I have had the honor of being part of the Cook County “press corps” for more than 10 years. I’ve attended just about every imaginable event—school programs and plays; football games in frigid weather; election forums, mellow and fraught with tension; governmental meetings sometimes tedious, sometimes stressful. And through the years, despite some rivalry, I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie of the other members of the press—Vicki Biggs-Anderson, Adam Moe, Jay Andersen, Bill Neil of the News-Herald; Pat Ciochetto, Carah Thomas- Maskell and Jane Howard of the Cook County Star; and Barbara Jean Myers of WTIP radio. All of us lost an interesting and informed colleague— and a dear friend—this week, Harold “Holly” Nelson. Holly passed away on Monday, August 31, 2009.
Holly attended all of the events listed above and more, with his trusty video camera, capturing news and activities for PAC-13, the Grand Marais cable access channel.
It was reassuring to have Holly at county board, city council, and EDA meetings. It was good to know that if I missed an important part of a meeting, Holly had it on tape. Many, many, times over the years, we reporters have gone to the tape to confirm questionable quotes.
It was always nice to have Holly to chat with on breaks during meetings, or when reporters got “kicked out” for closed sessions. No one understood the frustration of meetings that seemed to last forever than the guy who had to switch videotapes!
We had many good political discussions waiting for meetings to start. Conversations generally started with one of us asking, “Do you think they will resolve this today?”
Odds are, the board or council or commission did not and we’d have more discussion on what should—or should not have—been done. Holly, ever philosophical, would say, “I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision. All I have to do is record it!”
I enjoyed grownup discussions with Holly. I’d known him just about all my life. I remember when he had the Candy Shop across the road from the school. Holly was the reason many of us almost missed the bus many times. The candy shop was too enticing with its giant Jolly Rancher bars, Charms sweet & sour lollipops, and Nut Goodies.
In later years, Holly was the “go to” guy for technical advice. He was the one who introduced movie videos to Cook County. As a young parent, I appreciated his video loan library. I was thankful for the very affordable—sometimesfree— home entertainment.
Holly’s recording skills will be missed, at government meetings, at Johnson Heritage Post openings, at graduations, at Fisherman’s Picnic and 4th of July parades, at Vikings sporting events, and others. However, much more, we will miss his quiet, unassuming manner and his generous contribution to our community.
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forgetme nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
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