I am a Western New York native, born and raised in West Seneca and now living with my wife Maribeth, who is an R.N., on our 65-acre farm in Marilla. We do not have children but plenty of "kids" -- our cats, dog and horses. I have worked in Buffalo radio since 1975 and at Townsquare since 2001. Presently, I work just weekends and some fill-in on-air work. My main career is in law enforcement; I'm a mounted lieutenant, chaplain and instructor for the Erie County Sheriff's Office. And, yes, I am the guy famous for the signature radio sign-off, "God bless you, God bless America, never say never!"
Craig Matthews
Do Not Attempt This At Home! [VIDEO]
Yes, I admit it. I am sitting around this morning having my coffee and thinking, "Gee, I wonder if Youtube has any interesting marching band videos?". Well sure enough they do. This video is of an actual performance, but I had to wonder if any player got hurt in rehearsal!
A GI Joe Tribute to Nik Wallenda
I will admit, the excitement of Nik Wallenda's walk over Niagara Falls didn't really start for me until Friday evening, about two hours before his death-defying feat. I was sitting in our backyard watching Pearl on her dog run, a cable that stretches from the house to a tree in the backyard (very convenient on those cold winter mornings!). As I looked at the cable, it suddenly hit me, and in a
Signs Are Good, But Sometimes…Confusing!
Remember the oldies hit called "Signs" from the Five Man Electrical Band?..."Signs signs, everywhere are signs". Well, I believe signs are good. They can give us directions, instructions and more. For example, this sign on Stolle Road in my neck of the woods in Marilla. It tells drivers the 45 mile per hour speed limit has ended and you can proceed (I would assume) faster. B
This Turtle Made It To Broadway!!! [VIDEO]
OK, so it was Route 20, also known as Broadway. I was traveling around Saturday morning doing some errands when I observed a large turtle attempting to cross the road. This stretch of highway near Alden is a 55mph zone and the thought of someone getting into an accident trying to avoid it entered my mind. Secondly, I didn't want to see him (or her...I'm not sure) get hit either. I, by the way, aff
A Mother’s Work Is Never Done [VIDEO]
Perhaps I should have posted this last week for Mother's Day! Again this year, the barn swallows in our barn have been very busy. So I decided to look on Youtube for any videos of "Mama Swallow" feeding her young.
A Mother’s Day “I.O.U.” [VIDEO]
WARNING! You will need a box of tissues for this one. To my wonderful Mom and my "other" Mother, my sweet mother-in-law...I love you and miss you both! Both are gone now, but I will never forget all the years I worked on the radio on Mother's Day and called them to share this song. To say thank you, for a debt I could never repay.
AMAZING CATS!!! [VIDEO]
Getty Images I am sure from reading my posts over the last year or so you know I am an animal lover. We have horses, a dog and of course CATS! Growing up I wasn't much of a kitty lover but after we were married my wife introduced me to joys of cat ownership. Or perhaps it's the other way around. After all...felines are known for owning US!
This Dog Needs Some Coffee (And Carpeting)! [VIDEO]
OK, first...NEVER give your dog coffee. I had to get that disclaimer in...yet this pooch needs something to help wake up! Perhaps some carpeting too as you will see.
One Amazing Dog! [VIDEO]
Don't get me wrong, my wife Maribeth and I LOVE our dog "Pearl" and wouldn't give her up for all the money in the world. She is a Shepard/Pitbull mix. I rescued her nearly 13 years ago after finding her abandoned on Squaw Island. I turned her over to the SPCA, but when no one claimed her, we did! Though she is growing older and has some health issues, she is one loved dog. She does her s
“Mounted for Meals” for the Food Bank of WNY at the Broadway Market!
Hi, it's Craig Matthews inviting you to help us help the hungry. It's time for the Erie County Sheriff's Office Mounted Reserve Unit semi-annual food drive we call, "Mounted for Meals". It happens this Wednesday at Buffalo's famous Broadway Market. In addition to my on-air work here on WYRK, I am also part of the Sheriff's Mounted Patrol, serving proudly since 1996.
Annual Dolphin Migration In The Niagara River
I look forward to it every spring. Yesterday, I joined thousands of onlookers as we gathered along the banks of the Niagara River near Front Park. We waited patiently watching for the hundreds of dolphins who would be making their annual migration to the ocean. As Coast Guard vessels stood watch to ensure no interruption of their long journey, suddenly someone shouted, "Here they come!"
One VERY Determined Eagle [VIDEO]
I love watching nature. I especially love when animals do things you might not expect them to do as you'll see in this video.