Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is a federally recognized, state chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Philadelphia Broadcast Community since January of 1962.

May Afternoon Luncheon
The Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Meet and Greet at 12 Noon!
Lunch served at 12:30 pm!
Ratecard: $28 per person

Please reserve now!
Call (856) 365-5600!
rsvp@broadcastpioneers.com

Another Third Wednesday Luncheon!
Wednesday, May 15, 2019!

Good Food - Great Programs - Wonderful Times

WMGK, FABULOUS STATION!

Hit After Hit, Smash After Smash, Blockbuster After Blockbuster... Here's another "monster" lunch where the "stars" don't wait to come out at night. They are there at lunchtime!

Our next Broadcast Pioneers luncheon is all about the story of a great Philadelphia radio station, WMGK" It will be held at the Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue in Philadelphia. Meet and greet at 12 noon. Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm. The date is Wednesday, May 15th.

Our MC for the afternoon will be Broadcast Pioneers Board Member T. Morgan, who has worked at many of the successful radio outlets here in the Delaware Valley.

Our scheduled panelists include (in alphabetical order):

Mike Bowe, Former longtime DJ, known for his radio tenure around town
Bob Craig, PD of WMGK in their MAGIC days. He's now heard on WRTI
Andre Gardiner, Current afternoon jock who worked in Dallas and NYC
Harvey, Did mornings at WMGK for many years & enjoyed by everyone
Sue Serio, night time jock on WMGK prior to her days at Channel 29

It all takes place at the beautiful and historic Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue (across the street from the state police) in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Only minutes away from Channels 6, 10 and 17 and the radio stations in Bala Cynwyd. Save the date: Wednesday, May 15th.

Call now for reservations. (856) 365-5600! E-mail: rsvp@broadcastpioneers.com. Don't miss this one! THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Make plans to be there. Bring a friend (or three)! Meet and Greet starts at 12 noon. Lunch is served at 12:30 pm. It includes a nice, fresh, green salad with dressing, a roll, a 3-course meal, dessert, iced tea and coffee. $28 per person.

Plenty of FREE parking. Our luncheons are open to all our members, their guests, and any person in the industry or associated fields, whether active or retired, and the general public. You do NOT have to be a member to attend. There is no reserved seating at our luncheons. Feel free to sit most anywhere.

In order to speed up check-in at the luncheon, it would help if you had exact change or your check written in advance. Checks should be made payable to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.

If you would like to add a few dollars extra, we would appreciate it. It would help us with all the important work we are doing. Thanks!

We Wanna See Your Face
In That Place!

BE THERE!

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DIGITAL ARCHIVAL PROJECT NEWS:

VIDEO:

Our Spring Mixed Bag Special
with over 100 of your friends!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019!

Four great speakers!
One fabulous MC!

Hit After Hit, Smash After Smash, Blockbuster After Blockbuster... Here was another "monster" lunch where the "stars" didn't wait to come out at night. They were there at lunchtime.

Our April Broadcast Pioneers luncheon was another "Spring Mixed Bag Special!" It was held at the Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue in Philadelphia. The date was Wednesday, April 17th, 2019

Our MC for the afternoon was member Bob Charger who was filling in for the "under the weather" Harry Hurley, morning talk guy at WPG at the shore. This Broadcast Pioneers member has often been described as the "Rush Limburgh of the Jersey Shore." Hurley is often found doing telephone talk nationally. He was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2013.

Our four speakers were Broadcast Pioneers members Ted Greenberg, NBC 10 New Jersey Reporter; Elliot Abrams, retiring VP of Accu-Weather; Marlin Taylor, the first PD of WDVR (now known as B-101; and Broadcast Pioneers' Person of the Year for 2018 Vernon Odom, longtime WPVI Action News Reporter.

It all took place at the beautiful and historic Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue (across the street from the state police) in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Only minutes away from Channels 6, 10 and 17 and the radio stations in Bala Cynwyd.

