The buzz is in the air here at KVMR- our 30th Anniversary Committee, staff and volunteers have been meticulously culling through an amazing volume of historical archival posters, photos and files (the results of which will soon be shared with you); planning some very exciting celebratory events; and, positioning the launch of a brand new KVMR logo designed by Kim Rogers of KIM ART Graphics.

This clearly demonstrates the dedication and commitment thousands of folks have been making for all these years. It's been a long and winding road-some bumps and even some sink holes along the way. And smooth roads lie ahead!

I wanted to share some tidbits and snippets from KVMR Listeners' Guides past. One of the more amusing one comes from an article written in latter 1995, referencing an astrological profile of KVMR-a birth chart for July 14, 1978 (launch of KVMR), if you will. It was commissioned by my good friend and first KVMR general manager, Arthur Cohen, apparently sometime in 1978 or 1979.

Here are some of the findings from KVMR's astrological chart:

"The sun in the 9th house indicates a highly intuitive and visionary nature, a spiritual orientation, and an ability to gain information and knowledge through direct revelation. Education, appreciation of the Arts, and stimulation of the intuitive mind all comes naturally. The Sun conjunct Jupiter is an extremely fortunate influence. This greatly expands the horizons for KVMR and infuses the station with a bit of luck and supercharge of creativity, but comes with the potential to lend itself to over extension and over indulgence.

With the Sun in Cancer, there is a fundamental dependence on the family element of this radio community. When KVMR's Cancer Sun shines, it will nurture its family with the bounty from its own creative collective. Jupiter here is a special added blessing that brings with it a high ambition that is almost assured to gain success over time. This is a most vital spirit with high standards and a strong sense of social duty and altruism."

Mars falls in the 11th house of "The Community House" and is in Virgo. Thus the motivating force of KVMR is the community and specifically the community that can organize a cooperative structure to carry out a practical purpose."

I've been part of the KVMR family for only two years, but I dare say, the predictions cast for the way KVMR would develop over the decades was right on the mark. There are so many folks that comprise KVMR's "Who's Who" list. KVMR's Laura Miller wrote (para-phrased here) about a few formidable folks that turned a dream into reality:

"KVMR's founder, Lee Amundsen, is a dreamer. Lee's vision for a radio station started in the mid-70's. His plan to start a radio station was born out of necessity, simply because there was no station in Nevada City. His original intent was to start a commercial station. A local realtor introduced Amundsen to David Osborne and Charles Woods, founders of the American Victorian Museum in Nevada City. The meeting shifted the focus to a non-commercial community station. The Museum became the original licensee of KVMR (KVMR's call letter represent Victorian Museum Radio). After KVMR signed on in July, 1978, Amundsen had little to do with the day-to-day operations of the station. Although he owned property in Nevada City, he resided in Sacramento throughout KVMR's formative years."

Former KVMR general manager, Steve Ramsey, conveys a short story that Lee Amundsen told him. Apparently, Lee said that Kriananda appeared at the foot of his bed instructing him to start a community radio station in Nevada City.

Suffice it to say that I have merely skimmed the surface here of the many other tales that comprise KVMR's rich and deep history. Fast forward to the present. This July, we celebrate 30 wonderful years-a humble debt of gratitude to all who made us what we are and all who have influenced who we will be.

By David Levin, KVMR's General Manager