590 MIGHTY MEMORY #306

BIAGIO “BUON APPETITO” DENTE DIES 

Before there was The Food Network, local residents had Biagio Dente. Every morning after the 8:30 news, like clockwork on the Mighty 590, WARM, Biagio Dente and WARM jocks, Harry West, Len Woloson, or Terry McNulty would verbally spar with the Pittston Chef.  Dente bought that time spot for years on WARM Radio to promote his business and in the process became part of those storied WARM years. Dente's famous sign off line was "Buon Appetito!!!" Dente passed away last week at the age of 78 in Florida. 
I had met Mr. Dente a few times and they were memorable. Biagio was quite the renaissance man who could be seen on WVIA TV’s Ballroom Dancing, in the Pittston Tomato Festival, dropping off his Table Talk column to the Sunday Dispatch or just hanging out with his friends. 
My fondest memory of Biagio was when we both attended a Crabfest at Our Lady of Victory Church in Harvey’s Lake. We both were there because of our association with Joey Shaver. I sat with Mr. Dente and his wife and he actually showed me the best way to eat and crack soft shell crabs. Our condolences go out to his family especially his son Blaise who is a fellow member of the Pittston Knights of Columbus with me. 

Biago and Blaise in a photo promoting the Festival of Tomatoes in his beloved Pittston. 
He was a memorable man who will be fondly acknowledged for his very full life. Dente was part of the fabric of WARMland, just like the signature radio station he advertised on in its heyday. 
Here are two reports from WNEP.com and his obituary from the local newspapers. 

FROM WNEP.COM 
A chef from Luzerne County who was one of the founders of Pittston’s annual Tomato Festival has died. Biagio Dente of Pittston died in Fort Meyers, Florida on December 14. He was the owner of Dente’s Catering Service and Dente’s Tent & Rental Company before retiring in 2015. Dente was a hall of fame inductee in the American Academy of Chefs. In addition to being a founding organizer of the Tomato Festival, he also served as grand marshal of the festival and is depicted on the Pittston Inspirational Mural. Biagio Dente was 78 years old. His funeral will be on December 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. 
FROM THE TIMES LEADER 
Biagio A. Dente, 78, of Pittston, passed away in Fort Myers, Fla., on Dec. 14, 2016. 
He was the son of the late Albert and Helen Dente. His wife is the former Emma Jean Pisano. Biagio was owner of Dente's Catering Service and Dente's Tent & Rental Company prior to his retirement in 2015. 
Chef Biagio was a lifetime senior member of the American Culinary Federation. It is through this organization that he was a certified executive chef, a member of the American Academy of Chefs, (its prestigious honor society), and one of the only 50 chefs nationwide to be enshrined in the American Academy of Chefs Hall of Fame. 
He was the recipient of many awards, honors and achievements, both on the local and national levels. He was a current charter member and past president of the American Culinary Federation, Professional Chefs of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He had recently served as its chapter chaplain and senior chefs chairperson. He was named its Chapter Chef of the Year in 1979. Biagio had also served as local president and state president, and on the board of directors, of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association. 
He was founding organizer of the Pittston Tomato Festival, past grand marshal of the Pittston Tomato Festival and one of the people portrayed in the Pittston Inspirational Mural. 

Aside from his professional organizations, Biagio was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston, where he was a daily communicant and Eucharistic Minister. He also served in the same capacities at his "winter" parish, St. John XXIII in Fort Myers, Fla. He was a fourth degree member of the President John F. Kennedy Council 372 & Assembly 948, Pittston. He was a ballroom dancer, member of the Wilkes-Barre Elks Club, and a member of Fox Hill Country Club. 
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine L. Dente, R.Ph. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Suzanne and son-in-law, Oscar DeJesus; granddaughters, Alyvia Elaine and Alisa Rose, all from Kansas City, Kan.; his son, Blaise Alan Dente, of Pittston; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. 
The funeral will be on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Arrangements are by the Paul F. Leonard Funeral Home, Pittston. 
In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation can be made in Biagio's name to the Elaine L. Dente, R.Ph. Memorial Scholarship c/o UNICO, Scranton Foundation, PO Box 278 Dunmore, PA 18512.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #307

BEFORE WNEP, THERE WAS A WARM TV 

WNEP TV actually started out as WARM TV. But it has always been known as Channel 16. When Bill Scranton joined Union Broadcasting, things started to happen. Scranton was not only an advisor but was known as "a substantial stockholder". One of the big happenings was the advent of Channel 16 starting out as WARM TV. All that was needed when this appeared in the press was FCC approval.
Here is the article about it from June 20th 1952 in The Tribune from our good friend and contributor Joe Klapatch. 

