This Sunday morning at 10 a.m., Ed Henry will be sitting down at the microphone of WMRD-AM 1150 - that's not an unusual event for the 83-year old Middletown native. In fact, the first Sunday of 2011 marks the beginning of his 61st year on the local airwaves. He started his tenure on "The Polish Melodies Show" when the station was known as WCNX and the studios were located on Main Street down near Washington Street (on the northern side.)
Think of it - he's been broadcasting through the terms of 11 US Presidents (and now, the 12th) and seen the city go from riches to rags and back to a new richness. Through it all, his sense of humor has never wavered nor has his love of his Polish heritage. When he first started, there were machines that played 78 rpm records and huge reel-to-reel tape decks (you had to splice the tape to edit your programs and advertisements.) Now, like most stations, WMRD is computerized and, to his credit, Mr Henry has learned how to navigate through the electronic airwaves.
Stolat!! to Ed Henry from all his faithful listeners throughout the state (since his show has been simulcast on WLIS-AM in Old Saybrook, he's picked up a legion of new ones from the Shoreline area.) As a colleague for the past 14 years, I can honestly say he's one of the friendliest, kindest, and (on many occasions) the goofiest pal a person can have. That's "The Polish Melodies Show" with your host Ed Henry from 10 - 11 a.m on WMRD-AM1150 - He's got personality!
I listened to Ed Henry growing up. My grandparents always had it on Sunday mornings, and I would often be there at the end of the show, where he always played the polka "I don't want to go home". Great memories of two people that have left us, and their friend who is still making people happy on-air every week!
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