At this luncheon, we awarded our twenty $1,000 college student scholarships. All of our winners were there with family and friends. Our 20 winners are (in alphabetical order):

ANDAIORA, Jennifer - Rowan University
AVERSA, Keith - Temple University
DOUGHTY, Cassandra - Stockton University
FRANCIS, Kaitlyn - Rowan University
HAUPT, Brynna - Temple University
JONES, Kaya - Temple University
KODRICH, Amy - Cabrini College
LUCA, Marissa - Stockton University
MIELE, Jenna - Temple University
PANTER, Gary Brandon - Rowan University
PITIS, Tyler - La Salle University
PULEO, Nicholas - La Salle University
SILVESTRO, Steven - La Salle University
STEFFE, Erin - Temple University
TODOROVA, Victoria - Rowan University
VAUGHAN, Brooklyn - Temple University
WALSH, Aislinn - Cabrini College
WOOD, Julie - La Salle University
ZACHARIAS, Amanda - Cabrini College
ZEBLEY, "Jake" John - Temple University

Watch the video from that luncheon!

(video courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers VP Brad Seecof and Metramedia Broadcasting & Studios)

AUDIO:

We heard from member Bill Roswell, a mainstay at KYW Newsradio for decades. He sent us a recording that George Michael made for the PA system at Cherry Hill High. Well, let's let Bill tell the story:

How many remember “The 8:10 Report” at Cherry Hill High School? It’s what we called the morning announcements that we “broadcast” over the school’s PA system during homeroom. We tried to make it sound like a real radio station.

I dug out an old … REALLY OLD … reel-to-reel tape from way back in 1967. I was able to make a digital copy of the tape.

That tape is WFIL Radio’s George Michael promoting a “record hop” in the gym starring the Soul Survivors, and featuring The Rubber Band, The Blues Exit and The Village Gate. Talk about a flash back!

Here’s some background on George’s recording: I’d call him up and give him the info about what we wanted to promote on “The 8:10 Report.” George did the 6:00 to 10:00 PM show on WFIL Radio – “Famous 56.” He’d record the announcements at the station, and then drop off the tape at my house on his way home. George lived in Downs Farm, and another “Boss Jock,” Jim Nettleton, lived up the street from me in Barclay Farm.

George Michael is someone who helped spark my love of the broadcasting business. We kept in touch long after his WFIL days ended and he became a TV star. He’d offer advice, critiques or encouragement whenever we talked on the phone or exchanged written notes and letters. He was one of my biggest mentors and heroes.

The last time I saw him in person was 10 years ago … when he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Of Philadelphia “Hall Of Fame” in November of 2008. Rock on, George. Your voice may be silent, but hearing you on this old tape makes me smile again.

Listen in Real Audio
Listen in Windows Media Format

Today's News Becomes Tomorrow's History!
(This is what our Digital Archival Project, DAP, is all about!)

A LITTLE BIT OF BROADCAST HISTORY!

TV Kitchen Advertisement
WRCV-TV, Channel 3, Philadelphia
April 17, 1963
Ad originally donated by member Anthony DiFlorio

IN TOUCH WITH OUR MEMBERS AND THE INDUSTRY:

You can catch member Kenny Jeremiah, formerly of the Soul Survivors at Racks Pub Dance Party on Wednesday, May 15 & 29 and in June on the 5th and 19th. Racks is located at 2021 North Black Horse Pike in Williamstown, NJ. He's also at the Greater Cape May Elks Lodge #2839, 917 Bayshore Road, the Villas, NJ on Saturday evening, June 8th.

Cumulus has decided to sell its station in Los Angeles, KLOS-FM to Meruelo Media for $43 million smackers. They also entered into an exchange program with Connoisseur Media. Cumulus will get four radio stations based around Allentown, PA and they will be giving up two stations in New England. The four stations they gain in our area are WTKZ (AM), WEEX (AM), WWYY-FM and WODE-FM. The agreement was signed in mid-April with the new owners starting to program the stations tomorrow.

