SJM_One Last Thing_0823_OLT 8 / 17 / 23 5 : 25 PM Page 1 O N E L A S T T H I N G for friends and family . My family in Gloucester and Camden counties reached out to me on my first day on television in Philly . I didn’t even tell them I’d be on , but they watched , and Back Home that’s a great part of being home ! WHAT ATTRACTED HIM TO METEOROLOGY … NBC10 ’ S JUSTIN GODYNICK GREW UP IN THE AREA The tornado scene in The Wizard of Oz WANTING TO BE A LOCAL METEOROLOGIST AND set off the passion to want to be a mete - NOW HE’S DOING JUST THAT . orologist for me . Several snowstorms as a child at the Jersey Shore only increased BY PETER PROKO my interest in becoming a meteorolo - gist : the 1993 Superstorm , the Blizzard of ’ 96 and February ’ 03 , just to name a few . Forecasting snow is the hardest part of the job ; it makes the job extremely inter - esting in winter . A LOVE AFFAIR WITH SOUTH JERSEY … South Jersey has a unique character . I love how wide open parts of the area are , like when you’re on the Parkway and look out over the wetlands by the Mullica Riv - er . You have gorgeous beaches — Cape May , Wildwood , Stone Harbor , Avalon , just to name a few . When I was younger , I’d go camping in the Pine Barrens , what a cool place . It’s the wilderness of New Jersey . I worked in Cumberland County for a time and I love those single - lane 55 mph roads through farmland and pine forests . I couldn’t find a Wawa anywhere in New England , but South Jersey , they’re everywhere . I remember that first coffee and hoagie when I moved back home . WHEN HE’S OFF THE CLOCK … t was 2002 and Justin Godynick me a schedule that let me go home My wife and I got our motorcycle licenses had just taken a job as a meteo - weekly . That certainly helped . But doing last year . We really like to ride around , we Irologist in Boston , his first televi - that drive twice a week certainly took a don’t get a lot of free time with the kids , sion job in a major market and the toll . ” but that’s something we can do together . I Monmouth County native was eager With that in mind , Godynick was play guitar and love classic rock and met - and excited for the opportunity . thrilled to return to the area earlier this al . I also enjoy golf , despite how frustrat - But back at home in New Jersey , his year when he became the newest mete - ing it can be some days . Craft beer is al - wife and newborn daughter were both orologist to join NBC10 in Philadelphia . ways enjoyable and South Jersey has so suffering from health complications . We spoke to him about his love for the many great breweries . The distance would be difficult enough weather , his new favorite way to unwind in ordinary circumstances , but this situ - and the special connection he shares THE CONNECTION WITH VIEWERS … ation proved even more challenging . with viewers . I was lucky enough to be on television in “ It was very difficult being away South Jersey for several years before com - while my family was suffering , ” Godyn - ON RETURNING HOME … ing to Philly , so I’ve had many interac - ick recalls . “ My wife is an absolute rock , It’s so nice to be back home . It gives you tions with viewers over the years . News 12 she handled two children under 2 , and the ability to really bring the forecast New Jersey was on in South Jersey , broad - had to do it mostly alone . Add to that the straight down to street level . There casting on WACP for about five years . Be - medical issues that my youngest had ; I might be a road I’m familiar with , and I fore that I worked with SNJ in Millville . I know she wasn’t sleeping and I certainly know it floods , so I can say it by name , really got to know what folks in South Jer - wasn’t sleeping . and picture the spot I’m talking about . sey expect from their weather cast from “ I will say the folks in Boston were You can’t do that in a brand - new area . It my time at those stations . And yes , I’m n extremely understanding and allowed makes it extra special to be forecasting very aware of the “ Cape May bubble ! ” SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 20 issue 5 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 72 |