Director's memo.

One of the very exciting aspects of the public human service experience is the chance to interact on occasion with notables and celebrities. At APHSA, we have had a number of leading political figures participate in our events. These include Cabinet secretaries, governors and leaders of Congress. While there is always an air of excitement to these occasions, as a sports fan, nothing in my experience can compare with the opportunities that I had as a local human service director in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. This is a jurisdiction of fewer than 250,000 people. However, during the five years that I lived there, its residents included Larry Holmes, the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world; Formula One and Indy Car driving champion Mario Andretti; and Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist Bobby Weaver. Their commitment to charitable causes occasionally put me in contact with them.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

To me, simply being well known is not in itself an admirable trait, but using that celebrity to achieve a higher purpose is. That's why I have developed such profound respect for Larry Holmes and his commitment to the city of Easton, Pennsylvania.

My exposure to the Champ was the direct result of my boss, County Executive Gene Hartzell, who was also a noted umpire, referee and all-around sportsman. His best friend was a well-known local attorney named Charlie Spaziani, generally known as Spaz. He was a remarkable character who was twice elected as the county district attorney. While in office, Spaz took a street kid under his wing and encouraged his boxing at the local youth center. The rest is history. Larry Holmes went on to become one of history's most notable and longest-tenured World Heavyweight Boxing Champions.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In all of sports, this is perhaps the most distinguished of all titles, and Larry held it for seven years with integrity and honor. He was a true champion not only in an athletic sense, but as a person as well. He was known for his charitable works and his youth day carnivals attracted hundreds of kids from across the Lehigh Valley. He was, and remains today, a major economic development leader in Easton.

I look back very fondly on my days in Easton working with my mentor Gene Hartzell and hanging out with Spaz and other friends at Larry Holmes Ringside Restaurant. It was an exciting place to be, frequented by celebrities, sports writers and boxers. Through it all, the Champ remained humble and approachable, always willing to engage in conversation, sign an autograph, pose for a picture or lend his name to a charitable cause. In spite of being the very best in the entire world in the sweet science, he never forgot his humble roots, or Spaz, the person who helped him reach the top.

I left Easton 22 years ago; so much has happened since. Mr. Hartzell died a couple of years later--I still think of him every day. While I kept in touch with Spaz, usually to get autographed pictures of the Champ for charitable auctions, sadly he died several months ago.

Recently I had occasion to return to Northampton County. I hadn't seen Larry Holmes during this entire period and it was with some degree of trepidation that I visited his restaurant, hoping to reminisce and recapture some memories. To my delight, Larry was there.

The Champ

After connecting some dots, we were able to reconnect. The amazing thing was that after all this time, Larry has maintained his humble, approachable and personable ways. To this day, he seems untouched by his celebrity and hall of fame status. He speaks fondly of Gene Hartzell and with reverence about Spaz.

Larry Holmes remains basically a really nice guy dedicated to his family and the community. It is probably because of his human characteristics and low-key nature that led the media to underplay his accomplishments

in the ring. He has always been true to himself. It is a shame from an athletic and personal standpoint that the attention always seems to focus more on the bad apples than the true role models. Larry went about his business without the hype, controversy and drama that accompanied other champions of his era, fighting and beating all the contenders, including Mohammed Ali. While there is much to admire about Larry Holmes as a pugilist, there is a lot more to admire about him as a man.

I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had through this noble profession to work and learn from wonderful people like Gene Hartzell, meet incredible characters like Spaz, and on occasion bask in the glory of a legendary Champ like Larry Holmes. As I think about it though, on a daily basis at APHSA I get to work with human service leaders who demonstrate the same qualities and characteristics that I so admire about Larry Holmes. Professionals who, in a relatively low-key manner, strive to reach their maximum potential, while exhibiting courage, stamina and a commitment to achieve a higher purpose and build a stronger community. I feel blessed to work with these true champions who compete each and every day without celebrity in a different arena.

Editor's Note: "Jerry's Blog" is now a feature of APHSA's web site, www.aphsa.org. Please go there to share your thoughts with Jerry.