Sylvia Stahl

1331 Virginia Stree E.

Apt. 14

Charleston, WV 25301

 

Sylvia – November 9

 

 

 

Spring/Summer 2007

 

Greetings once again from Charleston, WV...

 

Where to start...2007 began as any year does when one is in radio...hectic!!

 

January came and with it a trip to Memphis, TN to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the radio seminar. What an experience. The sessions we had were very enlightening and I met some pretty neat country music stars; like Kelli Pickler, Randy Owen from Alabama, Andy Griggs (who is so gorgeous) and a few others. The main stars were of course the kids at the hospital. The stories of their parents were heart wrenching and 2 of the sales guys who went were shedding some tears as were us gals. To see the bravery these kids and families have is beyond words. The facility itself is unreal. God bless Danny Thomas for founding this facility. When you walk in the hospital it does not have that awful medicinal (sp?) or "hospital" smell and I was expecting to feel such overwhelming dread and despair. Instead I felt ..."hope" which is the main word that they emphasize there. We were able to tour Graceland as well and that was a wonderful experience. I am not an Elvis fan but the house is quite impressive to say the least.

 

The seminar helped tremendously when we had our radiothon in February. We along with 2 other stations in the building managed to set another record for the state of WV...raising $160,786.00!! It was an emotional event and one that will be long remembered.

 

Once again I was fortunate enough to head to Daytona and broadcast my show. Amid all fines and things that were being handed out to crew chiefs and drivers ... I had a wonderful time. Actually saw several drivers and even saw one of the guys I used to work with in Battle Creek. It was fun to go back "home" so to speak. I will be headed back next February for the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500.

 

 

The year has been one as I said in the beginning that has been hectic with

appearances and remotes for the Wolf staff. We have had several accolades along the way...we were voted by the West Virginia Association of Broadcasters as the Country Station of the Year for the state ... which honestly, rocked!! We had a very successful "book" (or ratings period) as well. Overall the Wolf maintained it's 3rd position in the market and I am very proud to say that my midday show was ranked #2 in the market. My Saturday night show was ranked #1!!!! Really nice.

 

We have been apart of some fundraising that has surprised us at the generosity of WV residents as well as brought us to tears. We continue to amaze folks in our listener family as well as in the building.

 

I am still the webmaster for the website and love every second of "working" on it. I call it fun more than work.

 

On a personal level ...... there really isn't much to report. Not that I don't have a life but I spend a lot of time putting stuff together for NASCAR related events for the station as well as working on the site, doing remotes and of course doing my air-shift. Plus, now with my "baby" (my car)...I spend a lot of time at the car wash ... ha!! Maybe I don't have a life...huh? Regardless, I love my environment, my job and my co-workers who are becoming more and more like my family.

 

I am looking forward to an upcoming visit from the folks who will hopefully enjoy their stay as they did last time they were here and I hate to say it but

 

it has been so long I can't even recall when their last visit was ... oh oh ... I am getting old huh?

 

My back continues to act up every now and then but for the most part it seems to be fine after some rest and my heating pad. After I had returned form Daytona I headed back to the doctor and she assured me I still did not require surgery and that I had just over done it so ..... I have to remember that when lifting etc., etc., etc. Which is hard to do at times when on remote.

 

I really wish you would make the trip to WV and I could show so much more that I am doing and cannot possibly fit into an email. It is so hard for me to believe that in July I will be celebrating my 5th year here. God has certainly blessed me and continues to bless me. October will mark my 23rd year in radio and I am so glad I have a job that grates on me at times but for the most part is a continued gift.

 

Take care and I look forward to reading what ya'all have been up to ..... oh oh ... she even types WV!!! LOL!!

 

Gods Blessings to all

Syl

 

 

Fall/Winter 2006

 

 

Hi gang!!

 

Where do I start?? Well...I am still the midday personality at the Wolf and loving every second of it...well, trying to ... LOL!! Charleston is such an awesome place and I hope more of you will take the opportunity to come and visit.

