Podcasts about Old town

In the final installment of our three-part series on ⁠Cyber Coalition 2025⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Maria Varmazis⁠⁠⁠, host here at N2K CyberWire, and ⁠⁠⁠Liz Stokes, CyberWire Producer, step back from the cyber range to reflect on what their time in Tallinn really meant. This episode moves beyond the mechanics of the exercise and into the broader stakes of collective cyber defense in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical moment. Recorded two months after their visit, the conversation blends field tape and personal reflections — from standing outside the Russian Embassy in Old Town to recalling the weight inside NATO's secure facilities. Estonia's history, including the 2007 cyberattacks, and its visible solidarity with Ukraine underscore just how real and proximate the risks remain. Be sure to check out the first two episodes of this three part series, you can find them below. Episode one can be found ⁠here⁠. Episode two can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I hosted a collaboration episode with Patrick Souku, Greg Roeder, and recently retired Fort Collins mayor Jenny Arnt to talk about what makes Fort Collins great and how to keep it that way. We introduced our backgrounds in local real estate, CSU teaching, podcasting, and city leadership, then debated what the city does best, highlighting parks and trails, Old Town, CSU-driven innovation, and a strong entrepreneurial culture. We discussed affordability and “brain drain,” and how keeping costs and friction low can support startups and community life. We unpacked Old Town parking by focusing on clearly defining the problem, partnering with downtown businesses, and recognizing that “free parking” isn't free. Looking ahead three to five years, we were excited about regional investment and amenities but concerned about traffic, crime, and growing polarization. We talked about supporting local businesses, reducing red tape, and understanding how property taxes and insurance affect downtown tenants. We also explored CSU's importance, with Greg expressing strong confidence in its future, and we closed by sharing what outsiders should know about Fort Collins' kindness, culture, and water-centric lifestyle.The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

Mountain Trails sits nestled on Winchester's Old Town walking mall at 115 North Loudoun Street, where owner Garry Green has cultivated something rare in retail: a store that feels like a community. After 34 years in business—the last 13 at this location—Garry has discovered what he calls "the Loudoun Street Magic," especially on Saturday evenings when the mall comes alive. He shares his passion during this episode of The Valley Today, with host Janet Michael and cohost Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town. Mountain Trails' move from its original Cork Street location transformed the business entirely. "The demographic literally went from climbers, backpackers, and travelers to just everyone," Garry explains. The visibility proved phenomenal, and the store has become an integral part of Winchester's identity, appearing regularly in social media posts and drawing visitors from states away. Education Over Sales: A Revolutionary Approach What sets Mountain Trails apart isn't just their inventory—it's their philosophy. Garry's mission statement centers on creating "a safer, more enjoyable wilderness or travel experience," which means the staff focuses on qualifying customer needs rather than pushing products. "We are not here to sell things to you," Garry emphasizes. "We try to qualify your needs and provide for those needs." This approach resonates deeply in a business where equipment failures can have serious consequences. Whether customers are paddling the Shenandoah River for the first time or heading to Mount Everest base camp, their concerns receive equal validation. Garry recalls outfitting a gentleman for climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at nearly 20,000 feet. When the climber returned, he shared a remarkable moment: "I was at 16,000 feet and I heard you talking to me." The boots and backpack performed exactly as Garry had promised—the ultimate validation for the staff. Curating the Right Gear for Every Adventure Every single item in Mountain Trails serves a purpose. "Everything in Mountain Trails other than, let's just say a t-shirt, needs to function," Garry explains. "It has a job. And it needs to do that when you need it to do it." From rain gear to sock structure—yes, even socks matter—the curation process ensures customers receive appropriate equipment for their specific adventures. The store's tagline captures this breadth: "hiking, climbing, trekking, travel." However, their secondary motto, "Quality Outdoor Outfitters," opens the door wider. International travelers heading to Peru or around the world find the education and experience they need. Summer canoeists discover dry bags and quick-drying clothing. Skiers find bibs and cross-country equipment. Technical rock climbers locate harnesses and safety gear. Meeting Customers Where They Are Understanding the customer's experience level proves crucial to Garry's approach. The outdoor industry's biggest emerging demographic is what he calls "the casual adventurer"—people who want to hike two miles to a waterfall with trail runners, trekking poles, and a day pack, then return to town for lunch. These customers have vastly different needs from long-distance trekkers carrying their "house on their back" for multiple days. "Not everybody needs a $400 three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket," Garry points out. While climbers heading to Mount Everest might need that level of protection, an $80 waterproof jacket works perfectly for someone's golf bag. This honesty builds trust. Moreover, the relationship continues as customers grow in their outdoor pursuits, returning to upgrade their gear as they tackle more challenging adventures. The Power of Kindness and Experience When hiring staff, Garry's number one criterion isn't outdoor expertise—it's kindness. "You have to put that customer's best interest at heart above anything else," he insists. This philosophy creates what international visitors have called "the feel" of Mountain Trails, something that distinguishes it from sterile big-box retailers. The staff's personal experience matters tremendously. "They've been wet, cold, hungry, tired," Garry notes. "They're here to help you suffer better." Garry himself spent years guiding in Alaska and running outdoor adventure programs for the U.S. Air Force, helping service members decompress after deployment. He recalls a winter camping trip where a participant thought she wouldn't survive the night because her "butt was cold"—she hadn't inflated her sleeping pad. After inflating it and adding hand warmers, she proclaimed he'd saved her life. "You passed through a window," he told her, referring to those challenging moments all outdoor enthusiasts eventually face. Beyond the Hardcore: Everyday Customers Welcome While Mountain Trails caters to serious adventurers, everyday shoppers find unexpected value. Janet shares how the store helps her buy gifts for her mother-in-law who bikes the C&O Canal—despite Janet's self-proclaimed lack of outdoor interests. "I can come in here and just say, she does this and you can help me find the perfect gift for her," she explains. The store even welcomes those who simply want to look the part. "I love this store even though I am not an outdoors person," Janet admits. Garry laughs, acknowledging that sometimes "it's all about the look." This inclusive approach means everyone feels welcome, whether they're heading into the wilderness or just want quality gear for weekend activities. A Global Reputation Built on Local Service The store's reputation extends far beyond Winchester. Visitors from Syracuse, Cleveland, and even international locations make Mountain Trails a regular stop. Garry recalls a family from Israel who declared it their favorite outdoor store globally. "We go into these stores all over the world, and this one is our favorite so far," they told him. What impressed them? The feel of the place—something intangible that staff members hear about regularly. This atmosphere stems from Garry's operating principle: "Everybody's welcome until they're not." The staff genuinely cares, creating an environment that feels more like a community gathering space than a transaction-focused retail outlet. Social media serves not primarily as a sales tool but as "an instrument of familiarity," sharing articles about climbing, skiing, and outdoor adventures that customers want to read over their morning coffee. Connecting with Mountain Trails In mid-March, Mountain Trails will transition from their winter hours into regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 5 PM. Customers can find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit mountain-trails.com for basic information, though the real experience requires stepping through their door on the walking mall. Old Town Winchester: Building Community Through Events Chocolate Escape Perseveres Through Arctic Conditions The second half of the conversation shifts focus to Brady Claven, executive director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, who shares updates on recent events and upcoming attractions. February's Chocolate Escape faced brutal weather—17-degree temperatures with windchill predictions of negative 10 degrees—yet determined participants still filled the walking mall with their maps, hitting every participating location. Approximately 30 merchants participated in the event, which aims not just to distribute chocolate but to drive foot traffic into stores during cold months. The strategy worked. Faire Isles, for instance, welcomed numerous first-time visitors, and overall feedback indicated people discovered stores they'd never visited before. "The point of it is to get people into stores," Brady explains, noting that participants might not linger outside as long in freezing weather, but they spent more time browsing inside. Celebrating Black History Month Through Partnership Friends of Old Town partnered with NAACP Winchester and secured generous sponsorship from Valley Health to present three Black History Month events. Typewriter Studio hosted a spoken word and art gallery night featuring Monica James and representatives from Selah Theater. Bright Box presented "History and Cocktails" with Nick Powers from the MSV delivering an outstanding historical talk about the Valley's Black history, tying into the upcoming VA250 celebration. Finally, Bistro Sojo offered a small plates and jazz night with a $35-per-person special menu and live performance by SU. Spin to Winchester: Pedaling for Progress Friends of Old Town's second annual Spin to Winchester fundraiser brought participants together inside Valley Health for a 45-minute stationary bike class. Each rider crowd-funded their participation, raising a minimum of $250, with prizes awarded for most funds raised, sweatiest rider, and highest mileage. The event exceeded expectations, hitting 120% of its goal and attracting 20 more individual donors than the previous year. "It's very apparent by the end of this 45-minute class, certain people are, myself included, just dripping with sweat," Brady admits, describing the intense workout led by instructor Pam from Valley Health. Despite the physical challenge—including what seemed like endless "last hills"—the fundraiser's success directly supports Old Town programs and events throughout the year. Taylor Pavilion: A Transformation Underway Ground has broken on the Taylor Pavilion renovation, with completion targeted for before WineFest during Apple Blossom season. The transformation will create a social gathering space that addresses a common community need. "We do hear a lot from people that say, well, you know, there's really not a space if I don't wanna drink or if I don't want to eat," Brady notes. The new pavilion will offer a place where people can grab a bagel and sit, play chess, listen to music, or simply enjoy being on the mall. It will serve as a meeting point before art classes at Typewriter Studio or ShenArts—a place for friends to gather with coffee and catch up before heading to other destinations. Notably, the infamous "ping pong table on an incline" from the conceptual rendering will not materialize, though Brady jokes they should install a commemorative statue. Celtic Fest Returns March 14th Looking ahead to March, Celtic Fest promises to be a highlight. Scheduled for Saturday, March 14th from noon to 5 PM, the event will feature approximately 35 vendors lining the mall from the south end near Hideaway northward. Partners include Ravenwood Foundation, which brings expertise in outdoor Highland games. City Pipes and Drums will perform throughout the day. Faire Isles plans Irish dancers in their alcove, while other merchants prepare special attractions. Piper Dan's and Union Jack's—recently reopened after flooding—will participate, with Brady hoping to coordinate a special menu. Additionally, Brady plans to transform the museum lawn into a kids' Highland games zone, where children ages four to ten can throw foam logs, compete in disc throwing, and win prizes. Staying Connected Those interested in Old Town Winchester events can follow Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram (@FriendsOfOldTownWINC) or visit friendsofoldtown.org for a complete calendar. First Friday events return in June with a "Summer of Covers" theme featuring cover bands, including a special August event partnering with River House. A Community That Cares Whether discussing Mountain Trails' dedication to customer safety and satisfaction or Friends of Old Town's commitment to creating community experiences, this conversation reveals Winchester's character: a city where businesses and organizations prioritize people over profit, relationships over transactions, and community over convenience. From outdoor gear to outdoor festivals, the message remains consistent—everyone's welcome, expertise matters, and kindness forms the foundation of everything worthwhile.

Some cities impress you.Zurich slows you down.In this Switzerland edition of Where to Next?, Sunila Patil is joined by Sandra Schmitter from Zurich Tourism at Hotel Opera, overlooking Lake Zurich. What follows is not just a travel guide, it's an invitation to experience the rhythm of the city.They talk about:

Some cities impress you.Zurich slows you down.In this Switzerland edition of Where to Next?, Sunila Patil is joined by Sandra Schmitter from Zurich Tourism at Hotel Opera, overlooking Lake Zurich. What follows is not just a travel guide, it's an invitation to experience the rhythm of the city.They talk about:

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday amMark 7 Pastor Brian Eggert 2026.mp3File Size:50528 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Warsaw, Poland The FAQ is: "How do I decide when it's time to pay more for comfort or safety instead of pushing myself?" Budget travel advice is common; guidance on when frugality stops being smart for aging bodies is not. This is a silent tension for senior solo travelers. Answer:  ​​Here's the truth: saving money is never worth arriving exhausted, stressed, or injured. As we get older, comfort becomes a strategy, not a luxury. I ask myself one simple question: Will this choice give me more energy tomorrow? If the answer is no, I upgrade — whether that's a better seat, a closer hotel, or a taxi instead of public transit. Smart travel means spending where it preserves your strength and confidence, not proving how tough you still are.   60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today is to set up your phone to access your essential private information while keeping it secure.   Do you have the numbers saved somewhere easy to access? You should. If you're traveling anytime soon, you'll need this. I created a spreadsheet with all of my important information, hidden and password-protected. I don't save it all in one place, though. Be aware that nothing is completely secure, even writing something down on paper can be lost. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into passwords, privacy, security, and the confidence it takes to travel solo as a woman in her prime. See Book A for addressing this concern about being solo and being secure. I traveled around the world solo for 90 days twice, so I needed this confidence and access. Find it at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series. Today's special destination is Warsaw, Poland  Today we're exploring Warsaw, Poland — a city of contrasts, where modern glass towers rise beside meticulously restored baroque palaces. For the solo woman traveler over 50, Warsaw offers culture, history, and accessibility that make it both inspiring and comfortable. Warsaw's sidewalks are wide and level, and public trams and buses are largely low-floor and wheelchair-accessible. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and museums. Be mindful of the weather — summer can be warm, but spring and fall are ideal for sightseeing. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a light wrap, and take your time. On my visit….Here is my travelogue: I am at the train station, and I got here too early, so my train isn't on the board yet. It leaves in about 30 minutes, and the station is busy. I am in Warsaw, Poland. I arrived here yesterday on the train from Kraków, arranged to take a second train to the suburbs, and was met by Sophie, who hosted me last night. She made a lovely dinner for her family, including me, and then we went into the city and explored all the sights. We walked for two hours through Old Town, saw all the essential city buildings and statues, and also explored the university area. I liked it very much.  My first comment is that it's very green. It's flat, and the people are kind and respectful; they are all white. I have not seen any black people at all in this country; I've seen a few Asians, but otherwise, everybody is pretty much the same, and it's been enjoyable. There are so many famous people from Warsaw that I didn't know about, and I don't remember the names of many of the renowned scholars, mayors, presidents, and people who died in a plane crash in 2010, but there's a lovely statue to them.  I do know the musical legend Chopin, so he left a legacy here, including his heart, which is buried in a chapel in one of the cathedrals, so I thought that was a pretty interesting, fun fact. Why Visit Warsaw? Because it's a city that has reinvented itself without losing its soul, from royal castles to modern art, Warsaw welcomes solo travelers who appreciate resilience, beauty, and freedom. Exploring Warsaw's Historic Heart Begin your day in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rebuilt brick by brick after World War II. The Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) and the Royal Castle are primarily flat and wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and elevators available inside. The cobblestone streets can be uneven, but many sections have smoother side paths and level crossings. Stroll or roll along Krakowskie Przedmieście, or Suburb street, one of the most beautiful boulevards in Europe, lined with cafés, bookshops, and historic churches. Stop by the Church of St. Anne, where there's ramp access to the main sanctuary. Krakowskie Przedmieście is pronounced roughly as Krah-KOF-skyeh Psheh-DMYES-cheh, with the stress on the third syllable (KOF) and a soft 'ś' (sh-sound) at the end, meaning "Kraków Fore-town". Polish vowels are crisp, the 'w' often sounds like 'v', and 'sz' is a 'sh' sound, making it sound melodic yet distinct.  https://travel.usnews.com/Warsaw_Poland/Things_To_Do/Krakow_Suburb_Street_Krakowskie_Przedmiescie_63801/   For lunch, try traditional Polish fare at Zapiecek, where you can sample pierogi in a cozy, accessible setting. On my next trip to Warsaw, here are a few things I would do or do again. Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews — one of Warsaw's most acclaimed museums. It's fully accessible, with elevators, wide galleries, and English-language audio guides. The interactive exhibits tell a 1,000-year story of Jewish life in Poland, and it's both educational and deeply moving. End your day in the Saxon Garden (Ogród Saski), one of Warsaw's oldest parks. Its paved paths, fountains, and shaded benches make it ideal for a restful stroll or quiet reflection before dinner. Start at Łazienki Park, a vast royal garden known for its graceful pathways and friendly peacocks. Wheelchair users can easily access the main lanes and enjoy views of the lake. Don't miss the Palace on the Isle, which offers accessible tours upon request, and look for the Chopin Monument — often the site of free outdoor concerts in summer. Next, head to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, dedicated to the 1944 resistance movement. The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. It's a powerful look at the courage of Warsaw's citizens and a reminder of the city's indomitable spirit. For lunch or a break, stop at Hala Koszyki, a trendy food hall filled with accessible dining spaces, local Polish dishes, and people-watching opportunities. If you enjoy classical music, consider a Chopin recital at one of the small concert halls around the city center — many offer accessible seating and ramps. Travel Tips for the Solo 50+ Traveler: Warsaw's sidewalks are wide and level, and public trams and buses are largely low-floor and wheelchair-accessible. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and museums. Be mindful of the weather — summer can be warm, but spring and fall are ideal for sightseeing. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a light wrap, and take your time. Why Visit Warsaw? Because it's a city that has reinvented itself without losing its soul, from royal castles to modern art, Warsaw welcomes solo travelers who appreciate resilience, beauty, and freedom. Here are some of my observations about Warsaw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BjIYKq4CVk oise.com/poland/is-warsaw-worth-visiting/ https://passport-for-living.com/weekend-in-warsaw-travel-guide/ https://www.warsawuprising.org/media/wu44_1.mp4   My missteps: Don't worry about what you can't control.   I got a message from Finnair that my flight to Finland was likely to be cancelled. I was in Poland, and the connection wasn't very easy. There aren't many flights from Gdansk to Helsinki, Finland. So, I was a bit concerned. However, fate smiled upon me that day. I was able to get to where I wanted and no delays. I was the only Finnair flight out of the airport that day because of a strike. However, I went, and it went well. AI was used to select some of the suggestions for this episode.   Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news  

Jon Henriksson is a Stockholm-based double bassist and composer who has become one of the leading voices in the contemporary Scandinavian jazz scene. Born in 1996 in Gothenburg, his path to the bass started when a high school big band director gave him just two months to learn the instrument for a Christmas concert. His 2023 debut album Harmonia placed second in Orkesterjournalen's Golden Album readers' poll, and his new album Shapeshifter drops March 20th, 2026, featuring a quartet with pianist Rasmus Sørensen, drummer Jonas Bäckman, and saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist. In this conversation, Jon talks about discovering bird watching and nature photography during the pandemic as a counterbalance to musical life. He shares his compositional process of improvising at the piano and layering ideas on his phone, the Swedish folk high school system that's created a vibrant jazz pipeline to Stockholm, and the jam sessions he hosts twice weekly at Stompin in Old Town. Jon explains how he writes music drawing from Brazilian influences, folk, and pop alongside jazz traditions, and why he wanted Shapeshifter to give space for his favorite musicians to express their personalities. Connect with Jon on Instagram, and listen to his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Connect with DBHQ Join Our Newsletter Double Bass Resources Double Bass Sheet Music Double Bass Merch Gear used to record this podcast Zoom H6 studio 8-Track 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder Rode Podmic Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens   When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.   Theme music by Eric Hochberg