(Left to right) Todd Starnes and member Harry Hurley
Hurley in the Morning Charity Event
Resorts Casino - Hotel
Atlantic City, NJ
Friday, April 12, 2019

Broadcast Pioneers member Harry Hurley and Fox News Radio and Television star Todd Starnes raised $40,000 for the "Hurley in the Morning" Charity at the 11th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, April 12th. The special event was held at Resorts Casino - Hotel in Atlantic City. Starnes also broadcast his daily nationally syndicated Fox News Radio talk show live from the event from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Hurley is often heard as a fill-in radio host for Todd on his days off. By the way, Harry Hurley was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2013.

We heard from Broadcast Pioneers member Johnny B. Hall who told us:

We had some exciting times, culminating Friday (April 12) with being in the audience as Neil Sedaka received an honorary doctorate in music from Moravian College and then we were treated to many of his compositions performed by students and other musicians from Moravian College. Neil also performed some of his new work. At 80 years old, he still has a marvelous singing voice and a wonderful talent on piano. We were in the second row.

Today's News Becomes Tomorrow's History!
(This is what our Digital Archival Project, DAP, is all about!)

Did you know...

Teenagers waiting to dance on Bandstand
WFIL-TV, Philadelphia
1952
(photo originally donated by Don Flanagan)

...that Bandstand was a local show at its inception and it was put on the air because it was cheap to do? Well, it's true.

In 1952, a 16-year-old West Catholic High School junior with a big pompadour made what he considers some kind of history in Philadelphia. And, after all, why not? The Quaker City is a storehouse of American history. And broadcasting and the recording industry were no exception.

Don Flanagan can tell you he was the first record runner for the TV show that became the forerunner to American Bandstand. It was called, “Bandstand.”

Flanagan — by his own admission — was not much of a dancer. But as for girls, he says, “I loved them.” And so he signed up to show up Monday through Fridays at the “new” home of WFIL-TV and Radio at 46th and Market Streets in West Philly, near several major high schools.

The Original Bandstand Set
WFIL-TV, Philadelphia
1952
(photo originally donated by Don Flanagan)

Flanagan, tall, a string bean of a kid, was given the assignment to run records from the station’s afternoon teen record hop with Bob Horn and Lee Stewart across the hall to the AM radio station. He deposited them into the hands of a young 26 year-old guy from upstate New York. His name was Dick Clark.

“No, they didn’t pay me,” Flanagan laughed. “But every once in awhile, Dick Clark would interview me over the air. And I would tell him what it was like meeting Patti Page, Danny and The Juniors, and the Four Aces. I fell in love with Teresa Brewer.”

Then Flanagan would race back to the TV studio where he and the “Committee of Nine” were tasked with keeping the hordes of descending teens at bay from Most Blessed Sacrament, West Catholic High and West Philly High. Flanagan said he and the girls managed to keep things orderly by distributing color coded entry tickets, each assigned for a different day of the week. Broadcast Pioneers member Jerry Blavat also played an important part in the Horn days of Bandstand also, but that’s another story.

It was Bob Horn who Flanagan credits with establishing much of the basic format of the later incarnation of “American Bandstand,” the name the show used when on network. Local segments (which preceded the network show were still called “Bandstand”).

In 1952, Horn met with WFIL Station Manager George Koehler, a long-time member of the Broadcast Pioneers. Horn moved his very successful WPEN program to WFIL Radio and then onto TV (in addition to his radio broadcasts). For a few months, Bob took over hosting an afternoon TV music show called “Parade of Stars” which ran filmed songs, the first so-called music videos. WFIL-TV wanted to capitalize on Horn’s very popular radio program called, Bandstand. They thought of just changing the name of “Parade of Stars” to “Bandstand,” but that idea was nixed.

Teenagers dancing on Bandstand
Member Harvey Sheldon is second from the right
Member Peter DeFeo is the fourth from the left
WFIL-TV, Philadelphia
December 1952
(photo originally donated by member Harvey Sheldon)

Many websites state (incorrectly) that “Parade of Stars” was Bandstand. Not true. Bandstand never had filmed video performances. This story will conclude next month in this space.

This column is written this month by Board Member Ed Eisen

Our special thanks go to TUTV - Temple University Television and The Kal & Lucille Rudman Media Production Center.

They have underwritten a grant to be used to fund two years of all our newsletters. That's until December 2019. We thank them so much for their support!

 

You Can Help Us!