(Click on article to enlarge)

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #308

BILL SCRANTON JOINS WARM 

When WARM Radio was 12 years old in 1952, William Warren Scranton was the future Congressman, Governor, Presidential candidate, Ambassador and lifelong diplomat. That was the future. 
However in '52 Scranton joined Union Broadcasting and WARM Radio in an Advisory position. It was an exciting time for WARM because just days after this article was published on June 27th in The Tribune, WARM went to the storied 5,000 watts of power. 

Here's that article courtesy of our good friend and 590 Forever contributor Joe Klapatch. (Click on photo to enlarge).

Add caption

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #309

CHRISTMAS IN WARM-LAND BEGINS 

Two big Santa parades went on in both Scranton and Wilkes Barre today. Big crowds turned out in both cities and it reminded me of the role WARM Radio played in the Holiday season. WARM had contests, Santa Parades, Coat drives, you name it. WARM’s promotions were legend and in the old days usually started after Thanksgiving. 
At today’s parade WARM Sensational 7 member Tom Woods showed up and is shown here with Paula Deignan-Reynolds the wife of former WARM newsman Bob Reynolds. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #310

THE WOODY GUY

 (Photo below: WNEP.com)

 Bob Woody at the Lehman Horse Show circa 1970s. (Photo: Dallas Post)

Word came this week through Social Media that Bob Woody died at the age of 73. Woody was an iconic radio host on WARM, WSCR, WBQW, WBAX and WILK. Woody also did a weekly show on WNEP TV 16 featuring the comedy antics of The Three Stooges.
Later Woody ran a successful ad agency called naturally enough, "The Ad Agency" and was a fierce advocate for his clients.
Woody arrived when I was living in Washington, D.C. in 1972 but I got to know him along with the reputation he was carving out as a radio personality. Years later I worked with him on a regional "Twin Valleys" project to build cultural bridges between Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. He was someone who challenged you and made you better.
Bob always told me that "If you say you are going to do something, do it". That stuck with me in every endeavor I always took part in. Bob Woody was a great inspiration to people who had the privilege to work with him and know him. He might have died but certainly not his lessons of life. They still live on. Check out other editions of 590 Forever about Bob Woody. 
 http://david-yonki.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html
 http://david-yonki.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html
Here's his obit: Robert M. Woody, 73, of Pittsburgh, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 29, 2016. He was born August 6, 1943, a son of late Maude Woody and Kenneth Woody. He was a man of many talents, in his early years a popular disc jockey & his later years, a business owner, using his unremarkable talents of TV and radio, operating his own company, the Ad Agency. Bob & friend, the great Harry Chapin would do free shows at local events in the Wilkes-Barre Scranton area to raise awareness and money for "World Hunger". Bob became a pilot and was recognized by the FAA for exceeding high education, licensing and medical standards established by the FAA. He was also very involved and a proud supporter of the innovative ideas of Warner Erhard a critical thinker helping individuals, groups & organizations with integrity, performance, leadership and positive transformation. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Rene LaSpina; brother Kenneth Woody, sister-in-law, Katie, niece Debbie Yankovitch & nephew, Kenny Jr., daughter, Bobbie Ragsdale, son-in-law, Jack Ragsdale, grandfather of Heather Pastor, great grandfather of MacKenzie Suncine & Brandon Suncine. The family would like to thank the staff at the Roswell Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY and oncologist, Dr. Opyrchal. Per Bob's wishes, there will be no viewing or celebration of his life. 
Woody lived on Harrison Avenue in The Hill Section of Scranton for many years. As a deejay he played many songs for his listeners, now we'll send one out to him in that great beyond from one of his favorite people:

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #311

SAM LIGUORI 

The late Sam Liguori (Photo: Citizen's Voice) 

On April 16th of 1978, Ward's station and staff was featured in an edition of the Sunday Dispatch. Sam Liguori is in front...standing l to r is Jim, Bobby Gunther Walsh, Cliff Eshbach and Marge Stefaniak...who later went as Marge Stevens on WILK. 

