Saturday, June 30, 2018

RED SOX ROMP YANKEES!

When you're hot.. you're hot! Sox defeat Yankees 11-0  Amazing victory!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Red Sox Fan tonight
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

NEW ENGLAND PEACE PAGODA LEVERETT, MA

Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires  can be found a Japanese Peace Pagoda! "

Johnson" and I have visited this shrine several times. The entire experience is breathtaking as it is Oriental in nature.

Today, we were greeted by a 69 year old Monk. Very interesting conversation as we broached the topic on war. This man bowed to me several times as we spoke about my Vietnam service 50 years ago.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, maybe a visit to Leverett to the shrine is in order? It was the Vietnam War that inspired the creators of the grand pagoda! Truly an amazing site!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

HOW TO INFLUENCE CUSTOMERS

The secret in gaining the confidence of potential customers is to give away a consideration! All types of promotional items are available and are worthy of your considerations. Last year I gave away sheets of the new JFK Forever stamp. My gesture bode well with my friends.

Selling is not telling but showing. "Johnson" espouses the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time!

The one book that reveals how and why people respond to gifts is found in "INFLUENCE"  by Robert CaldaniIf you want to be the best salesman in  the world check it out!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
AUCTIONEER
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

Friday, June 29, 2018

DESERT-TYPE HEAT IN THE BROOKFIELDS

The blue sky prevailed all the day in the Brookfields. Chase-Robert was recruited early to mow my lawn and he did. This Friday was uneventful, overall. The Agent-Orange check was deposited early

in the day. Nice.

I had a piece of Chuck-Eye steak for lunch then a complimentary ice cream from Howard's.  We seniors received a chit Thursday while at the nursing home. My choice was black raspberry (in moderation.)

I tested the waters with an antique chair to be sold. Things seem to be tough in the antiques and collectibles markets. Flea-Market Flip reveals the truth I guess. The donations at the Salvation Army - Spencer are incredibly unattractive. All of my flag outfit is ready for the long holiday weekend ahead.

Have increased my consumption of water given the heat as it is.

In New York City it is the Red Sox versus the Yankees. I am a Yankee sympathizer you know. LOL. Now 4-0 New York! Correction: 5 Zip NYY!

Nothing specifically planned for Sat. per-se.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
(Hot under the collar).. LOL
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

MY "ALMOST FORGOTTEN" ESTATE AUCTION INRrOYALSTON

It was one of my better auctions of American antiquity in 1989. One Jane L. Newton hired me to sell off her mother's belongings that dated back to the Civil Ear. It proved to be an auction of controversy between Jane and her brother Harold.

Be it as it may,. the tents went up and the auction was held. In the collection of antiques came a cardboard box the size of a king-sized loaf of bread. The only thing was it wasn't a loaf of Wonder Bread but a Steiff-type Teddy Bear in mint condition!

I did not know what I had. I appraised the teddy bear for $100. When the auction bidding began the truth was revealed. The high bid hit $4,200.00. I was amazed and so was the buying crowd! Other primitives reaching high proportions were found in the Bennington stoneware. One piece fetched $1,800.00.

It was in the "middle of nowhere"  where Newton  is revered to this day!


Thank You, Jane.. you, too, taught me well. RIP.

GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK - ST. LOUIS

The Archway in Saint Louis has a new name:  Gateway Arch National Park! Formerly named the "Jefferson Memorial National Expansion" the new name makes sense. This iconic symbol is known around the world. Here's Gateway Arch by the numbers according to USA Today:

  • Height 630 feet
  • Width 630 feet
  • Arch shape: CATENARY CURVE
  • Stairs 1,076 (not accessible to the public)
  • Construction began: Feb 12, 1963
  • Constriction completed October 28, 1965
  • Basic materials: steel & concrete -stainless steel outer  skin
  • Construction costs $13 million
  • Architect: Eero Saarinen
There is an Arch museum of  " Tracing the history of St. Louis from its beginning as a fur trading outpost to today." The Arch lies on the banks of the Mississippi River - Downtown St. Louis. A $380M upgrade brings the site up-to-date.

