On June 20, it’s Miller time again

John D'Agostino
On Dec. 27, 2003, the Buffalo Bills played a game to forget.

The New England Patriots won, 31-0, in a Saturday afternoon affair. It was then-coach Gregg Williams’ last game and it was the second straight game the Bills had failed to score a touchdown.

But many Bills’ fans stayed tuned to the game on television with the sound down and radio turned up right to the bitter end. It was radio play-by-play legend Van Miller’s last game behind the microphone.

For years on Sunday, Miller was a guest in thousands of homes in Western New York. Growing up in Geneva, N.Y., my first game with Van was on a November Sunday in 1981 in which the Bills’ had failed to sell out for the first time in two years. Many fans will remember it as the “Hail Mary” game when quarterback Joe Ferguson connected with Roland Hooks with 12 seconds left in a 20-17 Buffalo victory. For me, however, it was my introduction to the Dunkirk native who would be welcome back in my home in the fall on Sundays for years to come.

In late June, our area will again pay tribute to the greatest radio play-by-play man in NFL history. Thanks to efforts by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and Stephanie Pulvino at Lake Shore Savings Bank, a scholarship will be presented on an annual basis to graduating seniors at Dunkirk High School.

This week, the scholarship committee met to reach a decision on just what students would receive the first honors.

“The group met at the high school on Wednesday to interview the candidates,” said Stephanie Pulvino. “All who were at the event were excellent.”

To this end, a major fund-raiser — the Van Miller Hometown Hero Scholarship Fund — has been planned for Shorewood Country Club on June 20. The event will include a day of golf as well as a dinner that will include Miller’s attendance. Proceeds from the first golf tournament, which is being presented by Lake Shore Savings Bank, will go toward the scholarships. As of now, more golfers are needed for this premiere event.

“There’s about 50 more spots left for golf and we still have a number of sponsorships available,” Pulvino said. “Also, monetary donations are appreciated for the scholarship fund.”

In April 2004, Miller — as usual — stole the show at the Kosciuzko Club during a roast to honor the former WFCB — now WDOE — broadcaster.

On that night, the stars came out in Dunkirk. Former Bill Steve Tasker, famous Buffalo radio personality Danny Neavereth and Miller, who attended with his wife Gloria, took turns trading barbs on that unforgettable evening.

June’s dinner will likely bring the same type of format.

During the event, WIVB sports director and current Bills’ play-by-play man John Murphy is scheduled to broadcast reports live while current Bills’ broadcast sideline reporter and WIVB sports anchor Paul Peck also will be a part of the event, providing some video and sound bites.

“Our beautiful Lake Erie sunset will be a part of the back-drop during the sportscasts,” Pulvino said, noting the committee is still waiting for additional information on what current and former Bills will be in attendance.

A proclamation from Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards also will be a part of the day.

For more information on the tournament, contact Pulvino at the bank at 366-4070, ext. 1237. Forms to sign up for the tournament are still available at the bank and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation on Lake Shore Drive West.



In honor of Miller’s return to Dunkirk in June, the OBSERVER is planning a special section, which would include photos as well as memories of Miller from area residents. If you would like to contribute to the section, please give me a call or e-mail me at the address below.



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John D’Agostino is the publisher of the OBSERVER. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com'>jdagostino@observertoday.com'>jdagostino@observertoday.com'>jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.