January 2022
Words & Music & Marcie
You heard Marcie Finkelstein on Tuesday mornings for years. She is now brightening your Saturdays with Words & Music with Marcie Finkelstein, 10am-noon. We caught up with her to discuss this new show.

1.   A bit of history about you at WMNF. When did you start volunteering, and when did you first go on-air?
I started volunteering in 1982 with no thought about being on the radio. I was new to Tampa and looking for community, and the staff and volunteers I met quickly became close friends. Four years later, Janine Farver, then host of the Thursday Morning Show, invited me to select some music and join her in the studio and then suggested I apply for a new 5-7am slot. I don't know why she thought I'd enjoy hosting, but I'm forever grateful she did. I've changed days and hours several times since my initial stint on the Friday Early Riser show, but as long as I've got my WMNF family with me, I'm exactly where I want to be.
2.   Your new program is a carryover of your popular Tuesday Morning Show, but designed to give you more time to stretch out. What differences do you see?
Essentially my show is what you heard on Tuesday mornings, but with a celebratory feel that we're kicking off our weekend together. I do have somewhat more freedom to explore whatever new music I think listeners would enjoy and to put together special programs to honor an artist or an issue. Also, at the start of the pandemic, I began interviewing artists each week about their new releases; this way, though they couldn't tour, they could connect with an audience. Often they surprise me by talking about deeply personal experiences and emotions, and it's probably easier to give them the attention they deserve when you aren't just waking up and having to get ready for work. 
3.   OK, we have to ask the magical question. You are undoubtedly one of the most popular programmers on WMNF. How do you explain your deep connection with the audience?
Well, that's awfully nice of you to say. Maybe it comes from having been a shy, introverted kid, but even after all these years, I'm delighted and grateful to belong to this open-hearted, generous community. For me, doing a show isn't broadcasting; I'm getting together with friends to share music and ideas. It feels like I know everyone, even if we haven’t met. And it's not a one-way relationship: It’s astonishing how often I’ll get a request for something I’m about to play, or that makes for a perfect segue or fits with another request. Mostly I want everyone who joins me on Saturday mornings to know that for those two hours each week that we’re together, I’m very glad they’re here.
4.   Why is WMNF so important to you and to this community?
We often describe WMNF as giving voice to the voiceless, people whose stories or songs might otherwise go unheard. And those voices represent an impressive diversity of sounds and ideas. As listeners, we love some of it; others we tune out – but we support the totality of WMNF. In fact, we give to the station, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. 
There's also that WMNF magic, the intimacy we feel over the airwaves. Especially since the pandemic, when we've been physically separated from people we love, being able to come together thanks to 88.5 has been enormously important. 
5.    Tell us something about Marcie that we wouldn't know from you as a WMNF DJ?
My "paying gig" has been as a USF professor. For many years, my show ended at 9:01am, and my first class started at 9:30. It was an abrupt transition for me, but I think those students got a break because I was in such a good mood from the show. Now I'm Professor Emerita, which means time to do whatever I want. Turns out what I want to do is work on Words & Music and look forward to Saturdays with my WMNF family!

.
Welcome, Lamar Robinson!
Lamar recently joined the WMNF Staff as Operations Assistant. Let's get to know him!
1.    Tell us a little bit about yourself, Lamar.
So technically my name is Douglas Lamar Robinson, Lol, but I go by Lamar most of the time because my family calls my father Doug. I grew up in Buffalo, NY in the early 80s. I’m a father of two young men 18
and 15. 
2.    How did you get interested in the technical side of radio operations?
I first found an interest in audio/visual while in grade school I believe 6th grade. I helped with setting up equipment for school events. Later in high school, I became a part of a tv music show called "Late-Night Noise" (LNN) and was a part of the behind-the-scenes crew. I graduated from Bennett High school. I attended Canisius College where I completed and graduated from their New York State Peace Officer training course and worked as a Campus Police officer. I still had a passion for music so I had an opportunity to become a part of Island of Def Jam Records marketing and promotion of the western NY street team. I later got into audio recording while hanging out with a few friends that were taking a course in ProTools. After I bought studio equipment and build a home studio where I taught myself some things and took a course at a local recording studio. I didn’t realize everything I was doing transferred over to radio until I started volunteering. WMNF in July 2021.
3.    What is the most challenging part of your job?
 Well, it depends on how you define challenges. I define challenges as opportunities, so I believe I have the opportunity to continue to learn my job. I love that I can work with a variety of people from different walks of life.
4.    When you are not helping keep WMNF operating, what do you do for fun?
 I spend time with my family and friends. I play/watch sports and listen to music.
5.    Is there anything you’d like to add?
I want to thank everyone for having me be a part of the WMNF family. 
A Successful End of the Year Campaign!

Who made it such a success? Those generous listeners who gave so selflessly to support your station! We had a higher bar of $70,000 to raise, and our community came through, going over that goal! We can't thank you enough! If you have questions, just reply! I love hearing from you!
Laura Taylor
WMNF Development Director



The WMNF Newsletter is sponsored by The Bank of Tampa. To learn more about The Bank of Tampa, please contact Donna Walsh, VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, 813. 998.2787 or dwalsh@bankoftampa.com

Listen to any show, anytime, anywhere, with the WMNF app.
WMNF IS A 501 (C) (3) NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. WMNF\u2019S SOLICITATION CODE IS SC-00786. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAYBE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 100 % OF EACH DONATION IS RECEIVED BY THE NATHAN B STUBBLEFIELD FOUNDATION (WMNF.)