Outta Here! Harry Kalas Died

Harry Kalas' death is personal loss

Phillies voice linked fathers and sons

By Pat Lester

Of The Morning Call

April 14, 2009


I lost a piece of my childhood Monday.

It was 1:55 p.m. when I heard the numbing news that permanently changed summertime and the sport I love.

Inexplicably, Harry was gone.

The death of Harry Kalas, the lovable, cigar-puffing voice of the Phillies, represented more than just the loss of a warm, poetic, grandfather figure. This wasn't about ''outta here'' or ''struck 'im out.'' It wasn't about Michael Jack Schmidt home run calls or off-key renditions of ''High Hopes.''

This was about a young kid in the backyard on a sun-drenched June afternoon, daydreaming, swatting away flies and tossing around a baseball with his dad.

It was the loss of a link between a son and his father.

The sound of Harry's voice has always evoked images of my old man digging around in the back yard, cutting the grass or fooling around with us kids.

We didn't have a whole lot of money back then. So we did what any other die-hard Phillies fans did on the weekend. We clicked on my dad's beat-up old radio, spent five or 10 minutes twisting the tuner, waited and prayed that we'd have some sort of reception.

Our ears were trained for that sudden build-up in Harry's voice.

''Swing and a long drive, watch this baby...''

We'd run from our chores and toward the static-filled sound, shooting smiles at each other.

''Home run, Von Hayes. And the Phillies lead it 1-0.''

We'd clap our hands, pump our fists or give a ''yeah,'' and then get back to work.

At an awkward time when young boys and dads often don't have a lot to say to each other, baseball means a lot to a father-son relationship.

And it meant even more when Harry was serving as the middle man between a strict and stubborn 40-year-old and a self-centered adolescent. I'm not sure why. I guess you can say his voice was like your favorite blanket on a cold fall evening -- warm and reliable.

I can still remember my dad kneeling down in the garden with the radio playing as background noise and giving a sudden chuckle when Whitey -- Harry's former partner Richie Ashburn -- would make an off-handed comment.

When you think about it, Harry really was a family member. With few exceptions, he'd be in our house 162 times a year, far more than any other relative. When he came, he was always welcomed. When he left, he always did it with care and love, win or lose, and we loved him for it.

To this day, March has held a significance to me that most others couldn't comprehend.

It marks the Phils return to spring training and inevitably Harry's return to the dial.

Every February, when I begin my countdown to Harry, my wife lovingly rolls her eyes. I don't think she fully understood what it meant.

So when I heard the news Monday, I was crushed. Fighting back my emotion and trying to collect myself, my thoughts immediately went to my father and those warm summer days in the Poconos.

Although I couldn't reach him Monday afternoon, I did leave a message: ''Dad, I don't know if you heard,'' I said, choking up, ''but Harry Kalas died today.''

And then it hit me.

I'll never get to experience with my 2 1/2-year-old son what I had with my father and Harry.

The sport that I love has changed forever.

And it hurts.

Pat Lester is a Morning Call reporter.

I Got Rebate Check - That Was Fast

The City of Tallahassee runs our utility companies. Whether you use gas or electric to heat your home - the city is your vendor. No choice.

Tallahassee makes our electricity with gas. It is a relatively clean way to produce it - but it is an expensive choice. So that the city does not have to build a bunch of power plants - they are encouraging people to switch from heating with electricity to gas. They also encourage people to insulate their homes and buy energy efficient appliances.

When I left Pennsylvania in 2004 - the cost of a KWH with taxes was 8 cents. Now in 2009 in Florida - I am paying with taxes 17 cents.

Being the thrifty person that I am - I have taken advantage of several rebates. First I insulated the attic and the city picked up 80% of the bill - then I bought a refrigerator and got $75 back - then a set of gas logs for the fireplace and we got $50 back - and finally I installed the tankless gas water heater for $1400 and got a check for a whopping $675.

Not only do I get the joy of doing these improvements to my home - supposedly my monthly utility bills will drop. We will see.

Walter Dix Set the World Record in the 100 Meter Dash For This Year

At 4 PM - April 11, 2009 - Walter Dix ran the 100 meter dash in 10.04 seconds into a 1.25 mile an hour wind. It was announced that he broke the world record for this year. The record was set at Mike Long Field at FSU in Tallahassee, Florida.

That is Walter wearing the orange shirt in the inside lane. During the video Lulu sticks her head in the way.

He has signed a $6,000,000 contract to promote Nike equipment.

Why Heat Water All Day When A Shower Takes 5 Minutes?

My old electric water heater was approaching 20 years of age. But the worst part of it was that it was on one end of the house and my shower was 90 feet away on the other end. When I turned on the water - it took forever for the shower to get hot. I was wasting tons of water and electricity just for my daily shower. After my shower - the water heater slugged it out all day keeping 50 gallons hot for 24 hours until my next bath.

