In the title song from the movie "To Sir With Love", singer Lulu poses the question, "How can you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?" While there has been no Chanel for me, I need to say thank you to a lot of people for my broadcasting period in the the Valley.
I have been on the air for 19 years here in the Valley. I have been at RR Broadcasting for 17 of those years, working for the wonderful Ric and Rozene Supple. What a classy duo. That association unfortunately will be soon coming to an end. Technology, changing demographics and market considerations have led to this development. While being future endeavored at 56 is never a good thing, I would not trade my radio past for anything.
I have worked with radio giants: Grammy Award Winners Dave Hassinger and Don Wardell. 4 time Emmy Award Winner Tom Buchanan as well. Terrific local broadcasters, Gary Stone, Bud Furillo, Mike Meenan, Gene Nichols, Dennys Arcury, Paul Mitchell, Stan Layne and Rich Gilgallon. I have interacted with a great many talented local media colleagues at events like PGA Golf Tournaments and the BNP Paribas. I have had the great privilege of talking to the people who make our Valley great from Raul Ruiz to Ray Moore. I had a million laughs and a million smiles as well. Not bad for guy from New Milford, New Jersey.
You know when I shifted my specialty from sports to primarily local politics I thought it could be a little dicey. But I have always been treated with kindness and professionalism by local politicians, even those who didn't see eye to eye with me. I have enjoyed my interactions with the listeners as well.
I was in our anchor chair for 16 hours on 9-11 talking with all sorts of officials and trying to keep my emotions in check. 5 years later, I broadcast from that very site on KPSI. It was a special moment I will always remember, all made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Supple.
Our Valley is a special place. A place where you can get to start over. Even at 56. Again I want to thank all of my colleagues. Also I want to tell you while I have no idea what the future bodes, I eagerly await it. If it is half as good as the last 17 years, I am in for a ride. One I hope to continue with you.
Steve Kelly is now available for Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and general housekeeping. He can reached at svericker@yahoo.com
Hi Steve - I'm saddened and distressed over the news of your impending early retirement from the local radio broadcasting scene. Even though you plan to be available for Weddings, Bar Mitzahs and general housekeeping (but apparently not window washing), it won't be the same. Without those honeyed dulcet tones coming through the airwaves it'll be hard to resist switching to wine, women (or men) and song as a poor substitute. Whatever the future may hold for you my sincerest hope is that it's one here in our desert.
ReplyDeleteBest, in fact, very best of luck to you in all your future endeavors (including housekeeping).
Fondest regards,
Bond Shands
Desert Political Opinion blog - www.DesertObserver.com
The Notebook blog - www.BondShands.com
Twitter - @BondShands
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Beautiful and well said, Steve. Do you officiate at weddings?
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad news for the entire Coachella Valley and radio in general. I was honored to be a guest on Kelly's Corner this past January.
ReplyDeleteGoing to miss you on air, Steve! Your new career is in politics. Pougnet is leaving with a big pension and the replacements are dismal.
ReplyDeleteThere will also be openings in Cathedral City next year. Stan Henry needs to retire. Go straight to Mayor. The others short lived "change" isn't working.
Think about it. I will walk for you. Or, at least talk, which is what I (and you) do best.
All the best to you Steve! 17 years in one town? In radio? UNHEARD of these days. Get your reel into Jersey 101.5. They need a realistic Garden State perspective if you decide to turn down the job as Chris Christie's media guru. Whatever lies ahead, please keep your Scarlet Knight friends who never made past the bottom of the dial in New Brunswick in the loop.
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