Tommy Leonard is a legend in the world of long distance running: official greeter of the Boston Marathon, founder of the Falmouth Road Race. A man whose life was defined by charity, service to community, and fun. A bartender and storyteller with the heart of "Coach" Ernie Pantusso from TV's Cheers, and the brains of the smartest person you know.

And it's likely none of that would have happened were it not for a stinging rejection of Tommy in his youth - by my grandmother.

PHOTO: Tim Helmecki, Tommy Leonard and me at The Quarterdeck in Falmouth, MA in January 2015. More than one person has noticed the passing resemblance between me and Tommy.

Here's a link to Tommy's official biography, written by Kathleen Cleary.

At the Tommy Leonard Bridge, Aug. 2017

Carol Vassar, host/producer

notdeadthepodcast.com

carolvassar.com

Even the most optimistic people I know are likely to concede that 2020 was a terrible year, which makes retired broadcast engineer Gene Faltus exceptionally rare. Gene will tell you not only that 2020 was a good year for him - it was the best dang year of his life.

Politics and purpose, found together on a rope line outside a presidential candidate's New Hampshire rally.

Carol Vassar, host/producer