(12/14/06)  When Ken Mosakowski died in November, Amherst lost not only a political activist, dedicated citizen and iconic local character – it lost the founder and host of a popular radio program. 

Focus, airing Sundays at noon on WMUA 91.1 FM, began 38 years ago.

“As a student at UMass in 1968 Ken protested the Viet Nam war; along with a deep concern for democracy and justice he possessed a beautiful speaking voice,” according to a brief history of the program written by Molly Turner, in collaboration with Harry Brooks and Rob Kusner. “He turned to the student radio station to send a message of peace and justice to the community and he had a message every Sunday at noon. His theme song was John Lennon's ‘Imagine.’”

Mosakowski’s shows covered topics ranging from international to distinctly local.  Brooks was a frequent guest, discussing issues on the Town Meeting warrant.  He said that Mosakowski interviewed people from a wide-range of viewpoints, not only those with whom he agreed.

“He just believed in getting the word out there,” said Brooks.

It is in that spirit that Brooks, Turner, Kusner and a growing list of “Friends of Ken” intend to keep the Focus program alive. 

Mosakowski’s last show was November 19th.

“On Sunday, November 26, several of his friends could not bear the idea of the first Sunday without Ken to be just an extended polka program with an announcement of Ken's passing. So we went down to the station and persuaded the management there to give us a few minutes to remember Ken and to hear Imagine once more,” wrote Turner.  “We had a lot to remember and we knew that Ken loved that act of spontaneity and we knew that what he wanted most of all was for 'Focus' to live beyond its 38 years.”

Brooks said that gathering prompted talk of the future.  They knew that none among them could match Mosakowski’s singular commitment to producing a show every week.  Instead, said Brooks, “We thought, ‘How about we get a bunch of people and take turns?’”

And that’s exactly what they plan to do. 

Brooks already has a list of almost two dozen people interested in taking their turns at the microphone.  Many have signed up for training sessions at WMUA to learn to operate the broadcasting equipment.  While Mosakowski was a pro and could run the show single-handedly, Brooks said the “Friends of Ken” will typically pair up, sharing the burden of working the equipment and keeping the conversation flowing.

“We’re trying to continue the program in Ken’s tradition of addressing local political issues and national issues with a local resonance,” explained Leo Maley.

The schedule for the next couple of programs has been set. 

On Sunday, December 18th, Maley and Peter Vickery will host a show on the topic of “the GI Hotline.”  Chris Myer and other guests will discuss how the hotline serves the needs of veterans and military personnel.

On December 24th, Brooks and Turner will host a show on Hospice care, a vital element at the end of Mosakowski’s life.

On December 31st, Kusner and this reporter will talk about the year in review on a show that will also feature Ruth Hooke and the Raging Grannies.

In fitting tribute to Mosakowski, Focus will live on, and “Imagine” will remain its theme.

A memorial service celebrating Mosakowski’s life is planned for January 20th in the large meeting room at the Jones Library, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Brooks said the occasion will be a potluck, so guests are invited to bring a dish to share.

-- Stephanie O’Keeffe

Correction:  This article was edited at 9:40 a.m. on 12/15/07 to correct the attribution of the program’s historical information.