Pump Up the Volume

Thurs., Oct. 25 - Sun., Oct. 28, 2007

The radio station I worked at during college, 91.3 fm, WBNY, Buffalo's original alternative turned 25!!! To commemorate this special occasion we held a new media, anniversary celebration over the weekend.

Fellow WBNY alumni gathered at Buffalo State College from as far away as New Mexico. Current and past WBNYers networked, exchanged ideas, expertise and stories. The weekend was packed with activities including panels covering the past, present and future of media; a reunion dinner; a special performance featuring The English Beat (the first concert the station sponsored back in April 1983) and a farewell brunch. The visionary behind the station, Tom Calderone (currently the GM of VH1), flew into town to moderate a panel. He graciously offered industry advice to the enthusiastic college students.

I met some incredible new people whom I’m proud to be associated with and I hope to keep in touch. The radio station was a great starting point for me to learn how to entertain an audience during a three-hour shift and write news scripts. I apply those methods to this day when I produce podcasts. Even though technology used at the station is constantly evolving – from records to carts to cassettes to CDs, I hope that the station will continue to thrive for another 25 years. See you in 2032!

To view highlights and read press coverage from the event go to www.wbnyalumni.com.

Special Day

Sat., Oct. 6, 2007

Today my dad turned the big 60!!! I remember I used to think that was really old, but observing my dad I thought ... he looks great. That's one genetic plus I have on my side!

He started his day early by going to play golf with some friends. He called my mom in the afternoon to say he was doing well and would be home around 7 p.m. She replied ummm no, you're going to be home earlier. I think he sensed something was up, but he wasn't exactly sure. He found out soon when he returned home to a surprise party.

Relatives, close family friends, his coworkers and golf buddies were all in attendance. The cuisine included a huge Italian spread. We even special ordered 50 cannoli from Wegman's and 5 lbs. of assorted Italian cookies shipped from a great bakery in Buffalo, N.Y., called Muscoreil's. Attendees brought joke gifts such as plastic dentures hanging off bifocals. Everyone seemed to have a fun time.

As the night winded down and the guests left, he told us it was the best day he ever had! If you knew how hard it is to please my dad, to hear him say that was a pleasant surprise.

Happy Birthday Dad, Love Ya!

A Taste of Home

Wed., Sept. 26, 2007

I heard from many Buffalonians over the years who now live in the Northern Virginia area that I HAD to attend Buffalo Nite. This year I finally bought a ticket. Coincidentally, I was later asked by my alma mater, Buffalo State, to help work their table while I was there. I was happy to oblige.

One of the perks of working the college table was seeing everyone as they arrived. The event drew a huge crowd. The line appeared endless – wrapping around the corner and down the hall, but it moved fast. Congressman Brian Higgins, (representing New York’s 27th District) graciously came up to me and said hello.

The New York State Society hosts this annual event, now in its 29th year. Festivities kicked off at 6 p.m. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Inside the event room was an endless spread of specialty foods flown in from Buffalo including: Beef on Weck, Battistoni Pepperoni, Bison Chip Dip, Wardynski Polish Sausage, Rosina Meatballs, Sahlen's Hot Dogs, Rich's Products, Genesee Beer and much much more. Maneuvering through the standing room only crowd was tricky, but I was able to get a piece of Bocce Club Pizza … a little slice of heaven if you will.

Lots of door prizes were raffled off throughout the evening and everyone who attended was given a baseball hat with a Buffalo on the front. Overall, I had a nice time.