Tom Walters
Dallas
Journalist. Recipient of the 2022 RTDNA National Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Articles by Tom Walters
Marching back in time with high school bands
Seeing wonderful pictures of the North Andover High School Marching Band in the piece “Strike up the band” on Oct. 12 in The Eagle-Tribune brought back wonderful memories. I joined North Andover schools in 1993 and became the music supervisor of the high school in 1997. In 2006, I moved on to the equivalent position in Methuen. In these roles, I saw many, many students through many, many games and performance competitions.
And we still have almost a month to go?
I’m officially at the saturation point. More ads won’t change my mind. This has gone on way too long. Even the president has taken to promising cash bonuses for anyone who will vote for his party, which I’m pretty sure the framers of the Constitution didn’t intend. One defrocked leader of a fringe party in New Hampshire has advocated for political violence against anyone elected by the left.
Isn't it due time to soothe the Earth?
“The earth is angry.” I paraphrase the great line, “The sea was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli,” from George Costanza during his brief stint as a marine biologist (one afternoon) on “Seinfeld.” kAmpD E96 7:CDE >2;@C 9FCC:42?6 @7 E96 D62D@? – wFCC:42?6 xD2:2D – 3@C6 5@H? H:E9 :?4C62D:?8 DEC6?8E9 32C6==:?8 9625=@?8 :?E@ p=232>2 2?5 u=@C:52[ |@E96C t2CE9[ :?5665[ @?46 282:?
The existential questions of seasonal change
It's that time of year when we need to ask some very important questions. While the commander in chief is identifying key issues in Washington (like whether to bulldoze the Kennedy Center), we average, run-of-the-mill citizens are responding to more existential questions: With darkness approaching, what is the meaning of life?
And we still have almost a month to go?
I’m officially at the saturation point. More ads won’t change my mind. This has gone on way too long. Even the president has taken to promising cash bonuses for anyone that will vote for his party, which I’m pretty sure the framers of the Constitution didn’t intend. One defrocked leader of a fringe party in New Hampshire has advocated for political violence against anyone elected by the left.
The existential questions of seasonal change
It’s that time of year when we need to ask some very important questions. While the commander in chief is identifying key issues in Washington (like whether to bulldoze the Kennedy Center), we average, run-of-the-mill citizens are responding to more existential questions: With darkness approaching, what is the meaning of life? kAmxD 2CE:7:4:2= :?E6==:86?46 8@:?8 E@ 5@@> 9F>2?:EJnk^Am kAmpC6 82D@=:?6 AC:46D 8@:?8 FA @C 5@H?
Safety in the … produce section
Is it safe to eat a salad again? I posed that question to a very knowledgeable-looking gentleman working in the produce section of my local supermarket. He told me it was, and anyway, they didn’t carry the brands from areas affected by various contaminants. Nice to know. kAmx? 42D6 J@F >:DD65 :E[ :4636C8 =6EEF46 H2D E96 42FD6 @7 2? @FE3C62< @7 4J4=@DA@C2[ 2 A2C2D:E:4 :?764E:@?
The Emmys: Excellence in shows I haven’t seen
Once again, television is giving itself a pat on the back for its continued fine work in keeping the nation entertained with the Emmy awards. The president has been working hard to do that, too, but television seems to have the upper hand right now. This year’s award show is No. 78. I have to admit that I’ve been alive for way too many of them. And in a trend that continues to become more and more pronounced as the years roll by, I have seen remarkably little of what’s been nominated.
The Emmys: Excellence in shows I haven’t seen
Once again, television is giving itself a pat on the back for its continued fine work in keeping the nation entertained with the Emmy awards. The president has been working hard to do that, too, but television seems to have the upper hand right now. This year’s award show is No. 78. I have to admit that I’ve been alive for way too many of them. And in a trend that continues to become more and more pronounced as the years roll by, I have seen remarkably little of what’s been nominated.
What’s in an endorsement?
