Memories of WCVI

I have many memories of the WCVI building.

My first memory was in 1956 when the gang would gather on the steps outside the studio where DJ Dick Jessen was playing our music (now called "oldies") on "Korney Korners," the title of his radio show. Dick would come out and greet us while the music was playing. Who would have known that a few years later, I would be sitting in the same chair and working at WCVI. After radio announcing school, I was hired to work for Jessen while he was doing a record hop at the South Connellsville Fire Hall.

I worked part-time at WCVI for a number of years while still holding down a job on the railroad.

It was a lifelong dream to be a radio announcer and I loved every minute -- and I loved the listeners too.

Some of my memories include the day President John Kennedy was killed. I was called in to work at the station and read the United Press International wire that was labeled "Flash" (the highest priority) announcing "President John F. Kennedy was killed by a sniper in Dallas." We played somber music for two days in respect for our fallen leader.

I loved broadcasting the sports for the local schools; I loved to work with Jim Kriek, who attended every game for his sports report in the Courier. Jim loved baseball, liked football and tolerated basketball. But he was a great reporter and we became good friends.

At age 72, I have retired from the railroad, but still have a part-time job to keep my mind in gear. I have been in Jacksonville, Fla., since 1989, but I make trips to the home town several times each year. So far I have three trips planned. I get to Bud's each trip and see people who I have known for many years and, of course, to get that great pizza. I check in at McDonald's to get the latest from Wally Schroyer and Tom Sankovich.

I stay in touch with many people in the area to stay "up on the news." I still consider Connellsville "back home." It is with sadness that the WCVI building is on its last legs, but those walls hold many wonderful memories for me in the 1960s and '70s.

Ron Enos

Jacksonville, Fla.