Round Up: “Miss You!”

Last week, I was casually chatting with some of KWMR’s fine neighbors here in the Creamery Building (we do have great neighbors). Somehow we got onto the topic of foods and drinks that we miss that have been discontinued. It was like we could taste them as we discussed our long lost favorite snacks and beverages.

Throughout the week, I kept thinking about the conversation and then took it upon myself to do a walkabout and see what the greater population on a random day in Point Reyes Station had to say about the topic.

A few things happened after I dove into this research project. Firstly, I had some really fun conversations with people in our town. I found that if there was something that was missed folks had it on the tip of their tongue and said it right away. If not, they pondered and didn’t come up with much. I commend the latter folks for rolling with the changes in the world. 

Some of the items mentioned were not actually discontinued, so they did not make the list. Also, most of these items were not overly healthy. One product that did not make the list was Zima. It was discontinued in 2008, but made a comeback in 2023 due to pandemic demand. What does that say about us?

Some people immediately thought of beloved restaurants that went out of business leaving a void in their lives of delicious unique offerings that meant a lot to them. 

This was a whimsical and silly undertaking in some ways. It was fun and got me connected to others and got folks really talking. Not talking about the woes of the world around us but remembering and reminiscing. But it did get me thinking: what happens when something truly meaningful in our lives disappears?

We are actively planning how to move forward if KWMR’s federal funding is cut. If you are new to this concept, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s funding for TV, Radio and the overall system that supports public media is under threat of being eliminated.

After talking with members of my stellar team here at KWMR, I can assure you that we are thinking about what we will need to do to continue to provide the valuable services that we provide to our listeners. We are making plans, we are thinking outside of the box, and we are collaborating. 

There really is no comparison between Dunkaroos, Chaco Tacos, Tab, Marathon Bars or Pudding Pops to federal funding for the public good. This exercise got me to realize that we have little power (except our advocacy) and will have to roll with the changes and adapt like some of the folks I was chatting with.

We know that folks love KWMR and depend on us for providing valuable information during good times, and not so good times.

So stay tuned, enjoy the collage, think about your long lost favorite snacks, and do the word search puzzle. 

They say puzzles are good for staying mentally sharp, and we are going to need that skill as we move forward.

Follow the issue and become an advocate at Protectmypublicmedia.org. 

Amanda Eichstaedt
Station Manager and Executive Director

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