Day 202: Opus Broadcasting and 102.7 The Drive

As you know, I love to play trivia games on the radio. When I lived in New York, it was nearly impossible to ever get through to a station, but living in a smaller town, every now and then, it happens.

In addition to winning a few sweet prizes over the years, I have met some pretty nice people through this hobby, among them DJ’s, receptionists, and even management. There is something about radio that attracts caring, creative people – and I’ve met a few of them at 102.7 The Drive. It’s got to be a challenge to transmit the right energy day after day, but these guys manage to do it.

These are a few of the people that help brighten the airwaves: R. Charles Snyder, Jim Rose, Cano, Coco del Rio, Dave Hatton, and Scuba Steve. They’re a great group of people who work hard to give people a reason to smile at work, home or play. And sometimes, if they’re lucky, win a prize.

About ten years ago, they held a contest where you had to call in to qualify to win $1,000. About 97 listeners qualified and the drawing was held one evening at a hotel in Medford. Since I qualified, I took my two children to the hotel to sign in for the drawing. The “party” was in the coctail lounge but since I had two kids with me, we were sitting with other folks in the lobby waiting for the drawing. It was a warm night and I bought us lemonade and my son asked, “When can we go home, Mom?” I told him that as soon as they picked the name of the winner we could leave… and then the announcer called out my name.

All I remember is rushing into the lounge to excitedly (and tearfully) claim my prize. Later, my son told me that once my name was announced I pushed him off my lap and ran. I can’t believe I did that but have to take his word (sorry, Coco).

Everytime I win a prize, I bake something to bring to the station… brownies, cookies, or sometimes a cake. It is my way to thank them for the gift – whatever it is. And I know that they appreciate it. A few years ago, I went to their offices on the day that one of the DJ’s was leaving the station and I just happened to bring in some goodies. I don’t recall his name, only that he was a big man with a deep voice. He stopped what he was doing and said, “I’ve been in radio for a long time and you have got to be one of the nicest listeners I’ve ever met.” That made my day.

This morning, before I left town for New York, I dropped off an Apple Berry Pie to the folks at Opus Broadcasting to thank them for all the smiles that they have brought me over the years. Thanks guys, it’s been a blast!