Admission fees are $13 and less for kids. The website of "gatewayarch.com" will give you all the information needed.

Make St. Louis a "total experience" as I did in 1987 for the Cardinal-Tiger World Series. By driving on the Interstates you will see much, much, much more than by flying!

"Meet Me In St. Louie!"

ROBERT "ST. LOUIS" POTVIN
A BILLIKIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585






THE UBIQUITOUS STRAWBERRY MOON OF 2018

With clearing skies at midnight, the Full Strawberry Moon appeared. It was as if a bright spotlight sent rays from the heavens into my bedroom! All night long it shone with all of it's splendor.

On July 20 we will celebrate the 49th anniversary of Moon Landing. WOW. Hasn't our world changed exponentially since then.? One of the men with vision was JFK in saying 'We choose to go to the moon in this decade..' To the moon we did go.

Every aspect of our lives have changed for some. From microwave ovens to GPS tracking to   driverless cars we continue to be dazzled by it all. What does the future hold for humanity? Well, I don't have a crystal ball but I do know things will continue to be better and warfare will get worse so it seems..

'Look to this one day" and enjoy it for that is all we have.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585







Thursday, June 28, 2018

RALPH WALDO EMERSON QUOTES

  • It is the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with the,.
  • Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
  • Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.
  • Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
  • The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.
  • You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
  • Love is beauty in taste. The creation of beauty is art.
  • Men are what their mothers made them.
  • Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well think.
  • Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss.
Heed the wisdom of one of the smartest man ever: RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Robert Louis Potvin
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

OVER ONE INCH OF RAIN, ALREADY!

Our fragile miracle here in the Brookfields gives us reassurance the lawns will remain green and the crops will grow!

This rainy day may play havoc on our spirits if we allow it. Already, today, I have listened to The Man of Lamancha! Now Dusty Springfield entertains me as if I were listening to Dusty at Checkers Night Club in Sydney  Oct, 1966 while on my R&R. More entertainment will follow!

I will conquer this day by trying to keep busy. How about you? 'After Clouds.. Sunshine!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

CADILLAC ALLANTE' REDUX

I miss having my white Cadillac Allante'!tween seeing old car entuhsuasts at Klem's last night and watching the retro of the OLD MAN on Pawn Stars I reflect on a unique automobile of the past.

Allante's never made it big. GM tanked after several attempts in making their Eldorado-platformed sports car that sold for $60,000+.  This one car has everything  and in it's sophistication is pricey to keep it up and running in 2018. If I were ever to buy another Allante' I would seek a vehicle with 20,000 original miles on it!








 
ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

PAWN STARS TRIBUTE TONIGHT 9:00 PM HISTORY CHANNEL

Tonight's tribute to the Old Man should be real good!

I have been watching Pawn Stars much of the afternoon and delight in the comprehensive programing of topics near and dear to me. Not everyone sells their treasures.. many pawn them. Las Vegas is the best place for such an enterprise of this nature as gamers have much cash to "invest."

HAd lunch at the NB Senior Center. Big crowd..always good company. Thanks, Diane, you have the infectious spirit!

Tonight KLEM'S Car Show and the WB Band Concert. Our beautiful June weather has taken a nosedive. Rain is in tomorrows forecast!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
HISTORY ENTHUSIAST
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585





Tuesday, June 26, 2018

MY DAY ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL IN BETWEEN

Traffic in Holden got me 20 minutes late for my VA appointment. "you are
Found my Black Derby behind a chair on the Breezeway! LOL
late!" I will return on Monday for two visits.. one in Podiatry and one in Optometry.

At noon I ate at the outdoors banquet at Quabaug Nursing Home. It was a nice feast. Then I paid a visit to 93 year old Dot Sandman with Syb Sandman. Wow. Dot is now blind. Her memory is great and we reminisced about my estate auctions. Dot was my #1 fan at the time. I was saddened by my visit seeing  the residents and workers taking care of 'Forgotten Americans' so it seems. I salute the Angels of Mercy in their daily routines at the "Home."

