The SALections started as a TV sports segment years ago in Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia. We were fortunate to have a healthy following and the local newspaper in Norfolk called it the best local TV sports segment. Over the years, I often thought how can I broaden the SALections out to appeal to anyone, not just sports fans. During a game of banana grams, the idea of dynamic categories that would appeal to anyone was the light bulb moment. Our newsletter began in September 2024 and is available on our website - www.salectionsofthemonth.com
Share
The SALections - December 2024
Published 4 months ago • 13 min read
Welcome to the SALections!
We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud. Here we go.
The Hero we are profiling this month is DACK AXSELLE.
Dack Axselle - October 1984
I met Dack when he was 8 years old and the cutest little bugger. Little did I know that he would become a source of inspiration for my entire life.
Sometimes a hero comes into your life in an unexpected and memorable way. Such is the case of Dack Axselle.
It was the summer of 1983 and my partner in crime, Lou Charlip and I went out to do a local story on a young kid prepping for the Richmond marathon.
The RIchmond race offered a step up option with a 10K, a half-marathon and a full marathon.
Dack was training for the 10K. He was an adorable young fellow who suffered from Spina Bifida so he walked with crutches.
It wasn’t long before Dack’s competitive side came out and he was walking around the track with his Dad right next to him. He completed the 10K, it wasn't easy but he was driven by pure guts. The next year, he decided to go for the half-marathon.
Dack's father was just an incredible dad balancing encouragement for his son while still keeping him safe. His under arms had blisters and were raw from the 10k. How in the heck would Dack do a half-marathon? Not only did he do it, but the following year he completed the full marathon.
We went out and did a story on his effort. Our News Director at the time in Richmond really liked the story and said we should submit it to the ABC feed. That would send Dack's story to every ABC affliate in the country.
Little did we know that the New York City marathon was the same weekend as Richmond's event. As a result, we got a call that Good Morning America was going to run the story. Kathleen Sullivan was the news anchor for GMA at the time and Dack's story was about to hit the big time.
When Dack finished the half-marathon, we were there. He was the first to start the race in darkness and the last to finish. I can tell you there was not a dry eye at the finish line when Dack completed the race.
It was far and away the most courageous accomplishment I had ever witnessed. This kid simply wouldn't quit. His arms were in really bad shape but his guts & determination wouldn't let him stop.
As you may know television can look exciting, but let me tell you if things go sideways your show can fail spectacularly. In those moments of sheer panic, when I wasn't sure if all the elements would come together - I would stop and say - how did Dack do it?
Just the thought of him pushing forward gave me the strength to continue and overcome whatever I was up against. Thank you Dack!
I am far from the only one Dack has impressed, but he will never know how many times he has saved my bacon.
We have been fortunate to keep in touch over the years - Christmas cards going both ways. His mom and dad - Patty and Dave are just phenomenal people. He also has a sister Annie, who's adorable.
Toward the back end of my career I was speaking at a school and someone asked who has affected you the most in your sports career.
Even though I have met and interviewed some incredible athletes the answer came to me quickly and very clearly.
Who has affected you the most in your Sports Career?
The answer I told that crowd surprised some, but not me.
DACK AXSELLE impressed me the most and it wasn't even close. He was not only the most impressive person I met, but he has been an inspiration to me and countless others over the years.
You will be thrilled to know that Dack is 50 now with a son Erza, who is 12. His life is full.
He has taught for 28 years in Hanover County, Virginia. Dack is also a very skilled piano player who has put out a couple albums. He has taught piano lessons for more than a decade. Jesus, Mary & Joe Pesci is their nothing this guy can't do?
His parents, Dave and Patty are also doing well. Dave still runs a service station and Dack's sister Annie works in the Caroline County School District. They are just one extraordinary family built on love. I have nothing but love for all of them.