What does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we're talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way. Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you're involved in the community, you've felt its impact in one way or another.  From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people better understand the city they live and work in and how they can play a role in shaping its future. Today, I'm joined by Lee Ann Witt, the Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership.  I'm especially excited for this conversation because I'm a graduate of Class 39 and currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Class 39 representative — so this program is very close to my heart.  Lee Ann and I are going to talk about what Scottsdale Leadership really is, how it benefits the city, and why it continues to be such a transformational experience for so many people. For more on Scottsdale Leadership https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/ Scottsdale Events! Founder's Day Celebration February 26th at 9:00am Little Red School House in Scottsdale This free event recognizes Scottsdale's founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott, and his wife Helen as champions of education. This is the 116th anniversary of the opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse.  https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/   2026 Cactus League Spring Training Players have already reported to their respective training facilities throughout the valley: Games start Friday February 19th  Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com. https://cactusleague.com/   Weekly Events  Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.   Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center   Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.    You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.  https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/  

What does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we're talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way. Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you're involved in the community, you've felt its impact in one way or another.  From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people better understand the city they live and work in and how they can play a role in shaping its future. Today, I'm joined by Lee Ann Witt, the Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership.  I'm especially excited for this conversation because I'm a graduate of Class 39 and currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Class 39 representative — so this program is very close to my heart.  Lee Ann and I are going to talk about what Scottsdale Leadership really is, how it benefits the city, and why it continues to be such a transformational experience for so many people. For more on Scottsdale Leadership https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/ Scottsdale Events! Founder's Day Celebration February 26th at 9:00am Little Red School House in Scottsdale This free event recognizes Scottsdale's founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott, and his wife Helen as champions of education. This is the 116th anniversary of the opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse.  https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/   2026 Cactus League Spring Training Players have already reported to their respective training facilities throughout the valley: Games start Friday February 19th  Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com. https://cactusleague.com/   Weekly Events  Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.   Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center   Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.    You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.  https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/  

From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France takes you on a lively, honest, and sometimes surprising journey through France with Annie Sargent and her guests, Renee Poche and Dixie Poche, a mother-daughter duo from Cajun Country in Louisiana. Listen to this episode ad-free This episode explores what happens when Cajun French culture meets modern France. Renee and Dixie share stories from their first trip together to Nice, Paris, Reims, and small towns along the way. They talk about expectations versus reality. They compare food, daily rhythms, and cultural habits. They reflect on what feels familiar and what feels very different. You'll hear about staying in a former convent in Nice. Walking the Old Town. Riding elevators up cliffs. Watching the noon cannon fire. There's champagne tasting in the Champagne region, with honest opinions about Reims versus Épernay. There's Versailles, with practical advice on timing and energy levels. There's Paris, explored slowly, on foot, with cafés, cemeteries, shopping, and a night at the Moulin Rouge. Food plays a big role in this conversation. Annie, Renee, and Dixie compare Cajun boudin and French andouille. They talk about sauces, spices, portions, and meal times. They also discuss how French fashion, walking culture, and city layouts influence how visitors experience France. This episode is about more than an itinerary. It's about traveling together. It's about mother-daughter dynamics on the road. It's about noticing small details. It's about how shared French roots can feel both close and distant at the same time. If you're curious about Cajun French culture Louisiana vs France, planning a first trip, or thinking about traveling with family, this episode will resonate. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for practical advice, real conversations, and thoughtful stories about exploring France beyond the clichés. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:07] Podcast supporters [00:01:36] Magazine segment [00:02:23] Nice Reims and Paris with Renee and Dixie Poche [00:04:07] Trip Overview and Itinerary Planning [00:05:31] Exploring Nice: Favorite Spots and Experiences [00:08:47] Cultural Comparisons: Louisiana vs. France [00:10:16] Unique Foods and Culinary Traditions [00:17:19] Activities in Nice [00:19:00] A Day Out in Eze [00:24:03] Dog Culture in France [00:27:14] Paris Adventures: Walking, History, and More [00:28:25] Paris Zoo [00:28:44] Exploring La Menagerie and Jardin des Plantes [00:30:38] Navigating Paris: Walking and Metro Adventures [00:30:57] Aperol Spritz and Parisian Drinks [00:31:29] A Day at Versailles: History and Grandeur [00:34:11] Moulin Rouge: A Night of Cabaret and Entertainment [00:36:25] Wine Tasting in Epernay [00:41:02] Mother-Daughter Travel Tips and Reflections [00:46:00] Mother's Day in Paris: Shopping and Spontaneity [00:47:07] Marker [00:48:27] Final Thoughts and Farewell [00:49:37] Thank You Patrons [00:50:41] VoiceMap Tours Reviews [00:52:52] The Last Newspaper Seller in Paris [00:54:37] Driving in France: Do NOT Speed! [00:56:05] Next week on the podcast [00:56:40] Copyright More episodes about family travel in France

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Mark 6 Pastor Brian Eggert 2026.mp3File Size:49969 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

We visit the capital of the Dominican Republic to see how its historic centre is balancing residential and tourist appeal. We also stop by Sydney’s newly reopened fish market and hear from the co-CEO of Waymo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Humboldt County, CaliforniaEpisode Title: Humboldt County: Redwoods, Oysters, and Coastal CharmHost: Max Hartshorne, based on a story by Jerry Olivas. drolivas@hotmail.comEpisode Summary: In this episode, Max takes us to the far northern reaches of California to explore Humboldt County—a region defined by towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and laid-back towns like Eureka and Arcata. From oyster farms on Humboldt Bay to Victorian architecture and vibrant farmers' markets, this is a place where nature and culture intertwine.What You'll Hear About:The magic of Eureka's Old Town, with its colorful Victorian buildings and waterfront charmHumboldt Bay's oyster scene and why this region is a hidden gem for seafood loversArcata's community vibe, redwood forest hikes, and Saturday farmers marketScenic drives through ancient redwood groves, including the Avenue of the GiantsLocal events like the Friday Night Market in Eureka and the arts scene woven into the county's cultureUnderstanding the area's homeless and drug problems, and how they affect travelersWhy Humboldt County is perfect for travelers seeking quiet beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town hospitalityFeatured Highlights:A sailboat ride across Humboldt BaySampling oysters fresh from the farmWalking beneath the world's tallest treesDiscovering tide pools and coastal wildlifeMeeting local makers and artists at the marketLinks & Resources:Explore Humboldt CountyEureka Visitor InfoArcata Farmers MarketRedwood National and State ParksSubscribe & Follow: Listen to more episodes of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Max's adventures at GoNOMAD.com and on Instagram @gonomadtravel.

In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins takes listeners deep into one of the most chilling and revealing moments in Chicago mob history—a secretive 1967 party for Mob stalwart, Fi Fi Buccieri. It was held at the legendary Edgewater Beach Hotel. What appeared to be a lavish celebration was, in reality, a tightly controlled gathering of roughly 300 mobsters, political figures, and underworld insiders. The occasion marked the 40th birthday of feared Chicago Outfit enforcer Fiore “Fifi” Buccieri, a man whose reputation for violence made him one of the most dangerous figures in the city. Despite not being invited, veteran journalist Bob Wiedrich managed to infiltrate the event, raising serious questions about security, secrecy, and the gathering’s true purpose. This was no ordinary party. Federal surveillance later revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had the room bugged, capturing disturbing conversations—including laughter and casual recollections of torture and murder by Buccieri and his associates. Central to this episode is Buccieri's alleged role in the brutal torture and murder of William “Action” Jackson, a crime that horrified even seasoned law-enforcement agents. These wiretap recordings provide rare insight into the mindset of mob enforcers and the normalization of extreme violence within the Chicago Outfit during the 1960s. The timing of the party was critical. Chicago boss Sam Giancana had recently been released from prison, and rumors swirled that major power moves were underway. Evidence suggests this birthday celebration doubled as a covert mob summit, where leadership issues, alliances, and strategic decisions were quietly discussed away from public view. This party was a who's who of the Chicago Outfit. Men like Mike Glitta, Teets Battalgia, Ceaser DiVarco, Ross Prio, Larry The Hood Bounaguidi, Irvin Weiner, Dominic DiBello, Wee Willie Messino, Joseph Cortino ( former chief of police in Forest Park and several others. You will learn how Anthony Accardo and his driver Jackie Cerone avoided the scene when the cops started taking pictures and writing down names. I also explore the role of the Santa Fe Saddle and Gun Club, an organization tied to questionable fundraising activities that blurred the lines between organized crime, business interests, and local politics. These raffles and social events weren't just about money—they were about influence, access, and control. Throughout the episode, I break down the cast of characters who attended this gathering: loan sharks, enforcers, racketeers, and political fixers. Their interconnected stories reveal a dense web of loyalty, fear, and ambition that defined the Chicago mob scene at its peak.   This episode uses the Edgewater Beach Hotel as more than a setting—it becomes a symbol of mob glamour masking ruthless criminal reality. It's a reminder of how deeply organized crime once penetrated American society, and why these stories continue to fascinate, disturb, and resonate today. 0:04 Chicago Mob Tales 1:39 Fifi Buccieri ‘s Infamy 3:19 Giancana’s Absence 4:22 The Santa Fe Saddle and Gun Club 5:36 Edgewater Beach Hotel 8:36 Police Intelligence Operation 12:22 The Notorious Players 16:02 Entertainment at the Banquet 18:54 Reflections on the Meeting Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here.  To purchase one of my books, click here. Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers out there in gangland, wireland, [0:03] especially you guys up in Chicago. Yeah, I’ve done several stories on Chicago. I’m on a Chicago trip right now, I guess. I’m going to do one more with our friend, Mr. Cooley, Bob Cooley. We just haven’t set up a time yet, but I’m going to do one more with him for sure. But I’m going to keep some of these Chicago stories up. I got such a great reaction. You know, you guys, you know, like and share these, as they say, on the apps and on YouTube. But anyhow, let’s go back to March of 1967. [0:36] There was a real well-known reporter named Bob Wendrick at the time. He really covered the mob in Chicago. I mean, he might as well have been a member of the mob in Chicago. He was so close to so many people up there. And he had some really good sources and some inside tracks. And he went to a party, but he wasn’t invited to that party. You know, they never really were going to invite Bob Weindrich to a party. It was $25 a plate. There was about 300 outfit mobsters and their associates attended this party. Some of their political associates even. They called a chief of police and I think a mayor of a suburban city. It was at the Edgewater Hotel. It was sponsored by the Santa Fe Saddle and Gun Club. It was to honor the birthday of outfit enforcer, killer, and loan shark Fiore Fifi Bussieri. Fifi was a vicious killer, man. I mean, he was bad. Straight out of the Capone days. [1:36] And he was kind of best known in more modern times. It happened not too long before this party, I believe, or around this time, maybe right after. [1:48] He took part in the multi-day, I believe, three-day torture and murder of a bookie, a great big fat bookie named William Action Jackson. There’s some images, some pictures, a picture of him in his trunk was showing a lot of the torture that they did to him out there. I’ve seen it on the Internet. They kind of cut back on those pictures and try to keep those from getting circulated around on Facebook and some of the social media apps. I assume it’s still out there. Um, but anyhow, the Bureau had a, had a hidden microphone in a guy’s house, Jackie, the lackey Saron, who was, uh, uh, a Cardo’s driver at the time had a, had a hidden microphone in there and Jackie Saron and a couple others. And one of them was Fifi Sierra, Bussieri. I don’t remember who else it was. We’re laughing about Lacks and Jackson’s reactions to the cattle prod and some of the other gruesome details. [2:45] They thought he was talking to the hated FBI agent Bill Romer at the time, but in fact, he was not. He wasn’t talking to anybody. I did find one blurb where he was thought to be a child molester. So, you know, I don’t know. And I’m thinking it was a child of one of his girlfriends or something like that. I’m not sure. But anyhow, they tortured the heck out of him for about three days. Fifi came out of the 42 gang. If you remember, it was Alibaba and the 40 Thieves, so that meant there was 41 in Alibaba’s gang, and they wanted to have one more [3:17] than Alibaba, so they named themselves the 42 Gang. This party happened just as Sam Giancana was getting out of jail. [3:25] He didn’t attend, and he left for Mexico about that time to avoid further grand jury appearances. He’d been in jail about a year, I think, because they give him the old give you immunity and you have to testify. If you don’t, then they find you in contempt of court and send you to penitentiary or a jail for a year or so for the length of grand jury. And so he left town right after that and went down to Mexico for several years. Some speculate this meeting was really to get everybody together in one place and have some private meetings off the side without law enforcement really knowing what was going on, where Ricardo and Paul the Waiter Rica would name Joey Doves Iupa as the new boss in place of Gen Cona and make some other personnel shifts. You know, a few years later, when Giancana comes back, there’ll be a whole string of murders around the time he’s murdered because of some of his people that were always loyal to Giancana. [4:22] This Santa Fe Saddling Gun Club, anybody ever heard of that? I had not heard of this before. It was a registered club. The president was Joseph Scaramuza, who owned a gun store at Halstead & Taylor, which is, I believe that’s right down there in the middle of Mobland. There was an informant in the jfk files as i was researching scaramusa there was an informant that claimed that scaramusa knew jack ruby well and as they checked into scaramusa over that they found found that this halstead gun store that he owned had sold three pistols that were recovered after some puerto rican terrorists shot up the house of representative a few years before now you know what all that means i don’t know but uh and i remember that when i was a little kid these puerto Puerto Ricans, uh, now, uh, they tried to, they were trying to assassinate Harry Truman, who was staying out of the white house and the Blair house, uh, which is, I think maybe that’s where the vice president stays. Sometimes I’m not sure. Anyhow, he was not in the white house and they, they had a plan to assassinate him. They also went into the house of representatives and shot it up. They wanted complete freedom from the United States at the time. Now there’s not been any Puerto Rican freedom movement since that I know of. Anyhow, um. [5:36] The Edgewater Beach was a faded but once grand dom of hotels along Lake Michigan. They had their own beach for a while. Then something moved in between them and the beach. And it was about to declare bankruptcy. It was located a few guys that live in Chicago. It was 5555 North Sheridan. [5:56] And now members of the Chicago Police Intelligence Unit had found out about that themselves. It was like Weindrich had. Maybe they hip Weindrich to it. That all works, all that little undercover stuff. You have an employee at the Edgewater who knows somebody who knows somebody, and the work starts leaking out. When you have something this big, you have 300 people there, and it was really to make some money too, charged $25 a plate, and they did another little fundraiser. They’ve been selling raffle tickets all over Chicago and all, like down in northwestern Indiana. And in Indiana, anywhere that the outfit had some kind of influence and businesses that they could hold up. It’s like policemen. We used to go out and sell circus tickets. They were like $2 a ticket, but it wasn’t really for a ticket. It was like a support the police circus, which then gave a piece of the money to some police or widows and orphans fund. I don’t remember exactly. This is when I was brand new. and you were given like a handful of circus tickets and you’re supposed to go out to your local businessmen and sell them. Of course, they always bought them. All you had to do was go in and say, you know, I got some police tickets or circus tickets and they’d buy them. And they weren’t exactly even a ticket. They were a coupon and then they helped go buy a ticket. But, you know, that’s what they were doing, and that’s where they were. [7:23] Intelligence unit was milling around the hotel. They were, you know, I think what they were trying to do was waiting to see if the operators of this banquet, as this thing got going, if somebody actually, you know, drew, made a drawing or really raffled off a new car, which is what supposedly the raffle tickets were for, which would give them an excuse then to raid this place, saying it was an illegal lottery and then start really identifying the participants you know all of them that were there make them air everybody give you id and all that and then they had they were really loaded for bear they had 65 cops waiting close by it’s something called the foster avenue beach so it was it was a hell of an operation now the outfit during this time learned that the cops were going to be there and someone called Tony Accardo and Paula Guadarica, who were, you know, supposed to be there. They were like the headliners. They were the big ducks at that show. And really, if it was about having some meetings to realign personnel and name, maybe they’re going to have a making ceremony, but I doubt that. [8:30] But maybe they were going to name Joy Iupa as the new boss because he was the next boss. Somebody warned him not to come. And, of course, Jackie Lackey’s Roan didn’t show up either because he was a Cardo’s driver. [8:47] Cops, I’m going to tell you about some of the people the cops did find there and identify. Ross Prio, his north side loan shark and enforcer who had been Gen Conn’s second command and was reportedly consulted on all outfit murders. Now, Ross Prio, he’d been around. I can’t remember. I think he was out of the 42 gang himself. He had been around since the Capone days and a well-respected guy, had a lot of guys under him. And he was a bad dude. He was a bad actor. He was dangerous as hell and could take part in torturing the whole nine yards. They saw Irving Weiner there. He was a mob-connected bail bondsman. He was a guy who ended up a few years later walking with Alan Dorfman when somebody came up behind Dorfman and shot and killed him. Dorfman was their big guy in the Teamsters. Dorfman had helped him get those loans out of the Teamsters pension fund and loaned to people that wanted to buy Las Vegas casinos. Then everybody would get a kickback from those casinos. So he was integral. He was being investigated as an official of the Twin Cities. [9:54] Food products company and he had my he had partners felix milwaukee phil aldoricio and sam teach battaglia and marshall caifano i mean this guy is erb wiener he was he was a money man for the mob well known as a money man and and he was he was involved with with lombardo joe lombardo and tony splatter and some others and they got a loan for a guy named from the teamsters fund but for a guy named danny seifert they thought danny seifert had started a company with a lot of this money, and he was going to testify about how he got this Teamsters loan is my understanding. And I believe Lombardo and probably Frank Suisse showed up and killed him one day. He never spent a night in jail. Weiner never spent a night in jail. Go figure that. He’s kind of like, almost like Tony Accardo, huh? I saw a guy named Mike Glitta. He was an outfit member who had B-Girl bars, had these kind of hustling bars, and was involved, heavily involved in the porn business now. Um. [10:54] There was a lot of porn shops in Chicago, and Gletta was really, he was the guy on the porn shops. Chicago Crime Commission published something that said he supervised all pornography operations in an area that went from the near north side clear to the Wisconsin state line. So everything from, say, Rush Street on north was his. I guess he wasn’t down in, I think, Old Town is where Redwood met and some porn shops down there. and Frank Suisse was extorting money from some of them. Mob watchers claimed that Glitter always reported directly to Vincent Solano, who was a labor union leader and a capo, and the guy that probably had Tokyo Joe, Joe Ido killed. He was a racket boss on the north side and all the way up to the north suburbs. Identified a guy called Larry the Hood, who I’d seen that name before. It’s a really hard name to pronounce. was a Bonaguiti. [11:54] He was a mob wannabe at the time. As I researched into him, he was really just a wannabe. Hung around the Rush Street bars and he was associated with Mike Glitta. And he’ll eventually get an opportunity when Ross Prio dies and Mike Glitta has a heart attack and he moves on up real quick because he’s always in there around and he knows the porn business and the B-Girl bars on that near north side. And he’s the one that goes around and collects after after Glitter has a heart attack. [12:23] Another Northside vice boss named Joe Caesar Joseph DeVarco, he was dropped off by an underling driver. He came out of the 42 gang himself and is a well-known gangster on the Rush Street area. Dominic DiBello was a Northside gambling operator. He was seen with a friend of his and a fellow gambling operator named Bill Gold, or called Bill Gold. He had a longer name than that, and I don’t know him. If you guys make comments down below, if you know who this Bill Gold was and what the story was with him, he probably just ran a sports book or something or helped with the off-track betting outlets. And they arrived just before a guy named Joseph Cortino, according to the newspaper report. He was a former Forest Park chief of police. He was suspected of protecting gambling operations and leaking law enforcement information to the mob. A guy you hear mentioned, I’ve not really seen much on in detail, Willie Massino, and they called him Wee Willie because he was little, but he was supposedly really, really a bad character. [13:26] Here’s a guy when I believe it was Mario Raginone was invited to go on some kind of a crime, and he saw Willie Massino and somebody else in the area. And he said, uh-oh, if those guys are anywhere in the area where I am and they’ve got me kind of isolated like this, you know, going to do a crime so I’m not telling anybody where I’m going and what I’m doing and who I’m with, you know, they’re going to hit me. And he went in after that. That’s how feared Wee Willie Messino was. He had been a loan shark collector and enforcer for Tony Cardo and a guy named Joseph Gagliano, who I don’t know must have faded off into the woodwork by the 70s. 1970 he went to prison for kidnapping and beating a couple of contractors who owed money to the mob, George and Jack Chiagoris. [14:19] Sounds like they’re maybe Greek, huh? After he got out of the penitentiary, he went to work as an advisor with Marco D’Amico, who was, you know, remember Marco D’Amico had a gambling operation, and that’s who Bob Cooley worked with a lot. And he also did some work for Jackie Cerrone. [14:37] So Turk Torello, James Turk Torello, he was confronted by the cops as he was unloading sound equipment out of his, wherever his car. He yelled at him as they walked up. He said, hey, he said, I got machine guns in these boxes. You want to come and see? He was kind of a wise-ass, you know. He was a capo of the 26th Street crew and directly under Fifi Busseri. One time, he had been sent by an angry mob boss named Sam Giancana, who we all know, Mobo. And he was going to partner up with Jackie Cerrone to kill an outfit member named Frankie Esposito down in Florida. But the Bureau had recorded Giancana’s conversation and warned Esposito. and he came right back around. He didn’t help the Bureau. You know, you go out and you warn a guy and then you try to bring him in and make him a snitch or make him a cooperating witness in the end because they’re trying to kill him. They don’t all come in. And he ended up coming back to Chicago and settled his dispute with Giancana and that hit was canceled. According to the tape recordings, Torello and his killers were going to murder Esposito and cut him up in small pieces and feed him to the sharks off the Florida coast. You know, they had houses down in Florida. That’s where they, that was Jackie Cerrone’s Florida house where they overheard him and Fifi talking about the murdering and torturing Action Jackson. [16:03] Now, I mentioned bringing in the sound equipment. They had entertainment. Vic Dimone was the entertainment that night. Now, Vic Dimone has long-held connections to the Chicago outfit and I believe the Genovese family. I didn’t really go way in deep into him. I’ve got a bunch of notes. I’ll probably do a story just about Vic Dimone. [16:26] Maybe he was the character in The Singer and The Godfather, that kind of a blend of Frank Sinatra and Vic Dimone. As a singer in the Godfather movie. Guys named a couple brothers, Joseph and Donald Grieco, were there. Well, they had been in business with Vic Damone in the Vic Damone Frozen Pizza Company. Paul Rica and Fifi Boussieri had brought the famous singer Vic Damone into the outfits world and got him to lend his name to this frozen pizza business. And what they did, the Grieco brothers, They use it as a cover for their loan shark activities, but, you know, they sold pizzas, too, although I’ve never heard of. I don’t ever remember seeing a Vic DeMone frozen pizza. Vic DeMone had even taken his show to Giancana’s joint, the Armory. And if you’ve ever been by the Armory, it’s just like a neighborhood bar. A neighborhood joint is not a place. But Vic DeMone was big. You know, he would be playing Madison Square Garden maybe at the time or the big clubs, the Copacabana in New York. And they got him to bring his show out to. [17:33] Gincana’s Joint the Armory kind of like at his Villa Venice he got Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis to bring their show there and it was not exactly it was not the Copacabana they tried to make it into the Copacabana of Chicago but it never really got there another guy they saw was an outfit bookmaker and a tough guy out of Cicero who will get killed here in a little bit Sam Sambos Cesario Yeah. [17:59] He was a longtime workhorse. He’s well-liked throughout the whole Chicago underworld, but he made a mistake. He ended up marrying a girlfriend slash mistress, the Gomar of Milwaukee Field Aldericio, while he was in the penitentiary. Two guys showed up with this woman. He marries her. They’re sitting out in front of their house. It was like a brownstone. It was a hot summer night. They’re sitting out in lawn chairs out in front of their house, and two guys pull up and run up and kill him. They say Harry Ailman was the guy that did that. They call that. I’ve had some kickback on this when I said this one time before a few years ago. I didn’t really investigate into it. But, you know, the popular story is that it’s a hit from beyond the grave because Aldericio had already died in prison [18:50] between the time he gave that order and this actual murder. So that is a story of the big meeting at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. [19:02] It wasn’t exactly like Appalachian or some of the other famous mob meetings, and it was just Chicago only. They didn’t identify that they named anybody from out of town at this thing. Seemed like it was a big moneymaker, maybe a meeting that you could hire some other little meetings in, get people in there that you didn’t really want to be seen with in public. This article, they talked about other politicians and businessmen that were there, but they didn’t really name them. I guess they didn’t want to get sued or whatever, but it was a, it was definitely, it was a fundraiser. He charged 25 bucks a plate and then have that, uh, that lottery for that car. And, and, you know, they never gave that car to anybody. And you know how much money you can raise with, with, you got, you know, a hundred guys or so going out, mob guys going out and raising money, selling lottery tickets at five bucks, 10 bucks each. You can raise a lot of money like that. So maybe it’s just one more big Chicago scam and honored Fifi Boussieri at the time. I don’t know. But anyhow, thanks a lot, guys. I thought it was an interesting story, and I thought you would find it interesting. And some of the people that they named that were there, I wish I’d have been there, but writing down license numbers and taking pictures and all that stuff. So keep coming back. Like and subscribe, as they say. And we’re just going to keep doing this and doing this. [20:24] I’ve gotten some you know I’ve got some things up that are like non-fiction books that are based on mob stuff, I don’t know if that’s okay or not, but I kind of like mixing that up. There’s only so many mob stories out there. You know, I don’t want a lot of these that have already been told. I don’t remember seeing any. I kind of looked around in the other podcast having this story. So I try to find them. You know, give me any tips, your comments that you can. I’ll try to look it up. And if I can find enough information, I’ll do the story on it. So thanks a lot. And adieu to you guys out in Chicago. I bet it’s colder up there than it is down here. Thanks, guys.