As the campaign season ramps up and candidates are slinging mud in earnest, it may surprise many – myself included – that no candidate from either party has sought my endorsement in either Massachusetts or or my home state of New Hampshire. To think, I could be proclaiming my support for Sen. Ed Markey for the 1st Essex Congressional District, although in fairness, as a New Hampshire resident I couldn’t vote for him unless committing voter fraud, against which I stand firmly.
What’s in an endorsement?
As the campaign season ramps up and candidates are slinging mud in earnest, it may surprise many – myself included – that no candidate from either party has sought my endorsement in either Massachusetts or or my home state of New Hampshire. To think, I could be proclaiming my support for Sen. Ed Markey for the 1st Essex Congressional District, although in fairness, as a New Hampshire resident I couldn’t vote for him unless committing voter fraud, against which I stand firmly.
The value of ‘stuff,’ and other existential questions
What is beneath the compulsion to save things? People collect things they like and I understand that. But unless the collector lives at Versailles, the valuables have a tendency to outgrow the room to accommodate them. Still we all have it: stuff. kAm*@F <?@H[ DEF77 E92E J@F’== ?6G6C =@@< 2E 282:?[ 5@?’E 92G6 C@@> E@ 5:DA=2J[ 3FE :D ;FDE E@@ 8C62E E@ 8:G6 @C E9C@H 2H2J] WpD 2? 6I2>A=6 x @776C >J H:76’D sC62>D:4=6 4@==64E:@?
‘Elderly,’ indeed!
A headline in a recent Eagle-Tribune caught my eye. It was actually a local police log, and the lead story was about a man described as “elderly.” It went on to describe a man who had a confrontation with a clerk in a local discount store. He apparently pulled out a gun and the police were called. A most unfortunate situation, however, what alarmed me most was that this man, as reported, was 70 years old. kAm(2:E[ E92E’D E9C66 J62CD J@F?86C E92?
The art of low-maintenance gardening
Each year, as I’d start the period of putting together container gardens to decorate our front patio and side deck, I’d go in search of plantings that weren’t terribly expensive, and yet, when put together in combinations, looked quite nice. I combined color combinations, attractive greenery, and plants that would withstand whatever sunlight was available, or not. In the course of things, we’d traditionally meet my wife’s family any time after Memorial Day at their place at the lake.
What student grades should (and shouldn’t) tell us
What sort of knowledge can we garner from student grades? Are they an accurate gauge of what students know and understand? Do they tell us if students have mastered skills and absorbed information accurately? In other words, are student assessments — most often represented by numerical or letter grades – successfully telling us where youngsters are in the process of learning?
What grades do (and don't) tell us
What sort of knowledge can we garner from student grades? Are they an accurate gauge of what students know and understand? Do they tell us if students have mastered skills and absorbed information accurately? In other words, are student assessments – most often represented by numerical or letter grades – successfully telling us where youngsters are in the process of learning? Because that’s what we need to know. Grades are to the educational process what a blood test is to health.
Transitions, next steps, and all that’s left to come
Life is a series of transitions: childhood to adolescence, adolescence to adulthood, student to worker, parent to grandparent … so many more. With aging comes retirement – the “golden years.” and along the way we hope to have found some measure of success and happiness at each stage while weathering the ups and downs of transition. kAmxE @44FCD E@ >6 E92E @G6C E96 J62CD x 5C6H 8C62E :?DA:C2E:@? 7C@> >J DEF56?ED[ H96E96C x <?6H :E 2E E96 E:>6 @C ?@E] x 36=:6G6 x 82:?65 2E =62DE 2D >F49 :?DA:C2E:@?
What student grades should (and shouldn’t) tell us
What sort of knowledge can we garner from student grades? Are they an accurate gauge of what students know and understand? Do they tell us if students have mastered skills and absorbed information accurately? In other words, are student assessments – most often represented by numerical or letter grades – successfully telling us where youngsters are in the process of learning? Because that’s what we need to know. Grades are to the educational process what a blood test is to health.
Cookouts are nice, but Memorial Day traditions are so much better
It is time to pause and remember those who died in service to our country – for those, as President Abraham Lincoln described in his Gettysburg Address, who demonstrated “the last full measure of devotion.” Setting aside this official day of remembrance took form slowly. After the Civil War, communities took time to honor those military who died, particularly in the recently ended conflict.