 

I am still the "webmaster" of our website and it has been amazing. In the short time we have had the site active we have managed to set the standards in the company overall. We have had 12,000 new and unique visitors to the site, over 400,000 page views, almost 8 million hits and we have the most active Fan Club base in the company with 3,000 members. Keep in mind that the company owns about 20 stations now.

 

I also keep busy with my love for NASCAR. Once again, I will be broadcasting my show from Daytona before the Daytona 500 next February. I absolutely adore going there and will get to take a tour behind the scenes this time. For me it is a dream come true. Another thing we will be doing next season will be going to do the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Richmond ... maybe even drive this time. I was in seventh heaven to be able to ride last time. What an awesome, awesome experience.

 

Another awesome experience is now you can listen to the Wolf on your computer! This is something we are all extremely excited about.  We are the first station in the building to do this. Another first for us was to be the VERY first station in Charleston to broadcast in High Definition Radio.  Anyway, I invite you to go to our website and listen to me (if you want to).

 

Other than work I have had a few things happen...the first one is I have a "new" car!! I sent a pic of it to be posted on this site but in case it hasn't been, please check out the stations website and my bio page. I now have my "dream car"!! A 2002 black Chevy Monte Carlo SS!! I love this car!! What's really cool besides having my dream machine is that it is all mine ... well and the banks ... but, I did not need any signatures on this one!! Yes, this one has a name ..."Taz". I can almost see Uncle Gordon every time when I go to the car wash!! HA!!

 

Other than the car ... I had and am having problems with my back. This began about a month ago and they got worse. Finally I gave in and went to see a Chiropractor. The treatments she was giving me were helping but not solving the problem. So, I had an MRI which revealed a protruding disc. When I say my tail feathers hurt ... I MEAN IT!! I am in the process of securing treatment and have an update next newsletter. Thanks to Mom and Dad, Aunt Norma and Autumn for helping me get thru it. It ain’t easy when you're on your own ... but they helped ... thank you and I love you guys more than you know.

 

I meant to mention that Charleston made the Record books with the Worlds Largest Uno Game!! It was Uno's 35th anniversary and they came to the 35th state and held the event at our ballpark. We set a record and will be in the Guinness Book as there was a rep there from Guinness. I thought of all the times we played Uno at the holidays ... too bad we all couldn't have been there for that!!

 

Well ... I've written enough. Autumn, much thanks for not only doing an awesome job on this newsletter but for being such a great "sis"!!

 

Happy Holidays to everyone!! May 2007 be one of your best years yet!! Come for a visit ... the door is open!

 

God Bless Ya'al

Syl

 

 

Spring/Summer 2006

 

Greetings from WV!

Not much time to tell ya'all what has been happening … check out the website and you can see what I have been up to. Otherwise, ya wanna know ... come to the source ... me!! LOL   Syl

www.961thewolf.com

 

Fall/Winter 2005

 

Howdo from Charleston WV!!!

 

Since the last "entry" several things have happened. I made the move to Charleston and I will add my new address at the end of this.

 

October began my 22nd year in radio and I am still in love with my career. I am still enjoying my new "home" here in WV as well. I have no intentions of relocating.  Kyle, thank you for posting the pic I sent of the trip to Daytona...going to the track and the whole experience was...awesome.  My boss (John Anthony), 2 winners and myself flew out of here and it was surreal.  We arrived in Orlando and the next morning we were off to the track. Poor John...all I could keep saying as we got closer and closer to the track was "I can't believe this ... oh my gosh .. I'm REALLY here". We broadcasted while we were there and it was so cool. The guys were practicing or what they call having "Happy Hour" on the track and the sounds of the cars going on the track was a sound effect that no one can imagine or re-produce. Everyone at the station back here was so amazed at the clarity of our broadcast as we were.

 

Our winners were just as equally excited and one of them actually got to climb into the crows nest at the start/finish line and wave the flags for the Cup guys when they qualified for the Pepsi 400. She had so much fun as did we!! Believe it or not we actually caught up with 2 more folks who had won tickets from the Wolf and were from Charleston.

