My name is John Meaney. I am a native Saratogian who grew up on Spring Street close to the wonderful downtown area of Saratoga Springs and right in the middle of the action between the old campus of Skidmore College and the Saratoga Racecourse. Little did I know that I would end up working at both places later in life. I would also find myself driving a taxi, bartending, delivering the afternoon Saratogian, working in a produce warehouse, and serving as a host/director of sports programs for a local television production company.
But, for most of my adult life, it would be the use of my voice that I would spend most of my time establishing my career. For most of the past 35+ years I have been serving as an air personality on local radio. I have worked for several different radio stations close to home playing music, reporting the news, doing live “remotes”, calling play-by-play for various sporting events, and promoting the best community in the world. My current excursion is hosting a morning show on our local station starsaratoga.com, 93.3FM & AM 1160, all before going to my latest real job.
I’ve also used my voice as a public address announcer at many sporting events throughout the years as well as for special events such as the annual Elks Flag Day parade. The sports PA announcing started way back when while attending Saratoga Springs High School, moving on to Ithaca College, and to several places and events such as the annual Allegiance Bowl…where i got to have discussions with Bill Parcells and Buzz Aldrin, to the Adirondack Red Wings, Albany Firebirds & River Rats, and the NYS High School Basketball championships up at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
However, my proudest accomplishment has been working as the basketball announcer for the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds for the past 37 out of 38 years, yes COVID got in the way. I was selected to the Thoroughbred Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. It has been quite a ride.
Currently, besides doing the radio show, I am employed as a procurement officer for the other wonderful school centered in our community, SUNY Empire State College. Many years ago, I used to walk the walls and play sandlot football on the site I know call my working home back in my old neighborhood. I’ve come full circle. Actually, that holds true for Skidmore too. My first home ever was what used to be the garage building of the Surrey Inn on North Broadway. Now a part of the college.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of five children born to Jim and Marcia Meaney. We lost my dad on St. Patrick’s Day of this year. We were lucky to have such loving, active and socially well-liked parents. That helped us to be involved in our community. I am actually first generation, but so glad my parents picked here to grow up. I guess I owe it to my grandfather, who I never met. His name was Jerry Cavanaugh and was hired as the first President of the local Chamber of Commerce. Now my wife, Marcy, and I have two grown children, Hayden and Grace. It was Grace that converted me from growing up as a dog person to being a cat person. We, so far, have two of the feline friends, Harold & Jasper.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As stated above, most of my days have been spent on the radio. I fell into it by accident when I was attending Ithaca College. I was planning on being a television director. But, while taking a radio class, the bug sort of bit me. Someone said I had a good voice and that led me to where I am. I left radio for a bit and was looking for a new thing to do in 2014. A former classmate of mine asked if I would like to try procurement. I had to look up the word. And now I love it and doing it for such a wonderful institution at Empire State College.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have always been partial to the Olde Bryan Inn. Love the menu and atmosphere and used to frequent the bar when I was dating the woman who is now my wife. When it comes to something a little more casual, I enjoy going to the 99 with my family.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Been here all of my life, although living just outside the city but still in the school district. How long have I worked here? 47 years if you count being a paperboy. Later it was six years at the Palmetto Fruit Company and then on to the radio gigs. Loved my time as a pari-mutuel clerk at the flat track and a cab driver for a year or so.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Not a world traveler. And normally I love to drive all over the country. I like the shorter trips these days. Rather than list places, I would like to visit my family members in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have always kept lists. I don’t see many movies, so I’d have to go back a bit. I’ve stated for a long time that my three favorite movies, in order, are Dances with Wolves, Superman II, and The Towering Inferno. Oh, they are so closely related. Huh? Without a doubt or any hesitancy, my favorite TV shows are about humor. I am a huge Friends fan. Plus it came on the year I met my wife and ended the day after my daughter was born. My other favorite show was the Muppet Show. As for dramas, I loved 24 and The West Wing.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take care of your mental and physical self the best you can. I wish I had done that earlier. It allows you to make some choices later on. This sounds like a regret. Not exactly. Just wanting to pass along something I have learned.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Never really looked in that direction. Since the question is required, here it goes. Announcing at a large stadium. There may have been opportunities that could have happened either at Met Life, or Yankee. But I didn’t pursue them.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I have a few favorites. Those who know me well know that I have been a longtime fan of ELO, the Electric Light Orchestra. Could listen to them all day and actually have. My wife and kids dreaded our long road trips when I got to choose the music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The former Community Theatre. So many movies for a buck, so many memories.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
David Letterman at the OBI. He has made me laugh through the years and I would love to just see how his mind works. And I would bring a razor.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is that so many people recognize and appreciate the city’s charm from all around the world, yet we still have a small town feel. I hope we don’t lose that.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
If I am able, to be doing what I am doing. Hard for me to imagine anything else. It’s not about loving everything I do now, I just don’t have a great imagination. Insert “wink” emoji here.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I was the first soloist at Lake Avenue Elementary School ever. Can’t sing at all since my voice changed.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yankee Stadium. Okay, probably Rollins Pond in the Adirondacks.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October 12th, the anniversary of my wedding. Such a great day during a great time of the year. Favorite holiday-traditionally Thanksgiving.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sitting at a campfire with family and friends.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My therapist. Actually, my siblings have all been quite supportive through the years.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Campfires.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Four out of five of the great lakes. Family. Saratoga.