The city was offering a $675 rebate to swap out an old electric one with a new gas water heater. After getting 5 bids - one plumber suggest I install a tankless gas water heater. Several plumbers bid between $2000 and $3000 for a Rennai tankless water heater installation. Seminole Plumbing bid $1400 - but the best part was they could hang it on the wall directly outside of my shower stall. The hot water would only have to travel 6 inches. Also when the faucet is turned off - the water heater shuts off - not wasting money. Notice I didn't say fuel - I said money. I love saving money.

The installation was very simple. We just drilled a hole in the outside wall right by the faucet and connected the tankless water heater to the hot water pipe there. We already has a gas line and meter at that location - so there was very little added expense of running long water or gas lines.

Supposedly this water heater will save $30 a month in utility bills. I will report on that later. Now all we have to do is eagerly await that city rebate check. Also - it will be nice sitting in London know that we aren't wasting money making hot water back home.

The Trailing Spouse Worries About Mail Delivery When on the Road

Lulu and I travel a lot. One of the worst things about travel is worrying about how things are back home. Sometimes - we forget to cancel mail or newspaper delivery. Sometimes - the mailman delivers mail even when we requested it stopped. We hate to pester our neighbors to keep checking our mailbox.

In a perfectly honest world it would be no big deal - but in hard times like now - some people resort to stealing the mail to get important information. The Internet is not the only source of access to valuable account numbers.

While surfing the Internet - I came across something called Mail-Safe. It is a mailbox with a bottomless storage area that will keep your mail safe from prying eyes and fingers. It can even take 16 inch long packages. No need to fill out the yellow postal card announcing to the world that you are going away. When you come home - you open the locked trap door - and all your mail is piled up secure and dry.

This Mail-Safe was designed by postal employees that work with mailboxes everyday. They are even manufactured right here in Land of Lakes - Florida.

Today - with the sun highest in the sky - I decided to install mine. First - you dig a hole about a foot deep and a foot wide. The base of the Mail-Safe is shaped like and anchor so no concrete is needed. Next - you install the base. I used a hand level to make sure everything was all lined up. Finally - with 4 screws you install mail box portion. It took me about an hour to install mine because I hit some really tough clay and pieces of concrete in my yard.

Mail-safes are offered in 6 colors. You can see their web page here - http://tinyurl.com/mailsafe

Now - when Lulu and I go to FSU's London campus - we can relax with one less problem to worry about back home.

This is an unsolicited story about a product I like - I do not own stock in Mail-Safe. When you become a senior citizen - you seem to be more concerned about mail delivery than when you were younger. Sometimes - it is the highlight of your day.

Finally - my Mail-safe arrived today. It was the second one that the company sent to me. The first one was either lost in the mail - or someone picked it up thinking it was lost in shipment. Imagine that.

North Carolina - Dan Novey Appointed Superintendent of Schools

Dan and Ann Novey are old friends from Tamaqua. Our kids went to school together - and we all taught school together.

While doing an Internet search - this great news came up -

Dr. Daniel A. Novey has been named Superintendent of the Carteret County Public School System. The Carteret County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve his contract at a special meeting at 6 p.m. March 12, 2009.

Dr. Novey will fill the superintendent’s position left vacant when former Superintendent Brad Sneeden died unexpectedly in October. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jeanne Huntley was named Interim Superintendent and will continue in that role until Dr. Novey begins his duties April 14.

Dr. Novey is the Assistant Superintendent for the Parkland School District in Allentown, Pa., and has served in that position since 2004. Parkland School District is made up of seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The district serves 9,383 students and employs 1,517 staff members.


“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of the Carteret County Public School,” Dr. Novey said. “I am also honored that the Board of Education on behalf of its citizens has extended this offer to me and I am excited to join an outstanding team of board members, administrators, teachers, and support staff to help our children succeed.

“Foremost for me in the decision to accept this position is that the Carteret County Schools have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding student achievement. It will be a challenge to make the best even better. My goal will be to continue the noble work of former superintendents Dr. David Lenker and the late Brad Sneeden and of Interim Superintendent Jeanne Huntley. I will work with the team to enhance a system that county residents will be prouder of and support even more enthusiastically.

“I can’t wait to start the work of earning everyone’s trust and serving our students, staff, parents, and communities,” Dr. Novey added. “I have been a ‘part-time’ resident of North Carolina since my daughters moved to this great state. Living within a few hours from them and working in ‘Paradise’ completes my dream of guiding an outstanding school system.”

Carteret County Board of Education Chair Cathy Neagle said she was pleased with the selection process.