 

John lived in Daytona before he and his family moved to WV and he was an excellent tour guide. I saw things that I never would have seen had I'd been on my own. He and his family continue to be such a blessing.

 

The day arrived for the race and seeing that his mother lives close by where we were, he went to see her and dropped me off at the track at 8:30am. It was a wonderful experience. The only folks there were the workers at the track and at the Fan Zone (where we broadcasted from). It was a healing time for me as I'm sure all of you know I am and will always be the eternal Dale Earnhardt Senior fan. It has and at times is still difficult to watch a race there because of the incident in Feb. of 2001.

 

Being there and alone ... well, physically speaking was as I said healing.  I was able to look at the fateful turn on the track and feel such a peace. Of course spiritually I was not alone and the tears came as well as the peace. It is very hard to even try and explain ... but, I'm okay now with Daytona. I know God was there and only He could provide the healing and content I now have instead of hating Daytona...I love it and want to go back. As a matter of fact we are going back for the 500 in Feb of 2006.  I have put together a proposal and we will be returning there.

 

We at the Wolf have been busy with other events too. Giving away trips to races through out the season, truck giveaways, gas giveaways, concerts and an event that one has to see on the website to believe. We called it "The Bras Across The Kanawha" (the Kanawha is a river here in Charleston). It was in association with the Breast Cancer Foundation and the pics are so cool. You'll have to scope them out on the website. We had so many "items" and decorated a bridge in downtown Charleston.  We continue to make news coverage and as I write are in another ratings period. Our last "book" was unreal. We placed 2nd in the market. Which is not bad considering that 3 years ago we were number 8. In the building (out of 7 stations) we came in first. My show...MY show came in 3rd in the MARKET!! Needless to say our competition is a wee bit worried (and they should be).

 

I am still the "webmaster" and Kyle, if you ever need a helping hand feel free to contact me. We average between 200,000 to 300,000 hits a week and anywhere between 900 to 1,000 new visitors or unique visitors a week on it. John always kids me about how much he loves logging on and seeing what changes I have made, and that I'm having way too much fun with it ... and I am!! The web address is (in case you've forgotten) http://www.961thewolf.com   

 

Another big thing for the station as well as for me personally was this past Wed one of my favorite NASCAR drivers came to town for a meet and greet … none other than Dale Earnhardt Junior. I was and still am in seventh heaven. We had about 125-135 in attendance and the evening was wonderful. He is so down to earth and it felt like you were talking to one of the family. It was and will be an event I will always treasure ... and yes, there are pics on the site for that as well. I had my picture taken with him and as soon as I can I will try and get one on the website as it was taken by the professional photographer we had for the evening.

 

I got his autograph on a couple of items. One of which is in the studio and the other will be auctioned off when we host the "Country Cares For Kids" with St. Jude’s in Feb of 2006. Our competitor dropped the ball and now we at the Wolf will be doing it. I am so excited about this as I did it when I was in Battle Creek with WNWN. It is a heart-warming event and one that will be very rewarding for us and for the listeners. We have such caring and loving listeners who want to help. We witnessed that love when all 7 stations were out in the parking lot after Hurricane Katrina and in 12 hours managed to help the Red Cross with a $135,000.00 donation for the relief efforts.

 

There is talk about 2 of us going to St. Jude’s in January of 2006 and I am hoping and praying that I will be one of the 2. This would be a wonderful opportunity for me and I ask you keep me in your prayers regarding this. I want to help in anyway I can. As a matter of fact I am a monthly contributor to the Victory Junction Camp in NC. It is a camp where kids can come who have life threatening illnesses and be kids with no cost to their family. It was set up by Kyle and Patty Petty in memory of their son Adam who was only 20 and was taken "home" in a practice run at a track a few years back. Their website is http://www.victoryjunction.org and is NASCAR based.