When you log into Amazon via http://smile.amazon.com, all eligible purchases earn Broadcast Pioneers a donation of 0.5% from Amazon. However, you must log in to Amazon through http://smile.amazon.com. We have made it simple. You can also log into them using http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/amazon. It's easy to remember and takes you to the same place.

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices and the same service. The only difference is that they donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Broadcast Pioneers. IT DOESN'T COST YOU ANY MORE TO DO THIS! Same price to you and we get a donation to help us continue with all our great educational projects! IT'S WIN - WIN!

WE REMEMBER:

(Left to right) Members Kenny Jeremiah, Joe Terry, Eddie Collins and Gary DeCarlo
Broadcast Pioneers Luncheon
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Joe Terry, Broadcast Pioneer member and front man for the rock and roll legendary group Danny & The Juniors, died this past April at his home in Willamstown, New Jersey. Terry was with the group from the beginning and they are best known for their hits “At The Hop” and “Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay.” A couple times a year the group would be seen at our luncheons. Terry, whose real last name was Terranova, was 78.

(left to right) Members George Finkel and Sally Starr
Broadcast Pioneers Luncheon
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Wednesday, March 20, 2002

George Finkel, Broadcast Pioneer member and Producer/Director, died this past April at his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Finkel was a 3-time Emmy award winning Producer/Director for NBC’s coverage of Super Bowl XIII, The 1982 World Series and Gymnastics at the 1988 Olympics. He was also the original Production/Operations Manager of WPHL TV. Finkel was 82.

We have received word that Hy Lit's daughter, Benna Lit Martucci passed away in April. Hy Lit was the legendary WIBG air personality who for decades tore up the Philadelphia radio and television airwaves. He started on WHAT Radio and then moved to WRCV Radio and then to WIBG. Other stations that Hy Lit had worked at included WDAS, WCAM and WOGL.

ON THE HEALTH FRONT:

(left to right) Members Gerry Wilkinson, Gene Arnold and Pat Delsi
Broadcast Pioneers Annual Banquet
The Hilton City Avenue, Philadelphia
Friday, November 16, 2018

Member Arnold Rubin, known to most of us as Gene Arnold, tells us that he can't get around well and therefore can't make it to our luncheons and other events. Gene mentioned that he has finished radiation treatments and he "can't walk." "Hopefully, they can recover me some way. I would appreciate any prayer and good wishes." We inducted Gene into our Hall of Fame in November 2018.

Please note because of the personal nature of your health and because of the nature of our business, we do not mention what we know about your health unless you specifically tell us that we can put it in the newsletter.

THIS AND THAT! Little Bits of Information....

 

A Very Young Harvey Holiday (left)

Many of us fondly remember "Willie the Worm," who hosted old cartoons and film on WCAU-TV. It was created by Warren Wright, who also did Willie's voice. Even his own children didn't know he was Willie's voice. The whole concept was created in just a few days. Warren Wright went to a local auto parts store (probably Pep Boys) and purchased some ventilating hose. Put a little cloth over it and added some glasses and Willie the Worm was born. Warren later moved to near Indianapolis, Indiana where he owned a local radio station.

Brahim Ahmaddiya was a long time Philadelphia newscaster on WDAS and later on KYW-TV. He had a wonderful singing voice, as you would know if you ever worked with him. One of the things he enjoyed was singing a tune with other broadcasters for Philadelphia's homeless community. He believed in giving back.

Years ago, you may have bought a suit (or some other kind of men's clothing) from Pablo Bunkley who was a salesman at Brooks Brothers on Chestnut Street. But did you know that he was a member of a doo-wop group called the Del-Vikings. They had a couple of huge hits like "Come Go with Me" and "Whispering Bells." He became a Baptist minister here in Philly after being wounded in Vietnam.

Three of our long-time members were Jack Steck, Taylor Grant and John Roberts. They started in the industry in 1926, 1934 and 1941 respectability. They had a total of 140 years in broadcasting.

In 1957, WFIL Radio developed what they thought was a reasonable way to pick music for air. They were playing no rock at the time. They had a jury of listeners in the studio to listen to new releases and standards. The listener jury helped programming select what was to be aired.