Then I traveled to Palmer to TOM'S ELECTRONICS. No good news. 'All of the flat screens delivered a month ago proved to be "scrap crap.!" Now I must make coleslaw out of lemons. OMG.

Then to Springfield for a visit to my esteemed Army buddy, John B. O'Sullivan. It was a good visit recounting my "Spring fling."

It was a 100+ mile day and tomorrow will be pay day." TGIW.. thanks for the monthly stipend!

People were happy with this marvelous clear weather. Prepare for the Strawberry Moon tomorrow night!

IN THE NEWS:" LONELINESS" & PAWN STARS PATRIACH'S OBITUARY

Two newsworthy articles can be found in today's New York Times: "A Roadmap out of Loneliness and Richard Harrison's Obituary.

The article on loneliness is reasonably profound. It covers in-depth analysis as to why people are lonely and the contributing factors: obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The importance of being connected socially is that important. 'More than a third of adults are chronically lonely and 65 percent of people are seriously lonely some of the times."

Veterans are amongst some of the lonliness humans. This is sad.

Keeping connected is the key to happiness or so it seems. FACEBOOK is a good tool the article relates.

RICHARD HARRISON - PAWN STARS PATRIARCH DEAD AT 77

The Old Man was "canny" in making deals. I liked the image he portrayed. Better yet was his working with Rick, his son and Corey his grandson.

This one program from Los Vegas transformed the image of Pawn Brokers to that of educating the viewers. Well done, Mr. Harrison. RIP.

Robert Louis Potvin
An Appreciative Fan
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

Monday, June 25, 2018

TRANQUILITY MAY BE FOUND IN THE BROOKFIELDS!

After having traveled to downtown Worcester by way of Pleasant Street, downtown, I am convinced tranquility may be found here in the Brookfields.

This rare June night affords all of the pleasantries in life. A strawberry Moon in the making, a gentle west wind, clear blue skies and the West Brookfield town common graced with the Helen Page Shackley Bandstand and the Rice Memorial Fountain.

The din of Route 9 traffic abates as the early evening hours creep in under a beautiful blue sky. Folks are walking and running.. all in unison with Mother Nature.

Forty years ago I returned with my family to my family in The Brookfields. I have made a living in antiques and auctions and now enjoy seeing old age come upon me and my friends gracefully. Living in the country seems to lend itself in every regard.

Commuters head west, south and east to their jobs. Some travel to Windsor, others to Boston and many to Greater Worcester. Living in the Brookfields seems to be the great equalizer to it all. I have worked  in Hartford living at Windsor and in Scituate working in Brockton. Living here in the country is absolutely the best!

The lakes and ponds around these parts and the Quabaug River lend themselves to  the wonderful outdoors.

Real estate values are good. You seem to get more for your dollar in bigger lots. My son and wife have an estate of 19 acres! Others want waterfront properties. Personally, I enjoy having a home on Route 9 in the thick of things. New construction is available and RICHARD KEMP CONTRACTOR, WB, builds the best homes!

By living in the Brookfields we learn the backroads to our happiness and well being. Tonight Bob and Linda Conlin  were seen sporting around in their 1930 Model-A Ford Roadster. What a treat to inspect this wonderful little buggy!

On Wednesday night there'll be another concert: Blind Tiger Swing Posse!On July 3rd Podunk Proclamation and the traditional Bonfire.

Come to the Brookfields and enjoy our lives of tranquility!







ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

WEST BROOKFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6TH GRADE STEP-UP

It was a proud moment to see 40 sixth graders receive awards and recognition at this morning's ceremony!

  • Words of Encouragement .Dr. Brett Kustigian
  • Words of Wisdom Mrs. Colleen Mucha
  • Music Performances
  • Certificates of Completion
  • Movie Presentation
Both grandparents, parents, families and friends congregated in the school gym. NICE!

