We made it to another Christmas.  Despite what the Mayans and their foolish calendar predicted, another wonderful holiday is here.  A time to celebrate and enjoy family and friends.  It might sound hokey, but I am especially blessed this Christmas.  It has been a terrific year personally for me.  I began the year with my new job here at Clear Channel Radio on January 4, 2012.  Professionally it's been very rewarding as I work with very talented and dedicated people who come to play and win everyday.  I am fortunate to work with 3 bosses who I've known for many years. long before I was hired by them this year. Dave Lefrois is my direct boss, about as solid a guy as there is. He's a great family man, a very hard worker and never complains, even though he does the job that 5 people formerly did.  And he does it exceptionally well.  (No, I'm not trying to suck up, just stating the facts).  He reports to Robert J. Morgan, our Market Manager.  Bob is one of the most successful people that I've had the pleasure to be associated with and I am lucky he decided to return to the radio world after a very successful run as a high-ranking executive at American Tower Systems. a worldwide leader in the communications industry.  You know that smart/cell phone that you are tethered to? It works because of the towers that Bob's former company powers around the world. Needless to say, my boss knows a lot more than me and has been much more successful in life than I can ever hope to be.  It is an honor to report to him.  I'm sure he would say the same about the man he reports to: Kevin J. LeGrett, our Senior Vice-President of Operations for our company.  I've known Kevin since his days at St. John Fisher when he was the valet parker at my favorite Rochester restaurant Grinnells (on Monroe Ave. in Brighton, try it out for a fantastic meal sometime).  Little did I know in those days that this hard working, hustling kid would grow up to control a vast radio empire, responsible for many radio stations nationwide and many families who depend on his judgement.  I've know his family my entire life from growing up in Canandaigua and my life has come full circle thanks to Kevin hiring me here back in January.  I am so thankful for what he has done for me and I consider him to not only be a terrific leader, but also a very close friend who I am lucky to have in my life. 

There are many people behind the scenes who keep this place running on a daily basis, people who could care less about being in the spotlight.  I can't name them all now but I can say that they make a big difference in my life and I am very thankful for working with them all here at Clear Channel.  It's a great team to be part of.

Personally, I am so thankful for a special woman who puts up with me on a daily basis.  My love Kristen Campo.  She is a very sweet, caring, considerate, patient and loving woman and an excellent mother. My life is better thanks to her.  I hope I can be as good for her in the new year as she is for me already.  She copes with my love for Notre Dame, good times, plenty of friends and a job that is time consuming.  Trust me, my job is not difficult at all, certainly not as punishing as real jobs like nurses, doctors, cops, firefighters, service providers, shift workers in factories and plants around the area...people who do real work.  I am a dumbass radio guy who gets paid to have fun and to work with incredible people.  I am so lucky to do what I do and I thank God that He put me in this position.

Finally I give thanks for the people in uniform who are better people than me. Those who have volunteered their lives for our freedom and safety.  Being the son of a Marine, they are one of the reasons that I will be at Patty's Place in downtown Canandaigua on Christmas day, helping Patty Hotchkiss and her army of volunteers to feed heroes from the Canadaigua Veterans Medical Facility and others who don't have a place to share a nice meal on a holiday.  It's a nice Christmas tradition that Patty started years ago, and I'm lucky to be part of it, in memory of my parents.  I wish you a very safe and happy holiday and am thankful for all of you who put up with me, in person, through my writing or on the radio.  I wouldn't be where I am without so much loyalty and support.  Thank you, MERRY CHRISTMAS and God bless our troops.