From Left to Right - Dack's Aunt Linda, his sister Annie, Tyler (Annie's son), Dave Axselle, Patty Axselle, Ezra (Dack's 12 year old son in the foreground), Dack's brother, his wife & Dack
So my message to you is this. Don't ever discount anyone you meet. You will never know who can find their way into your heart and serve as a life-long inspiration just as Dack has done for me.
It was a beautiful afternoon in 1983 and I met a little guy who absolutely refused to let his handicap hold him back. And over the years, it became this wonderful friendship.
Thank you so much Dack for your courage, for your strength and for being such an inspiration for me for 45 years. Whenever I'm in a tough spot, I still ask - how did Dack do it... how in the hell did he do it?
Footnote to the DACK AXSELLE story. This is an article I wrote for Boomer Magazine looking back at 5 special years covering sports in Richmond, Virginia. So many stories, so many interviews and through it all - Dack is the highlight!
We all have heroes. It’s really important to let our heroes know how much they mean to us. Write them a letter, pick up the phone or go see them.
Let them know that they have made an impact on you. You will gain so much more in that conversation, while making them feel appreciated. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Cinema Lou is an entertainment enthusiast with a vast knowledge of films and the streaming world. He is also a featured guest on the Arch Campbell podcast.
Cinema Lou at the Ventnor Theater
We are delighted at the SALections to have Cinema Lou share his thoughts with us as a Special Contributor.
CINEMA LOU on XMAS CLASSICS
Hold on. Here they come again… Holiday movies have arrived, and like all those political ads, there isn’t much we can do to stop them.
Whether in theaters, broadcast television, or streaming, expect to be inundated with holiday themed movies. But after such classics as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas, and even modern classics- Elf and A Christmas Story, do we need more? Well, whether we need them or not, they're coming. We’re a month away from Christmas and Hannukah (miracle of miracles, they both fall on the same day) and already theaters are showing Holiday movies.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a fun movie that embodies the spirit of the holiday. A little heavy on religion but if you can stand it, you’ll enjoy it. “Christmas Eve in Millers Point” is a strange offering that encompasses vignettes of a family getting together to celebrate. And “Red One” is an action movie that has Santa being kidnapped by his evil brother. And there will be more to come. Best advice-save your money.
There will be hundreds of movies on the Hallmark Channel and various networks and streaming services. My suggestion is to embrace what we know and like - the old classics. Yes, occasionally a new movie sneaks in and makes a mark, but it’s rare.
I love going to the theater, but my advice is to stay home and watch the classics. When I discovered It’s A Wonderful Life, I was alone, far from home, and watched it 8 times one Christmas. And when my kids were younger, they watched Elf on an endless loop. I can recite each film word for word, and I still make sure to watch it every holiday season.
Bruno and his team are known for practicing their routines as many times as necessary to get them just right. His dynamic performances have lead to him being asked to open numerous award shows, the Grammys, Billboard & the American Music Awards to name a few.
A new song every month to add to your playlist & get you in the mood.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU - VAN MORRISON
You can never go wrong with Van "the Man" Morrison.
There is a gorgeous piano track in this song that will absolutely captivate you. Play the song with your favorite aperitif and Van's marvelously, scruffy voice.
I can assure you that this is one of Van's absolute best songs.
I haven’t always been successful, but I have tried to live a Christian life. Not in a holy roller fashion, but in a spirited go about your business kind of way.
Despite my daily prayers, there is no doubt that I am going to Straight to Hell when I pass.
In freshman year of high school, we were driving over the Walt Whitman bridge to Jersey because beer was cheaper in the Garden State.
I was in the back seat and someone saw a carload of nuns pull up right behind us. Without hesitation the 3 of us in the back - dropped our pants and mooned the nuns. Our driver laid on the horn, it was a full blown incident.
Don’t know how many Hail Mary’s that requires in confession, but those nuns followed us for 2 miles before we lost them.
What followed still wakes me up with nightmares. We had nuns at St. Edmund's in grade school. These nuns were different.