Brian Eggert, Senior PastorSunday p.m.Mark 5 Pastor Brian Eggert 2026.mp3File Size:52651 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

Hour 1 - Local, national, and world news headlines on Woodward and Whit plus sports and much more.

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Dana MaragosDana Maragos is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in storytelling, tradition, and a lifelong relationship with song. Her journey began early, when her grandmother bought her a $25 guitar in Chicago's Old Town at just six years old. Growing up on the city's South Side, Dana learned her first chords from a teenage neighbor, singing along to the songs of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Eric Andersen. Those early influences planted the seeds for a songwriting voice built on honesty, melody, and quiet emotional strength. http://www.makingascene.org

A Guys Trip to Malta Centered Around Lounge Hopping Episode 72: Show Notes Summary In this episode, hosts Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle share their travel experiences centered around an impromptu trip to Malta, highlighting their lounge hopping adventures. They discuss their flight itinerary, the luxurious Polaris Lounge in Chicago, and the Frankfurt First Class Lounge, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in enhancing their travel. The conversation also touches on their arrival in Malta, exploring the historical city of Valletta, and the unique aspects of their journey, including unexpected encounters and the cultural richness of Malta. In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent trip to Malta, including their experiences exploring the Old Town, the beaches, and their flight with British Airways to Gatwick. They share insights on navigating Gatwick to Heathrow, hotel booking strategies, and their extensive lounge hopping at Heathrow Terminal 3, highlighting the pros and cons of various lounges including the Centurion, British Airways, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the trip's focus on lounges and the missed opportunities for outdoor exploration in Malta. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Lounge Hopping: The Trip's Driving Force 02:00 Flight Itinerary and Booking Process 03:25 Experiencing the Polaris Lounge 11:44 Lufthansa First Class Experience 21:17 Frankfurt Lounge Experience 27:37 Arrival in Malta and Hotel Lounge Review 29:38 Navigating the Airport Experience 31:57 Dining in the Skies: European Airlines 34:52 Hotel Comparisons: Regency vs. Centric 35:43 Exploring Malta: A Densely Populated Gem 36:46 Valletta: The Old Town Experience 40:45 Cruise and Maintenance: Malta's Unique Position 42:50 Gatwick to Heathrow: A Smooth Transition 46:42 Dining at Hyatt Place: A Pleasant Surprise 51:43 Lounge Hopping at Heathrow Terminal 3 53:36 The Changing Landscape of Airport Lounges 54:48 Lounge Hopping Experience 01:01:09 The Qantas Lounge Highlights 01:06:13 Cathay Pacific Lounge Experience 01:09:43 Flight Experience and Upgrades 01:22:13 Reflections on the Trip 01:23:33 NEWCHAPTER

Scottsdale's Western roots come alive in a big way each year, and today we're talking about the traditions that keep that spirit thriving. I'm joined by lifelong Scottsdale resident Raoul Zubia to talk all things Western Week and the iconic Parada del Sol Historic Parade. If you've ever lined Scottsdale Road for the Parada del Sol, wandered Old Town during Western Week, or felt that unmistakable Western pride in the air, today's guest has likely played a role in bringing that experience to life. Raoul Zubia is a lifelong Scottsdale resident, Coronado High School graduate, retired banker, and deeply committed community advocate. Over the years, he's served in numerous leadership roles — from Chair of the Scottsdale Human Services Commission to President of Partners for Paiute — and he currently serves on several local foundations and committees, including the Parada del Sol Committee, where he's also one of the parade announcers. Raoul's dedication to Scottsdale has earned him some meaningful recognition, including Scottsdale Leadership's Hodges Award and induction into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. Today, we're talking about what makes Scottsdale Western Week and the Parada del Sol Historic Parade such treasured traditions — and why they continue to matter to our city. Gather up your western attire, lawn chairs and family members, the 72nd Annual Parada del Sol Parade & Trail's End Festival is coming to Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The parade starts at 9:30. The Trails End Festival starts at 12:00 pm Calendar Of Events A Taste of AZ Food and Drink Festival Saturday January 31st  Salt River Fields at Talking Stick This festival delivers mouth-watering flavours, handcrafted drinks and live entertainment under the desert sky. It's a must attend! Head to their website for more information and tickets. https://atasteofaz.com/a-taste-of-az-food-and-drink-festival-in-scottsdale-arizona/   Cheyenne Jackson- Mid Life Torso Sunday February 1st 7:00 pm Virginia C Piper Theater Mid Life Torso is a musical meditation on art, love, fatherhood, and the cosmic twists that have shaped his remarkable path.  Ticket prices vary. Head to scottsdale arts for more information. https://scottsdalearts.org/whats-on/events/cheyenne-jackson-mid-life-torso-tour/   Waste Management Open  Feb 2-8th at the TPC Scottsdale Home to the largest and most enthusiastic crowds in the game as well as the most iconic hole on the PGA TOUR – the famed 16th hole Coliseum Visit their website for tickets. https://wmphoenixopen.com/general-admission-tickets/

Scottsdale's Western roots come alive in a big way each year, and today we're talking about the traditions that keep that spirit thriving. I'm joined by lifelong Scottsdale resident Raoul Zubia to talk all things Western Week and the iconic Parada del Sol Historic Parade. If you've ever lined Scottsdale Road for the Parada del Sol, wandered Old Town during Western Week, or felt that unmistakable Western pride in the air, today's guest has likely played a role in bringing that experience to life. Raoul Zubia is a lifelong Scottsdale resident, Coronado High School graduate, retired banker, and deeply committed community advocate. Over the years, he's served in numerous leadership roles — from Chair of the Scottsdale Human Services Commission to President of Partners for Paiute — and he currently serves on several local foundations and committees, including the Parada del Sol Committee, where he's also one of the parade announcers. Raoul's dedication to Scottsdale has earned him some meaningful recognition, including Scottsdale Leadership's Hodges Award and induction into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. Today, we're talking about what makes Scottsdale Western Week and the Parada del Sol Historic Parade such treasured traditions — and why they continue to matter to our city. Gather up your western attire, lawn chairs and family members, the 72nd Annual Parada del Sol Parade & Trail's End Festival is coming to Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The parade starts at 9:30. The Trails End Festival starts at 12:00 pm Calendar Of Events A Taste of AZ Food and Drink Festival Saturday January 31st  Salt River Fields at Talking Stick This festival delivers mouth-watering flavours, handcrafted drinks and live entertainment under the desert sky. It's a must attend! Head to their website for more information and tickets. https://atasteofaz.com/a-taste-of-az-food-and-drink-festival-in-scottsdale-arizona/   Cheyenne Jackson- Mid Life Torso Sunday February 1st 7:00 pm Virginia C Piper Theater Mid Life Torso is a musical meditation on art, love, fatherhood, and the cosmic twists that have shaped his remarkable path.  Ticket prices vary. Head to scottsdale arts for more information. https://scottsdalearts.org/whats-on/events/cheyenne-jackson-mid-life-torso-tour/   Waste Management Open  Feb 2-8th at the TPC Scottsdale Home to the largest and most enthusiastic crowds in the game as well as the most iconic hole on the PGA TOUR – the famed 16th hole Coliseum Visit their website for tickets. https://wmphoenixopen.com/general-admission-tickets/

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Mark 4 Pastor Brian Eggert 2026.mp3File Size:48644 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

In this episode, Ryan Jenkins and Robert Crow discuss what's happening in the Northern Colorado housing market as we head into spring 2026. From interest rates and inventory trends to inspections, insurance, HOAs, and long-term buyer strategy, this episode covers what buyers and sellers really need to know right now.Plus, a few Fort Collins food and coffee recommendations along the way.00:00 Winter arrives in Fort Collins02:10 Is the Northern Colorado market picking up?03:55 Interest rates drop & buyer activity returns06:20 Inventory growth explained (why housing moves slowly)08:40 Why buyers should start earlier than spring10:55 Fort Collins vs Boulder affordability reality12:05 Price corrections vs a “flat” market14:10 Long-term appreciation in Northern Colorado16:10 Why major housing crashes are unlikely18:15 Water, development & supply constraints21:05 Real examples: homes losing (or holding) value23:40 Best burgers in Fort Collins27:10 Coffee shops & Old Town restaurant talk30:25 Roofs, hail damage & insurance problems33:15 Class 3 vs Class 4 roofs explained35:05 Permits, basements & unpermitted work risks37:45 ADUs, canyon homes & county enforcement40:20 Inspections: what general inspections miss42:55 Sewer scopes, radon & specialty inspections45:30 HOA risks, reserves & special assessments48:15 How to read HOA documents efficiently50:45 Talking to neighbors before buying53:10 Listing homes on holiday weekends55:45 Pricing pressure on sellers & agents58:30 71% of agents did zero deals — why it matters01:01:45 Overpricing homes & buyer psychology01:04:50 Long-term ownership vs short-term fear01:07:40 Glade Reservoir overview01:10:30 Hwy 287 reroute & property impact01:13:15 Future growth, controversy & buyer awareness01:16:00 Final thoughts & wrap-up

On this lively episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town, and Corporal Rob Sloan, the City of Winchester's dedicated Old Town walking mall officer. Their conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how visibility, relationships, and everyday interaction help keep downtown safe — and welcoming — for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. From Fairfax to Foot Patrol After more than three decades in law enforcement, Corporal Sloan brings a wealth of experience to Winchester. He spent 28 years with Fairfax County Police before relocating north to finish his career closer to home. Although the shift from big-city policing to a small-town walking mall might seem dramatic, Sloan says the transition has been refreshing. Unlike the fast-paced environment of Fairfax, Old Town Winchester allows him to interact with people in positive moments — conversations filled with greetings, gratitude, and genuine connection. Those daily interactions, he explains, make the job uniquely rewarding. Why Foot Patrol Makes a Difference Unlike officers confined to cruisers, Sloan spends his shifts walking — a lot. Averaging 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day, he patrols not only the pedestrian mall but surrounding streets and alleys as well. That visibility matters. By walking instead of driving, Sloan builds familiarity. He learns who belongs, who needs help, and how the rhythm of downtown changes throughout the day. More importantly, people learn him — by name, by face, and by trust. As Brady notes, merchants quickly felt more comfortable once Sloan arrived. Business owners gained a consistent point of contact, and open communication replaced uncertainty. Community Policing in Action At the heart of Sloan's role is community-oriented policing — a philosophy centered on communication rather than enforcement. Whether speaking with visitors, checking in with business owners, or engaging with the unhoused population, Sloan approaches each interaction with respect and conversation first. His goal isn't intimidation; it's understanding. He believes relationships prevent problems before they start — and when issues do arise, familiarity helps resolve them calmly and efficiently. Changing Perceptions, One Conversation at a Time Sloan speaks candidly about misconceptions surrounding law enforcement. Too often, he says, people meet police officers only on their worst days. The walking mall offers a different opportunity — one where children can wave hello, visitors can ask for directions, and families can see officers as helpers rather than threats. Janet reflects on how damaging it can be when parents use police as a form of punishment. Sloan agrees wholeheartedly, emphasizing that children should feel safe approaching officers — especially if they ever need help. On the mall, those everyday positive moments help reshape perceptions across generations. A Walking Welcome Center In many ways, Sloan doubles as a roaming ambassador for Winchester. Tourists frequently stop him to ask where to eat, what museums to visit, or how far away certain landmarks are. Those questions have even inspired him to brush up on Winchester history so he can better serve curious visitors. While he diplomatically avoids choosing favorite restaurants, he excels at pointing people in the right direction — often beginning with the most important qualifier of all: How much time do you have? Safety Through Presence, Not Pressure Much of Sloan's work operates quietly in the background. His uniformed presence alone acts as a deterrent — a concept rooted in the "broken windows" theory of policing. Simply being seen reduces problematic behavior before it escalates. From addressing bicycle and scooter concerns on the mall to educating visitors about city ordinances, Sloan emphasizes that enforcement is rarely the first step. Education comes first. Warnings follow. Enforcement becomes a last resort. The goal, he explains, is never to ruin someone's day — it's to keep everyone safe. Balancing a Complex Downtown Environment Old Town Winchester presents unique challenges. The mall functions as a pedestrian space, a residential area, a tourism hub, and — during certain hours — an active roadway. Add e-bikes, scooters, crowded events, and weekend foot traffic, and safety becomes a delicate balancing act. Sloan works closely with Friends of Old Town and city partners to address concerns as they arise. Community meetings allow business owners to voice issues, brainstorm solutions, and ensure their concerns move up the chain. That collaboration builds confidence — and strengthens trust. Events, Energy, and the Pulse of Downtown As the conversation continues, Brady outlines an active lineup of upcoming Old Town events, from winter food competitions to February's packed calendar: A sausage gravy cookoff benefiting local organizations Chocolate Escape, encouraging shoppers to explore downtown stores Spin to Winchester, a fitness-based fundraiser Black History Month events, including jazz nights, storytelling, and cultural programming Restaurant Week, showcasing the city's dining scene For Sloan, attending monthly meetings helps him stay informed — ensuring he's ready for crowds, questions, and changing traffic patterns. A Familiar Face Makes All the Difference As the conversation wraps, one message stands out clearly: people feel safer when they recognize who's protecting them. Seeing Corporal Sloan walking the mall — stopping into shops, greeting regulars, and chatting with visitors — brings comfort. It reassures business owners, enhances the visitor experience, and reinforces Old Town's identity as a welcoming place. In a space that serves as the heart of Winchester tourism and community life, that calm, consistent presence matters more than most people realize. An Open Invitation Sloan closes with a simple request: say hello. Whether someone recognizes him from the radio, the newspaper, or a casual stroll downtown, he welcomes the interaction. Every handshake, wave, or brief conversation strengthens the community he walks through each day. Because at the end of the shift — after thousands of steps and countless conversations — his job is about more than safety. It's about belonging.

