Page 147 - Winterling's Chasing the Wind

At this same time, our granddaughter, Sarah, was marrying Daniel Denton. It was very
unfortunate that we had to miss this important occasion in her life. We were also
looking forward to the wedding of my grandson, Jeff, to Kimberly Galup on October 4.
Fortunately, Virginia recovered sufficiently so that we all could attend the wedding in
the Presbyterian Church in Atlantic Beach and the reception at the Casa Marina at
Jacksonville Beach.

CHAPTER 46 - George’s Big Secret
After serving as WJXT’s Chief Meteorologist for 47 years, my latest contract would
expire on May 31, 2009. I had been receiving one of the top salaries for my on-air
work, and the broadcasting industry was forced to cut back because of poor economic
conditions. Channel 4 was doing very well in the competition for viewers. The station
had severed ties with CBS in 2002 and maintained a lead as number one in the market
as an independent station. Due to technological advances, the station was able to
continue to operate with a thirty or more percent reduction of employees.

In early spring, I met with News Director, Mo Ruddy-Baker, about my future. I told her
that I still enjoyed my work and community activities, but that I recognized that the
station could no longer afford my full-time services. The result was the station would
announce that I had a “Big Secret” during the May ratings. At the end of my last 6 PM
weathercast, the secret was revealed. I would become Meteorologist Emeritus, passing
the torch of Chief Meteorologist to John Gaughan. I would be available for fill-in or
assistance to the weather department and as Hurricane Expert would write George’s
Blog on JustWeather.com.

Being semi-retired didn’t free me from going to the TV station most days. It was not for
weather forecasting, but for continuing to maintain George’s Garden and to read the
WJXT rain gauge in the garden. It’s important to know whether the plants are getting
enough water, especially since we didn’t have sufficient rainfall many times. I was
disappointed when I learned that I had to continue the gardening duties, even though
Denise Fox, the station’s executive assistant, could also be of help to me. A few of the
engineers, like Al Valentine, offered help on many occasions.

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