A tale of 2 organizations in chaos
“It was the best of times, and the worst of times ...” Thus opens Charles Dickens’ beloved novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” The two cities were Paris and London, and the time was the period of the French Revolution in the 1790s. What follows is another interesting observation: “It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” Don’t we know it, as here in our region we are experiencing some of that very chaos. The beheadings are metaphoric, but real nonetheless.
A tale of 2 organizations in chaos
“It was the best of times, and the worst of times ...” Thus opens Charles Dickens’ beloved novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” The two cities were Paris and London, and the time was the period of the French Revolution in the 1790s. kAm(92E 7@==@HD :D 2?@E96C :?E6C6DE:?8 @3D6CG2E:@?ik^Am kAm“ … :E H2D E96 286 @7 H:D5@>[ :E H2D E96 286 @7 7@@=:D9?6DD]”k^Am kAms@?’E H6 <?@H :E[ 2D 96C6 :? @FC C68:@?
Foot Pain When Walking? A Physical Therapist Shares Common Causes and Easy, At-Home Fixes
amoklv You're lacing up your sneakers for your morning walk when you feel it-a sharp, nagging pain on top of your foot. Suddenly, the simple pleasure of a daily stroll feels impossible. Unlike a headache or sore throat , foot pain doesn't just annoy you-it can literally stop you in your tracks. So what causes foot pain when walking, and what can you do to stop it? We asked an expert to break down the most common triggers and the best treatment options. What causes foot pain when walking?
Understanding the riddle of taxation
We’re well into the period accountants call “tax season,” when even the procrastinators among us begin to consider beginning the work to file their federal and in some cases state income taxes. And so begins the grumbling, along with the ever-so-lingering philosophical and divisive questions. Is taxation an investment or a curse? Is it fair and equitable? Are the benefits worth the cost? What should taxes be funding and what shouldn’t they be?
The dilemma of historic preservation
Once again Methuen is confronted with a property of historic value and cultural significance that it does not have the public resources to maintain and preserve. Edward Searles was a visionary man in many ways. His contributions, his legacy of buildings ranging from the Memorial Music Hall, to the Searles Building, to his home estate, are nothing short of amazing. However, with several of his properties now over 100 years old, they are in need of constant, costly upkeep.
The riddles of taxation
We’re well into the period accountants call “tax season,” when even the procrastinators among us begin to consider beginning the work to file their federal and in some cases state income taxes. And so begins the grumbling, along with the ever-so-lingering philosophical and divisive questions. Is taxation an investment or a curse? Is it fair and equitable? Are the benefits worth the cost? What should taxes be funding and what shouldn’t they be?
The riddles of taxation
We’re well into the period accountants call “tax season,” when even the procrastinators among us begin to consider beginning the work to file their federal and in some cases state income taxes. And so begins the grumbling, along with the ever-so-lingering philosophical and divisive questions. Is taxation an investment or a curse? Is it fair and equitable? Are the benefits worth the cost? What should taxes be funding and what shouldn’t they be?
GUEST COMMENTARY: The art of preserving national treasures
Two unrelated news events have attracted attention globally in recent months. They’re unrelated because there is no obvious direct connection. But there is a link between them when one ponders the importance of preserving history and artifacts that tell, and help us understand, its stories.
GUEST COMMENTARY: The art of preserving national treasures
Two unrelated news events have attracted attention globally in recent months. They’re unrelated because there is no obvious direct connection. But there is a link between them when one ponders the importance of preserving history and artifacts that tell, and help us understand, its stories.
The calming blanket of a fresh snowfall
It snowed last weekend. Heavily. It started with those tiny flakes coming straight down. The old New England expression, “small snow, big snow,” was totally accurate. When it starts small, bigger totals will result. By morning, everything was white, and quiet, and peaceful. The sounds of the world are muffled. A truck comes by to plow. Somebody shoveled our walkways and front stairs. A few more flakes coming down unobtrusively and covering their work. Not the first snow of the season, but still beautiful.