They were some form of Biker Nuns - The Sisters of the Ammunition armed with a lot more than the 48-inch rulers the St. Ed's nuns beat us with regularly.
Even though those Biker Nuns were Philly tough, we did give them a moment. That brought a smile to all of our faces.
Can see the discussion at the pearly gates when I pass going something like this:
Peter – Son, did you really moon a carload of nuns in high school?
Yes, I did Peter.
Peter - Even though you did some good things in your life, that really is a venial sin…so we’re going to have to send you downstairs.
But Peter I did go to confession and said 200 Hail Mary’s for absolution. Doesn't that count for anything?
Peter - Sorry son, but no amount of Hail Mary’s will get you off the hook for this one. Although from what I can see, you really did give those nuns a special memory.
After a 10-year break to work on solo projects Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles are back together and touring as Sugarland once again. Thank the good lord.
They are so good together. Have been fortunate to have seen quite a few concerts in my day and very few make it into the category that Sugarland resides in.
While Bush is an accomplished musician and songwriter, Jennifer Nettles is the special sauce. She is so dynamic with an incredible voice and just a phenomenal performer on stage.
Saw them back in 2011 and the whole auditorium stood for 30 minutes before they came on. And no one sat down during the entire show. Not once. Have not seen that happen since an Elton John concert way back in the 1980's.
So what sprinkles your donuts this holiday season?
Are you grateful for your family - your kids - your health? For shelter, heat and having a roof over your head? For Christmas lights and sweet potato pie?
What are the expressions of gratitude that make your list this holiday season?
Are you doing your part to help the less fortunate. Kindness doesn't cost a thing and it's contagious. At the SALections, we support random acts of kindness.
Here are some inspirational words from a Hollywood star.
How do we change the world?
One random act of kindness at a time!
***Morgan Freeman***
*****************************************
At the SALections, we are doing our part this holiday season. We fully support the Montone Fitness Center in Doylestown that is delivering 300 Christmas gifts to underprivileged kids during the holidays in Bucks County.
God bless you Monica! You have a big heart & we are happy to support your efforts.
So our message this holiday season is...
Get Up Off Your Ass & Help Somebody.
There are a lot of people in need. You will be doing your part and you get so much more back in return.
**************************************
OLD PHOTOS
We love old photos at the SALections. Since it's the holidays, we are sharing Old Christmas Photos.
This one is so cute of Franny, Andrew, Joey and Maria Montone in 1960.
Remember the silver trees. Here's a fresh off the boat photo of yours truly from 1959. Scary, but I look a little like a young Ricky Ricardo.
Check this cutie out. This is Len & Sharon's yorkie Gidget in 2012. Just love her!!! Merry Christmas Gidget!
There are so many great Christmas songs. Are you a traditionalist enjoying the classics like O Holy Night, Deck the Halls or Silent Nite.
Are you more into the popular tracks like It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year, White Christmas or Sleigh Ride.
They all add up to making the holidays extra special. Nothing like trimming the tree with some hot chocolate and playing your favorite holiday songs.
The two Christmas songs I look forward to every year are:
My Grown up Christmas Wish by Amy Grant
&
This Christmas by Donnie Hathaway.
Whatever songs you are listening to this magical season May Your Holidays be Blessed, Your Stockings Full and Your Heart Liftedby the company of good friends and family.
Let's celebrate the joy of the Holidays and best wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Joyous New Year!
****** THE MUMMERS ARE COMING VERY SOON ******
And for you Mummers fans - Let's Go to the Fabulous South Philly String Band (SPSB)!
Here's one more look back at their 1st place performance on New Year's Day 2024.
How about the dancers up front with ornaments clanging on their outfits as they dance. Never saw that before. It's so SPSB to come up with something so clever.
By the way, there is some fabulous Christmas music in this performance. Kudo's to Band Captain Denny Palandro for celebrating his 50th year marching down Broad Street!