“Hiring a superintendent is a very important role of the Board of Education,” Ms. Neagle said. “The Board was so pleased with the leadership of former Superintendent Brad Sneeden. His sudden passing left a void and this search process took on a very special meaning to us all. We were searching for a person to continue to move the system forward, and I believe we have found that individual.

“I am very impressed with Dr. Novey’s communications skills, his calm demeanor and his intense interest in what is best for all students,” she continued. “He possesses strong people skills and is anxious to be involved in all our school and community activities.”

Ms. Neagle noted the strong leadership Ms. Huntley has provided as interim superintendent.

“The Board of Education is grateful to Jeanne Huntley for assuming the tremendous added responsibilities of superintendent after Mr. Sneeden’s death. She had to make many tough decisions to keep the business of our school system moving forward. Ms. Huntley has provided outstanding leadership and we appreciate her willingness to assume the role of interim superintendent, and we look forward to her continuing in her vital role of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.”

Prior to being named Assistant Superintendent of Parkland School District, Dr. Novey served as principal of Wilson High School and principal of Wilson Southern Junior High School, both in West Lawn, Pa. Other work experiences in the field of education include serving as an English instructor in urban and rural private and public high schools and as a college English instructor at Luzerne County Community College and The Pennsylvania State University. More recently, he has joined both Cedar Crest College and East Stroudsburg University as an adjunct faculty member, teaching graduate level courses in Education.

Dr. Novey has also worked as a Crayola researcher and writer, a computer software consultant, a television broadcaster, and a newspaper consultant and columnist.

He holds an undergraduate degree in English from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., and a master’s degree in English from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. He earned his doctorate degree in educational leadership, principal’s certificate and superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

Dr. Novey’s wife, Ann, is a first grade teacher. They have three children – Courtney Keller is a physical therapist in Raleigh, Dr. Brad Novey is an ophthalmologist in New Hampshire and Dr. Bridget Novey is an audiologist in Raleigh. Dr. and Mrs. Novey have three grandchildren – Tessa and Mia Keller and Ronak Novey.

If General Motors goes under, there will still be cars. And if the New York Times disappears, there will still be news.

Michael Kinsley

Jerry Knowles Nominated to Take Over Dave Argall's House Seat

It is a case of musical chairs back home in Schuylkill County Pennsylvania.

First - our state senator James Rhodes died in a car crash.

Then - our state representative Dave Argall got that Senate seat.

Now good friend and brother of our recent house guest Jerry Knowles has been nominated to take over that State House seat.

Jerry has a long list of accomplishments. He owned a grocery store in Tamaqua - then became a Tamaqua cop. Next he was elected mayor. Then he was a county commissioner.

Now at age 60 - he is running to be a state legislator. The election will be held this May.

Jerry's older brother Jimmy just spent a week in our guest house with his wife Georgeann. They drove here from Tamaqua - spending a few nights on the road

Friday Morning and Harry Was Offered a Bump Again - and He Made the Wrong Choice

I am sitting in my plane on the tarmac in Tallahassee "headed" for Syracuse.

While sitting in the airport I was offered a bump ticket - but decided to turn it down and get to Syracuse to help drew stage his house for sale. So I turned down another $400 Delta coupon.

I am seated in first class - row 3.

Now the bad part - as soon as we got on the plane and they closed the door - they announced that we are on hold here for 45 minutes - due to a storm problem in Atlanta. We have been sitting here for a while. After 45 minutes - they will unload the plane and I will be stuck here anyway.

So - right now I am wishing that I took the bump and went home. They offered me a flight form 3PM to 8 PM today along with the $400 coupon.

So - sometimes you gamble and win - and other times you lose.

Sitting at Tallahassee Airport with $400 Coupon in Hand

First - my flight to Atlanta and Syracuse was delayed. Then - as I was about to board my plane I asked if they needed volunteers to be bumped. The gate person said yes and the plane left without me. He gave me a $400 coupon to any Delta flight I wanted - plus a ticket for tomorrow morning at 7:30 to Syracuse.

Ironically - I am flying using a $400 coupon from my last trip up to see Robin - Drew - and Jack.

I tried to reach Lulu with phone calls - emails - and text messages - but no luck. She must be out celebrating my departure and 6 days of freedom. Now I am too tight to spring for the $20 cab ride home.

Such is the life of the Trailing Spouse - life on the road.

Just got in contact with buddy Wayne - he is coming to get me.

I just got an email - Delta bumped me up to first class for my flight tomorrow.

Chuck Shuck Gets Promotion - Must Part With Gabe for Now

This is an announcement from one of my favorite students - Chuck Shuck.

Hello Everyone........I guess I will begin with the good news..........Awhile back I mentioned to you all that I was being considered for a promotion. Yesterday morning at 0730 when the results came out, The Department of the Army decided I was ready to move to the next level and become a Senior Non Commissioned Officer. Here in the upcoming months, out of over 1,000 Soldiers, I will be the 173rd one to be promoted to Sergeant First Class which is E7. The highest you can go in the Army is E9. All you military guys on here know this, but this is for my 500 civilian friends ha ha.

