June 21st was my 16th anniversary in my job as Station Manager and Executive Director at KWMR. Happy Solstice to you all!

In 2010 I transitioned from volunteer programmer to my current position. It was an interesting and transitional time for the radio station. KWMR is in its 27th year as an FM station. Time flies when you are having fun, and while there have been some trying times over the years, overall it has been a fun place to work. This is the longest I have held any job in my life.

The traditional 16th anniversary gift is wax. Many of these traditions come from medieval Europe and the Victorian era, and are rooted in symbolic guides and good luck in marriage. So take this all with a grain of salt, but it’s always interesting. 

For the sixteenth year the traditional gift is wax. It is in the spirit of a couple molding their relationship for the long haul. Why wait 16 years? But the word wax in itself is interesting.

It can be a substance produced by bees, plants, animals (including humans – think earwax), and petroleum products. Wax is used to make candles, seal letters, remove hair, make chewing gum pliable, to waterproof items, as a term for vinyl records, and to lubricate zippers. It can even be used as an emergency fire starter.

As a verb wax means to shine something up, to grow in volume or size towards full development. As slang it can mean to trounce someone in an athletic contest.

KWMR is definitely still waxing! Going strong at 27 years in West Marin. I am definitely not waning, and am planning to stick around for the foreseeable future. Why not? We have such a good thing going!

I also learned that many of the traditional anniversary gifts have been co-opted by the industrial jewelry industry for profit. Shocker. Well, next year will be 17, and that is represented by furniture to symbolize stability.

I’ll take it! Thanks for making my job here at KWMR so fulfilling!

Amanda Eichstaedt
KWMR Station Manager,  Executive Director & Development 

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