I first became aware of Sam Liguori when he did the news as a young man on WPTS Radio. It was the old 1540 frequency owned by the Fiorani family. Sam later had a show on what was the hybrid oldies station that also had polka programming at 4pm. 
Sam later moved to WBAX Radio where he started a lifelong career friendship with Jim Ward. Sam was there at WBAX during the Merv Griffin years and served as Ward’s right hand man as the station with through various formats. He is best known as the last guy out of WBAX Radio, then located in a brand new facility on Route 11 in Edwardsville as the flood waters of June 1972 came over the banks. 
After the flood, Sam was the pivotal mid day jock as the station had its Golden Oldies format that was really rocking the Valley. When Jim Ward started his own station, WARD (the old WPTS) Sam went back to the facility on Foote Avenue in Duryea where he got his start. At the time, I was doing a rock and roll/media column and talked to Ward about his new staff and venture. Ward said, “Oh Sam’s going with me, I couldn’t do it without him. He’s my right hand man, my Ed McMahon, I trust him completely. He is the most competent broadcaster I know”. Liguori was with Ward during middle of the road music and request hit line formats, the fabled “Coping Connection" and those omnipresent polka weekends.  Before and after Ward’s death (when radio station WARD morphed into WKQV AM and FM) Sam was a mainstay on the Home Shopper Club which was way before its time. Sam and Jeff Gordon sold goods on the air and were wildly entertaining. Sam would tell listeners that he had to check that big WARD shopper’s computer to see if there was inventory all the while thumbing through index cards with the merchandise scrawled on them. There was a computer but it was in the front office. 

After WKQV was bought out by Susquehanna Broadcasting, Sam wound up as a Producer on WARM’s Talk Radio formats. He was paired with Kevin Lynn in the afternoon and the two had great chemistry. Lynn gave Liguori his due as a broadcast sage. When I was in sales at WARM, I’d drop by the studios to say hi and I’d get the big greeting, “Davey Davey, how are we today?” without fail and with that great big smile. 
Sam hosted a Polka show Saturdays on WARM and then later a Saturday Night Country Classics Hall of Fame show on the country format station called Cat Country and then NASH. Sam was a lifelong resident of the area except for a sojourn to New Mexico. 
When I heard that Sam had died, my mind went back to many moments I shared with him as a listener and then as a co-worker. But one thing stuck in my mind. The night Jim Ward died, Sam had a recorded on air eulogy on WARD. I was filling in during the night shift for Bobby Hafner at the time. He said about WARD with that booming friendly voice coming out of those broadcast speakers,  “You are now in the arms of the Lord my friend, you will be missed. I’ll be thinking of you every day buddy, until we meet again”. 
The day Sam died I bet they did meet again and I’m sure it was spectacular.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #312

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF TRACK AT DRAG LODGE DIES

Joe Perugino (Photo: Times Leader)