 

Now for the bad bad news. I have also been selected to go to Drill Sergeant School at Fort Jackson, SC from Sept 9th to Nov 12th. Just in case you don't know what that is, f you watch full meteal jacket, it's the guy with the round hat that screams and hates everyone. I today's Army though, we teach and respect Soldiers, but are still firm. I will then come back to Fort Hood, pack my things and either be stationed in South Carolina or Missouri. GABE WILL NOT be coming with me and the Chuck and Gabe era are pretty much over. Gabe most likely will go to his new dad as soon as May to be trained again. I cannot tell you how I feel right now because it has not hit me yet because I still get to see him everyday as usual. I know when that awful day  in May comes when I have to say goodbye to him for the final time, my heart is going to break into two. I don't even know if I would have took the job if I had known it was going to be this painful.  Gabe's new daddy is a good guy though and will take care of OUR boy. My goal is to keep him at Fort Hood so when he is up for retirement that I will still get to keep him. I also told the new guy that I will require weekly updates on Gabe.

 

I guess I will end for now and I will keep you in the loop of my adventures........Chuck

 

Digital Wall Switch Timer - Turns Porch Light On and Off

We travel a lot. One of the problems with traveling is that you are not around to protect your castle. We do every thing we can to make the house lived in - have the lawn mowed - stop the newspaper and mail - set the alarm - and leave the lights on.

The other day when talking to Fred my neighbor - he asked me where we were on our last trip. I asked how did he know we were gone - he said easy - the lights are on all the time and the plantation shutters are closed. One of the first things that crooks look for are porch lights on during the day - a dead giveaway.

Maybe this little item will help. It is a digital wall switch timer. It replaces the regular on and off switch. You can program the switch to turn the light on and off whatever time your want. It also can be set to come on at sunset and go off at sunrise. It has a calendar built into it that remembers the times of sunrise and sunset for every day.

You can also have it turn on the light at different times on different days. You can really get carried away with this thing. You also can override it by pressing the regular button to turn it off and on.

The switch is made by Intermatic. It costs around $15 to $20. It is easy to hook up - just two wires. If you want it to work with a three way switch it has three wires. The installation direction are pretty simple.

I have ours set to come on at sunset and go off at sunrise. I love neat gadgets.

Springtime Means Visits from Coal Country

Jimmy and Georgeann Knowles drove down from Tamaqua to spend a week with us. Georgeann is Lulu's cousin. Jimmy is retired after working at Air Products just north of town. On the way down I-95 - they spent nights in Virginia - Myrtle Beach - and Jacksonville. They plan to spend a few more nights at Myrtle Beach on the way home.

Our friends are the 85th and 86th visitors that have spent time in our guest house out back. We all toured around town - going to the Capitol - many of the museums - and Wakulla Springs. Lulu and Georgeann had fun shopping and yard sailing. Jim and I enjoyed shopping for cars and attending a pep rally in the President's Box at the stadium. We all basked in a week of temperatures in the 70s and no rain. We have had the nicest spring since we were here - there was very little rain to "knock down" all the beautiful blossoms. Best part - we have not had the heat or AC on in weeks.

It is 1000 miles from Tamaqua to Tallahassee. We have made the drive many times - including last Christmas. One can take the "front way" down I-95 or the "back way" down I-81- both about the same miles. With gasoline at $2.00 a gallon and getting 20 miles per gallon - it costs about $100 each way for fuel. Back in the old days of cheap fuel - Lulu and I once drove from Tamaqua to Miami in a 2 cylinder Honda getting 50 miles per gallon. It costs less than $8 each way.

Our next visitors will be Jane Robbins and her husband Peter arriving next week. Jane was the dean that hired Lulu at FSU. Before we arrived - Jane retired and moved to Buffalo.

Small Town - Tamaqua PA 18252 - Sweet Video of Memories from Back Home

One of my readers - BlueRaider66 - sent this video to me. If you are from Tamaqua - it is a must see. It was produced by http://www.silverboxcreative.com and is published on www.youtube.com.

I spent 55 years in this small town - met my lovely wife there - and raised two great sons there. We all went to THS. Even though I have lived in Tallahassee FL for 5 years - where my wife is a professor at FSU - Tamaqua will always be home.

Gator Point - air temp 85 - water temp 65

Wish you were here.

FSU Last Home Game - Playing Va Tech

We are here 40 minutes bafore game time. Lulu got two tickets for free.

This is Toney Douglas's last home game.

It is 72 and sunny - we rode the Scooter in.

Unemployment Map

Click map to enlarge.