Joe Bailey, Youth Pastor​Sunday a.m.Mark 3 Youth Pastor Joe Bailey 2026.mp3File Size:57052 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

Krakow .  Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.   Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting.   The FAQ is:  Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: "At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit that early?"    Answer: I emphasize empowerment. I permit you to change course, leave early, or say "this isn't for me" without framing it as failure. A destination isn't "wrong" because it challenges you — but it is wrong if it consistently drains your energy, confidence, or sense of safety. If you find yourself constantly anxious, overly fatigued, or forcing yourself to "push through," just listen to your mind or body. Changing plans, leaving early, or choosing a different destination next time is not failure — it's wisdom. The goal of solo travel isn't endurance; it's fulfillment. And knowing when to pivot is one of the strongest travel skills you can develop. In Amsterdam, I had to change my destination frequently, which was challenging, but I managed to do so. One day, when I had some flexibility in my schedule, I scheduled a massage. I searched for "massage near me" and was delighted with the results. Sometimes that's all it takes for a new perspective.   60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today is to check your passport. That's right, take it out and open it up.   Do you have at least six months left on your passport? If not, you need to renew it.   If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into passport documents and solo travel for women. You can find the series at the link in the description.    See Book A for addressing this concern..  Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a multiple-part series. Today's special destination is Krakow, Poland   First, I'll talk about the things to see as a tourist, and then I'll share some 'off the regular' tourist ideas for you. It's interesting to learn that Poland is roughly the size of Texas. Historical tensions persist among Polish communities in neighboring Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany. I've also heard about soldiers being sent from Siberia to Ukraine. The country underwent a significant change in 1989 when the Solidarity movement overthrew the socialist government. I reflected on the historical gravity of Auschwitz, where many lives were lost. Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe's most enchanting cities, renowned for its history, charm, and culture. Kraków offers a welcoming mix of walkable streets, accessible attractions, and heartfelt hospitality. Let's Explore the Old Town and Wawel Hill https://krakow.travel/en/55-krakow-main-market-square Start your morning in Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square — one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It's mostly flat with smooth pathways, though some cobblestones can be tricky; use a slower pace or roll along the outer edges, which are more level, for those with mobility issues. In the center stands the Cloth Hall, filled with stalls selling amber jewelry, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Elevators are available to reach the upper gallery, which houses the 19th-century Polish Art Museum. Nearby, the St. Mary's Basilica is famous for its hourly trumpet call from the tower. Inside, ramps and wide aisles make it accessible for most visitors. https://mariacki.com/en/   https://visitkrakow.com/kazimierz/   https://visitkrakow.com/guide-to-oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory-museum/     https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/blog/st-faustina-and-the-catholic-heritage-of-poland?   Travel Mistake to Avoid in Kraków included Eurail reservations.     Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news  

In this bonus episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins takes listeners back to 1970s Chicago for a series of lesser-known yet revealing stories about the Chicago Outfit, centered on violent enforcer Frank Schweihs, also known as “Frank the German.”   The episode begins with a personal side quest—tracking down the mystery of Tony Accardo and his rare red 1950s Mercedes sports car, possibly a 300 SL. These exotic cars were produced in limited numbers, and with Accardo's history attached, the vehicle could be worth a fortune today. The question is: where did it go?   From there, the story moves deep into Outfit territory. Schweihs was a feared figure who worked under Joseph Lombardo and alongside other notorious mobsters. I recount an undercover operation involving a wired Old Town business owner who helped federal agents capture Schweihs, extorting money, one of the cases that eventually put him behind bars. The episode also explores a remarkable undercover IRS investigation in which an agent posing as a criminal associate gained Schweihs' trust. Listeners hear about crooked real estate deals, political corruption, bribe demands, and just how casually violence was discussed inside the Outfit's inner circle—including talk of bombing a politician's car when business deals stalled.   These stories offer a raw, street-level look at how the Chicago Outfit operated during its peak years—how intimidation, corruption, and violence were everyday tools of business—and why figures like Frank Schweihs remain symbols of the Outfit's brutality. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here.  To purchase one of my books, click here. 00:00 – Introduction and Chicago Bonus Episode 00:24 – Tony Accardo's Red Mercedes Mystery 02:55 – The Chicago Outfit in the 1970s 03:31 – Frank Schweihs and the Extortion Case 04:42 – Undercover IRS Agent Inside the Outfit 06:33 – Corruption, Real Estate, and Political Payoffs 08:37 – Violence Threats and Taking the Case Down 09:35 – Windy City Mafia and Final Thoughts Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers out there, Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective here back in the studio with a little bonus episode, Gangland Wire. And I’ve been doing a bunch of Chicago stuff, as you know. Well, here’s one more before I stray away from Chicago. I had been away from Chicago for a long time and I missed it. I missed you guys up there. And, you know, here’s another thing before I really get started in this story. Okay. [0:24] I’m on a mission right now. I remembered an old story about Tony Accardo had a 1950s Mercedes SL, and I think it was a Gull Wing, but I’m not sure. It was a 300 SL. [0:40] He for sure had a 1950s Mercedes red sports car. And I always wondered, you know, I wonder what happened to that car. You know, I ought to be able to run that down. I interviewed a guy recently about an investigation into finding an extremely rare exotic car that was worth like $25 million or something. It was a teardrop, German-made, something about a Talbert Lago or some game like that. Anyhow, so it got me thinking. And they were talking about running down the cars and the history on cars, the Provence on cars. And they said, when you have a really good story attached to a car, it makes it worth a whole lot more money than normal. And I called up a friend of mine that wheels and deals in classic cars through Mecham’s. And I think there’s another auto auction. He said, oh, yeah. He said, man, you can find that car. If it hadn’t already had that priced into it, the fact that Tony Accardo sold it or owned it, then it would be worth a whole lot more money. So I thought, well, let’s just see if we can’t find that car. I started looking into it. These 1950s Mercedes 300 SLs, there wasn’t very many I’ve made. There was only a couple thousand I’ve made in over several years’ time. And the best I could tell, they’re all accounted for in some manner. I don’t know. I haven’t figured that out yet. I started asking around and trying to find people that could help me with sources on that. So if you know anybody that’s a real expert on these old Mercedes sports cars. [2:10] Send them to me. Have them email me at ganglandwire at gmail.com or something like that. And if you are, you know, give me a call, 816-931-3535. I just think it would be fun to find it. I’d do a little show on it if I found it. And find out what happened to it. Now, it might make somebody really happy. We can find it, and he didn’t know that it was Tony Accardo’s old car. Now, these old VINs, you know, now they’re 17 digits. Well, back then, they were like six or seven digits, and to trace it through the VIN, that old a car, with no more than I have to go on right now, it’s just almost impossible. I need to find, narrow down that maybe somebody has a story about who had it and try to find that person and then work down from there if maybe that person still has it. I don’t know. But it would be a fun little, it’s going to be a fun little project. But anyhow, let’s go up to Chicago in the 1970s. You know, you were rocking and rolling up there in Chicago. The outfit ruled. We just had all that information from Bob Cooley and all the things that he did and he was involved in up there. And they owned the city. You know, they damn near owned the whole city. So there’s one guy named Frank Schweihs. Now you may have heard of Frank Schweihs. He was called the German, Frank, the German Schweihs. He was a guy that Red Wemette met who has his show. [3:31] Can’t even think of the name of it anymore. He had a show with Adam out in Las Vegas. Red Wemette. He kind of went into the employ of the FBI. Nobody really had a case on him. He was just tired of him shaking him down. So he volunteered, and Frank Schweihs was coming around extorting money from him. He had a dirty bookstore or something like that in Old Town. Frank Schweihs had a restaurant in Old Town. Frank Schweihs started coming around, and Red Wilmette let the bureau wire up his TV. So it had a camera and a microphone in it, and it recorded all kinds of information about Frank Schweihs. And they ended up convicting him of extorting money from Red Wilmette. He was also a defendant in the Family Seekers trial, and I think Red testified in that. Frank Schweihs, he had gotten introduced to an IRS agent named Johnson, but he was going under the name Virgil Williams. Now, Virgil Williams, we’re just going to call him Virgil Williams. He was a black dude. He was a big black dude, looked like a former, you know, defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears or something. [4:42] And he had started out, the IRS had put him undercover, working the South Side and working policy back in the earlier 60s. And somehow he got introduced to Frank Schweihs as this guy who was, you know, involved in gambling and involved in the rackets in some manner on the south side and the black rackets. Frank was trying to sell him his restaurant in Old Town. Of course, he was trying to rip him off is what he was trying to do. You don’t just do business with a guy like Frank Schweihs. Absolutely, you do not do business with him. If you start going down that path, what he’s going to do, he’s going to rip you off in some manner. Guys start telling stories about later on, he’s at the trial and around that time he’s interviewed and he start telling stories about working with Frank, he said, Frank, and he would sit around the restaurant and talk and drink and, and Frank would say, we’re in about undercover agents. And he said, yeah, he said, I can spot him a mile off. He said, no undercover is ever going to get close to me. He said, uh, you know, I can just hear, I can pick out who’s going up and down the street out there and who’s an undercover agent. And he’d point out people. Of course, this guy knew that they really weren’t undercover agents, but you know, he, you know, would act like, oh yeah, you’re really cool, Frank, you’re a guy I need to do business with. You know what time it is. He said the one time, Frank told him, he said, I wish that us whites were as aggressive and binding as you blacks are. He said, the guy said, I said, I almost choked on that. [6:11] He said, who’s more violent than Frank Schweihs? And he worked for Joy the Clown Lombardo. And, you know, Harry Aleman was in that mix and the Wild Bunch. And, I mean, who’s more violent and vicious than those guys? I don’t think anybody. But he thought that blacks really had it going on when it came to the violence thing. [6:33] It was a hell of a story. He also, after he got done, he didn’t have much more on Frank, but talked about he was trying to, he got in. Frank probably hooked him up with this guy, a guy named Herman Kaye. And he told him that he would buy a building from him. And actually, the building was owned by Goodwill Industries. And this Herman Kay was kind of a high-ranking person in Goodwill Industries. And, and he was going to sell it for $325,000 in cash. He said, uh, uh, Johnson walked in. He said, I just dumped $325,000 in cash right on his, uh, desk. And so this guy said, oh no, no, no, we can’t do that. Cause he was, he was, you know, front of himself off was like a black dope dealer. It had just tons of cash. [7:18] He said, you know, we can’t do it like that. You know, we got to figure out how to get that in the check. And then you got to pay me and pay me so much under the table. And so they ended up making a case on this guy for ripping over $400,000 off in a series of real estate deals in which the Goodwill industries are the victim. Now, who would rip off Goodwill? I mean, who would you go in and shoplift from Goodwill? I think this guy probably would. He was an employee. It’s just, it’s crazy. I mean, these are just a few little stories of the outfit in 1970s Chicago. Johnson said he recalled one day he went into the office of a North suburban mayor, started talking to him about getting something done, said he was a businessman from Chicago, and he wanted to start a bar, and he wanted to have gambling and prostitution in it, and he needed some protection. [8:09] And the guy said the guy asked him for $2,000, and he said, okay, you know, I can handle that. And he said, the guy also warned him. He said, you know, he said, if you aren’t who you say you are, you know, uh, I won’t send my police down there to take care of you. I’ll take care of you myself. The guy, the mayor never really figured out after they ended up doing him. Now during this time, also the IRS agent kept telling the German that he couldn’t really. [8:37] Close a deal on the restaurant that Frank was going to sell him. He said, because there’s a politician that was holding up the licensing process on it. And, and Frank Swiss, he didn’t say who it was, but Frank Swiss decided it must be a guy named George Dunn, who was a Cook County commissioner and really was probably, it could have been a successor to Richard Daly. And he was, uh, uh, he was really heavy into Cook County politics. And I believe he was the one who was holding up the transaction and Frank wanted to bomb his car. You know, the guy said, no, no, no, no, we’ll get this worked out. And then they ended up taking the whole thing down before anything happened. [9:15] But it was a hell of an undercover investigation this guy had. So thanks a lot, guys. Just another little story about the Chicago outfit. Don’t forget, I’ve got my book, Windy City Mafia, the Chicago outfit. It is on Amazon and just go to run Gary Jenkins Mafia on Amazon, Mafia Books on Amazon. You’ll find all my books. And I’ve got a bunch of interesting little stories I’ve done on the podcast that are in this book. It especially makes a nice gift for somebody that is interested in Chicago outfit. It’s not very much. And I just wanted to let you know about that. I don’t usually try to sell. Sometimes I try to sell a lot. Sometimes I don’t try to sell at all. It’s kind of a hit or miss with me. If I did this to earn money with, I’d be screwed anyhow. I just do it for the love of doing it. So thanks a lot, guys. And don’t forget about that red Mercedes, little red Mercedes car. We got to find that red Mercedes of Tony Accardo’s. It’s got to be out there somewhere. You just don’t junk out a car like that. So thanks, guys.

