About Andy Tomolonis
I love a great story. But I know that great stories don't write themselves. They begin with an idea that needs careful nurturing, followed by the artistry of flawless execution.
As an award-winning journalist with 20-plus years of experience leading newsrooms large and small, I know how to find great stories and tell them in a compelling way.
Following are some examples of recently published work. Some are heart-felt news columns about ordinary people finding extraordinary strength in coping with adversity.
Below the columns are examples of persuasive and thought-provoking editorials from the Opinion pages of The Standard-Times.
Award-winning columnist
WRITER GETS PAYBACK FROM CANCER CHARITY
Sometimes a coincidence is more than a coincidence.
Call it the hand of God, a guardian angel or the collective karma of a dozen good deeds done without a single cry for reward. In any case, when random events seem like part of a higher plan, the story should be shared.
STROKE SURVIVOR GIVES THANKS AT CHRISTMAS
Joe Manning isn’t asking for much this Christmas — just a chance to say thank you.
He’s always been grateful for the love of his daughter, Serena. But this year, he’s happy about his return to good health.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE ... THERE MAY BE AN OUI
The story made local headlines — complete with a stone-faced mug shot and the obligatory public shaming on Facebook.
Westport Police had arrested a 35-year-old Acushnet man for driving under the influence of marijuana. Details seemed scripted from a Cheech and Chong movie.
A FAMILY'S STRENGTH AND A COMMUNITY'S LOVE
Last year Andrew Eugenio was an A-student, a high school athlete in two sports, and an outgoing teen. But Andrew suffered a devastating brain injury in an freak auto accident, and now the community is trying to help.
Thought-leading editorial writer
FISHERMEN NEED A VOICE IN OFFSHORE WIND TRADE
Amid the celebrations of a burgeoning offshore wind economy in New Bedford, we can’t lose track of the industry that has made New Bedford the most lucrative seafood port in the nation for 17 years in a row. The city’s hard-working fishermen must be given serious consideration in any changes that could affect the waters where they ply their trade.
TOO MANY IN NEW BEDFORD EATING PCB-LACED FISH
New Bedford Harbor is getting cleaner. That's the good news. But it’s still not clean enough to eat the shellfish that filter water, the crabs that scuttle through the mud or the fish that swim in harbor waters. And too many residents are doing just that.
TIME TO CRACK DOWN ON DISTRACTED DRIVERS
You’re driving in the fast lane, eyes on the road, when some oblivious driver veers into your lane. First you swerve, brake and beep. Then you pass and glance to the right.
Yup ... Another Bozo on a cell phone, still gabbing like nothing is awry. It's time to stop the recklessness, and state Sen. Mark C. Montigny's latest bill is a good place to start.
LOCAL EMTS SPARK SENSIBLE OPIOID CHANGES
Ambulance personnel in Massachusetts will soon have the option of administering non-opioid pain relievers — including intravenous Tylenol. We're cheering this development, but we're also wondering what took so long?