Lori L. Mavrigian

Managing Editor

Since joining Modern Tire Dealer in 1979, Lori Mavrigian has held several key positions leading to her current title as managing editor. In addition to handling the day-to-day operations of magazine production, Lori writes features, contributes photography and is in charge of several of the magazines departments. She also works with the magazine's National Advisory Council for the exclusive Ludwig Report surveys. She earned a B.A. in Mass Media-Communications from the University of Akron.

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The spirit of Goodyear praised by David Letterman

By: Lori L. Mavrigian

Last night, David Letterman had high praise for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. on his TV talk show.

What was it all about? Well, this past Sunday, Letterman's son, Harry, got to take a ride on the Goodyear blimp The Spirit of Goodyear -- to celebrate his seventh birthday.

A company spokesman said Goodyear was contacted by Letterman's assistant to see if it would be possible to host Harry on his special day. The company has had a long-standing relationship with the Late Show with David Letterman. As one example, several years ago it took "Biff" Henderson, Letterman's old sidekick and stage manager, for an extended blimp ride over New York City.

Goodyear quickly -- and quietly -- put the pieces together to make it possible for Harry and some friends and family members -- four kids and 10 adults in all -- to take private blimp rides out of the hangar near the company's Akron, Ohio, headquarters.

Two rides were offered, with Harry on the first. And when he got off and the second flight was airborne, Goodyear flashed a “day sign” on the side of the blimp that read, "Happy birthday, Harry."

The entertainer was gracious and extremely appreciative that his group was able to enjoy the wonderful experience without fans bothering them, said Goodyear's spokesman. There was the usual group of onlookers who came to watch the blimp's launch, but they had no idea who was being given a ride. There was no press invited, no news photographers or videographers. 

Letterman did pose for photos with the Goodyear crew and the small number of people who had worked to pull off the private party.

I like to hear stories like this. I'm an Akron girl, born and raised. I can distinguish the drone of a blimp's engine from miles away (although I do prefer the sound of the old blimps over the whisper-quiet new ones....).

And years ago I had my own dream of riding in a Goodyear blimp come true -- and still have my blimp pilot card to prove it.

I have always felt privileged to have been able to experience that, and will never forget it. And neither will Harry.

Way to go Goodyear, for making dreams come true.

Related Topics: Blimp, David Letterman, Goodyear, The Late Show

comments

1. Jerry | November 14, 2010 at 06:50PM
   LORI, I GOT TO RIDE IN ONE OF RHE OLD BLIMPS BACK IN 1949 AND AGAIN IN THEE LATE 50'S. ONCE WAS OVR HOUSTON FOR THE OPENING OF THE FABULOUS SHAMROCK HOTEL, AND THES ECOND WAS IN MIAMI, FLORIDA FOR AN NTDRA ADVANCED TRAINING SEMINAR. BEST MEMORIES--THEY ARE REALLY SHADY, THEY GAIN ALTITUDE LIKE A HOMESICK ANGEL, AND YOU CAN HEAR PEOPLE TALKING ON THE GROUND FROM HUNDREDS OF FEET IN THE AIR.