Technology, isolation, and the cost of losing human connection
A recent conversation on a radio talk show really got me thinking. The hosts and a guest were speaking about loneliness affecting more and more people in all segments of society. It’s no longer what we may have once imagined. Many of us associate loneliness with the elderly who live alone and are unable to get out of the house or confined to a small apartment. Some are without, or forgotten by, families and friends, existing with little human contact.
It’s lonely out there
A recent conversation on a radio talk show really got me thinking. The hosts and a guest were speaking about loneliness affecting more and more people in all segments of society. It’s no longer what we may have once imagined. Many of us associate loneliness with the elderly who live alone and are unable to get out of the house or confined to a small apartment. Some are without, or forgotten by, families and friends, existing with little human contact.
It’s lonely out there
A recent conversation on a radio talk show really got me thinking. The hosts and a guest were speaking about loneliness affecting more and more people in all segments of society. It’s no longer what we may have once imagined. Many of us associate loneliness with the elderly who live alone and are unable to get out of the house or confined to a small apartment. Some are without, or forgotten by, families and friends, existing with little human contact.
Everyone loves Thanksgiving, but …
If you already put up your Christmas decorations, you’re an overachiever, probably like one of those students who would stand in front of my desk asking if their project was what I wanted. Inevitably they looked profoundly disappointed when I pointed out that the project was theirs, not mine, and if they read the directions it should be fine. We forget to enjoy Thanksgiving, partially because the anxiety of Christmas is looming.
The art of preserving national treasures
Two unrelated news events have attracted attention globally in recent weeks. They’re unrelated because there is no obvious direct connection. But there is a link between them when one ponders the importance of preserving history and artifacts that tell, and help us understand, its stories.
The art of preserving national treasures
Two unrelated news events have attracted attention globally in recent weeks. They’re unrelated because there is no obvious direct connection. But there is a link between them when one ponders the importance of preserving history and artifacts that tell, and help us understand, its stories.
The art of preserving national treasures
Two unrelated news events have attracted attention globally in recent weeks. They’re unrelated because there is no obvious direct connection. But there is a link between them when one ponders the importance of preserving history and artifacts that tell, and help us understand, its stories.
The horrors of Halloween
As the headline may imply, Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday. In fact, it’s right below Labor Day in terms of expectations, what with running to the door to disburse what seems like endless quantities of sweets for which I’ve paid a king’s ransom. Many folks don’t feel the same way I do. They set up elaborate displays of decorations and accumulate great stores of candy. I don’t ignore it, but in full disclosure, I’d like to. kAm{6E’D 7246 :E[ w2==@H66?
Public schools need marketing campaign
Many years ago when I was teaching in a small community in New Hampshire, our opening day teacher workshop featured a gentleman who was a former school administrator turned public-relations specialist. I forget his name now, as it was decades ago. However I do remember he spoke of the widespread need in our public schools for people trained in communications, marketing, and particularly in public relations.
Schools need public relations
Many years ago when I was teaching in a small community in New Hampshire, our opening day teacher workshop featured a gentleman who was a former school administrator turned public-relations specialist. I forget his name now, as it was decades ago. However I do remember he spoke of the widespread need in our public schools for people trained in communications, marketing, and particularly in public relations.
Respect: It’s a 2-way street
Having now written a fair number of columns that the Eagle-Tribune has been gracious enough to publish, it’s fair to say that, while my expertise isn’t comprehensive, it’s my role to observe and pass on what I think is important. In addition to writing, I am fascinated by the writers of letters to the opinion page, and from time to time, I like to comment on them. One such letter recently intrigued me.
