Rotateller Rotary Club of Owego, NY
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 Gary Williams, Editor

VISITORS AND GUESTS:

• Joe Kane, who is the new head of the Tiawaga Players
• Suzanne Schagen
• Mrinalini Siddhartha
• Warren Haas – John Spencer shared that Warren was his sponsor and that Warren has a 50 year attendance pin which motivated John to have over 25 years of perfect attendance. Warren was Club President in 1972 – 1973.
• Dorothy Arrington – obviously someone who can keep Ed in line (and well-dressed)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Annette

MUSIC:

Al and Carolyn led us in “The More We Get Together”.

TASTE OF TIOGA:

Judy and Bob took Suzanne and Mrinalini and they said that it was wonderful – as did others. Mrinalini did share at the table today that she thinks that our food is bland. John Spencer did fix an Indian meal for her. (Judy won the 50/50 at the Taste of Tioga).

Laura had a daughter-in-law and a potential future daughter-in-law who both have birthdays on this date.

NOLIS DESTRUCTION:

Carolyn Wright announced that 10 people helped ready the Nolis kitchen for reconstruction.

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL:

Carolyn also discussed the Pumpkin Festival at Ransom Park in Tioga Center and sent around a sign-up sheet for those who can assist the Interact Club. It will be held on September 30, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

WELCOME BACK TO BILL MOON (who was lucky to be sitting in the general vicinity of Judy).

ROTARY FOUNDATION DINNER:

We have 6 members signed up to attend, so far.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS SHOW:

Judy passed around a sign-up sheet and encouraged people to attend even if they cannot work at the table.

BASKET TO RAFFLE: Laura passed a basket around to collect money to create a “taste of Tioga” basket.

COMMENDATIONS TO THOSE MEMBERS WHO HAVE CREATED THE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY SHARING EXPERIENCES WITH SUZANNE AND MRINALINI.

Suzanne had a busy week. She attended a concert at Binghamton University with Carl and Wilma. She went to NYC with Karla and family. They stayed in NYC and their room had a wonderful view across the Hudson River. She attended the Art Festival in Owego and was stopped in Wall Mart by the father of one of our exchange students who recognized her from the website.

Mrinalini was not feeling well last week, but did enjoy the concert, eating at Quizno’s and getting her Varsity Volleyball Jersey. She also told of how she can get one bar of cell phone service by the toilet in the Armstrong’s bathroom.

PROGRAM:

John Spencer introduced Dave Radigan who is the new owner of WBEO. Warren has been back to work there for about six weeks. WEBO dates back to 1958. Warren sold it in the mid 1980’s and worked until into the 1990’s. At that time, it was AM/FM. Dave is the radio person, but the Radigan Broadcasting Group also includes his mother, father, and brother. They are the business people. His family is in Rochester. The studio has moved to the location of the former backwood’s outfitter on North Avenue next to the cleaners. With all new equipment, it sounds better, operates better, and has room to grow. People can see the operation through the front window. He and his cousin have done the construction. Once their new tower is up on the Montrose Turnpike, the station will be heard clearly in all of Tioga County to Binghamton, Ithaca, and Elmira.

Their goal as to launch on Saturday, July 1, but they started early with the flood on the previous Wednesday, so they could broadcast timely, local news. The station is News Radio, but there is music 70% of the time. It is not talk. Local news comes first and will take as long as needed based on the news that day. It is on the hour and will be better, first, and more often. The regular news is from 7:30 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, but he or other announcers will come in if there is important news outside of those times. After that there will be six minutes of CBS news, which he states to be the best and is exclusive in this area to WEBO.

The music is from the 1960’s to 1980’s. They are broadcasting NASCAR. With the new 190 foot tower, WEBO will rival any FM station for clarity. There are few privately owned radio stations. Most are owned by large conglomerates. He has hired Chris Schmidt, a 2002 OFA graduate to do the local sports. Chris has a degree in journalism and broadcasting from Ithaca College. All of the OFA football games will be broadcast live (both home and away). He will also check other games and do a sports wrap-up on Sunday’s at noon. He will interview players and coaches and spotlight one player each week. They are planning what they will be doing for the winter and spring seasons. PSA’s will go one the air at 20 past the hour.

Our best wishes for success to Dave.

Peter was in his early 40's and passed away this spring due to a heart attack. He had no warning or any indication. It is sponsored by the Ithaca Sunrise Club with the proceeds to benefit the community. Peter was very involved in the community and was one of the organizers of the Tri for the Y with the Ithaca YMCA. [Dixson, Mark] Thanks, Mark

The Ithaca Sunrise Rotary Club Annual Golf Outing on September 22nd will benefit the Peter D. Wadach Memorial Fund. This is a newly established fund that Jodi, Kellen and Katie and friends have established in Pete's honor. It will be a great opportunity to be involved in two of the things that Pete enjoyed most...the fellowship of friends getting together around sports AND a worthy cause! The fund will promote and provide service opportunities for people. Also, of importance to Pete would be the relationships and friendships that grow out of these service projects. Please consider joining for a day of golf or participating as a sponsor, donor or in whatever way you can.

This is in no way a complete list of the people who knew and cared for Pete and were influenced by his contagious energy. PLEASE, forward this to others who you think should know about the event. Time is short, so please take action today. Thank you in advance for your support. The attachments will provide you with the details. All the best! Cheers, Jay Williamson

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