WEST SPRINGFIELD – “Talk of the Town,” a local cable access channel program about people, places and things making positive differences, has been re-launched with a show on cable channels in Westfield, West Springfield, Agawam and Chicopee, according to West Springfield resident Roberta Page who is host, director and writer of the program.
The first guest of the re-launch is West Springfield Mayor William C Reichelt, Ms. Page revealed. “There is no talk of politics, rather it is to find out about the human side of being in a position such as mayor and what events in his life were instrumental in getting him to where he is presently. It’s more human interest to learn what kinds of things made and make folks tick. We learn things that townsfolk just wouldn’t know about…rather revealing,” Ms. Page continued.
“The program’s premise is fantastic, not only for West Springfield, but for neighboring communities, as well. Roberta knows how to guide the show in a good direction with great questions. It’s easy to work with her as the interviewer. She does her homework,” Mayor Reichelt confirmed.
Roberta Page, host and writer of “Talk of the Town” interviewing, in studio, first 2016 guest Mayor William C. Reichelt of West Springfield. (submitted photo)
“Talk of the Town is a great addition to Westfield’s Community Channel 15 lineup. It gives our viewers insight as to what is going on in our surrounding communities, as well,” said Mark St. Jean, Westfield State University Coordinator of Video Productions and Televvision Operations Information Technology.
“It’s really a super-interesting show,” said Christopher Stone who oversees the cable channel studio for the Town of West Springfield and all audio for the Page One Productions presentation. “Chris is my right-hand and editing guru, as well. When I ask him to implement all the editing cuts, additions, music and extras I request as director, he does his magic and makes it all happen. There are other folks in studio who also do their parts to make this show of its kind come together. There are no other shows like it out to so many communities in Western Massachusetts…and growing,” added Ms. Page.
Each half hour show features an interview with an individual who has made a positive difference in communities and in peoples’ lives locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, Ms. Page revealed. The concept came about and was developed through Page One Productions back in 2009. Many elements needed to come together. I was asked to bring back the program, so we’re giving it a whirl, and, so far, the feedback is terrific, she explained.
All the channels repeat the program at numerous times during the week. Folks have various times to catch the show, Ms. Page explained. “The show is great and a welcome addition to our lineup,” said Jeffrey Hulbert, IT Director for the Town of Agawam. “We’re happy too add Talk of the Town to our local community program channel,” Jay Buckley, TV Operations/Productions & Audio Visual Manager for Chicopee Public Schools through its Telecom Department.
“I’m pleased that soon, Ludlow will be airing “Talk of the Town.” There have been discussions with East Longmeadow and Springfield, too, Ms. Page indicated.
A part of the program, eventually, will feature “On Safari” which will take place on locations at various significant historic sites. Hints about the site will be given and viewers will be invited to submit their guess as to where and what the place of significance is. From all the correct answers, a winner will be selected, and he or she will win a gift certificate or prize from a local business. The correct name of the site and the prize will be revealed on the next featured segment. Folks will need to stay tune, said Ms. Page.
When the “On Safari” segment comes to pass, guesses will need to include the what, where and historical significance of the location, along with the guesser’s name, address and telephone number which should be sent to “Talk of the Town”, P.O. Box 423, West Springfield 01090. It was tried in 2009, but ran into technical difficulties. So we’re trying it again,” Page explained.
The premier show guest back in August of 2009 was Miss Massachusetts 2008, who happened to be West Springfield resident Alicia Zitka. Each show is produced by Page One Productions, LLC of West Springfield. Ms. Page is president and manager of the company.
“I hope viewers find the program educational, cultural, historical and all other potential ‘als’ that will be exciting so that young, old and in-between will tune in, learn a little something, and be entertained from the comfort of their homes. Some channels will be doing promo spots and ‘crawls’ across t he screen and in listings as well as the program itself. I’m hoping it will go Commonwealth-wide in the not-too-distant future. Segments will be aired for at least a month or two,” Ms. Page further explained.
Three cameras are used for in-studio segments. And I want to thank Durocher Florist for dressing up the set with particular floral arrangements with a color theme depending on the topic or guest. Blue and white were appropriate given the colors of West Side with its mayor. I hope everyone finds the show interesting and leaves them wondering who the next guest will be. Ms. Page said.
Any business interested in sponsoring a program, providing a gift certificate, or folks with ideas or comments about programs or guest can e-mail [email protected] or write “Talk of the Town”, P.O.Box 423, West Springfield 01090 or call 732-5472 or 530-8000.