Lily Potvin received a great academic award and gifts. Way to go, Lily!

POPS POTVIN

Sunday, June 24, 2018

PAGEVIEWS TODAY 339

An up day with 339 Pageviews. The Steve Magnante profile has gotten lots of traffic as has Chase Potvin. It shows readers like "local profiles." I will keep an eye open for happenings. Tomorrow morning Lily Potvi graduates from the sixth grade and will be heading for Quabaug Regional. Good Luck Lily!
 
POPS POTVIN
2018

TORRENTIAL DOUNPOURS IN THE BROOKFIELDS AN INCH OF RAIN!

Talk about depressing weather! Right now the oppressive humidity has turned into heavy-duty water run-off. The good news is we can always use the rain..just on our parades! Agree, the plantings need the rain in order to grow.

'AFTER CLOUDS..SUNSHINE!'


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
"FAIR WEATHER MAN!"
West Brookfield, MA

ANOTHER SUNDAY MORNING WITH CASEY KASEM

Casey Kasem's Sunday radio show began on July 4, 1970. From a regional California program grew a Global treat. From the beginning to his retirement in 2009  Casey instructed the listeners to the Top 40, then the AT Top 20  then the AT Top 10. He is truly a POP music guru/historian.

"CASEY'S VOICE WAS THE KEY TO HIS SUCCESS!" In addition to his radio shows came Voice Overs"  on Skooby-Doo and many more. The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy saw him help out for a period. I always like's Casey's messages.

His first Long Distance Dedication (LDD) came in 1978 with Neil Diamond's Desiree hit was heard.

The pressing of vinyl on 4 discs was how the program was sent weekly to subscribing radio stations.

Today, Casey Kasem's AT Top 40 can be heard from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on selected radio stations. I tune in to WBMW in Coastal CT at 106.5 FM. Today's # 1 hit song was Time after Time!

His melodious voice and memory live to this day. Thanks, Casey!

Your Fans:
Bob & Ben Potvin
West Brookfield, MA

Saturday, June 23, 2018

PAGEVIEWS TODAY - 197

A bit better. Thanks!

BOB POTVIN

STEVE MANGANTE "IN PERSON!"

After checking with "Johnson" who was at Twin Rivers, I drove to Mohegan-Sun alone using my GPS! My goal was to see Steve Magnante, spokesman for Barrett-Jackson Auctions in person. The trip cross country was a little over 60 miles.I-395 back was ovcr 70.

Parking at Mohegan-Sun was prohibitive. Then I got smart and rode the shuttle to the famed Arena.  I persuaded Craig, Head of Auction Security, of my wish.. to see Steve M. in action. It worked! He escorted me up to the stage in front of tens of thousands auction goers.It was an experience I shall never forget.Nevere have I witnessed such an incredible display of people, cars and trucks.

My estate auctions were like "popcorn" compared to the biggest car auction in the world. AMAZING and to think "Stevie Wonder" is on the world stage makes me feel proud... very proud.

Steve Magnante is an Automotive Journalist. As a teen, his Bancroft School, Worcester, yearbook reveals, his model building prowess  of plastic cars. His creative imagination allowed his mind to wander.. something that is fresh in his persona today.

You can find books Steve has authored on Amazon to include:
  • 1001 Series of facts on Corvettes, Mustangs and others. Steve wrote features items for HOT ROD in 77 issues! In addition to HOT ROD, his writings have been features in CAR CRAFT, CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE, HIGH PERFORMANCE PONTIACS,ELAPSED TIMES AND HOT ROD DELUXE.

There's nobody else  with the vast reservoir of historical knowledge about cars and trucks of all eras than Steve.. STEVE MAGNANTE is Brilliant. He is soft spoken, educated and humble. Peter and Jean Magnante would be extremely proud of their son.

West Brookfield has a favorite son in Steve Magnante..Celebrity, Author, Spokesperson, model maker, and most importantly my student and friend.

Kudos to Steve Magnante  ...YOU DA MAN!

Sincerely,

BOB POTVIN