Our good friend Charlie Hulsizer sent us this appreciation and remembrance of the late Joe Perugino Senior who passed away this week. Perugino was one of the people who helped form the famous Pocono Drag Lodge of which WARM Radio was a major part of in the 1960s. Here is his remembrance.
Joe Perugino and his Brother Jimmy, and his father came up with the Idea of building a Drag Strip in NEPA after the successful Drag Racing Activities at Forty Fort Airport in the late 50's. They were also concerned with the Unsafe street racing that was taking place in the Valley. The family Purchased 300 acres in Bear Creek, and construction was started in 1961. 
The track was officially opened in 1963 and ran until 1971. Due to the Visit of Agnes in 1972, the track never reopened. It was a true family affair--everyone in the Family participated in the running of the track, including Joe's sisters. The Timing system was built and designed by Joe's Brother in law. Even the track Announcer. "Mondo" Mirin, brought his daughters Annie and Carol to the track on race day. The Blacktop was put down by the Legendary Addy Asphalt company. Most Construction work was done by the Perugino Family Construction Company. And Mrs. Victoria Perugino, Joe and Jimmy’s mom, always had a full traditional Italian Feast after the races.
In order to keep the racing off the streets the Lodge held the Popular Wednesday night Grudge races. For $2 you could come up and have at it with anyone you wanted, even if you just wanted to " Test and Tune:" your race car for the upcoming Sunday races. Whether you were a professional racer on a strict schedule. or a Hobbyist, you could truly "Run Whatcha Brung" at the Lodge. Many a family Car had the hubcaps peeled off for a race!!!. 
The Pocono Drag Lodge ran for eight seasons, I was fortunate to be able to run eight yearly reunions, Including a great 50 year anniversary Reunion in 2012. You ask how the Name Pocono Drag Lodge came to be? Joe came up with the name, and the 3 founders envisioned a full service Racing Resort that would feature a Nascar track, other motorsports tracks and Hotels on site. The track remains today as a monument to the Glory Days of Pocono Drag Lodge.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #313

WVIA’S 50th ANNIVERSARY AND WARM RADIO 

 Article from Scranton newspaper on the day WVIA went on the air. (blogs-thetiestribune) 

This September WVIA TV celebrated its 50th anniversary. On September 26th, WVIA went on the air and became the fourth TV station in WARMland. WARM Radio and its previous companies had a hand in the formation of WVIA TV and later the way that it sustained itself through fundraising. 
First the transmitter that WVIA used to go on the air came from WARM TV which was a factor in the early 1950s. WARM TV, owned by future Governor Bill Scranton later became WNEP TV. WNEP essentially gave the transmitter to first GM George Strimel and the fledgling board of the educational TV outlet.
Once on the air, the TV station had an annual Auction every June. Called Action Auction, it relied on local personalities to act as guest auctioneers. Tim Karlson, George Gilbert as well as Harry West came by and lent a hand. As a matter of fact, one of the biggest thrills I ever had was giving Harry a tour of the WVIA FM Studios one night when he was at the station. 

Currently WARM Radio is now 590 Sports Radio. The new owners are barely using the WARM call letters. BUT the legacy of WARM still lives on through the institutions still thriving because of the seeds planted by the help of the people who were involved with WARM broadcasting. 

 In edition #3310 of LuLac, we wrote of the 50th anniversary. Here's the link: http://lulacpoliticaletter.blogspot.com/

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #314

THE START OF WARM TV 

From October 26, 1951, Scranton Tribune 

Before The Mighty 590, there was WARM TV. In the fall of 1951, readers of the Scranton Tribune first saw plans of WARM TV. Thanks to our friend Joe Klapatch, here is that article. (Click on article to enlarge)

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #315

8th ANNUAL POCONO DRAG LODGE REUNION TAKES PLACE

A staple of WARM Radio was the Pocono Drag Lodge every summer. This year The Drag Lodge Reunion went off without hitch in early August. Historic cars lined the area and The Big Kahuna spun the records of an era where WARM Radio was King.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #316

WARM DUMPS FM 

Our good buddy Joe Klapatch sent is this story fro  the Scranton Tribune dated May 26th, 1951. In the release it was revealed that WARM FM stopped broadcasting in April and its staff was reassigned to the Falls transmitter site.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #317

WHEN MARY AND KELLY MET THE PHANATIC!!!!

During the heyday of the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Red Barons and WARM's involvement in it, two WARM staffers, Mary Sanderson Ruda and Kelly Reed met the Phan Man himself. 
WARM was carrying the Phillies and the Barons were the Triple A team. Kelly at the time was doing field interviews at the Stadium and doing Morning Sports on the Mighty 590.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #318

JOE CAFFREY HAD THE INSIDE SCOOP 

Wilkes Barre Area School Director Joe Caffrey. (Photo: Citizen's Voice)

Wilkes Barre Area School Board member and former educator Joe Caffrey was one of thousands of people in NEPA that grew up on WARM Radio. Like many, Caffrey collected those very popular WARM survey sheets.