 

I love my job, my co-workers and mostly and firstly (is that a word??) God for placing me here.  Being on my own and a single gal (which by the way...relax Mom and Dad...I ain’t never gettin’ married) has shown me so many things and I continue to be blessed beyond my wildest imagination. God calls us to do things and to be "gifted" in certain ways and I know I am one of the folks He has called to be single...hey Mom, remember when you told me I didn't need a man to make me happy?? Whew nelly, you were right. Scary huh? Seriously, I am content and happy here with my job, my church, my car and my gorgeous apt that is only 3 blocks from work. I can do so many things and continue to grow in every way … well, except physically as I have lost more weight and will continue to do so. I am not that fat lil girl anymore. I am who I am and know it and I amaze myself sometimes.

 

Ok ... I've bored you enough. Please check out the website and please make the trip here!! You'll see why I adore WV!! Thanks again to Autumn and to Kyle ... the offer still stands if you need help with the website ok??

 

May all of you feel the peace that only God can provide and have a blessed Holiday season ... hey Doug and Cindy ... I may have my tree up by Thanksgiving!! HA!!

 

Love to all,

Syl

 

Sylvia Stahl

1331 Virginia Street East

Apt. 14

Charleston, WV  25301

 

 

Spring/Summer 2005

 

Greetings from West Virginia...

 

Things here continue to be hectic as ever but that's how it goes in radio. First, by the time you read this I will have celebrated my 3rd year here in WV and my contract has been re-signed!! The Lord is so good!! 

 

I absolutely love it here and it is and always will be home.  Speaking of which, I have moved ... well, in the process of moving, and when you read this I will have relocated to downtown Charleston.  I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and finally after lots of searching and leading from God, I will be 4 blocks away from the station!!  I'm sitting in a room with boxes and bare walls as I type and am wondering if I'll be able to make sense of all this. I have a nice place to move to and you'll have to come and visit to see my new abode. It's in a building that was built in the late 40's early 50's and has been restored...high ceilings and a beautiful working gas fireplace in the living room!!  Come to WV and see.

 

I am still the midday announcer for the Wolf and am in the process of doing a promotion in which we will be headed to Daytona for the Pepsi 400. I am so excited about this. I did this all on my own and am very proud of myself as are my co-workers. I have never been to Daytona and it will be an experience. My boss who is going with me used to live in Daytona Beach so I'll have a tour guide, if you will, while we are there. We will be doing a couple of "live" broadcasts in addition to seeing the race. It will be a lot of fun and a wonderful experience for me.

 

I invite you to check out our website.The address is www.961thewolf.com  I am very proud to say that I am the webmaster!! Using my talent has been and continues to be a really neat experience. Several compliments have been cast my way because of this and when you see it you'll understand.  Speaking of talents, our new ballpark has been completed for "The Charleston Power" and we at the Wolf are hosting 2 for Tuesdays again. April 19th was the first 2 for Tuesday and guess who sang the National Anthem??

 

I had approached my big boss and he arranged it. I had been practicing and surprised several folks!! I had an escort to home plate and with earplugs and shades ... closed my eyes and sang. It was amazing and if asked would do it again. My escort was a beast of a man ... our mascot ... "Wolfie". If you get into the site you'll see pics of him.

 

All in all I have been and continue to be blessed and am so grateful that God led me here. I hope that you will scope out the website and please come to WV for a visit. I promise to keep Wolfie on a leash!! =)

 

My love to all of you and to Autumn who once again gets a big "hoooooooowl" for this!!

 

Love always,

Syl

P.S.  Just a quick note to say I will be moving to Charleston on May 20th..woohoo!! FINALLY...thank the good Lord.

My new address will be:

Sylvia Stahl

24 Bradford Street Apt. #2

Charleston, WV  25301

 

 

Fall/Winter 2004

 

GREETINGS FROM WEST VIRGINIA!!!!

Bet you thought you would never hear from this part of the family again...well....not quite. I have been very busy and finally can take time and write as to what has been going on. First, I am still enjoying my midday shift at the station and we have grown by leaps and bounds. The new format (music) has acquired quite a following. We are finding ourselves in high demand. There are 4 of us on staff ... air staff ... and we make 10 or more appearances each week, which is a lot. It has gotten to the point where some of us can go to a public place and without any logo identifying ourselves and people will acknowledge us as well as the station. They will even howl...since we are known as "The Wolf"!!