Now if I could only play the sax half as good as these guys. Their transitions and runs in this show are nothing short of phenomenal.
This guy is one of my all time favorite sax players. His name is Stuart Matthewman. He played for SADE which also happens to be one of my all-time favorite bands.
What they did on stage, playing with such passion and the visual scenes they created in the 1980's was so ahead of their time.
I could write a book on how good they are. Now back to Stuart. He's in the damn Hall of Fame for being one of the greatest sax players ever.
Get ready cause Stuart will capture your soul when he plays!
This piano solo is so indicative of this bands skill & what follows on the sax is incredible *********************************************************
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Ah...time for a little nostalgia and maybe a red nose too.
Our daughter was 4 and I was putting together one of those kitchens that was white with the oven on the top. Waited until she was asleep so it was getting late and had it just about together. One piece had to snap in, and it was giving me a tough time so I put a little more force on it. Which was not the right move, it snapped back flying in the air and hit me right on the nose and I was down hard. .
I woke up at 2am with my wife asking me why I was sleeping on the floor. My nose definitely had a rudolph-red glow for that holiday season. Our daughter loved the kitchen, I didn't care much for the large welt on my schnoz.
*************************************************
When I was 4, my Dad surprised me over the holidays. First we had one of those silver trees. My Dad could build just about anything so the next day after the tree went up, he put together a plywood platform for it to stand on and put a train track around the tree.
When I came home from school, I couldn't believe an electric train was set up to go around the tree. Didn't care about any gifts that holiday season as I played with that electric train under the tree nonstop.
So what is your favorite Christmas memory? Share it with your friends and family this holiday season.
*************************************************
THANK YOU – GRAZIE – MERCI – OBRIGADO
That wraps up the Special Holiday Edition of the SALections.
So what did you think? We have thick skin so good or bad comments are all welcome. That's how we'll get better, so thanks in advance.
Before we close it out, we have one last item - what could we all use a little more of this holiday season? Bring us home Anita - give us some of that SWEET LOVE!!!
Special thanks to Barb Berlin, a great friend and my former weekend news anchor & work wife in Richmond for her amazing proofreading skills. Thank you Barb!
See you in January. We hope your holidays are blessed and Jack Frost is nipping at your schnoz. We'll see you again with a New Year Celebration for January 2025!
The SALections started as a TV sports segment years ago in Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia. We were fortunate to have a healthy following and the local newspaper in Norfolk called it the best local TV sports segment. Over the years, I often thought how can I broaden the SALections out to appeal to anyone, not just sports fans. During a game of banana grams, the idea of dynamic categories that would appeal to anyone was the light bulb moment. Our newsletter began in September 2024 and is available on our website - www.salectionsofthemonth.com
Welcome to the SALections! We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud or shed a tear. Here we go. April 2025 ************************************************* Tom Foolery So to celebrate April Fools day, we are celebrating one of the High Priests of High Jinks - none other than Steve Martin. Steve's first job was at Disneyland in 1960. Then he went onto write jokes for the Smothers Brothers. The poor bastard didn't learn to stay away from Martin...
Welcome to the SALections! We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud or shed a tear. Here we go. March 2025 ************************************************* The Hero for March 2025 is Gene Kapp Written by Mike Russell & Sal Urbano It was in the mid-1980’s that I would meet the finest man I’ve ever known. I didn’t know it at the outset but when Gene Kapp and I met in Norfolk at WTKR-TV, a forty-year friendship would began innocently enough over...
Welcome to the SALections! We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud. Here we go. February 2025 This edition is all LOVE SONGS ***************************************************** For the Love of You - Isley Brothers This song was recorded by the 5 Isley Brothers in 1975 on an album entitled, "The Heat is On." This is the extended mix version which runs 20 minutes. The song was also recorded by Whitney Houston, Regina Belle and Harold Melvin &...