As we know, in the early days of broadcasting, two different stations shared the same frequency. They were WFI, owned by Strawbridge and Clothier Department Stores and WLIT (formerly WDAR) owned by Lit Brothers. In the mid-thirties, the two stations merged into one, WFIL with the two department store chains, each owning half. Well, in 1940, Strawbridge sold its 50% interest to Lit Brothers for $126,000. Roger Clipp was General Manager and stayed with the station under Lit Brothers ownership and also under the ownership of Walter Annenberg.

In 1932, according to WCAU's Program Director Stan Lee Broza (who was this organization's first president), the station came on the air daily at 7:25 am and stayed on until 1:15 am. That's over 121 hours a week. The station was a CBS Radio Network affiliate with some of the network programs originating from WCAU here in Philadelphia.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES:

This section will return next month. However, here in this space for the month of May, we present this rather interesting account.

Earlier this Broadcast Pioneers member Jerry Klein and his wife, Anne, had a rather unusual experience. Since many of our members know Jerry for his years of service to Broadcast Pioneers as President and later Chairman of the Board, we thought you might find interesting the account of their adventure. Jerry's wife, Anne, headed up the Anne Klein Communications Group. Lots of our people also know her. Here is their account exactly as written by Jerry and Anne Klein:

This past March 13, we flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Oslo, Norway, and on to Bergen, Norway. There we boarded the Viking Sky to take a cruise “In Search of the Northern Lights.” Given the unpredictability of the lights, we were happy we saw them in Alta, on a drive from Tromso, Norway, into Finland, on the sports deck of the ship, and even on our own cabin's balcony.

We love Viking Cruises. In fact, this was our 6th Viking Ocean cruise and our 7th overall with Viking (one was a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland). We always feel safe with Viking, so we have been to China, the Holy Land, the Baltic Sea and several other destinations, plus we have made great friends.

The Viking Ocean cruise line began just four years ago (2015), and the Viking Sky was launched just two years ago (2017). Viking appeals to older, well-traveled individuals, so no one appeared concerned when we hit rough seas off Norway. In mid-morning, our ship’s Captain reported to us that the port of Boda, Norway, our next stop, had been closed because of the weather, so he planned to journey on to Stavanger, our next port of call. I love days at sea; I use the time for a massage, the hot tub and just chillin’.

We were just finishing lunch about 2 pm on Saturday, March 23, when the ship started to roll from side to side. Glasses fell off the tables; soda cans spilled from the carts, and dishes began to crash and break. Having had a small power boat for 35 years, we still were unconcerned, since we had become accustomed to heavy seas. We finished our lunch, had some polite conversation with the woman seated next to us, then returned to our suite using the elevators. I did not see the lights flicker, but my husband did, and then green escape lights turned on. No word came over the PA system, so we returned to our cabin to find our two cabin stewards picking up items that had fallen. They directed us to go to our bedroom and close the door. That was fine. My husband already was sitting on the bed reading, while I took out my tablet to read.

At that point (about 2:15 pm in the afternoon), the emergency signal was sounded, and the Captain advised us over the PA system this was NOT a drill. We were to report to our muster stations. We took nothing with us, although my husband had his cell phone on him. We walked down the stairs – no elevators – and everyone was quite calm, except for one woman who was accompanied by a crew member; she was whimpering.

When we arrived at our muster station on the second deck – the Star Theater – we were instructed to put on our life vests, which everyone did. At that point, our Captain advised us that we had lost all the engine power and he had radioed a “mayday.” (Three of the four engines were later restarted.) He said there were three helicopters on their way to evacuate the passengers, and we were waiting for large tugboats to help us get into a port. (We subsequently heard via media reports that five helicopters were working.) I had a fleeting thought – “I hadn’t planned on dying this way.”

The crew was exceptional in their ability to keep everyone calm and happy. We sat only on sofas that were connected to the floor; not on any swivel chairs that might tip over.

