“Ever since I was 5 years old, all I ever wanted to do was tell people about the weather,” Gary Lezak, Chief Meteorologist at KSHB Channel 41, in Kansas City, KS said today, April 3, 2001, in Kansas City. Listening to his unabated infectious enthusiasm for telling everybody about the weather, you would never guess he was shy and afraid of public speaking in college.
He shared these and other stories with 35 women at the Listen and Learn Lecture Series of the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee Greater Kansas City Chapter. The lecture was held at the Kansas City Campus of Webster University at 92nd St and State Line Road.
He not only plays a meteorologist on TV, but he is one, receiving his BS degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in 1985.
On his first visit to the campus in 1980, he fell in love with the University. “I think there was a thunderstorm that day. What a great way of welcoming me,” he said.
“It took me a year and a half in college before I could get up the nerve to appear in front of a group.” But once he did, he had so much fun he was hooked.
His first break into television broadcasting came in 1986 when a TV weatherman on the CBS channel KWTV-TV in Oklahoma City goofed and let slip a “bad word” that was broadcast on the air. Gary, fresh out of college, got an interview that afternoon and the job as TV weatherman that day.
For 15 years, he woke up at 2 am to start work. Luckily, he says it wasn’t too bad, since he is a morning person. He was able to get back to a more normal schedule on July 1, 1999, when he began his on air role as the chief meteorologist with KSHB Channel 41 in Kansas City.
Tornado Alley
Of course, talking to a group in Kansas during April about the weather generates lots of questions about tornadoes
Yes, Gary’s been out tornado chasing, 60 times. Only once did he and his brother actually see and get close to a tornado, though. It was Memorial Day, 1999, and pretty scary. “I saw my first tornado, and I don’t need to see another one. That one was neat.”
When asked about the old wives’ tale, should you open or close your windows if a tornado comes by, he said, “It doesn’t matter. They’re going to break whether they’re open or closed. Just stay away from them no matter what.”
His final recommendation about protection during a tornado is to wear a helmet. “Most injuries are caused by flying debris.”
Windy and Stormy
Gary always brings his dogs to public appearances. Viewers know his two dogs, Windy, 11 years old and Stormy, 5 months old, from many TV appearances. Windy originally was owned by Gary’s friends, who wanted an outside watchdog. Unfortunately for them, Windy didn’t like the outside and wouldn’t bark.
Gary met Windy at his friend’s house when she was under a year old and it was love at first sight. That’s when she got her new owner. A short while later, he brought her on the set. She jumped on a couch and calmly sat there the entire day. This audition launched her TV career.
Windy performed her routine of tricks like speaking, shaking, and her grand finale, playing dead when Gary pointed his finger at her and pretended to zap her with a lightning bolt. Stormy is following closely in her older sibling’s tracks. Both dogs were trained patiently and lovingly by their owner.
Sponsoring Organization
The Brandeis University National Women’s Committee Greater Kansas City Chapter, with 600 members, is one of the largest chapters in the US. 50,000 strong nationwide, this organization was formed over 50 years ago to help build the library at the then brand new Brandeis University.
Though they still support the University Library financially, their scope has broadened to include supporting educational activities in their local communities. Gary Lezak’s lecture was hosted by Joanie Kershenbaum and coordinated by Arlene Hart. For more information about upcoming lectures in the Listen and Learn series, call 816-942-6585 816-942-6585 816-942-6585 .
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