A Toast to Community Spirit Winchester's Old Town district is shaking off the post-holiday blues with a spirited comeback. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven, Executive Director for Friends of Old Town, recently embarked on what they jokingly called "research"—a Friday afternoon bar crawl previewing Old Town on the Rocks, a revived cocktail competition set for January 16-18, 2026. The event marks the return of a beloved tradition that disappeared during COVID. After a five or six-year hiatus, Brady and his team approached the original organizers to revive the competition. "They said, cool, we'll give you the ownership of it. Do what you want with it," Brady recalls with a laugh.  A New Focus on Main Street This year's competition takes a more focused approach than its predecessor. Rather than spreading across the entire city, Old Town on the Rocks concentrates exclusively on the Old Town Walking Mall and Main Street district businesses. "We're the Main Street Program and our region and our scope is the Old Town District," Brady explains. While future years may expand to include establishments like Oak Stone or Crush, this inaugural revival keeps things tight and manageable. The strategy serves a dual purpose: showcasing the creativity of local bartenders while driving business during one of the slowest months of the year. "Everybody backs off from being out after the holidays," Brady notes, "but this is trying to push them through for a weekend and say, hey, there's still things to do down here." Stop One: Hideaway Cafe's Coffee Cocktail Mastery The duo begins their journey at Hideaway Cafe, where co-owner Greg Armstrong has transformed a coffee shop into an unexpected cocktail destination. Located in the big green building on the corner of Cork and Loudoun—the old Bargain Corner for longtime Winchester residents—Hideaway boasts a unique advantage: a full espresso bar alongside its liquor license. Greg's background reveals a passionate hobbyist turned professional. Years ago, he took a bartending course as a gift, but his instructor quickly realized Greg's extensive knowledge. "The guy who was teaching the course realized that he would go through what was in the text, and then turn to me and say, what do you know about it?" Greg remembers. "And I would talk for half an hour about whatever it was." The Long Winter's Night Manhattan For the competition, Greg crafted the Long Winter's Night Manhattan, a sophisticated twist on the classic Black Manhattan. Instead of traditional vermouth, he uses Amaro—an Italian botanical liqueur—then adds Licor 43 (Cuarenta y Tres), a Spanish cordial with 43 infused botanicals that brings vanilla and citrus notes. A touch of Amarena syrup rounds out the cherry flavors. "It's got really good flavor," Brady observes after his first sip, noting the lingering spice from the whiskey and botanicals. Janet agrees enthusiastically, remarking that the alcohol doesn't overpower the complex layers—a common pitfall in bourbon-forward drinks. Greg's bar operates on an unconventional schedule. Patrons can order cocktails from 9 AM until closing, though Greg admits morning orders tend toward Irish coffees and espresso martinis. The cafe closes Mondays for administrative work, opens 9-2 on Tuesdays, 9-5 Wednesday through Saturday, and 9-4 on Sundays. Special evening events extend hours to around 7 PM, all posted on their Facebook page. Stop Two: V2's Nerdy Indulgence Next, Janet and Brady head to V2, where GM/bar manager Courtney has prepared something entirely different. The restaurant, which has anchored Old Town for 23 years, recently expanded its beverage program and just secured an ABC license for its sister restaurant, Mangia Cucina Italiana. Courtney's creation, the Red Eye Mordor, draws inspiration from an unexpected source: the 25th anniversary re-release of Lord of the Rings, screening the same weekend as the competition. "I'm a huge Lord of the Rings fan, as well as my boyfriend," Courtney explains. "I kind of just wanted something that inspired me from the movie, plus to kind of nerd out with it." A Coffee-Based Journey to Middle Earth The cocktail combines coffee with a hint of spice, referencing Frodo's sleepless journey into the fiery realm of Mordor. Edible gold glitter symbolizes the One Ring, while red glitter on top adds visual drama. When Janet admits she's never seen Lord of the Rings, Brady looks genuinely shocked. "This drink is literally going to be my introduction to Lord of the Rings," she laughs. After tasting, Brady's eyes widen. "Oh my gosh, it's like a spiced hot chocolate," he exclaims. "It lingers a lot in a good way." Janet agrees, noting that even non-coffee drinkers would appreciate the balanced flavors. Courtney's creative process involves considerable trial and error—and drinking. While developing the Red Eye Mordor, she struggled to identify a missing ingredient, complicated by recovering from illness. "Two days I'm stewing on this," she recalls. "I finally figured it out. I'm not gonna say 'cause it's a secret ingredient, secret recipe." Beyond the competition, V2 offers an extensive menu featuring fresh pasta and a growing tequila collection. Their happy hour runs 4-6 PM Monday through Friday, with a special Saturday morning happy hour featuring dollar oysters. The restaurant operates 11:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Stop Three: Roma's Warm Surprise The final stop brings Janet and Brady to Roma, known primarily for pizza but hiding a sophisticated bar program. Chris, the bartender who created the competition entry, isn't present, but his Smooth Like Butta cocktail speaks for itself. This drink stands out as the only warm cocktail in the competition—a bold choice that initially makes Brady hesitant. "I'm not a huge fan of warm drinks," he admits. The cocktail features Elijah Craig Rye, house-infused apple brandy, house citrus shrub, and a touch of butter. Defying Expectations After the first sip, Brady's skepticism evaporates. "Oh, that is smooth like butta," he marvels. Janet, equally impressed, confesses her initial doubts: "I had my doubts, but all of my doubts have now been erased. This is amazing." The butter element proves particularly striking. "It even tastes like butter," Janet observes. "After you're done, you can feel it on your lips." Brady nods enthusiastically, calling the experience "insane." The warm cocktail's timing couldn't be better. While the preview happens on a mild 60-degree rainy day, the actual competition weekend will likely bring temperatures in the 30s or 40s—perfect weather for a warming drink. The Competition Framework Old Town on the Rocks features eight participating establishments: Hideaway Cafe, Roma, V2, Wine Room, TT Walls, The Half Note Lounge, Bistro Sojo, and Uno's (located under the George Washington Hotel). Each venue creates a unique cocktail using Elijah Craig bourbon, courtesy of sponsor Heaven Hill. The competition runs two parallel tracks. A panel of four judges—including Charlie Fish, one of the original Winchester on the Rocks organizers—will evaluate drinks using a standardized rubric. The winner receives a trophy provided by Elijah Craig. Simultaneously, fan voting occurs via QR codes at each location, determining the People's Choice winner. "I think it's a good way to have four judges who are all very interested in Old Town and live here, work here," Brady explains. However, Janet acknowledges that many restaurants value the popular vote even more than the judges' trophy. "They wanna know how many votes did they get as the most popular. That means a lot more to them sometimes." Heaven Hill Distillery and Elijah Craig stepped up as sponsors after Brady reached out following a suggestion from Caleb at Roma. "Just like that we did and they came and we had a conversation," Brady recalls. "I said, here's what we're thinking. They said, we'd love that idea." Beyond the Bourbon The event serves a larger mission for Winchester's Main Street Program. Brady pushes back against the perception that Old Town hibernates during winter months. "I don't think that Old Town goes into hibernation mode," he insists. "I think you just have to really look, and there are a ton of things that we have that can pull you indoors." He points to four museums within walking distance, an emerging arts district featuring Typewriter Studio and Polka Dot Pot, and the ongoing holiday market at ShenArts. "There is always something to do when it gets colder," Brady emphasizes. "You just still look a little harder, and we're hoping to push that forward." The timing also addresses a critical business challenge. January represents a financial lurch for small businesses—customers are waiting on tax returns, recovering from holiday spending, and generally reluctant to venture out. "It's still very important to support your small businesses," Brady urges. Even those who can't attend can help by sharing event information on social media. A Culinary Hub's Diversity Throughout their afternoon journey, Janet and Brady repeatedly note Old Town's remarkable diversity. "Everything is very unique down here," Janet observes. "You're not gonna walk up and down the mall or even on the ancillary parts and find exactly the same thing." The three cocktails they sample prove her point. From Hideaway's sophisticated Manhattan variation to V2's nerdy espresso martini to Roma's buttery warm concoction, each establishment brings distinct creativity to the same base spirit. "We've had a Manhattan, an espresso martini, and now a nice warm mock cider drink," Brady summarizes, still marveling at the variety. This diversity extends beyond beverages. V2 makes syrups in-house and infuses its own spirits. Courtney recently experimented with homemade limoncello for the group's new restaurant, Mangia, using V2 as her "guinea pig." Hideaway leverages its espresso equipment to create coffee cocktails other bars can't replicate. Roma operates Alesatian Brewery upstairs while serving creative cocktails downstairs. The Road Ahead As Janet and Brady wrap up their preview—admittedly feeling the effects of three bourbon drinks—they reflect on the challenge ahead. "We have eight different restaurants participating. We've only hit three," Brady notes with a laugh. "And at this rate, we may not hit more than... we may not hit. This may be the only three that we do." The bourbon requirement, while creating cohesion, presents its own challenge. "It's great because I love bourbon," Brady admits. "It's not great because when you're trying to drink eight bourbon drinks..." He trails off, closing one eye dramatically. Despite the research hazards, both hosts express genuine excitement for the competition's potential. The event represents more than just cocktails—it's about community resilience, creative expression, and proving that Old Town thrives year-round. For those planning to participate, Brady recommends spreading the experience across the full weekend rather than attempting all eight venues in one night. "You have plenty of opportunity to come in and try these drinks at all these different places," he suggests diplomatically. Raising the Bar Old Town on the Rocks ultimately celebrates what makes Winchester's downtown special: independent businesses run by passionate people who genuinely care about their craft. Greg's encyclopedic alcohol knowledge, Courtney's nerdy creativity, and Chris's willingness to experiment with warm butter cocktails all reflect a community that refuses to phone it in. As Janet becomes a newly minted VIP at Hideaway (complete with keychain proof), she embodies the event's spirit—locals discovering new dimensions of familiar places, supporting neighbors, and finding reasons to gather during the coldest, darkest months. "Just share it on Facebook," Brady urges those who can't attend. "You don't have to come out for Old Town on the Rocks. You can just share it, 'cause people may see it and want to go out." In the end, that's what community looks like: raising a glass together, even when it's cold outside. Old Town on the Rocks takes place January 16-18 throughout Old Town Winchester. Find more information at friendsofoldown.org or search "Friends of Old Town" on Facebook and Instagram.

Behind the Mitten - Michigan's premier radio show and podcastOn this special show to open 2026, co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten share a few of their favorite show segments from last year.Segment 1-Happy New Year from Gonzo and AmySegment 2-Old Town Lansing - iloveoldtown.orgSegment 3-Austin Bros. Beer Co. - austinbrosbeerco.comSegment 4-TC Curling Club - tccurling.org

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Mark 2 Pastor Brian Eggert 2025.mp3File Size:50873 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

A meeting was called concerning tourism in Old Town. We talked to the Mayor of Scottsdale about what happened at the special session. 

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Mark 1 Pastor Brian Eggert 2025.mp3File Size:43208 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

HEART OF DARKNESS AND THE OHIO COMPANY LAND GRAB Colleague Professor Robert G. Parkinson. The book's title draws on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness to describe the bewilderment and horror inherent in the 18th-century American backcountry. In 1754, George Washington retreated through Oldtown, Maryland, the home of the Cresap family, following a failed expedition against the French. Washington and the Cresaps were partners in the Ohio Company, a speculative venture claiming half a million acres of Native land near the Forks of the Ohio. This era was marked by imprecise maps and border disputes between colonies like Maryland and Pennsylvania, creating a chaotic environment where land speculators operated like rival tribes. NUMBER 2

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Biblical Stewardship Pastor Brian Eggert 2025.mp3File Size:43048 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

BEWILDERMENT, THE OHIO COMPANY, AND COLONIAL EXPANSION Colleague Robert G. Parkinson. Parkinson explains that "bewilderment" is the central theme of his book, drawing a thematic parallel to Joseph Conrad'sHeart of Darkness to describe the confusion and violence of the early American frontier. The conversation shifts to the Ohio Company, a massive land speculation venture involving George Washington and the Lee family, with the Cresapfamily serving as their essential partners and scouts. Washington frequently visited the Cresaps in Oldtown, Maryland, utilizing them as the "spear point" for English colonial expansion into the Ohio Valley, a move that agitated the Frenchand Indigenous tribes. NUMBER 2

