THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 1995 TAG: 9508020186
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: AHOSKIE LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Who's the guest at this year's ``Speaker Under the Stars'' forum at Roanoke-Chowan Community College?
Hint: St. Paul is in for three days of rain and fog; Smedley Thistlewhite is celebrating his 110th birthday; back to Bryant.
His official title is weatherman for the ``Today'' show, a job Willard Scott has held since 1980, probably a television record for longevity.
He will be the lighthearted speaker at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Oct. 5.
Before that happens, the school is seeking individuals and businesses to help sponsor his appearance. The college plans to begin selling general admission tickets in mid-August - $20 per seat.
If you want to sponsor Scott, the cost is $250, but there are fringe benefits for fans of the weatherman.
Sponsors will get two tickets for reserved up-front seating, reserved parking, name recognition in the forum program, and two invitations to a reception.
``The sponsorships give people the rare opportunity to meet someone such as Willard Scott and speak with him one-on-one,'' said Don Joyner, chair of the RCCC Foundation and vice chair of the RCCC Board of Trustees. ``Last year's sponsors reception with Charles Kuralt was extremely well received.''
Both speakers have area ties - Kuralt with the Outer Banks, Scott with the Old Dominion. He was born in Alexandria.
For his public service efforts he was named Distinguished Virginian by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in 1990.
In 1950 Scott began his professional career as an NBC page and weekend disc jockey. He stayed in the nation's capital, working at various stations, until called to New York by NBC, a call based on his weather duties at WRC-AM from 1956 to 1972.
He often ventures from the confines of the studio giving his weathercasts from such unlikely places as the Orient Express, China, Australia, South America, Rome and throughout the country on the - what else? - Today Express.
For more than 30 years Scott has lighted the national Christmas tree in Washington, and, since 1987, has anchored the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
During the Christmas season he often plays Santa Claus at the White House. Another disguise gave him the distinction of portraying the first Ronald McDonald.
Scott, who has authored four books, is a graduate of American University in Washington with a B.A. in philosophy and religion.
``Virtually everyone has seen him on television,'' Joyner said. ``Soon, everyone (locally) will have the opportunity to see him in person.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: Roanoke-Chowan Community College ``Speakers Under the Stars''
forum, with Willard Scott.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 5. Tickets will go on sale in mid-August.
Where: The courtyard at the college.
General admission, $20. Sponsorship tickets, $250. Call Johnna
Everett at (919) 332-5921.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Willard Scott
Will speak at Roanoke-Chowan
by CNB