Before there was an internet, there was only one place the forgotten people of the Portland area could turn in the hope of being heard. And that place was KBOO, 90.7 FM, a wonderful community-owned, listener-supported, noncorporate radio station.

In the late '70s and on and off through the '80s, I played a small role as a volunteer at the station, answering phones, engineering programs, spinning records, and even filling in as public affairs director for a week or two one summer. Probably the most memorable gig was sitting behind the mike at the earliest Blues Festival broadcasts. Then there was the week that Joe Uris and I provided the local color for the Iran-contra hearings -- good times! Involvement with the station was a fabulous experience.

Today the station celebrates 40 years on the air -- a truly amazing feat. There's a street party and some other things planned. And it might not be a bad day to call in, become a KBOO member, and shoot them a few bucks. Way to go, KBOO.