Joe mentioned the other day that his father actually worked for the Llewellyn & McKane Printers in Wilkes Barre. That company printed up those surveys and Joe's dad worked there. His dad, knowing how much Joe liked the Mighty 590 usually gave his son a survey before it hit the stores! 
So the young Caffrey actually had the sheet in hand as Ron Allen conducted the 1pm to 6pm Saturday afternoon Countdown show while the rest of us were scrambling to pick up our own copy.
Or worse yet, waiting for Monday to get it!
Another great 590 Forever Mighty Memory. 
Thanks Joe for sharing and letting me tell the story.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #319

BOBBY DAY AND WARM SOFTBALL SOFTIES SEMI REUNION

Back in the heydey of WARM, the summer meant appearances by the WARM Softball Softies. The team would travel to various venues for fun or to raise money for a charity.
The other night Day and some team members had a reunion of sorts at Flaherty's in Edwardsville.
From Bobby Day's Facebook page, he wrote: Great time with dear friends and former teammates of the WARM Softball Softees at Flaherty's Eating and Drinking Establishment in Kingston. L-R: Me, Mr.B, Pete, Rich, Jack L, Clark, Budd, Jack B,  and Stan.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #320

WARM’S CHARLIE MORGAN DIES 

The late Charlie Morgan. (Photo: Citizen's Voice) 

If members of the WARM Sensational Seven were legends in front of the microphone, Pittston’s Charlie Morgan was one behind the scenes. It was Morgan who made those five towers of power run with their broadcast juice. Charlie was a gregarious and charismatic fellow that commanded the room when he walked in. He will be missed. Here’s his obituary. 
Charles "Charlie" Thomas Morgan, 82, of Pittston, died Saturday, July 30, 2016, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was the son of the late Charles and Margaret Gallagher Morgan of Pittston. Charlie was a 1951 graduate of Pittston High School. Early in his career, he was chief engineer of WARM Radio and served until his retirement as senior vice president of radio for the parent company, Susquehanna Radio Corporation, in York. As a leader in his field, he was the chairman of the National Radio Systems Committee, a position he held for over 20 years. 
In 1993, he was the recipient of the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Engineering Achievement Award. He was a charter member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and former member of the National Association of Broadcast Engineering Advisory Committee, where he served as the chairman of its AM Improvement Committee. He has written numerous published articles on the radio industry. 
He was the founding owner and operator of WTLQ-FM 102.3 Pittston. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish and a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 372, Pittston. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Genevieve Clarke Morgan, and his brother, John Morgan, Pittston. 
Surviving are his three children, Chuck Morgan and wife, Cathy, Moosic; Donna Dunn and husband, Gary, La Plata, Md.; and Linda Morgan, Pittston. He has four grandchildren, Chucky IV and Colby Morgan, Moosic; and twins, Kyle and Alicia Dunn, La Plata, Md.; sister, Mary Morgan Parente and husband, Charles, Harveys Lake; brother, Joseph and wife, Carol, Binghamton, N.Y.; and sister-in-law, Mary Morgan, West Pittston; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday from Paul Leonard Funeral home, 575 N. Main St., Pittston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Charlie to the Care and Concern Food Pantry, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #321

WARM’S SUMMER REPLACEMENTS 

During the early 1970s when Harry West’s replacement Len Woloson left and before WARM could find a replacement, the station did some creative juggling of personalities and schedules. With vacation time looming during the summer of ’71 George Gilbert did Mornings and the station aired The History of Rock and Roll until things got back to normal. 
It was a 52 hour show and had WARM covered. Here’s just one of those early songs you heard.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #322

THE FIRST WARM TALK SHOW HOST FIRED? 

Well when WARM Radio was in its talk phase there were a few who were asked politely to leave. But our friend Joe Klapatch sent us an article from April 12, 1951 where WARM Management fired the head of the Home Owners and Tax Payers League. Emil Legmann was dropped from his Saturday night WARM slot by General Manager Bill Dawson. 
After a meeting in the Bowman Building, it was announced that Legmann was let go because he departed from his original intent by indulging in personalities. Legmann was a frequent critic of the Mayor James Hanlon administration as well as the Scranton Times and the Democratically controlled School Board..
At a later meeting Legmann expressed appreciation to WARM management for providing free air time to discuss issues that affected the city. The thing though that pretty much ended the association was the League’s decision to support and endorse candidates in the upcoming Primary Elections. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #323

45 YEARS SINCE WARM AND WNEP STAR MAKES HIS COMMERCIAL RADIO DEBUT

 It was 45 years ago this month that Tim Karlson, known as "The Crazy Redhead" on WARM made his radio debut. In Pittston WPTS Radio conducts a contest called “Disc Jockey for a day. Morning man at the time, Bob Serfain hosted.

