Matt Mulcahy and Jackie Robinson on her last day on the air at WSTM.
Jackie Robinson is a fortunate woman. She is in the midst of an incredible week. On Wednesday evening the New York State Broadcasters Association will induct Jackie into its Hall of Fame. On Thursday evening the Central New York community will honor Jackie at a retirement send off at the OnCenter. On Friday morning the City of Syracuse will rename the block of James Street that runs in front of Channel 3, Jackie's long time professional home.
Jackie retired from WSTM-TV nearly three months ago. Her final broadcast was filled with tears, smiles and plenty of memories. The last three months has not slowed down for her. She has been busy meeting with various community groups who are interested in tapping into her talent. She has also been coordinating her family and their involvement in these celebratory events.
Jackie had me laughing tonight when she said all the honors are a bit overwhelming pointing out most people don't get this kind of attention until they pass away. This does seem a much better time to let someone know they are appreciated.
I teased her a bit about the naming of the new "Jackie Robinson Way". I thought she should have held out for a section of Interstate 690 or 81. Of course, then she would run the risk of being torn down sometime in the next decade.
A few years back the 900 block of James Street was named for legendary Syracuse anchorman Ron Curtis. Now Jackie is getting the 1000 block. The guy that got the whole road is William James. He was a wealthy land owner that was part of a group of men who named the first streets in the young city. That was back in 1842, 180 years ago.
It is a high honor indeed for Jackie Robinson. One of many coming her way this week.
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The opinions expressed in this blog are the sole responsibility of the author and are not reflective of the views or opinons of the station or Barrington Broadcasting.
