New Year, new PRIME faces in 2010

I am truly honored to be taking the helm as the new editor of PRIME magazine, and starting off a meaningful dialogue with all of our readers. For those I haven't already met in person, I hope to introduce myself soon. First, here's a little background information. As a native of Hampden, I have this area's interests at heart. I graduated from a local high school, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in English from a small college in Connecticut. I soon found my calling in print journalism, beginning my career at a newspaper chain in the greater Boston area. I later lived and wrote in the "Wild West" as a journalist in Northern Arizona. Along the way, I've been fortunate to interview a number of prominent politicians: John Kerry, John McCain, former VP hopeful Joe Lieberman, Ralph Nader (during his dark-horse bid for the Presidency in 2000), and current Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano. Most recently, I worked for Hartford Magazine, writing feature stories about Boston Celtics basketball star Ray Allen and internationally acclaimed jazz drummer Cindy Blackman. I've since relocated to a beautiful, historic home in Springfield, which, when constructed in 1909, had a connection to Springfield's Duryea Car Company. I live there with my loving wife and two energetic dogs. I hope you enjoy this month's edition of PRIME. Our theme for January is starting fresh for the New Year. What trends do our readers need to know about for 2010? We should be able to shed light upon many topics this month, and perhaps spark a few discussions about what the New Year holds. I'd also like to take this opportunity to welcome Leonardo Pilares to a new position at PRIME. He officially made the jump from design staffer to Art Director last month. Chances are, anything on these pages that looks aesthetically pleasing is a direct result of Leo's keen artistic eye. His contributions to the visual appeal of PRIME cannot be overstated. Readers may also notice a new guest columnist on the pages of the magazine this month. Peggy Melanson is an acclaimed author, storyteller, artist and chef whose articles have appeared in many New England publications. We hope you enjoy her column about the holidays as celebrated in traditional French-Canadian style. Again, I'm pleased to be taking over as PRIME editor. Former editor Deb Gardner stewarded this publication for nearly a decade-and-a-half. I aim to continue the same high-quality product, and achieve a similar familiarity with everyone who enjoys this magazine. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail your PRIME story suggestions, event information, photos and comments. All good publications belong, ultimately, to their readers. I sincerely hope that our readers continue to keep this magazine relevant and vital into 2010-and beyond. Happy Holidays, Mike Briotta, PRIME Editor