In this gripping episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with Robert “Bob” Cooley, the Chicago lawyer whose extraordinary journey took him from deep inside the Outfit's criminal operations to becoming one of the federal government's most valuable witnesses against organized crime. Cooley pulls back the curtain on the hidden machinery of Chicago's underworld, describing how corruption, bribery, and violence shaped the Chicago Outfit's power in the 1970s and beyond. As a lawyer, gambler, and trusted insider, Cooley saw firsthand how mob influence tilted the scales of justice—often in open daylight. Inside the “Chicago Method” of Courtroom Corruption Cooley explains the notorious system of judicial bribery he once helped facilitate—what he calls the “Chicago Method.” He walks listeners through: How defense attorneys worked directly with Outfit associates to buy favorable rulings. The process of approaching and bribing judges. Why weak forensic standards of the era made witness discrediting the key mob strategy. His personal involvement in the infamous Harry Aleman murder case, where clear guilt was erased by corruption. Life in the Outfit: Gambling, Debt, and Mob Justice Cooley recounts his early days gambling with Chicago Outfit associates, including Marco D'Amico, Jackie Cerrone, and John DeFranzo. Notable stories include: The violent implications of unpaid gambling debts in mob circles. Tense interactions with bookmaker Hal Smith and the chaotic fallout of a bounced check involving mobster Eddie Corrado. How D'Amico often stepped in—sometimes with intimidation—to shield Cooley from harm. These stories reflect the daily volatility of life inside the Outfit, where money, fear, and loyalty intersect constantly. Bob Cooley has a great book titled When Corruption Was King where he goes into even greater detail and has many more stories from his life inside the Chicago Mob. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here.  To purchase one of my books, click here. 0:06 Introduction to Bob Cooley 1:32 Life as an Outfit Gambler 2:00 My Relationship with Marco D’Amico 10:40 The Story of Hal Smith 11:05 A Dangerous Encounter 20:21 Meeting Sally D 22:23 A Contract on My Life 22:37 The Harry Alleman Case 34:47 Inside the Courtroom 51:08 The Verdict 52:26 Warning the Judge 53:49 The Case Against the Policewoman 58:36 Navigating the Legal Maze 1:08:14 The Outcome and Its Consequences 1:11:39 The Decision to Flip 1:24:38 A Father’s Influence 1:33:57 The Corruption Revealed 1:50:12 Political Connections 2:02:07 The Setup for Robbery 2:20:29 Consequences of Loyalty transcript [0:00] Hey, guys, my guest today is a former Chicago outfit associate named Robert Bob Cooley. He has a book out there titled When Corruption Was King. I highly recommend you get it if you want to look inside the Chicago outfit of the 1970s. Now, Bob’s going to tell us about his life as an outfit gambler, lawyer, and I use payoff to judges to get many, many not guilty verdicts. Now, I always call this the Chicago method. This happened for, I know, for Harry Ailman, a case we’re going to talk about, Tony Spolatro got one of these not-guilties. Now, the outfit member associate who is blessed to get this fix put in for him may be charged with a crime, even up to murder. And he gets a lawyer, a connected lawyer, and they’ll demand a bench trial. That means that only a judge makes the decision. A lawyer, like my guest, who worked with a political fixer named Pat Marcy. [0:53] They’ll work together and they’ll get a friendly judge assigned to that case and then they’ll bribe the judge. And all that judge needs is some kind of alibi witnesses and any kind of information to discredit any prosecution witnesses. Now, this is back in the olden days before you had all this DNA and all that kind of thing. So physical evidence was not really a part of it. Mainly, it was from witnesses. And they just have to discredit any prosecution witness. Then the judge can say, well, state hadn’t really proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt and issue a not guilty verdict and walk away. Now, our guest, Bob Cooley, is going to take us inside this world. [1:29] And it’s a world of beatings, murders, bribes, and other kinds of plots. He was a member of the Elmwood Park crew. He was a big gambler. He was a big loan shark. And he worked for a guy named Marco D’Amico, who was their gambling boss and loan shark in that crew. Among other bosses in this powerful crew were Jackie Cerrone, who will go on and become the underboss and eventually the boss for a short [1:55] period of time. and John no-nose DeFranzo, who will also go on to become the boss eventually. What was your relationship with Marco D’Amico? I talked about when I first came into the 18th district, when I came into work there, and they put me back in uniform, the first person I met was Rick Borelli. Rick Borelli, he was Marco’s cousin. [2:23] When I started gambling right away with Rick, within a couple of days, I’m being his face, and I’m calling and making bets. There was a restaurant across the street where every Wednesday and sometimes a couple days a week, I would meet with Ricky. And one of the first people he brought in there was Marco. Was Marco. And Marco would usually be with a person or two. And I thought they were just bookmakers. [2:55] And I started being friendly with him, meeting him there. Then I started having card games Up in my apartment And, Because now I’m making, in the very beginning, I’m making first $100 extra a week. And within a couple of weeks, I’m making $500, $600 extra a week. And within about a month, I’m making $1,000, sometimes more than that. So now I’m having card games, relatively big card games, because I’ve got a bankroll. I’ve got probably about $5,000, $6,000, which seemed like a lot of money to me. Initially uh and after a while that was a daily that was a daily deal but uh so we we started having card games up there and then we started socializing we started now he’d be at these nightclubs all the time when when i’d go to make my payoffs he was part of the main group there he was one of the call he was right he was right under jack right under at that time originally Jackie Cerrone, and then he was right under Johnny DeFranco. [4:07] But he was… And we became real good friends. We would double date and we spent a lot of time together. And we had these big card games. And that’s when I realized how powerful these people were. Because after one of the card games, there was somebody that was brought in, a guy named Corrado. I’m pretty sure his name was I can’t think of his first name, but Corrado was this person that somebody brought into the game. And after we finished playing cards, and I won all the time. I mean, I was a real good card player, and I wouldn’t drink. I’d supply liquor and food and everything, but I wouldn’t drink. And as the others drank, they were the same as at my office. After we finish up, this guy says, you want to play some? We can play maybe some gin. just human being. And he was there with another friend of his who just sat there and watched. So we played, not gin, but blackjack. We played and passed cards back and forth when you win. Then you’re the dealer and back and forth. And I lost, I think I lost about $4,000 or $13,000 to him. [5:26] I lost the cash that I had. I had cash about $5,000 or $6,000. And I gave him a check for the rest. You know, but everything I was doing was wrong, you know. Yeah, one of those nights. It’s in there. And it’s funny because you asked about Marco. [5:47] And I thought, you know, oh, well, and whatever. And I gave him a check. I said, no, it’s a good check. And it was. It was for my office. It was an office check that I gave him. And that next morning, I’m meeting with Ricky and with Marco at this restaurant across from the station before I go in and to work. And I said, son of a B. I said, you know, they had a bad night first ever. Marco wasn’t at that game, at that particular game. And what happened? I said, I blew about 12,000. Okay, but you? Wow. And I said, yeah, I said, one of the guys at the game played some, I played some blackjack with somebody. What was his name? Eddie, Eddie Corrado. Eddie Corrado. He said, that mother, he said, stop payment on the check. He said, stop payment on the check. He said, because it wasn’t nine o’clock. It was only like, you know, seven, you know, seven 30 or whatever. He said, and when he gets ahold of you, arrange to have him come to your house. Tell him you’ll have the money for him at your house. So that’s what I, that’s what I do. So I stopped payment on it probably about five after nine. I get a call from, from Mr. Corrado. You mother fucker. [7:17] I said, no, no. I said, there wasn’t enough money in the account. I said, I’m sorry. I said, all right, then I’ll be over. I said, no, no, no. I said, I’m in court right now. I said, I’m in court. I said, I’m going to be tied up all day. I’ll meet you at my place. I’ll meet you back there. Well, I’ll be there. You better have that. I want cash and you better have it. Okay. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m at home. Marco comes in. And he was there with Tony and Tony was there and Ricky was there. And Ricky was there. And they come over a little ahead of time and he comes in. I live on the 27th floor. The doorbell rings. Up he comes with some big mustache. [8:00] I open the door. You better have the fucking money and whatever. And I try to look nervous. I try to look real nervous. and when you walk into my apartment you walk in and you see the kitchen right in front of you and to the left to the left you’ve got an area away and you’ve got the the kitchen wall blocking what’s behind it over there and these three guys are standing marco and you are standing right there alongside of it and and when he walks in behind me, He sees Marco and all but shit in his pants. When he sees Marco, he goes, and Marco, you motherfucker. And, you know, oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was with you. He says, how much money you got me right now? And, you know, he says, pull your pockets out. He had about, he had about three or 4,000 with him. [9:02] And he says, you give him that. He says, you, he says, you, and he says, you give him that right now. And you apologize to him. Oh, and he says, he says, and I may give you a number. I want you to call. He says, we can put you to work. Apparently this guy had done the same thing to them a few years before and got the beating of his life somebody brought him into one of their card games, did he have a technique a cheating technique or had some marked cards no it was a card mechanic he could play games with cards they call him a mechanic and, in fact the guy was great at it because he had his own plane and everything else. But again, he had moved from Chicago and had just come back in the area. And they mounted. And so anyhow, he leaves. And he leaves then, and Marco took the money. Marco took the money. Marco took the money. Typical Bob guy, man. [10:19] And I says, what about the cash I lost to him? He says, well, you lost that. He says, you lost that. That’s when I realized how powerful. That’s when I realized how powerful that [10:35] he was part of the mob, not only a part of it, but one of the operational. Yeah, important part of it. That brings to mind another unbelievable situation that occurred. [10:49] The, uh, this is probably the, we’ll know the year by when it happened. There was a bookmaker named Hal Smith. Oh yeah. I remember that name. He got, tell us about Hal Smith. [11:05] Well, Hal Smith was a, he was a big guy too. A real, a real big guy. I met him on Rush street. He knew I was a gambler. He knew that I was a big gambler and I started gambling with him. Thank you. And I was with him probably for about maybe five or six months. And I’d win with him. I’d lose with him. And he would take big places. He would take $5,000 a game for me. And as they say, so the numbers were big. At the end of the week, we were sometimes $60,000, $70,000. [11:42] They were big numbers back and forth. And he was always good for the money. I was always good for the money. And one particular week, it was about $30,000. And I was waiting for money. Somebody else was supposed to give me even more than that. And the person put me off. And it was a good friend of mine. And I knew the money would be there. But a lot of times, these guys are going to collect it at a certain time. And then they’re expecting to give it to somebody else. Well, he was short. So I said, look, I don’t have it right now, but I’ll have it tomorrow, I said, because I’m meeting somebody. Well, okay, it better be there. [12:31] And look, it’ll be there, okay? Not a problem. So the next day, the person I’m supposed to get it from says, I’ll have it in a couple of hours. I don’t have it right now, but I’ll have it by late this afternoon. And I’m in my office when Hale Smith calls me and I said, I’ll have it a little bit later. And he slams the phone bell. I’m downstairs in Counselor’s Row. In fact, I’m meeting with Butchie and Harry. We’re in a booth talking about something. They had just sent me some business or whatever, but I’m talking about something. And George, the owner of the restaurant, comes over and he says, somebody is asking who you are and they want to talk to you. And they point out this guy. It was a guy I had seen before, because a lot of times at two in the morning, I would go down on West Street, and they had entertainment upstairs. And there was this big English guy. He was an English guy, as you could tell by his accent, a real loud guy. And when I walk up to talk to him, and he’s talking loud enough so people can hear him, and he says, you better have that. I’m here for it. You better have that. You better have that money. [13:51] Bob Hellsmith sent me, you get the money and you better have that money or there’s going to be a problem or whatever. And I said, well, the money will be there, but people can hear what this guy, this guy talking that shit. And he leaves. And he leaves. He’s going to call me back. And he leaves. I said, I’m busy right now. I says, give me a call back when I’m in the office and I’ll meet with you. So Butch, he goes, what was that all about? And I said, you know, it’s somebody I owe some money to. Well, who is he? Who is he with? I said, Harold Smith. And he said, who’s Harold Smith? You don’t pay him anything. He said, you don’t pay him anything. And he calls, when he calls back, he says, you will arrange to meet him. And I said, you know, I said, well, where? [14:44] And they knew where I lived. They’d been to my place at that time. I’m living in Newberry Plaza and they said, there’s a, there’s a Walgreens drugstore in Chicago Avenue. Tell him you’ll meet him there at Walgreens, and we’ll take it. And he says, and we’ll take it from there. When he does call me, I said, look, I said, I’ll meet you tomorrow morning for sure at Walgreens. I’ll have the cash. I said, I’ll have the cash, and I’ll have all of it. I said, but, you know, I’m tied up on some things. I said, I’ll go to my own bank when I’m finished here and whatever, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning for sure at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning. Okay. I sit down with them and they just said, I said, they said, go there and go meet them. And we’ll take care of it. The Walgreens is a store right in the corner of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue, south side of the street. And it’s all windows. Huge windows here. Huge windows here. And a bus stop, a bus stop over here. When I get there, I park in the bus stop and I’m looking to my right and here he is sitting in a booth by himself, right by the window. And I look around and I don’t see anybody. I mean, with a lot of people, I don’t see Butchie. [16:06] Uh or red or anybody around but i i go in there anyhow and uh sit down and i uh sit down in the booth across from him and he’s eating breakfast he’s got some food in front of him and uh the girl comes by right away the girl comes by and i says you know just get me a coke and and he says have you got the money and i said yes and why i got i got a lot i got a lot of money in my pocket but not the, whatever it was he wanted, not the 27 or 28,000. There’s nobody there. And, uh, so we’re talking for no more than about two or three minutes. They had a telephone on the counter. I hear the phone ring and the waitress, the waitress is on the phone. And then she comes walking over and she says, it’s a call for you. And, and when I go get in the phone, I woke up and there’s a phone booth there. And here’s Butchie in the phone booth. And he’s there with a couple of other people. I hang the phone up. I walk over and I had my appointment booked. And I walk over and I just pick up the book. And as I’m walking out there, walking in, we pass each other. And so now when I get in my car and he’s looking at me in my car and right next to him is Butchie. And across from him was a red old male and Fat Herbie. [17:34] Herbie Blitzstein? Herbie Blitzstein? No, it wasn’t Herbie. This is another one. That’s one thing of Herbie. We called Herbie Fat. It was Fat Herbie. And the third guy is like sitting facing him. This is like, that weighs about 300 pounds. Oh, Sarno. Make Mike Sarno. Mike Sarno. That was it. And that’s, that’s, that’s who it was. You know, and I, I drive off, go to my office and go about my business. I get a call later that day from, uh, Hale Smith. Where’s my money? Where’s my money? I said, I gave it to your guy. You what? I gave it to him. I met him at nine o’clock this morning and I gave him the money. You did. And I said, yeah. Um, okay. And he hangs, and he hangs up. I don’t hear anything for a while. I never saw him again. I saw Hale a couple of times because he was always in one of the other restaurants. I lived in Newberry right across from there, but he never talked to me. I never talked to him, never said anything. It was about maybe it had to be a good couple of months later, When I read about Hale, Hale’s no longer with us. [18:52] That’s obviously how they found out about him. I never saw the other guy again. I’m hoping they didn’t kill him, but I’m assuming that’s what probably happened to him. In a public place like that, they probably just scared him off. He probably said, you know, I’m way over my head. I’m out of here. [19:15] They didn’t kill him in the public place he wouldn’t have been in the newspapers my little thought is like with the three guys they took him for a ride, I don’t know they just told him to leave town and he realized what it was and he did Hal didn’t get a chance to leave town Hal had other problems if I remember right I’d have to look it back up but he had other problems with the outfit what I found out later what they had done, was they had gotten one of their guys connected with him to find out who his customers were. In other words, one of the other people that he didn’t realize, that Hale didn’t realize was with them, they got him connected with them where he’s the one who’s doing his collecting and finding out who the customers were because they wanted to get all his customers as well as his money. It turns out he was He was a huge bookmaker for years. That’s what happened to him. And they just took his book. Yeah, I remember something about that story because I killed him in his house, I believe. Yeah, Sally D. [20:22] Sally D, yeah. Sally D was one. When I first met Sally D, he was with Marco’s Fruit, too. [20:30] He owned a pizza place up on the north side, north shore, and I broke him. I was betting with him and beating him week after week. And one of the last times I played with him, he couldn’t come up with the money. It took him an extra couple of weeks to get the cash to pay me. But we were real close friends with him. He’s a bizarre character because he was a totally low level at that time. Yeah. When he then connected up with the Cicero crew, with Rocky and Felice, with Rocky and those people, he became a boss with them. It turns out it was after they killed Al Smith. He was part of all that. That’s Salih De Laurentiis. He’s supposed to be a boss. He moved on up after the Family Secrets trial. He didn’t go down with that, I believe, and he kind of moved on up after that. I don’t know what happened to him. What was so funny about that, when he would come into the club, Marco’s club, Bobby Abinati. [21:42] Who was strictly a very low-level player, although we indicted him with the Gambia star. He’s the one who set up the robbery. Would that have been great if that would have gone through? He’s the one who set up that robbery in Wisconsin. He’d be making fun of Salihide all the time. [22:03] When Salihide would come in, he would make fun of him and joke about him and talk about what a loser he was. This is when he’s a boss of that crew. I mean, just a strange, I mean, nobody talked to bosses like that, especially when, when you’re, when you’re what they call Bobby, you know, what was Marco’s nickname for Bobby Knucklehead? [22:23] That was his nickname, Knucklehead. Pat Marcy, uh, contacted me about, you know, handling me in the only own case. [22:32] I couldn’t have been happier because that was a short time after they put a contract on me. So now i realized if they’re going to be making money you know they finally stopped because for good six seven months when i when i came back to chicago uh i was checking under my car every day in case there was a bomb i moved i moved from uh from a place that i own in the suburbs into an apartment complex so i wouldn’t be living on the first floor yeah it’d be impossible to somebody to break into my, you know, took them thrashing into my place. I changed my whole life around in that sense. [23:10] And when I drove everywhere I went, you know, I would go on the highway and then jump over. I would do all, I wanted to make absolutes. Even though nobody came around, I wasn’t taking any chances for a long period of time. And that was too when it cost me a fortune because that’s when I stopped dealing with the bookmakers because I wasn’t going to be in a position where I had to go meet somebody at any time to collect my money and whatever. [23:39] So what had happened, though, was somebody came to see me. And when I was practicing, there’s a lot of things I wouldn’t do. I set my own rules. I would not get involved. After the Harry Alleman case, I never got involved anymore myself fixing certain cases. But even prior to that, I wouldn’t fix certain cases. I wouldn’t get involved in certain cases, especially involving the police, because my father was such a terrific policeman, and I felt I was too in a lot of sentences. I loved the police. I disliked some of the crooked cops that I knew, but on the surface, I’d be friendly with them, etc. Harry Ailman was a prolific hitman for the Elmwood Park crew. He killed a teamster who wouldn’t help set up trucks for the outfit, a guy named Billy Logan. He was just a regular guy. He’s going to take us right into the meeting with the judge. He’ll take us into a counselor’s row restaurant where these cases were fixed. Now, Bob will give us a seat right at Pat Marcy’s table. Now, Pat Marcy was the first ward fixture, and he’s going to take us into the hallway with Pat Marcy where they made the payoffs. [24:57] Now, Bob, can you take us inside the famous Harry Aileman murder case? I know you fixed it. And tell us, you know, and I know there was a human toll that this took on that corrupt judge, Frank Wilson. Okay. The Harry Aileman case was, it was not long after I became partners with Johnny DeArco. I get a call from, I’m in Counselor’s Row at the restaurant. Whenever I was in there now, my spot was the first ward table. Nobody was allowed to sit there day or night. That was reserved for first ward connected people and only the top group of people. [25:40] I’m sitting there at the table and Johnny DeArco Sr. Tells me, you know, Pat wants to talk to you. About something. And I said, you know, sure. Not long afterwards, Pat comes downstairs. We go out. We go out in the hall because we never talk at the table. And he tells me, have you got somebody that can handle the Harry Alleman case? I had seen in the news, he was front page news. He was one of the main mob hitmen. He was partners with Butchie Petrucelli. But it was common knowledge that he was a hitman. He looked like one. He dressed like one. He acted like one. And whatever. And he was one. In fact, he was the one that used to go to New York. And I know he also went to Arizona to do some hits and whatever. He traveled around the country. I said to Pat, they thought the case was a mob hit on a team street. a teamster. I assumed that it was just that. It was people doing what they do. But I said to Pat, I said, well, get me the file. Get me the file. Let me see what the case looks like. Because I would never put a judge in a bad spot. That was my nature. [27:06] When I had cases, a lot of these judges were personal friends of mine. What I would do, if I wanted to have a case, if I wanted to fix a case to save all the time of having to go to a damn long trial, I would make sure that it was a case that was winnable, easily winnable. When I got the file, when I got the file from Pat, he got me the file the next day. The next morning, when he came in, he gave me the file. I looked at the file. It was a throw-out case. When I say throw-out case, absolutely a nothing case. [27:46] The records in the file showed that a car drove up down the street. Suddenly somebody with a shotgun blasted a guy named Billy Logan in front of his house and drove away. They were contacted by a neighbor, this guy, Bobby Lowe. Was it Bobby Lowe? Yeah, I’m pretty sure Bobby Lowe. Who indicated that he opened the door and let his dog run out. And when he looked, he saw somebody. He saw a car, and he gave a description of the car. And he saw somebody pull up, and he saw him shoot with a shotgun. And then he saw the person get out of the car and shoot him with a .45, and shoot him with a .45. And then the car sped away. That was pretty much the case. Some other people heard some noise, looked out, and saw a car driving away. A period of time after that, it had to be about a year or so after that, somebody was arrested driving to Pennsylvania to kill somebody. There was a guy who stopped. [29:16] Louie Almeida was his name. Louie Almeida was stopped in his car. He was on the way to Pennsylvania. And in front of his car, he had shotguns. And he winds up, when he gets arrested, he winds up telling the authorities that he can tell them about a mob murder back in Chicago and winds up cooperating with them. He indicates what happened. He indicated that, you know, he was asked to, you know, or he got involved in it. He got the car and whatever. They did this. They did that. And he pulled up alongside Billy and wound up shooting the victim as he came out of the house. [30:09] Now, I look at some other reports in there, some reports that were made out, new reports. They talk about the Louis Almeida. They talk about the witness that gave the first statement. and they said that they found, or he’s giving us a new statement now where he says he’s walking his dog. He hears a shotgun. His dog runs towards the car where the shooting was coming from. He saw Harry get out of the car and walk over and shoot him, walk over and shoot the victim, and he was looking at him, And then he jumped in the bushes and the car drove away. A complete new story. Yeah. A complete new story. And. I looked at the reports, and this is an easy winner. And so I told Pat, you know, I’ll take it. You know, I’m sure I can handle it. I said, I’m sure I can handle it, but, you know, I’ll let you know. [31:21] That’s when I contacted, I met my restaurant, Greco’s, and I had Frank Wilson there a lot. Well, I called Frank Wilson, invited him and his wife to come to the restaurant. I had done that many times before. When he gets there, I tell him, I have the case. You know, I told him I was contacted on this case, I said. And I said, it’s an easy winner, I said. And I explained to him what it was. I told him, you know, it’s the driver of the car who’s doing this to help himself. And this other guy, Bobby Lowe, that gave a complete new story from the original story that he gave. And I indicated, you know, can you handle the case? And he tells me, I can’t handle the case, he said, because I was SOJ’d. In Chicago, Illinois, they have a rule that makes it easy for people to fool around because for no reason at all you can ask to have a judge moved off the case. And you can name a second judge that you don’t want to handle the case. [32:34] Frank Wilson’s reputation was as such that the lawyer that turned out to be a judge later on, Tom Maloney, who had the case, named him in the SOJ. It was assigned to somebody else, and he indicated he wanted any other judge except Frank Wilson. Frank Wilson on the case. And this was Harry Aileman’s lawyer. Yeah. Okay. And who Tom Maloney, who then ends up being the judge years later. But yeah. Well, because we knew he was going to be a judge. Yeah. We knew ahead of time. I knew at that time. That’s what makes the story so unbelievably interesting. Yeah. Anyhow, he says, I can’t do it because… In Chicago, in Chicago, it’s supposed to keep it honest. I love this. To keep it honest. Yeah. To keep it honest, each judge is supposed to be picked by computer. [33:33] Same thing they’re doing to this day. Trump wondered why the same judge kept getting all his cases. Because they’re doing the same thing we did, some of us could do in Chicago. He was the chief judge in the area. he said to me, I don’t think I can get the case. I don’t think I can’t get the case. I said, I’ll get the case to you. I said, I’ll get, because I already, I, in fact, through Pat Marcy, anytime I wanted a case to go anywhere, I would contact Pat and I’d give him a thousand dollars and he would get me any judge I wanted. Uh, I said, well, I think I can. I said, I said, And I gave him $1,000. [34:16] I said, here, this is yours. And if I can’t get the case to you, you keep it. If I can’t get, I never said to him, will you fix it? Will you this or that? I mean, he understood what it was. I didn’t know how he would react to it. When I asked him, would you handle it? Were the words I used. I had never fixed anything with him before. [34:43] In case he was, you know, he would want to report it to somebody. I wasn’t worried because Frank had a reputation as being a big drinker. After I got the Harry Elliman file, Pat tells me, I’m going to have somebody come and talk to you. Who comes? And we meet in the first ward office, and then we go downstairs into the special room they had for conversations. It’s Mike Ficarro. He’s the head of the organized