Locals throw party for radio icon John Tesh

Dr. Eric Weinstein, who owns Island Dental in Franklin Square, has known radio personality John Tesh since he was 6 years old. The two grew up together in Garden City, and have stayed friends ever since.

Last weekend, Weinstein threw a surprise birthday party for Tesh at his Franklin Square office.

Tesh, who lives in Los Angeles and is syndicated on more than 300 radio stations nationwide — including Long Island stations WKJY-FM, WLVG-FM and WHLI-AM — turned 55 on July 9. Although he planned a trip to Long Island last weekend, he had no idea that nearly 100 attended would attend a party for him at Island Dental — not far from where he and Weinstein spent their childhood, in Garden City.

"He was very surprised," Weinstein said.

During the party, Tesh was honored by Nassau County officials for raising millions of dollars for Long Island charities. He was presented with a certificate from Nassau County Legis. Vincent Moscarella (R-West Hempstead).

Tesh left Long Island after he graduated from Garden City High School in the mid-1970s and currently lives in Los Angeles, but has made many trips back to his native land, Weinstein said. "He pursued his dream; he always wanted to be on TV," Weinstein said, adding that Tesh studied at North Carolina State University, and started working with the college radio station because he wanted to "just goof around."

Tesh's radio show offers life advice to listeners. In addition to his show, he has been a news anchor and sportscaster, and composes music and plays piano. He is very well-known for writing NBC's basketball theme, and for being a longtime host of the popular show Entertainment Tonight.

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