Dear Friends,
When my wife and I decided to leave Alaska after decades living there, we made lists of criteria for defining our new home. Chief on my list was moving to a town that had a community radio station, partly because I wanted to continue my 20 year-old radio program, Rhythm Connection. More importantly to me, however, was that I knew from experience that establishing a local non-profit radio station takes tremendous effort and dedication to service. Any community that pulls off that feat is one where people care about each other, and where community spirit runs deep. KPTZ checked that box on my list, and Port Townsend checked many others, leading us to feel very lucky and happy to have moved here seven years ago.
The past two years have demonstrated how important KPTZ is for northern Olympic Peninsula communities. If it could be visualized, then it would be amazing to see how extensively our roots have spread, connecting people and organizations to help us all navigate perilous times. Our reach, reflecting our community value, can be measured by the dramatic growth in listeners and contributors we have experienced. Another indication is that in this, our eleventh year on-air, KPTZ has received its first significant bequest, its first important planned giving commitment, and its first major RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) IRA transfer.
Our growth and success during the coronavirus epoch is thanks to our 100+ volunteers, who produce our diverse programming and keep our equipment running. And above all, it is thanks to you supporting our efforts.
KPTZ is in an exciting period of transition! After pandemic delayed construction, volunteers are working hard to customize our new home in Fort Worden’s historic Building 305, where we are the anchor tenant of the visionary Makers Square project. Once we move in next spring, we shall have greatly expanded capacity to grow into the future. We have a news production studio to support our priority to expand reliable local news, and we have ample studios to capture live performances and to expand our broadcast and journalism eduction efforts.
Please give our transition a push by making your end-of-year gift to KPTZ!
On a personal note, this is a transitional moment for me, too. After five years as KPTZ Board President, I am stepping aside to catch my breath. I am super pleased that Dominic Svornich will take over that leadership role and excited by the fecund future that will unfold for KPTZ at beautiful Fort Worden, among its many vibrant, creative organizations. I’m not disappearing however: I will continue to produce my show(s), sit on the Board, and see to conclusion the projects that involve me. And this may not be the last appeal I send you!
Thank you for your tremendous support and for helping KPTZ connect us all!
Best wishes for a safe and wonderful holiday, and hopefully a happier new year!
Cheers,
Robert Ambrose
President, KPTZ Board of Directors
Host, Rhythm Connection, Tues 1-3
robert@kptz.org
Note: KPTZ has capacity to accept donations of securities and stock, with significant tax benefits for donors. Likewise, directing Required IRA Distributions to non-profit KPTZ results in the distribution incurring no federal income tax.
Photo: Fort Worden Bldg 305 by Signal Architecture