Parting is such sweet sorrow
By Tom Walters | Guest Columnist kAmxE’D E92E E:>6 @7 J62C H96? ?@DE2=8:2 2?5 2 D6?D6 @7 >6=2?49@=J D6E :?] ~9[ E96 C6>6>3C2?46D @7 E96 C646?E J6E A2DD:?8 8=@CJ] *6D[ :E’D E:>6 E@ DE2CE =6EE:?8 @FC DF>>6C A=2?ED[ @FC 82C56? 6IA6C:>6?ED[ E96 ;@J7F= 3=@@>D @7 E96 D62D@?[ 7256 :?E@ E96 @3=:G:@? 2D 2FEF>? D6ED :?]k^Am kAmvC66?6CJ H:== EFC? 3C@H? 2?5 5C@A @77 :ED 2?49@CD] (6’== 4=:A @77 E96 5625 DE2=<Dj H2:E D:=6?E=J 7@C E96 =62G6D E@ 492?86 4@=@C] x?6G:E23=J E96J H:==] 2?5 E96?
I'm still watching, but from the sidelines
Ah, the start of another new school year, the pictures of busloads of students making their way down the steps in front of the school to be welcomed by their teachers and school administrators. I wouldn’t say that there are universal expressions of delight at the prospect of returning to classes, though there are plenty, along with some looks of solemn acceptance. Yes, the arrival of the new school year is inevitable. kAmx E9:?< 324< 2 76H J62CD E@ E92E H@?56C7F= 4@>>6C4:2= 7@C 2?
I'm still watching, but from the sidelines
Ah, the start of another new school year, the pictures of busloads of students making their way down the steps in front of the school to be welcomed by their teachers and school administrators. I wouldn’t say that there are universal expressions of delight at the prospect of returning to classes, though there are plenty, along with some looks of solemn acceptance. Yes, the arrival of the new school year is inevitable. I think back a few years to that wonderful commercial for an office supply store.
Where’s the overreach now?
Remember back a few years, when the COVID pandemic necessitated wearing facemasks in public and widespread vaccinations to prevent its spread? Do you also remember conservative voices on the right, promoting conspiracies and crying “government overreach” warnings? The calls for Dr. Fauci’s head on a pike? Mandating facemasks was deemed by those in opposition to be violations of the federal government’s lawfully designated authority.
What's in a name? A lot at the Kennedy Center
While its name is routinely shortened to the Kennedy Center, it is officially the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and sits majestically on the Potomac River. It opened in 1971 to honor the late president for his and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy’s, great passion for the visual and performing arts. It contains commissioned works of art, a gallery of flags from around the world, and wonderful performing venues.
Column: Don't mess with the Kennedy Center's name
While its name is routinely shortened to the Kennedy Center, it is officially the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and sits majestically on the Potomac River. It opened in 1971 to honor the late president for his and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy's, great passion for the visual and performing arts. It contains commissioned works of art, a gallery of flags from around the world, and wonderful performing venues.
Don't mess with the Kennedy Center's name
While its name is routinely shortened to the Kennedy Center, it is officially the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and sits majestically on the Potomac River. It opened in 1971 to honor the late president for his and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy’s, great passion for the visual and performing arts. It contains commissioned works of art, a gallery of flags from around the world, and wonderful performing venues.
The irresistible lure of the selfie
A while back, I wrote a blog about people photographing themselves. Some people take way, way too many pictures, either because they like to look at themselves or they feel a need to prove that they were actually where they told people they were. I’ve never been a big “selfie” person. I don’t think I look like a gargoyle, but I’m not George Clooney quality either. And speaking of Clooney – if you happen to be standing next to a celebrity and feel the need to snap a selfie then, yes, I get it.
The lure of the selfie
A while back, I wrote a blog about people photographing themselves. Some people take way, way too many pictures, either because they like to look at themselves or they feel a need to prove that they were actually where they told people they were. I’ve never been a big “selfie” person. I don’t think I look like a gargoyle, but I’m not George Clooney quality either. And speaking of Clooney – if you happen to be standing next to a celebrity and feel the need to snap a selfie then, yes, I get it.
The lure of the selfie
A while back, I wrote a blog about people photographing themselves. Some people take way, way too many pictures, either because they like to look at themselves or they feel a need to prove that they were actually where they told people they were. I’ve never been a big “selfie” person. I don’t think I look like a gargoyle, but I’m not George Clooney quality either. And speaking of Clooney – if you happen to be standing next to a celebrity and feel the need to snap a selfie then, yes, I get it.
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