Two people who were picked was your blog editor as well as a minister’s kid from Scranton Tim Kidwell. Kidwell later went on to become Tm Karlson. 
Karlson later went to WSCR, WARM and then became the long time Sports Director at WNEP TV.  
Karlson died in 2008 at a way too young age. But in the summer of '71, Tim Kidwell, aka Tim Carlson talked up the post at the old 1540 AM on this week’s number one hit from '71 “It’s Too Late” by Carole King.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #324

HARRY WEST'S LOVE SONGS

Sunday afternoon there was a celebration of Harry West’s career at The Grotto. When I heard about the event from Beverly Johnston and Denise DeLuca, wild horses couldn’t drag me away from attending. As I told a reporter from The Times Leader, Harry was my boyhood idol. 
I became interested in radio and all things electronic broadcasting when I was just about 8. Harry was a mainstay in our house when I was growing up since my dad was a big fan of WARM News. The radio bug was reinforced when I found out a cousin of mine was indeed a radio personality in Pittsburgh. His name was Ed Price. Between Harry and Ed, I was hooked. 
At school we’d have disagreements who would be Harry. Let me explain. As young boys we used to emulate baseball players at recess. I was a second tier rooter for lesser known players. So my favorites were Gus Trandos and Smoky Burgess. No need to fight over being Mantle or Mays. But when it came to imitating Harry in the classroom between classes, well I had to stand my ground. 
My dear friend’s late father Joesph Dellarte Senior of Wyoming even gave me the nickname “Harry” because of my penchant for bringing Mr. West up all the time. I’d travel to remotes and just watch him. When he left WARM in 1969, I thought “good for him” but never got used to the array of replacements at WARM. 
Attending Career Academy of Broadcasting as well as college, I embarked on a radio career myself working at the fledgling WVIA FM. On July 16th, 1973 though, Harry West came back to WARMland. I noticed and was thrilled. After Harry ended his first show upon his return, Bill Kelly played the Carpenter’s “Yesterday Once More”. A few moths later Harry showed up at the WVIA TV studios to do the Auction. We talked. He asked for a tour of the WVIA FM Studio and it was a surreal experience for me. Harry would rattle off the names of the tape recorders, (they were the Revox brand) and commented on the new microphones we had. 
Harry was back in town but I had my own stuff to attend to like graduating college, getting married and embarking on a career in Public Relations. Harry and I interacted a lot in my capacity as a United Way staff member. I dare say we became professional friends. I’d sometimes step back and say, “Holy Shit, I’m on the Harry West show!" when he interviewed me for an event. Somewhere I knew my dad would be smiling. 
Harry was gracious enough to emcee many an event for my work back then and for that I will always be grateful.
After his WARM days we kept in touch but not as frequently as we should have. That was my fault. But Harry, whenever we reconnected never guilted me but busted me in a friendly manner. Like any person, I knew Harry wasn’t perfect. He also knew I wasn’t either. But that transcended the friendly bond we had. 
So on Sunday Harry was feted by friends and family. A family who by the way shared him with us. People talked about his career, his antics and his personality. I spoke about his generous support of non profit agencies. 

WARM was the  community oriented station anyway but Harry never refused a good cause. Plus he threw himself into every promotion with joyful abandon. Hell he even ate my chili!!! 