I had to go to the bathroom, so a crew member came with me. Only two of the three toilets in the nearest ladies’ room were operational. Eventually, the two working ones stopped working because the power was out. We held our noses when we had to use them. One of the entertainers allowed us to use the dressing room toilet at the front of the theater. That toilet worked for a while, until passengers had made such a mess that the toilet smelled badly.

Meanwhile, two firefighters who were EMTs, an Army soldier, a police officer, and a physician – all passengers – began to assist anyone who needed help. They were wonderful. The physician even took a bucket and rag and washed out the dressing room bathroom, returning the toilet to normal operation once the power was restored. Other toilets also were cleaned and returned to service.

The crew was simply amazing – they made sure everyone had water and snacks. Then, for dinner, the crew distributed sandwiches, and bread for those passengers who were not feeling well enough to eat anything other than bread.

The Captain briefed us every 30 minutes, then every 15 minutes to be sure the passengers stayed calm, and to reassure us he had everything under control. He said he had dropped anchor to keep us from drifting and tossing about. He turned the bow into the wind, which every sailor knows is the correct procedure to take. Then, the captain told us that one of the helicopters sent to rescue us had to be diverted to rescue the crew from a commercial ship that had come to assist us but also became disabled in the heavy seas.

A wonderful woman (from England) sitting next to me in the theater had her iPad with her and she was reading Facebook, Twitter and news reports. Those reports were so sensational and not factual. Our ship was not filling with water, and passengers were not panicked, trying to get off the ship.

Later, in London, we met people whose muster station was “The Restaurant,” also on Deck 2. They told us that although one of the outside doors had opened and some people were drenched, there was no panic even in that area.

We saw another woman (from England) the next day who said she was concerned about the young crew, and she wanted them to be evacuated first. We later learned that the sick and the injured were evacuated first. Then the most elderly people who wanted to get off.

Our small group in the front of the theater did not want to be evacuated by helicopter. With the winds and the storm, we felt it was safer on an anchored ship. We only later learned from news reports that we were only 325 yards from the rocks. The Captain clearly knew this when he dropped the anchor. True that we had none of the four engines working, but the Captain remained calm and reassured us we would be evacuated.

After 24 hours, only half of the 930 passengers had been evacuated. Each helicopter, we were told, could take only 14 passengers at a time, with each passenger being hoisted individually. We learned that the scariest part of the ordeal was the helicopter hoist and travel back to port.

Two rumors we heard said the captain lost one anchor and the rope/cable was frayed. We did not hear that. The first news reports noted five (5) people were taken to the hospital. This number grew to 30+. Who knows? I guess if you were hit by a piece of furniture, the furniture could have caused an injury. We had none of those experiences.

Another news report quoted a Twitter feed of a woman who said, “The penthouse suite guests were tucked safely and warmly in the theater.” Not true; passengers from every level of the ship were in the theater, as it was their pre-assigned muster station. Rumors abounded as people expressed their own fears and frustrations. I can see where it is easy to believe the stories, but the media sensationalized the actual occurrences.

We did not see this but we were told that prior to docking, the residents of Molde, Norway, lined the shores to welcome the passengers and crew back. Several women held signs with “hearts,” (like the Valentine hearts) and signs that said, “We love you.”

We learned the next morning that paparazzi were lined up to get our first-hand stories. My husband and I decided that we would not comment, except to say we all were fine and the Captain and crew were outstanding. As we boarded the bus the next morning, a local news reporter wanted to talk with everyone on our bus who had stayed on the ship. We all said we would not comment, other than to say the crew was great and everyone was fine.

We wore life jackets for about 23 hours. We have no idea how the chefs and the servers did it, but a full hot lunch (on plastic plates) was served 20 hours in to wearing our life jackets. Then, after about 25 hours, we were permitted to return to our cabins, and a full dinner (on china) was delivered between 5 pm and 6 pm.

Once we made it into port, we were given the option of sleeping in our cabins or going to a hotel. Most of the passengers remained on board the ship.

Much to our amazement, the Viking Band and the entertainers put on a full Beatles tribute show at 7:30 pm in the theater. We have no idea where the entertainers got the energy to perform, but they were great – Dan, Damian, Becky and Maddie, plus the band members. And the cruise director (from Columbus, Ohio) did himself proud.

