Good Morning and Happy First Day of School!

Here’s your obligatory reminder to give yourself and your little ones a few extra minutes today, because traffic is going to be super-duper fun.

News About News

Yesterday, I was surprised to learn that BCAT News Director, Rich Hosford, has moved on from our local cable access news outlet as of Friday, August 26.

Rich was with BCAT for eight years, during which time he became a household name for anyone following local news. He reported on issues and events of concern to Burlington residents, including the development of the DEI Director position in Burlington’s schools, the progress of the project to connect Burlington to the MWRA water source, and much more.

I talked with Rich yesterday about his time at BCAT, his reasons for leaving, and his plans for the future.

Rich joined BCAT as its first News Director in 2014 after being the editor of the Burlington Patch. Before that, he received a Master’s degree in Journalism and Public Policy Review, a degree he helped co-create with the faculty at Northeastern.

We’ve all seen the effects of a dearth of local news coverage – that’s why you’re subscribed to the Buzz! – and the landscape was not much different in 2014. The Patch nearly shut down, and BCAT wanted to expand local coverage to meet the needs of residents seeking information about their town. That’s where Rich came in.

“I loved working at BCAT,” Rich said. His favorite part of the job was presenting “the most relevant news to residents.” Rich also says he’s thankful for the opportunity to build relationships with the community and work with amazing colleagues who “care about the community and strive daily to provide great services … and [highlight] the best Burlington has to offer.”

When I asked him about memorable moments, he immediately thought of the story of the man who had been trapped in a garbage truck and rescued by our fire department (I remember that, too!), but he says more than any one story, what has inspired him the most is covering the young people of our town. “…they are so accomplished and … so passionate in promoting inclusiveness and equity,” he says. In fact, the DEI Director position might not have been created if not for students feeling brave enough to speak up about their experiences and advocate for change.

Rich cited long COVID as the main factor for his leaving BCAT. The illness has hampered his ability to carry out the duties of his job, and he needs to focus on his health for the foreseeable future.

Rich is going to miss covering Burlington for BCAT. “I still love the Burlington community,” he says, “and hope everyone continues to prosper…I sincerely hope everyone who has followed my work and reporting the best and will remain friends.”

Best wishes to Rich on his recovery and whatever comes next.

Today in Burlington

Early voting is happening at Grandview Farm from 8:30-4:30. Also:

• 4:00 PM – Fox Hill School Building Committee meets for news and updates and Owners Project Manager (OPM) interviews and discussion. (Join online)
• 5:00 PM – Housing Partnership meets to talk about an update to the Grandview Farms housing application, the Housing Needs Assessment roll-out plan, and whether or not they’ll endorse the community preservation act (CPA). (Join online)

That’s it for today. I hope you have a good one!

Nicci