Much was made of Harry’s support for mentally disadvantaged and disabled citizens. A few people spoke of Harry’s post retirement Happy Hours which consisted of half a drink and an early exit. People talked about how he and WARM played a significant part in their lives. Whether It was speaking about Harry attending a 50th birthday party or a “hop”, the words and good wishes flowed. 
I heard Wendy Westcott Bognar, his daughter say that she and her brothers were always around music because of father’s career. That struck, excuse the pin here, a cord with me. Harry West played numerous love song in his public appearances and on the radio. 
Five decades of love songs. But every person who spoke on Sunday, ever attendee, every person who heard about the event at Grotto and stopped by, they all were giving Harry West the love songs back. The words were all different as well as the emotions………..but given the occasion and the man, they were all in tune. 
Harry West came into the area playing those love songs on the Mighty 590. He left town herring them again. 
And they were about him!

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #325

A FEW PHOTOS FROM HARRY'S EVENT 

I had the opportunity to tell a few stories about Harry.  

Harry with his WARM guys. Joey Shaver fellow legend and WARM Radio icon, Clark Kushke WARM Production Manager, your blog editor (WARM Sales) and Joe Middleton, WARM Utility Man, raconteur and historian. 

Two WARM era fans from the Mid Valley  made the trip to see Harry. Dale Schank, of Dunmore, and Jim Sovaiko, of Throop. 

Former Mayer of Nanticoke John Toole, a good friend of Harry's learns new facts about his friend from Joe Middleton. 

Our good friend Bev Johnston organized this event and also took all the photos you see here today.

Harry's cousins showed up too. They lived out of the area and had to strain to listen to him but were glad to share the memories and the joy From left to right are Lois Samilenko, of Sanatoga and Lois Davidson Samilenko.  

Wonder where the wry sense of humor comes from? It's in the genes. Harry's sister Pat told a few stories about Harry "ahem angelic" childhood. Her husband Don was omnipresent with his camera throughout the event.

IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT HARRY WEST AND ALL OF US HAD A BALL IN WARMLAND.

THANKS HARRY!!!!!!

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #326

HARRY WEST CELEBRATED 

Former WARM Radio personality Harry West of WARM Radio fame was toasted as friends and families turned out to wish him a fond farewell. West who has lived in this area most of his career, (dubbed by the station personalities as WARMland) is moving back to Pittsburgh with his family. Harry makes up a majority of 590 Mighty Memories on this blog site and you can bet there will be more. 
We are in the process of collecting other photos from our Facebook friends that came out to say hale and farewell to Harry. That will come in future editions of WARM Mighty Memories. But for now, here are two photos of today's event. Harry was quite surprised at The Grotto. 

Accompanied by his daughter Wendy and son Jeff (as well as other family members) Harry was a bit surprised to see the party was for him. 

Harry quickly got himself acclimated to his old friends and had quite the conversation with old co workers Clark Kuschke (center) and Joey Shaver (right). 
Here is a link to a times Leader story written by the Times Leader's Melanie Mizenko. 
 http://timesleader.com/news/local/559491/popular-warmland-radio-personality-harry-west-celebrated

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #327

CELEBRATING THE LEGEND HARRY WEST THIS SUNDAY JUNE 26th, 3PM AT GROTTO PIZZA, HARVEYS LAKE

Join us as we celebrate a Legend - Harry West of the Harry West Show, WARM Radio, the Mighty 590. The event takes place on the Patio at Grotto, Harvey's Lake, unless rain, then we will go inside. The menu includes Pizza with any topping and Soft Drinks for $10.00. 
No gifts please but we would love to have you bring any memorabilia you may have of Harry or WARM radio during its Hay Day. 
Please contact Denise DeLuca at 570-239-4896. Our good friend Beverly Johnston is organizing the event. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #328

TOMMY WOODS AND HARRY WEST RETURN TO THE AIRWAVES VIA WILK'S SUE HENRY THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Tommy Woods and Harry West on WILK's/Entercom's "Special Edition" with Sue Henry. (Photo: Sue Henry)

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. But her big event this week is when she, the incredible Sue Henry interviews both Harry West and Tommy Woods. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #329

SUNDAY MAGAZINE WITH BRIAN HUGHES 

 Sunday Magazine host Brian Hughes (Photo: 590 Forever archives) 

This Week on Sunday Magazin To mark the 44th anniversary of Hurricane Agnes' arrival in Northeast Pa, we take a look back at WARM radio's coverage of Agnes, narrated by WARM News Director Jerry Heller, with interviews conducted by news reporter Dale Cleveland, featured on the CD produced by WARM entitled "River On A Rampage". Special thanks to Tony Skutnik. 
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #330

WHEN HARRY AND TOMMY MET SUE

WARM Broadcast legends Tommy Woods and Harry West recently met up with WILK's Sue Henry for a little confab full of WARM memories. Both Tommy and Harry are two broadcast legends who along with Joey Shaver are fondly remembered from their WARM days of the 1960s. 