We were served champagne as part of the Captain’s Farewell party, When the Captain was introduced, and then he introduced members of the crew, the passengers gave them a standing ovation, with whistling and loud applause. A gentleman from Ireland began a “HIP, HIP, HOORAY” to which all the passengers chimed in. What a moment!

We were thrilled that Mr. Torstein Hagen, the owner of Viking Cruises, came to thank us – the passengers – for being so understanding, patient and cooperative. He announced that he was refunding everyone’s cruise fare in full, and promised vouchers for another complimentary Viking cruise. (My husband and I have three more cruises booked, including an Ocean cruise to South America, so we can take advantage of the new offer.)

Mr. Hagen, a Norwegian, has acquired some “American slang.” He thought all of us would want to “get out of Dodge!” Mr. Hagan chartered several planes to get passengers from Molde to Oslo, and the Viking Travel Department rebooked everyone to their final destinations the next day. The problem was that many of us did not want to go to our final destinations yet, as we had other after-cruise plans; in our case, it was a six-day stay in London. So, we had to scramble to restore our United Airlines flight from London back to Newark the following Sunday, and we needed to be flown from Oslo into Heathrow, not Gatwick. Randy Gillespie, our personal travel agent, was wonderfully helpful booking us from Oslo to Heathrow. (It became obvious to us that the most experienced passengers used a travel agent, as did we.) We called the Marriott in London to see if we could check in a day early, which we could and did.

Some have called us – the passengers – “ heroes,” but it was the Captain and crew who deserve the kudos. We were only reacting to what we were told, but they did the best they could in the face of a very difficult situation. Thankfully, what could have been a disaster was avoided by the intelligent thinking of the Captain. We later read that two Norwegian river pilots were aboard to advise the captain. It was reported they said they would have never left port or would have turned around because of the rough seas. If that’s true, why didn’t they tell the Captain?

Two days later, while we were in London, we heard that the cause of the engine failure had been determined. The extreme pitching and rolling of the ship had prevented enough lubricating fluid from getting to the engines, and they shut off (as designed).

Mr. Hagan and Viking said they would cooperate with the investigating agencies. We are sure they will. What could have been a disaster for Viking (repeatedly voted the #1 ocean cruise line by readers of Travel & Leisure magazine) will be a “learning” experience. We are now home, safe and sound and looking forward to our Viking Ocean cruise to South America next year.

A LITTLE BIT OF BROADCAST HISTORY!

(Left to right) Bill Campbell, Harry Kalas and By Saam
All former Phillies announcers

OUR HATS OFF TO YOU FOR GIVING:

We would like to thank all those people who made an extra contribution when they attended our April luncheon. Also, thanks to Member Marlin Taylor who gave free copies of his latest book to all students attending the luncheon. For members wanting a copy, Marlin charged $10 a book which he donated to Broadcast Pioneers. He sold a good number of books. Thank you.

We are a federally recognized, state chartered charity with a 501(c)(3) status. Contact us at (856) 365-5600 or e-mail pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com for more details. Your gift to Broadcast Pioneers will help us and may lower your federal income tax. That's win-win, isn't it?

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for the gift of Appreciated Stock: (a federal tax advantage for the giver)

Member Sylvia Kauders - $5,159.45 (used for the scholarships awarded from 2014 to 2019)

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for contribution of $1,000 or more to our DAP, Digital Archival Project:

Member Jerry Del Colliano - $1,500
The Harry Hurley - Hurley in the Morning Charity (Harry is a member)- $1,000
The Shunfenthal Family (in memory of Sherri Shunfenthal's father, Les Waas) - $2,000
Member Marlin Taylor - $2,000
A member who prefers not to be identified publicly - $1,000

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for contribution of $1,000 or more into our General Fund to be used where needed:

Member Brad Seecof and Metramedia Broadcasting & Studios - $1,000
The Sylvia Kauders Foundation - $10,000
A Member who wishes to remain anonymous - $1,000

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for April 2019 Scholarships (awarded last month):