I'm sure most of you are familiar with how television and radio are rated. TV has Neilson and radio has Arbitron. We call them "books" and a book or ratings period will last 12 weeks. It is sheer agony at times for a station but, when the final results come back...it is hard work that pays off. Kind of like a child getting a report card...the grades can go either way. The "numbers" are often used as selling tools for the sales department. So, they are very important. It would take an entry longer than Autumns (sorry cous....still love ya) to try and explain each demographic and how the ratings are divided up so, I won't even try to. I will say that our format is geared towards the older crowd, men and women alike, ages 25 and older. Each age range is surveyed and a chosen few receive "diaries" which they will fill out stating their listening habits. I still have yet to figure out how the higher ups at Arbitron decide who gets a "diary" and who doesn't. But, they are distributed to folks in the counties we cover and I'm not sure but I think we (The Wolf) cover over 20 counties. Anyway, the diaries are given out and then at the end of the period they are collected and then the "grades" or numbers are made known first to the stations in that area and then the public. I am very proud to say that we as a station came up from number 8 to number 3!!! That was impressive and was a surprise to all of us. The other thing I am very proud to say is that I beat out my competition. There is another Country station here in Charleston and the midday shift is hosted by a female and I beat her over all...BUT......I alone secured the numbers for men 25-54.....PLUS......in the market I was number 2...out of ALL the midday shifts. My show was number 2!! It was and still is unbelievable to me.

I will have entered my 21st year as a broadcaster by the time you read this and that is quite a milestone for me as well. Come July of 2005 I will have been here in West Virginia for 3 years and as far as I know now...I will be re-signing for another 3 years. This is indeed HOME. Some day I hope and pray that all of you will visit and see how wonderful and awesome this place is and how awesome and unbelievable God is by bringing me here.

My other news is I have joined a church here. Hold on to something because it is Methodist but, it is a wonderful "family". When the folks were here over the summer we went there and despite all the standing I think they felt right at home. =) Pastor Barry is so easy to talk to and he always manages to base his sermons to touch my heart with the word of God. I am hoping to be a part of the choir and hand bell choir. So far my schedule at work hasn't allowed me to but I will somehow as I enjoy each ministry immensely.

The last piece of news is I have a new addition to my "family". A 2003 Chevy Cavalier LS Sport Coupe. You thought the Camaro I had was spoiled...this new addition is spoiled more than the Camaro was. Uncle Gordon must smile when he sees how pampered my baby boy is...yes, this one is a boy and his name is "Chessie". The car is silver in color...a 2 door and LOADED!!! I love it and he got his name from my favorite NASCAR driver. Yes, I am still a huge fan of the sport and because Dale Sr. had a "chessie cat grin"...thus the name of my car!! The Neon needed some repairs that would have exceeded the value of the car and Dad and I discussed it and everything fell into place. For the first time in over 10 years I now have car payments...but I don't mind. This car is worth every penny. Plus, I prayed about it and it really is Gods car...I'm just babysitting it!! You'll just have to come here and see it. But be prepared because as Judy used to say about my Camaro...when we go some place you will need a shuttle from the car to the store or where ever we go...I park THAT far away.

So...there it is. The latest from WV. I hope that you will agree that God has indeed been working in my life and it has been so....so.....so...ahh...well...for lack of a better word...cool!!! I am so blessed to have a wonderful place to work and grow at. My employers are unreal. You'll have to come here and see for yourself.

Have a wonderful holiday season and may you never forget that God loves each and every one of you immensely!!

Come to West Virginia....."WILD AND WONDERFUL"!!!! Check out the stations website sometime 961thewolf.com and click the link for On Air and go from there!! My pic is on there as well as a page I designed.

Love to all

Syl ......and "Chess" LOL =)

 

 

 

Spring/Summer 2004

 

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