 Here is a photo of Tommy and Harry at the WRKC FM Studios. 

Here is WILK's Sue Henry and Harry West. 

This is a type of mini homecoming for Harry who in 1975 spoke to the staff of WRKC FM Radio. That appearance was arranged by then WRKC FM Assistant Manager, at that time a member of the Upper Echelon of Management at WRKC FM, Jim Gibson. 

(Photo: Sue Henry's Face book page) 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #331

WARM AND COMPETITOR DEBATE ON BROADCAST RIGHTS FOR OPENING OF STADIUM 

This occurred days before the opening of Scranton's Memorial Stadium in 1950. WARM and WQAN (now WEJL) were battling to have exclusive rights to broadcast the opening and the West Scranton/Scranton Tech football game. Here are three articles from that issue that ultimately ended up in favor of the WARM’ competitor WQAN. It turns out the 6 Democrats on the School Board outvoted the three members of the GOP to award the rights to the “Democratic” newspaper’s radio outlet.Here are the articles: 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #332

WARM GETS POWER APPROVAL 

On March 2nd, 1950 WARM Radio was approved to go to a full 5,000 watts of power. That became the fabled 5 towers of power.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #333

590 FOREVER CONTRIBUTOR JOE KLAPATCH RETIRES FROM 911 

 Our good friend and WARM Alumni Joe Klapatch retired from 911 this past week/. Klapatch is responsible for almost all of the newspaper articles you see from the very early days of WARM Radio. We wish him the very best. Here's what he posted on Face book.
I remember from my media classes at King's College, especially a newswriting class that was taught by the great WARM newsman, Jerry Heller, that at the end of a news story, a reporter would generally type -30-, which signaled the end of the story. 
Tonight, or this morning, I will write " 20+" as that signals my retirement from working at 911, for 20+ years. I cannot write -30- as the story is not done, just another chapter. In the past 20+ years, I have had the privilege of working with a number of great people...as I mentioned tonite, I worked with dispatcher #1, the late Jane Ayres through #172. There were good times and not so good. There have been a number of those telecommunicators who are no longer with us that I had the opportunity to work with. Paul McGowan, Linda Smith, Bob Brower and Jane, just to name a few. 
After I left work tonight, I headed to the scene of the final call I worked, three teens that got lost in the woods. I would not hang up until the rescuers from Greenwood, Taylor and Duryea, reached them. It wasn't only me, as usual, it was a team effort at work, but I spent the time at the end making sure they were located. Shortly after I arrived, the rescuers drove into the staging area with the teens, who were visibly scared but had smiles on their faces. What a way to wrap up 20 plus years. 
As far as dispatching, that chapter is closed, except for continuing to work with a great bunch of people with Pennsylvania APCO, which is an organization for dispatchers. The statewide chapter is part of an organization that represents dispatchers worldwide. Besides working with them for years, I have been honored with being named Line Supervisor of the Year by them several years ago and last year, I was awarded a life membership award. I have the honor of being only one of about a dozen people statewide to have had this honor bestowed on them, and until tonight, was the only one or one of the few, who were not retired. 
I start a new path soon as I will be able to help people in another way. I was notified yesterday that I will be working in the research department of the Albright Library, specializing in local history. It's a path which I am eagerly awaiting to go down. I will also continue to try to document the histories of all of the fire companies in Lackawanna County. This is probably more that I have posted on here in this single post, than I have if you combined all of my posts since joining facebook. Don't worry, it will not become a habit.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #334

WARM AND ELECTION DAY 

During this contentious and competitive election campaign of 2016, WARM Radio is primarily a Sports station. But prior to that change over WARM was involved in many an election. Here is an ad going back to the late 1940s campaign in NEPA. WARM true to form was covering the results on Election Night.