iBerkshires Profile: Tom Jay
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GREAT BARRINGTON — Out of habit, Tom Jay woke up before the sun rose on Friday morning, made himself some coffee and got his daily dose of the news, reading three or four of his favorite newspapers online.
Then, he didn't know what to do next.
For the first time in 42 years, Tom Jaworski — better known as Tom Jay, the "Voice of South Berkshire" on WSBS AM radio— didn't have to be at the station before 5:30 a.m. The morning newsman and radio talk show host, 65, announced his retirement in April and, on Thursday, aired his final broadcasts.
"It's going to take a little while to get accustomed to the fact that it's going to be different now," said Jaworski on Friday morning, during a time he'd normally be on the air. "I spent my entire broadcast career in the same station and it's been an interesting one. But it was just time. I don't know how else to describe it."
Jaworski, who joined WSBS in 1965 after five years in the Navy, worked every weekday, delivering seven news broadcasts each day along with his own show, "Let's Talk," during which he "gabbed about everything and anything."
During his final day, reports on news and weather were mixed with sentimental moments, callers offering well wishes and tearful goodbyes.
"What really got me was when my granddaughter came in with two oversized retirement cards that had signatures from all fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at Monument Valley Middle School," said Jaworski.
The anecdotes and reminiscences during his 9 o'clock talk show were interspersed with calls and letters from townsfolk who'll miss the familiar morning voice. Even Sen. Edward Kennedy ("I didn't know he even knew I existed") sent an e-mail of congratulations to the man who's seen it all.
"The industry has changed so much. I mean, really changed. It's nothing but wall-to-wall talk and WSBS is one of, I would say, the last stalwarts of local news," said Jaworski, who harangued about the use of "political correctness" in contemporary newscasts.
"WSBS does the little things that no one will touch. I call it a hometown station and it really is. These kinds of radio station are few and far between."
Drawn to Radio
It's that passion for the local community that drew Jaworski to radio and journalism in the first place — and WSBS hads always had a special place in his heart. The Brooklyn native would spend summer vacations in nearby Ancram, N.Y., and he remembers being drawn to the local radio station.
"I used to listen to WSBS when they first went on the air," he said.
And it was WSBS he called looking for a job when his military service was over.
"The first requirement was that I had to have a third-class radiotelegraph operator's license so I went to the [Federal Communications Commission] and passed the test the first time. I nearly fell over," said Jaworski.
Though he began his career in radio engineering, Jaworski quickly moved into the newsroom, working as a staff announcer.
"News has always been my first love. It's rewarding. You get to know things," he said.
And radio has always been his calling.
"Why do I do it? I don't know. I've always been interested in radio. God, I remember as a kid, I loved it. Once the radio bug bites, that's it — you're hooked. Once it gets into your blood, it is absolutely with you," he said.
For Jaworski, whose career was marked by dedication to and passion for the community, walking away from journalism means a complete lifestyle overhaul. No longer required to wake up at 2:45 a.m. or to chase fires or crime stories, the newsman's life may be just a little bit calmer.
"I'm going to spend more time with the family; I've got three grandchildren and I love to spoil them rotten," he said, noting travel and more frequent trips to his favorite getaway — Disney World — as goals for his retired life.
That's not to say he won't miss certain aspects of the job.
Career Highs
"I'm most going to miss working with the people at the station," said Jaworski, naming 35-year co-anchor Nick Diller and current partner Dave Winchester specifically. "And I'll miss sparring with the politicians."
Saying the 1995 tornado that destroyed sections of town was the biggest story of his career but "the shenanigans that go on in Town Hall" are his favorite memories, Jaworski marveled at a four-decade career that slowly saw a decline in radio's popularity.
"When I started, there were no computers in the station. You'd have to bang out your stories on a typewriter. We existed without e-mail, we existed without fax but radio news still has a place, especially in the morning," he said.
"People will always want to know if schools are closed and what roads are operable."
The decision to retire came suddenly for Jaworski, who pondered the idea while on vacation with his family and wife, Marilyn, last month.
"We were sitting around the pool and just soaking up the sun and the subject of retirement came up. I looked at Marilyn and said 'Ha!' But as the conversation got deeper and deeper and after some long walks, I thought it was a good idea," Jaworski said.
Though there was no pressure from WSBS to retire, Jaworski said he just thought it was time to hang up the earphones and turn off the mike.
But Jaworski isn't completely giving up the radio circuit. He's the chief engineer for WBSL FM, the Berkshire School's radio station in Sheffield, and plans to remain "mixed up in that."
He's conquered the radio but he's got another set of goals all lined up.
"I want to see the aspens change into a golden color, I want to climb Pikes Peak [in Colorado]. I want to take my wife to Disneyland. I want to go cross-country on a train. I want to dip my feet in the Pacific Ocean," Jaworski said.
But first things first.
"I have to get my 'honey-do' list done," he joked, referring to a long list of household chores and home-improvement projects that have gone ignored. "That's a top priority."