crime section. He’s the one who prosecutes all the criminals. He’s one of the many prosecutors in Chicago. That’s why there were over 1,000 mob murders and never a conviction from the time of Al Capone. Not a single conviction with over 1,000 mob murders because they controlled absolutely everything. He’s the boss. [35:35] I knew him. I didn’t like him. He had an attitude about him. You know, when I would see him at parties and when I’d see him at other places, and I’d walk by and say, hi, he just seemed coldish. [35:47] I found out later why. He was jealous of the relationship I had with all these people. [35:54] He says, I’ll help you any way I can, anything you need, whatever. So the prosecutors on the Harry Olliman case were our people. That’s who’s prosecuting the case anyhow. But they couldn’t get one of their judges apparently who would handle the case. So, but anyhow, uh, so, uh, when we, um, when we go, when we, when we go to trial, um. [36:25] Before to help me out, I told Pat, I’ll get somebody else to handle the case. I’ll have somebody else. I said, I won’t go in there. I won’t go in there because everybody knows I’m close to Frank, very close to Frank. I said, so I won’t go in there. I’ll get somebody. He says, no, no. He said, I’ll get somebody. And so he gets a guy named Frank Whalen, who I didn’t know at the time. He was a retired lawyer from Chicago. He was one of the mob lawyers. [37:00] He was one of the mob lawyers. And he lived in Florida. He lived in Miami. I think it was, no, Lauderdale. He lived in the Lauderdale area. He was practicing there. So I fly out. I fly out to meet him. I i do all the investigating in the case the i’m using an investigator that harry alleman got from me in fact he was the same investigator that got in trouble in in uh in in hollywood for what for a lot of stuff i can’t think of his name right now but he’s the one who got indicted in hollywood eventually for you know wiretapping people and whatever it was the same one. And he got me information on Bobby on this Bobby Lowe. He found out Bobby Lowe, Bobby Lowe was a drug addict. [37:59] When the FBI got a hold of him, Bobby Lowe was living out in the street because he had been fired from his first job. He had a job in some kind of an ice cream company where they made ice cream, and he got fired there for stealing. And then he had a job after that in a gas station, and he faked a robbery there. Apparently, what he did was he called the police and said he had been robbed. This is before they had cameras and all the rest of that stuff. He said he had been robbed. And somebody happened to have been in the gas station getting gas. It was a big place, apparently. [38:45] And when the police talked to him, he said, I didn’t see anything strange. He said, I saw the attendant walk out to the back about 10, 15 minutes ago. I saw him walk out to the back of the place and then come back in. And so they go out, and he had his car parked behind it, and they found the money that was supposed to have been stolen in the car. So not the best witness, in other words. Well, that’s an understatement, because that was why… That was why now he suddenly shows up, and they know all this. The FBI agents that obviously know all this, that’s their witness. That’s their case. To me, it’s an airtight, you know. Yeah. Anyhow, I developed the defense. I went back to see Frank a second time. I flew out to Florida a second time, gave him all this information. [39:48] I had talked to some other people to a number of people that were going to indicate that Harry played golf with them that day see how they remembered not golf but he was at a driving range with them with about five people they remember what they were three or four years three or four years before that what I also found out now, and I didn’t know and it changed my whole attitude on that this wasn’t a mob killing you, This guy that he killed was married to his, I think it was his cousin or some relation was married. I’m pretty sure it was to his cousin. She had told Harry, I got this from Butchie, Butchie Petrosselli, who had become a close friend of mine after I got involved with Harry’s case, his partner. And that was why he killed them, because apparently the sister, his sister-in-law, whatever she was, had told him, you know, when he was beating her up, she had said, well, my Harry Alameda won’t be happy about this. And he said, supposedly, he said, fuck that, Kenny. [41:02] And that’s why the shooting took place. Wow. This changed me. You know, I’m in the middle of it. There’s no getting out of it now. Yeah, they’ll turn it back. And by now, I’m running around all the time with Butch and Mary at night. I’m meeting them at dinner. They’re coming to one of my places where I have dinners all the time. You know, I’m becoming like close friends, close friends with both of them. Yeah. So anyhow, but anyhow, the lawyer that he got, Frank Whalen, who was supposed to be sharp, turned out like he was not in his, let’s just say he was not in his prime. [41:46] Charitable. And when he went in, you know, while the trial was going on, you know, while the trial was going on, I get a call from Frank. From Frank Wilson, because I told him, you don’t come back into the restaurant now. You don’t come back into the restaurant. I used his office as my office all the time, along with a bunch of other judges. I had a phone, but it cost about a dollar a minute to talk on my phone. I had to talk on my phone. So when I’d be at 26th Street in the courthouse, even though no lawyers are allowed back there in the chamber, so I’m back there sitting at his desk using the phone taking care of my own other business. I stopped going in there while the trial was going on. [42:35] So, anyhow, he calls me, and he wants to meet me at a restaurant over on Western Avenue. And, okay, he called me from one of the pay phones out there in front of the courthouse, and I go to meet him. What did he want? Was he complaining about the lawyer, Waylon? What was he complaining about, Waylon? and I was screwing it up. [42:59] When I meet him, I said, you know, he’s like, you know, he said, you know, we go into the bathroom and he and he said he’s all shooken up. He says, this is going to cost me my job. He said, he said, you know, they’re burying him. You’re burying him. You know, because I had given this information on the two witnesses. And he says, Frank Whalen, he said, isn’t doing a thing and cross-examining these people and whatever. [43:32] And he says, and he’s all upset. And I said, Frank, no, I’m shook up one of the few times in my life where it’s something I can’t handle. He had never told me, you know, I’ll fix the case, never. And I said to him, and I said, Frank, I said, if something goes wrong, I said, I’m sure they’re going to kill me, is what I said to him. Yeah. I said, if something goes wrong, I’m sure they’re going to kill me. And I left. I left the bathroom. Now, I have no idea what’s going on in his mind and whatever. Yeah. I see Pat the next day. And by something goes wrong in this case, you mean if he gets found guilty, that’d be what would go wrong and you would get killed. Is that that’s what you mean? Well, no question, because when I met, I didn’t go into that. I met with Harry Alleman. I get a call after I got involved in the case. A couple days later, I get a call from Markle. Meet me at one of the nightclubs where I was all the time at night with these people. [44:47] Above it, you’ve got a motel, a bunch of hotel rooms. I get a call from Markle. The reason everybody loved me and the mob, I never discussed what I was doing with anybody or any of the other dozens of mobsters I run with that I was involved in Harry’s case. Never said a word to anybody about any of this. That was my nature, and that’s why all these people love me. I never talked about one thing with anybody else or whatever. He says, I want to meet you. When I get over there, he says, let’s go upstairs. Somebody wants to talk to you. And we go upstairs, and there’s Harry Alleman. And Harry, how you doing? How are you? [45:27] And he says, listen, you’re sure about this? And I said, yeah. I said, I’m sure. And he said, well, if something goes wrong, you’re going to have a problem. Those were his words to me. You’re going to have a problem. And I said, you know, he says, because this judge, he says, this judge is a straight judge. And he said, Tom, you mean Tom Maloney. He says, and Tom wants to handle my case. And he tells me he’s going to be named a judge by the Supreme Court real soon. And he wants to handle and he wants to handle my case before he… Uh, you know, before he becomes a Supreme court, before he becomes a judge, I knew the moment he told me that I knew for sure that was the case because we control everything, including the Supreme court. I said, you know, I said, don’t, you know, don’t worry about it. I lied to him. And I said, uh, I said, yeah, the judge is going to, I said, yeah, he’s going to throw it out. He knows, I said, he knows what’ll happen if he doesn’t. That’s what I told Harry. I want to keep him happy. [46:34] I’m going to keep him happy probably for a few hours I’m a little nervous and then that’s all behind me like so many other problems I got in the middle of oh my god talking about walking a tightrope so now the lawyer came into Chicago he was in Chicago I met him when he came in he was staying at the Bismarck was at the Bismarck Hotel right around the corner from you know where Counselor’s Row was that’s where he was staying in the in the hotel right there by the first board office and there was a way to go in there without being seen and there was a, You go through another restaurant and you go through the alley and go up there. And I wouldn’t, I didn’t want to be seen walking into there because I know the FBI are probably, are probably watching and whatever. When he comes into town, they handle the case. So I go upstairs to see him. You know, I said, what the hell’s going on in court? He says, I’m going, it’s going great. It’s going great. I said, it’s going great. I just, you know, I just got a call last night. I had to go meet the judge. And he said, you’re not doing any cross-examining. Oh, I’m doing a great job. You know, I’m doing a great job. So after a few minutes of, I leave. Yeah. [47:52] That’s when I saw Pat Marcy, too. And I said, Pat, I said, the judge is upset about whatever’s going on. I said, maybe we should give him some more because I agreed to give him $10,000. And he said, you know, what a piece of work he is. You know, he said $10,000, and that’s all he’s going to get, not a nickel more or whatever. So now to say I’m nervous again is an ultra statement. The case, I walked over, and I wouldn’t go in the room, but I wanted to just be around that room for some reason. FBI agents all over the place. [48:30] FBI agents all over the place. And so now I’m at home and I’m packed. I’ve got my bags packed because if he finds it, I don’t know what he’s going to do. I’m worried he might find him guilty because of all that had happened. He, when the trial ended a given night, and the next day he was going to give the result. In fact, I didn’t go out and play that night. I was a little nervous, and I stayed home, and I packed up my bags. I packed up my bags, and about 9 o’clock, I got in the car, and I started driving. And by the time he gave the ruling, I was probably about 100, maybe 150 miles away. And I hear on the radio, you know, found him not guilty, found him not guilty. So I turn around. Hit the next exit, turn around and come back. I turn around. Northbound on I-55. [49:27] Probably a couple hours later, here I am parked in my parking spot. My parking spot was in front of my office, right across from City Hall. And I parked in the mayor’s spot when she wasn’t there. And drove probably to drive her crazy. But that was where I parked. That was my parking spot. We’d see my big car with the RJC license plates parked in the bus stop. And so here I am. I parked the car and I go in. I go in. [50:01] And I’m sure Pat told some people, probably not, but I’m sure they told all the mobsters, all the top mobsters, because these guys all wanted to meet me afterwards and get the restaurant. I go in to see them. We walked into the janitor’s closet. You walk out of Counselor’s Row. You go to the left. It goes into the 100 North Building. Now, you’ve got the elevators to the right. And behind that, you’ve got a closet where the janitors keep all their stuff. And you’ve got some stairs leading up to the, there was a, what do you call it? There was an office there where the commodities, big commodity exchange was right there. that there was a stairway leading up to where the offices were with some doors with bars and everything on it. And Pat is standing on those stairs, about two or three stairs. You know, I said, wow. I said, you know, everybody’s going nuts. And he goes, well, you know, you did a good job. And he gives me an envelope. He gives me an envelope. And, you know, I put the money in my pocket. [51:09] We said we had some more. We said a couple other words about, you know, this and that. And then I just go in there. I go back in the counselor’s. [51:21] Now, after the feds started getting indictments, did you try and warn the Aleman case judge, Frank Wilson? Why did you do that? And when I went to see Frank Wilson, I went to help him. I said, Frank, I said, look, I said, I was contacted by, I said, I was contacted by the, by the, by the FBI. They were investigating the Harry Aleman case. I said to him, I said, they, they feel the case was fixed. I said, when they come to see me, I said, you know, I said, I’m not going to talk to them. I said, I’m not going to talk to them. I’m going to take the fifth. And in your case, you can do the same thing. When they, if they come to talk to you, you just take the fifth amendment. If they give you immunity, I said, you know, then you, then you testify, but you tell them the truth. I said, don’t worry about me. Tell them the truth. This is how I talk to him. When I’m talking to him like that, it’s almost like he’s trying to run away from me. [52:27] We’re at a restaurant in a big complex. It was in one of those resorts in Arizona. He’s all but running away from me. I was trying to help him. What I said to him was, Frank, I said, the statute of limitations ran on all this. It’s been more than five years. There’s nothing they can do to you or to me, I said, because the statute ran. I said, so don’t lie to them. What the feds were concerned about, and I don’t know why, that he would deny ever fixing the case when it went through. I don’t know why they’re worried about that, but they were, and I didn’t want to see him get in trouble. [53:13] That’s why I went there to protect him. Hey, Bob, you were asked to represent an outfit associate or an outfit associate’s son who was accused of breaking the jaw of a Chicago policewoman. And you know, when a cop is injured in a fight with somebody, the cops follow that case. And I do not want to see any shenanigans going on. So, so tell us about how you walked that line. And I bet those cops were, were not happy with you in the end. Some people think this is a reason you flipped. Take us inside that case, will you? [53:45] And the reason I mentioned that it had a lot to do with what I eventually did. Now we’ll get back to what made me do what I was going to do. When I was practicing law now, and now I have been away from all this for years, I was out of town a lot because I’m representing the Chinese all around the country. I’m their main lawyer right now. [54:10] And I get a call from Lenny Colella. And he says, my son, he said, my son is in trouble. I want to come in and I want to talk to you about handling his case. This was a heater case, too. This was a front page case because he was charged with aggravated battery and attempted murder. Supposedly, he had beat up a policewoman and it was all over the place. He was a drug addict and whatever, supposedly he did all this. And when he came into the office with his dad, he was high. When I talked to him, he’s got his kid with him. And the kid is a smart aleck. As we’re talking, the kid, and I asked the kid, well, whatever. The kid was a smart aleck. And I just said to him, I said, Len, I can’t help you. I said, get him out of here. I want nothing to do with him. I said, I can’t help you. You didn’t take cases that were involved with cops anyhow, for the most part. No. I didn’t know what had happened in this case. I know what I saw in the paper. I didn’t know what the facts or anything were or whatever. I mean, if it turned out that if I felt when I talked to him that he had done it, whatever, I would not have taken the case anyhow. [55:26] I mean, I would not have. That’s why I say, too, that may be, too, why I was as quick and as rude as I was when he came in there and was acting and was a little bit high. I just wanted nothing to do with him, period. I said to his dad, his father said, you know, if I get him cleaned up, you know, I said, well, if you get him cleaned up, then we’ll talk again. I said, but I can’t help him, and I can’t help him. [55:54] And off he goes. the father re-contacted me about a week later. And he said, I had him in rehab and he straightened out and whatever. And he brought him back in and it was a new person. And when he told me the facts of the case, when he told me what happened, because he was a big, tough kid. He was a big, you know, he was a weightlifter, but he was a big, tough looking kid. [56:19] And it’s a little police woman. When he told me what happened, I believed him. Because I’ve been out in the street and whatever. And he says, you know, he told me what happened, that he had gotten stopped. He was out there talking to her. And when she said, you’re under arrest for DUI, he just walked. He says, I walked. I was going to get in my car and drive away. And she grabbed me and was pulling me or whatever. And I hear all these sirens coming. And within a few minutes, there’s all kinds of police. There’s about half a dozen police there. He says, and then they started jumping on me. He said, she was under me. He was all beaten up. He was all bloody and whatever. And she apparently had her jaw broken. And there’s no doubt in my mind when he’s telling me that, you know, when they were hit with his clubs or with this thing that they claimed he had without his fingerprints, it was a metal bar. Right, a slapper. A chunk of lead covered by leather. Everybody used to carry a slapper. How about you carry a slapper? They claimed, but there was no cloth on this. It was just the metal itself. Yeah, oh really? [57:45] Anyhow, that makes it interesting during the trial when they flat out lied. No, he had no blood. I got the hospital reports. They wouldn’t take him in the station because he was too badly beaten up. But anyhow, he also had two other charges. He had been involved in a fight in a bar. And he had been involved in another situation with the police. And he was charged with resisting arrest and battery on a policeman out in Cicero. So he had these three cases. So I gave the father a fee on handling, you know, the one, I was going to, I gave him a fee one case at a time. I said, you know, first thing we’ll do, I want to get rid of those other two cases. I’ll take them to juries, I said. [58:36] I’ll take them to juries because I wasn’t going to put them. I knew both the judges on those cases, but I wasn’t going to put them in a position on a case like that. I take the first case to trial. And I get him a not guilty. That was the fight in the bar. [58:54] That was out in one of the suburbs. That was out in, I’m not sure which suburb, in the northwest side. After we get that case over with, before that case, I get a call from Pat Marcy. Pat Marcy, I hadn’t seen him probably even for a couple months, but I hadn’t talked to him for quite a long period of time. And he says to me, you got a case that just came in. He said, we’re going to handle it. And I said, there’s no need, Pat. I said, I can win these cases. I said, there’s no need. I can win these cases. And he said, we’re going to handle this. The case is going to go to Judge Passarella, he said, and we’ll take care of it. I said, Pat, there’s no need to. I said, I can win these cases. I said, they’re all jury trials, but I know I can win them all. And he says, you do as you’re told. Pat had never talked to me like that before. [59:54] Powerful as he was and crazy as I am, And he never, you know, you never demand that I do anything or whatever. We had a different type relationship. And although I hadn’t broken away from them by now, it’s been years. I had broken away from them for about, you know, two, three years. And he says, you know, take the case to trial. I said, well, he’s got some other cases, too, and I’m going to take the one. And she says, I’ll take it to a jury, and I’ll win it. You’ll see how I win it. I take her to trial, and I get her not guilty. The second case was set for trial about a month after that. Not even, yeah, about a month or so after that. And during that time, a couple of times I’m in counselors, and Pat says, when are you going to take the case to trial? I said, well, Pat, you know, I won the one case. I got the other case on trial, and it was before Judge Stillo. He was a judge that we eventually indicted. [1:00:51] Stillo was very, very well connected to the first ward. He’s one of the old-time judges out in Maywood. And I told him, you know, when I came in there, he assumed I’d take it to trial and he’d throw it out. And I said, no, no, no, there’s no need to. I says, I’m going to take the jury on this one. Number one, I had stopped fixing things long before this. And, but he was, to make money, he was willing that he would have thrown the case out. It was a battery with a Cicero policeman. And I says, no, no, I’ll take it. I’ll take it to, you know, I’ll take the jury. I said, I don’t want to put you in that pursuit. Oh, don’t worry about me. I take that one to trial and I win that one too. Now Pat calls me, when the hell are you going to take the case to trial? And that’s the original case with the police woman. That’s the main one. The main one. Okay, go ahead. [1:01:44] When are you going to take it to trial? And I don’t want to take it to trial. In fact. I had talked to the prosecutor, and I said, look, I said, because he was charged with, he was charged with, you know, attempted murder and arrest. I said, if you’ll reduce it, the prosecutor was an idiot. He knew me, should have realized that, you know, that I never lose cases. Yeah. You know, but I want to work out something. He was a special prosecutor on it. He said, we’re not going to reduce it. We said, you know, if you want to work out a plea, we went five years, we went five to ten or whatever in the penitentiary. And I said, well, that’s not going to happen. I said, well, then we’ll just have to go to trial. So now, while I’m at Counselor’s Row, on one of my many occasions, because I was still having some card games over there at somebody else’s other lawyer’s office, because I had had big card games going on there for years. I’m sitting at the counselor’s row table, and Judge Passarella comes in. There’s just him and me there, and when he comes in, I say, Oh, you’re here to see Pat? [1:02:56] And he goes, Pat, who? No more conversation. Who the fuck? No more. The guy’s treating me like I’m some kind of a fool or whatever. And I developed an instant disliking to him. I had never seen him around that much or whatever before that. So now, after the second case, you’re going to go to, you know. So I talked to Lenny. When Lenny came in, Lenny came in with him when we were starting to get prepared for the case. And, oh, this is before this is before I talked to the prosecutor. And I said, Lenny, I said, I says, if I can get it reduced to a misdemeanor, to a misdemeanor. I said, you know, can we work with, you know, and work out a plea, let’s say, for maybe a month or two, you know, a month or two. Is that OK with you? Oh, sure. He says, oh, sure. [1:03:57] Now, this Lenny, this was the kid’s dad, your client’s dad. This is his dad. Now, explain who he was, who Lenny was. His dad was. What’s his last name? Yeah, Karela. Karela, okay. Lenny Karela, I’m pretty sure was his name. He owned a big bakery out there in Elmwood Park area. Okay. And he was friendly with all the mobsters. Okay, all right. I got you. For all I knew, he may have been a mobster himself, but I mean, he may have been because we had thousands of people that were connected. He was a connected guy. All right, go ahead. I’m sorry. And he said, oh, yeah, sure, no, not a problem because the papers are meant, they’re still, after a year, they’re still mentioning that case will be going to trial soon and every so often. [1:04:43] What I had also done, I tried to make contact with the policewoman, not with her, but I put the word out and I knew a lot of police and I got a hold of somebody that did know her. And I said, look, I said, no, the case is fixed if I want it. Yeah. But I don’t want it. Even though I know that, you know, that it’s all BS, you know, I said, look, I said, get a hold of her and get a hold of her lawyer and tell them if they want to file a lawsuit, you know, you know, we can, they can get themselves some money on it. Uh, you know, he’ll indicate, you know, he’ll, he’ll, he’ll indicate that, you know, he, he was guilty or whatever, but I wanted to get her some money. The word I get back is tell him that piece of shit, meaning me to drop dead, to drop dead. You know, we’re going to put this guy in prison and that’s where he should be too. When the case now, now when the case goes to trial. [1:05:48] The coppers lied like hell and talk about stupid. I’ve got the police reports there. When they took him into the police station, they wouldn’t take him. The station said take him to a hospital. He goes to the hospital and the reports, you know, bleeding here, bleeding there, and, you know, marks here, marks there. They beat the hell out of him. [1:06:10] You know, nobody touched him. You know, nobody touched him. Nobody touched him. Was he bleeding? No, no, he wasn’t. He wasn’t bleeding. Didn’t have any, you know, along with, you know, along with everything else. Flat out lied. How many policemen were there? There were two or three. There were about 10 by the time it’s over. But it’s an absolute throwout. Any fingerprints on that metal? Well, we had some fingerprints, but not his. And on and on it went. It’s a throwout case to start with. The courtroom now where the case was, was very interesting. You walk in there, and when you walk in there, there’s about 20 people that can sit. And then there’s, it’s the only courtroom in the building where you have a wall, a glass wall, all the way up, all the way up. Covering in the door, opens up and goes in there. You go in there. It’s a big courtroom. A bunch of benches now in there. You go to the left, and here’s the judge’s chambers. You come out of the chambers, and you walk up about four steps. And here the desk is on like a podium. And it’s not where all the others are, you know, where you look straight forward. It’s over on the side. It’s over, you know, to the left as you walk out of his chambers. [1:07:40] When the judge listens to the case he goes in there I’ll come up back with my ruling he comes out about 10 minutes later he walks up the steps, And now he turns off the microphone. Somebody turns off the microphone so the people in the back can’t hear anything. The ones inside there can, you know, can hear. The one back there can’t hear anything because it’s all enclosed. [1:08:11] That’s why they got the microphone back there. Somebody shut it off. He says, basically, I’m not guilty in a real strange voice. And all but runs off the all but run and don’t ask me why this is what he did all but runs off all but runs off into the into his chambers, you know he’s afraid all those cops out in the audience were going to come and charge the stand I guess and put a whack on him. [1:08:43] But think about it this is Chicago he’s with the bad guys but I’m just saying I don’t know why he did all that, but that’s what he did. And so now, as I come walking out with Mike, and they’re all in uniform, and most of them are in uniform, and then you’ve got the press and all kinds of cameras and whatever there. And as I come walking out along with him, some of these guys I know, and these jerk-offs are like calling me names and whatever. I go, I go see Pat. [1:09:23] And when I go back into Counselor’s Row now, he’s there at the table. And when I come in, it’s a repeat of the Harry Allerman thing. He walks out. He walks directly. And I’m following him, and he walks in. He goes back into the same janitor’s closet and stands on the same steps just above me, you know, talking to me. And I said to him I said this judge is going to have a problem, I said, he’s going to have a problem. I said, what if he says something? And he said to me, nobody would dare. He said, nobody would dare cooperate against us. They know what would happen. Or words to that effect. And don’t ask me why. So many other things had happened before this. But now I’m looking at him and I’m thinking, you know, somebody’s got to stop this craziness. All this stuff. I’m thinking that at the moment, but then I’m worried for some reason, I think he can read my mind. [1:10:34] Stupid as all of this seems, I’m afraid to think that anymore. I’m almost, you know, cause Pat’s such a powerful person and every sense I know, I know his power, but anyhow, so I leave. And like I say, 10, 15 minutes later, that’s all forgotten about. He paid me the rest of the money I was supposed to get from them. [1:10:56] Obviously, he wanted to do it because he was probably charging a lot of money. That’s why he didn’t want me to take things. He wanted to collect the money because while the case was going on too, he puts me in touch with the head of the probation department because he was able to help in some way. He knew some of the, you know, some of the, some of the policemen involved in the thing had been contacted too. Yeah. But they were contacted and they messed up by, you know, they messed up by lying about all that. Yeah. When there’s police reports saying, oh, no, but anyhow, that was that particular case. Tell us why you decided to flip. [1:11:38] These had been your friends. You knew you had explosive information. You knew as a lawyer, you knew what you had to say would send these people to prison for many, many years. if not life. It had to be hard. As other things happened, why did I commit the, Probably two or three other times things happened. But the most important thing was to think when my dad was dying, and I was very close to my dad. When my dad was dyi