Member Robin & Ira Adelman - 1 scholarship in memory of Robin's dad, member Leon Love
Member Johnny B. Hall and his wife, Ginny - 4 scholarships
The Harry Hurley - Hurley in the Morning Charity - 1 scholarship (for a Stockton University student)
Member Sylvia Kauders - 1 scholarship (from a grant for 5 yearly scholarships running until 2019)
Member Kal Rudman - 5 scholarships (for Temple University students)
Member Tony Scafide - 1 scholarship
Member Marlin Taylor - 2 scholarships

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for April 2020 Scholarships:

The Harry Hurley - Hurley in the Morning Charity - 1 scholarship (for a Stockton University student)
Member Sylvia Kauders - 1 scholarship (from a bequest for 5 yearly scholarships running until 2024)
Member Kal Rudman - 5 scholarships (for Temple University students)

Special Thanks (in alphabetical order) for a contribution of $500 or more to our DAP, Digital Archival Project:

Member Elliot Abrams - $500
Members Robin and Ira Adelman - $500
Member Priscilla Fox - $500 plus another $500 for our scholarship fund
Member Marc Howard - $500
Member Bill Kelley - $750
Member Art Moore - $500
Armitage Shanks (not their real name) - $500

Bequests in their Will:

Member Sylvia Kauders passed away recently. In her will, she bequest to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, the amount of $5,000. This funding is to be used to underwrite one scholarship per year until gone. These scholarships will start in the year 2020 and continue until 2024. From a previous gift, Sylvia has underwritten one scholarship a year starting in 2015 and continuing until 2019.

Member Dave Shayer passed away in 2017. In his will, he bequest to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, the amount of $5,000. This funding is to be used to underwrite our archival project which was dear to Dave's heart and soul.

If someone underwrites a complete scholarship and we'll give them credit in the electronic newsletter until the scholarship is awarded. The gift of appreciated stock of $2,000 or more) will be thanked in our "Thank You" column for two years. If someone donates $1,000 or more and we'll list them in our "Thank You" column for a year. If someone gives a donation of $500 or more and we'll list them in our "Thank You" column for six months. They can select how we use the money: for our archival project, for scholarships or for our general fund to be used as needed.

More Thanks:

A growing portion of the revenues that fund the different activities of the Broadcast Pioneers comes from donations.  This includes our archival project and our scholarship program. Now we are making it even more beneficial for our donors. Broadcast Pioneers is now able to accept gifts of appreciated stock, which provides a significant tax benefit to you. By giving appreciated stock (stock which is worth more now than what it cost when it was purchased), the giver can get a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the current market value of your stock. At the same time, they avoid the capital gains tax that would arise if they simply sold the stock. So if someone would like to support our educational mission or our archival project and save money on taxes too, they could consider making a gift of appreciated stock. We are a federally recognized, state chartered charity with a 501(c)(3) status. Contact us at (856) 365-5600 or e-mail pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com for more details.

Many of us are over 70 and a half years old. If someone is, they can donate directly to Broadcast Pioneers from their IRA Account. If they take a distribution and then donate to us, they would have to pay federal tax on the distribution. By donating directly to us, they pay no tax and we get the full amount. Remember, this donation must go directly to us in order for the giver to avoid paying income tax. This direct donation may also prevent the donor from going into a higher tax bracket. That's always good. The donor should always contact tax advisor about this and get complete details.

Thanks so much for everyone's support.Our address is Broadcast Pioneers, PO Box 2886, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, (856) 365-5600. Our e-mail is: pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com

A FINAL THOUGHT....

"If you can’t remember me with a smile, then don’t remember me at all."

Harry Kalas
Fall 2008

Please contact us by e-mail at pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com or by mail to: Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, PO Box 2886, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Your stories are important, to you, to us, and your colleagues. Contact us today and we’ll include your story in the next newsletter!

Newsletter proof reader: Michele Wilkinson
Newsletter editor: Gerry Wilkinson

© 2019, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved


Newsletter Editor is Gerry Wilkinson
Newsletter proofreader is Michele Wilkinson

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com
For luncheon reservations call (856) 365-5600 or e-mail us at: rsvp@broadcastpioneers.com