.
It’s part of the Small Business Challenge started by the late Pete Brock. WCKM’s Dan Miner and a few of his friends now carry on the work. The crew includes Glens Falls Greenjackets owner Hank Pelton, future South High Bulldog Pride Hall of Fame inductee Jack Celeste, Mike Sullivan (son of Barney and Sandy), Pete Cloutier (the icon) and Herb Cloutier (cousin of the icon).
Well, those boys outdid themselves on Monday, raising $22,122.62! Tim and Jane Havens’ two boys, Tim Jr. and David, together raised more than $7,300.
Incredible. Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr, a good sport and a great guy, raised $2,400. Troy Bapp Jr.
raised $1,700 over the weekend and won the first race. And a special shoutout to Crystal and Mike Wheeler of the Adventure Family Fun Center for their kindness and their donation! Every cent goes to provide clothing and food for more than 2,200 children in 32 area schools. Well done! And even more money for the American Cancer Society Not to be outdone, the Lufkin family in Argyle raised nearly $30,000 for the American Cancer Society at its annual Pull For a Cure tractor pull! It’s just incredible how giving this community is.
Bravo, folks! Hyde Collection to honor Dr. John Rugge and his wife Victoria Palermo Bravo to the Hyde Collection for their unique idea to honor Dr. John Rugge, the founder of Hudson Headwaters, and his wife, international artist Victoria Palermo! The two will be celebrated at the Hyde’s annual gala “Celebrating the Healing Impact of Art” on Saturday, Sept.
14, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $225, $175 for health-care professionals, working artists and young professionals 35 and younger.
Info: www.hydecollection.org .
And finally, congratulations to my golfing buddy Greg Holcomb Greg Holcomb posted his first win of the season in a Tri-County Elites Bass Club tournament on Lake Champlain last Sunday, weighing in with a five-fish bag of 19.7 pounds! Greg also had the biggest lunker of the tourney, a 5.67-pound hog.
Well done buddy! Greg and I play in the same golf league, though I’m not in his league golf-wise or bass-fishing wise! I know how hard he works at fishing, and I couldn’t be happier for him!.