On this episode, Barry celebrates the arrival of Christmas this week with some fun observations, and also sits down with Brad Veach, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival to chat about New Year's Eve in Old Town Winchester.  The Festival and City of Winchester will be hosting a 6-hour laser light show with music, street performers, and vendors up and down the Old Town Mall with the Apple Drop at midnight, and it's all free!  Details at  www.thebloom.com   

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Christmas 2025 Pastor Brian Eggert.mp3File Size:28280 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

On a blustery Thursday, The Valley Today host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, set out on a spirited adventure through Winchester's historic walking mall. Their mission? To uncover the best last-minute holiday gifts while showcasing the vibrant local businesses that make Old Town a shopping destination. Despite the biting wind, their enthusiasm never wavers as they pop into shops, chat with owners, and gather a sleigh-full of unique gift ideas. A Shop-by-Shop Gift Guide Their first stop, Back to the Media, offers a nostalgic twist on holiday shopping. Mari recommends pre-loved gaming consoles, a treasure trove of vinyl records, and quirky imported snacks—think garlic shrimp Doritos and stuffed-crust pizza chips—for stocking stuffers that spark conversation. Next, at Wilkins Shoe Center, Kendra highlights the perennial popularity of gifting shoes, from Uggs to Birkenstocks, and reminds listeners that a gift certificate is always the perfect fit. The warmth of the store contrasts with the chilly weather outside, making it a cozy haven for holiday shoppers. At Incredible Flying Objects, Drew and Anna introduce a playful selection of gifts, including collectible Sonny Angels, buildable Blokees toys, and novelty sodas and candy canes with flavors as wild as chicken soup and salmon. The store's pinball machines add a dash of retro fun, inviting families to linger and play. Handmade Artistry and Local Flavor The journey continues at Tin Top Art and Handmade, where Jen showcases an eclectic mix of candles, soaps, ornaments, and pottery—all crafted by local artists. Brady raves about the shop's unique t-shirts and postcards, while Janet marvels at the rotating gallery of one-of-a-kind art pieces. The message was clear: if you see something you love, grab it before it's gone. No tour of Old Town would be complete without a stop at the iconic Snow White Grill. Danny Turner, the ever-enthusiastic proprietor, offers up vintage toy cars, branded hats and shirts, and, of course, the legendary cheeseburgers. Gift certificates, he notes, are a delicious way to spread holiday cheer all year long. Personal Picks and Community Spirit Janet shares personal favorites like Winchester Book Gallery, Polka Dot Pot, and Nibblins cooking classes, as well as experiences like tickets to Bright Box shows and craft brewery visits. Art lovers are encouraged to explore the many galleries and artist co-ops sprinkled throughout downtown. At Abija Blue, Susan dazzles with handmade alpaca blankets, shawls, and dog ponchos, along with Turkish towels, jewelry, and whimsical finger puppets. The shop's global selection ensures that every shopper can find something special, regardless of budget. The Power of Shopping Local Throughout their stroll, Janet and Brady emphasize the importance of supporting small businesses, especially during the critical holiday season. They highlight the Old Town Holiday Gift Guide—a comprehensive directory and map available both in print and online—as an invaluable resource for navigating the diverse offerings downtown. Gift cards, they suggest, are not only thoughtful presents but also a lifeline for local shops during the slower winter months. Wrapping Up with Warmth As their conversation draws to a close at Hideaway Cafe, Janet and Brady reflect on the joy of discovering new favorites and the satisfaction of giving back to the community. Their lively banter and genuine appreciation for Old Town's merchants capture the spirit of the season: connection, generosity, and the magic of shopping local.

We sit down with Melanie Cooper, Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity in York County. We discuiss how the arts fuel economic growth, mental health, and a community's sense of place. From galleries, festivals, classes, and the Ag + Art Tour to youth advisory programs and artist studios, Melanie explains how the Arts Council supports creatives while helping revitalize Old Town and reflects candidly on the tension between art, entertainment, and making a living as an artist in a changing city.Melanie Cooper is the Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County where she has occupied multiple roles for over a decade. With a background in arts, culture, and civic engagement, from Alaska public affairs to historic site work, she now champions local artists, creative programs, and cultural growth throughout Rock Hill and York County.

This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released ⁠Where to Go list⁠—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Albuquerque, that means looking beyond a quick stop on the way to Santa Fe to discover what New Mexico's largest city really offers—especially as Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Matt Kirouac, a writer who fell in love with Albuquerque several years ago during Balloon Fiesta and has returned many times since. He shares why this "flyover city" deserves a second look—from its 18-mile stretch of neon-lit Route 66 to native-owned breweries, centuries-old restaurants in Old Town, and petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes. Plan Your Albuquerque Getaway (First, listen to our Unpacked episode about the city and explore our New Mexico travel guide. ) Stay —Book a room at ⁠Arrive Albuquerque⁠, a renovated 1930s motor court with a pool, Pan-Asian restaurant, and onsite gallery featuring Indigenous and local artists —Stay at the historic ⁠Hotel Andaluz⁠, which recently opened a rooftop speakeasy-style bar and wood-fired restaurant, Char —Watch for the new boutique hotel opening in the ⁠Hiway House⁠ motel in Nob Hill Eat and Drink —Dine at ⁠M'Tucci's⁠, an Italian restaurant in a former Route 66 service station (don't miss the speakeasy in the alley) —Have lunch at ⁠Church Street Cafe⁠ in one of Albuquerque's oldest buildings, dating to the 1700s —Eat traditional New Mexican fare at ⁠Mary & Tito's Cafe⁠, known for decades-old homespun recipes —Visit ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠, a native- and women-owned brewery known for southwestern-inspired beers like blue corn pilsner —Explore ⁠Sawmill Market⁠, a food hall with local vendors See and Do —Walk or bike the 18-mile Route 66 stretch along Central Avenue, lined with historic neon signs and motor courts —Visit ⁠Petroglyph National Monument⁠ to see some of the 25,000 petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes —Take the ⁠Sandia Peak Tramway⁠ to the top and dine at the restaurant, or hike the 17-mile round trip trail —Explore ⁠Old Town Albuquerque⁠ for galleries, turquoise jewelry, pottery, and the Rattlesnake Museum —See a movie or concert at the recently renovated ⁠KiMo Theatre⁠ —Browse queer cowboy art at ⁠Anthony Hurd Gallery⁠ Resources Follow Matt's work on ⁠Instagram⁠ Check out his new book, Secret Oklahoma Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's ⁠Where to Go in 2026 list⁠ Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠ E3: ⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠ E4: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was originally published on March 10th, 2023. Learn how to decide between a canoe and a kayak, what kind to get, and how to maneuver and cast using these hard-sided watercraft (next week I'll be doing a podcast on inflatables). Ryan Lilly [47:30]  is a fly fisher and Old Town's expert on fishing from these craft, and has many great suggestions for how to make the most out of your canoe or kayak experience. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions that I'm sure will be of interest to many of you, as well as some thoughtful tips from other listeners, including: What do bead-head nymphs imitate? Aren't flies tied without beads more natural in the water? Isn't it more natural to use a nymph without any added weight? How do you fish wet flies? Do you use a single one or more than one? And do you ever use weighted wet flies? I recently saw a bunch of large carp in a pond in Florida. Why didn't I see any smaller ones? I had trouble getting a good drift against the slow water on the far bank of a river. Every time I tried to mend my line the small dry fly sank. What else could I have done? Can I fish two dry flies at once? A suggestion from a listener on why upgrading from an entry level fly line is a wise investment. Are there any performance differences between a 6-piece rod and a 4-piece rod? How can I get an extra tip for my Orvis rod? A great tip from a listener on how to make a device to hold scrap pieces of tippet using two pieces of Velcro. I am going to a place where they have stocked golden rainbows. Do these fish behave any differently from normal rainbows? Can I use a Poly Leader for tarpon? Is there any difference between up-eye and down-eye hooks? A tip from a listener on how to change thread colors with a permanent marker. A tip from a listener on how to keep a partially used tube of Aquaseal stay fresh. Why do people hold bass by the jaw? I have heard that this can dislocate their jaw. I am taking my first guided trip. Should I do a float trip or a walk/wade trip?

Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, lies a secret world known as the "Edinburgh Vaults." These hidden chambers are tucked away beneath the arches of the South Bridge, a massive 19th-century structure towering over the city's historic Old Town. Originally constructed in the late 18th century, the Vaults served as storage spaces and workshops for local merchants before falling into neglect. Over time, they became a refuge for outlaws, wanderers, and the city's most impoverished residents. Nowadays, the Edinburgh Vaults draw in curious tourists eager to delve into the city's past as they wander through the underground passageways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textJean Gordon from Visit Arvada shares everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays in Arvada. From the Old Town tree lighting to Santa Saturdays and markets across the city, we map the best ways to celebrate and support local.In this episode: Understanding the role of Visit Arvada as a tourism arm and city-funded partnerWhy sales tax from holiday spending supports City services (spend local!)The Old Town tree lighting and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29The 2025 Arvada Holiday Guide and Gift GuideSip, Stroll and Enjoy: The Olde Town Arvada Designated Drinking ZoneHoliday-edition of trivia!News and events:West 72nd Avenue project open house is Thursday, Dec. 4, anytime between 5 to 7 pm. at Oberon Middle SchoolTrees Across Arvada is going on now. Submit your order by Dec. 5 for pick-up in April. Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

As the holiday season approaches, Winchester's Old Town is preparing to transform into a magical winter wonderland. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and guest Justin Kerns, from Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau, offer listeners an exclusive preview of the much-anticipated Winchester Winter Village. Their lively conversation reveals how this beloved event continues to evolve, bringing new experiences while preserving cherished traditions. Expanding the Village: More Vendors, More Variety This year, the Winter Village boasts a record number of vendors—nearly 47, up from 28 last year. According to Justin, the event team has carefully curated the vendor list to ensure a diverse selection of handmade goods, local crafts, and unique gifts, all while avoiding direct competition with Old Town's brick-and-mortar businesses. The expanded layout, inspired by European Christmas markets, promises a cozy, meandering experience for visitors, with vendor tents thoughtfully arranged to encourage exploration and discovery. Kicking Off with the Santa Crawl The festivities begin on Friday night with the ever-popular Santa Pub Crawl, an adults-only event benefiting Froggy's Closet, a local charity. Participants don festive attire, visit participating restaurants for drink specials, and enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere. Justin emphasizes the importance of keeping Friday night's activities separate from the family-focused events on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Winter Village in their own way. Family Fun in the Kinder Village Transitioning to the weekend, families will find plenty to delight children in the Kinder Village. This dedicated area features crafts, character visits from Santa and the Grinch, and a safe, warm space for kids to create holiday memories. The organizers have improved the flow of the Kinder Village tent to reduce congestion and added stroller parking for convenience. Special Touches: Wishing Trees, Carriage Rides, and More No visit to the Winter Village would be complete without experiencing its signature touches. The wishing trees, now doubled to six, invite visitors to write down their hopes and dreams, creating a moving display of community spirit. Free horse and wagon rides, courtesy of the Shenandoah Carriage Company, offer a nostalgic journey through the twinkling lights of Old Town. Meanwhile, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and the allure of hot spiced wine and cocoa add to the festive ambiance. Live Music and Local Partnerships Throughout the weekend, live music fills the air, with performances by local groups and the city's renowned pipes and drums. The event's success, Justin notes, is due in large part to strong partnerships with organizations like Friends of Old Town and the dedication of local volunteers. These collaborations ensure the Winter Village remains a true community celebration. A Gift to the Community Perhaps most remarkable is the event's commitment to accessibility. Admission is free, and nearly all activities—except the Santa Pub Crawl—are open to everyone. The organizers' vision is clear: to draw people downtown, support local businesses, and foster a sense of togetherness during the holiday season. Looking Ahead As Janet and Justin wrap up their conversation, their excitement for the Winter Village is palpable. With new features, returning favorites, and a steadfast focus on community, Winchester's Winter Village promises to be the most magical yet. Whether you're a longtime attendee or planning your first visit, this event is sure to warm your heart and kindle your holiday spirit. For more information, maps, and a full schedule of events, visit winchesterwintervillage.com.

As the holiday season approaches, Old Town Winchester is buzzing with anticipation. In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael welcomes Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, to discuss the exciting lineup of events and the importance of supporting local businesses. Their lively conversation happens at Winchester Brew Works and sets the stage for a season full of community, celebration, and unique shopping experiences. Plaid Friday and Windependent Weekend: A Local Alternative Kicking off the festivities is WINdependent Weekend, a creative twist on the traditional Black Friday. Brady explains that Plaid Friday, the event's opening day, encourages residents and visitors alike to don their best plaid and explore the vibrant shops along the walking mall. This initiative, he notes, is designed to spotlight small businesses as a meaningful alternative to big-box shopping. Shoppers can pick up a physical holiday shopping guide—courtesy of local sponsors—which includes a handy map and a retail bingo card, making the experience both interactive and rewarding. Small Business Saturday and the Cookie Crawl The excitement doesn't stop with Plaid Friday. Small Business Saturday follows, featuring pop-up vendors, special deals, and the first anniversary celebration of Faire Isles Trading Company. Brady highlights the collaborative efforts of local businesses, from Moon Phased's vendor pop-up to the Ivy Room's partnership with Laura's Lemonade. Moreover, the much-anticipated Cookie Crawl, in partnership with Knead Bread Bakery, invites participants to collect cookies from various retailers, culminating in a sweet reward and a chance to win a raffle. Community, Collaboration, and the Power of Volunteers Throughout the conversation, Janet and Brady emphasize the vital role of community volunteers and business owners in making these events possible. Brady shares how committees and subcommittees, filled with dedicated locals, work tirelessly behind the scenes. He also points out that supporting Old Town isn't limited to shopping—sharing promotions, leaving positive reviews, and simply spreading the word all contribute to the area's success. The Magic of Old Town: Walkability and Unique Finds Transitioning to the unique charm of Old Town Winchester, Janet and Brady celebrate the walkable nature of the district. With over 200 businesses in the primary and secondary districts, visitors can easily stroll from shop to shop, discovering everything from local art to the innovative "blind date with a book" at Winchester Book Gallery. The hosts encourage listeners to explore beyond the holiday rush, reminding everyone that shopping local is valuable year-round. Festive Finale: Tree Lighting and Parade The holiday spirit culminates with the Old Town tree lighting and Christmas parade, drawing families and friends together for a magical evening. Brady urges everyone to check the city's website and social media for updates, as the festivities promise to light up the community in more ways than one. Supporting Local, All Season Long In closing, Janet and Brady reiterate the significance of shopping local—not just during WINdependent Weekend, but throughout the entire holiday season. They remind listeners that every purchase, review, and act of support helps sustain the businesses that make Old Town Winchester a special place to live, work, and celebrate. For more information on upcoming events, visit Friends of Old Town Winchester on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their website: https://friendsofoldtown.org/ for a full community calendar.

For more than six decades, the Phoenix Heart Ball has brought our community together to raise critical funds and awareness for the American Heart Association — an organization that's been fighting heart disease and stroke for over 100 years. This year marks the 66th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball, happening November 22, 2025, and it's a celebration of generosity, research, and the people whose dedication keeps every heart beating stronger. Joining me today are Sue Carter and Caroline Conner, both serving as Vice Chairs for this year's Heart Ball. Sue and Caroline are deeply connected to this cause — each with personal family experiences that inspire their passion for advancing heart health — and they're here to share what makes this year's event so meaningful. Calendar of Events Scottsdazzle's Tinsel Trail  Scottsdale is adding even more sparkle to the holidays with its first-ever Tinsel Trail, part of this year's Scottsdazzle celebration. Local artists will transform Old Town storefronts into festive works of art from November 14th - 24th  creating a self-guided holiday window tour for everyone to enjoy from November 29- December 31st Visitors can stroll the trail, meet the artists through an online map, and even vote for their favorite display.   Visit https://scottsdazzle.com/ for more.   Holiday Lights 2025 At McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale November 28 - December 30 The park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive displays. Hop on the Charros Carousel, soak up the holiday magic, and warm up with a cozy cup of hot cocoa from Hartley's General Store.   https://www.therailroadpark.com/event/holiday-lights/   Vineyards in the Valley  Saturday, December 6th at the Charro Lodge in Scottsdale Stadium.  The event features wines from over 70 ultra-premium, highly allocated wineries from Sonoma and Napa Regions, curated gourmet food pairings, entertainment, and a charity auction — all in support of life-saving health services for women and children in southern Haiti.   VineyardsInTheValley.org.  

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave return to the conversation started in Episode 174 and begin to build out the town that will be the start of most adventures in our Boomtown Campaign Setting. Make sure to Join the Conversation!1:55 Where are we now? We asked, you answered! Boomtown #1 is known as Gallow Springs!3:40 What's in our border town?6:05 What's NOT in the town? Religion and Churches, per our last episode.9:35 Our archetype for Boomtown was Wyatt Earp's Tombstone. So, what was actually there at the time? 12:15 Name the 110 saloons!12:35 How small is a small town? Between Hommlet and Waterdeep.16:10 The split between Uptown and Downtown and the Law.19:55 The point of the Boomtowns: Recovering Tech – our “Gold Rush.”22:06 Dueling and Gunfights: How Lawless is Gallow Springs?29:30 The Haves and the Have Nots: The rich get richer!31:00 Buying Magic in Gallow Springs?38:50 Final Thoughts.