Jay Gardner: voice extraordinaire

Grabbing photos and stories around town is what a local journalist does on a daily basis. The radio stays on the local 94.1 station. The 10 to 11 a.m. slot is the time things begin to get lively in Wimberley. Jumping around town, the only constant is the radio station.

But goodness, the voice coming from the radio station is smoother than silk and one that had been heard before, many times. That professional voice lured me into listening to ’80’s disco and oldies everyday, and I can’t stand disco. This voice really was intriguing and more had to be learned about it.

When I said I had heard it before, I meant it. Voices, whether from the past such as Don Pardo from SNL, the present such as Alex Trebec from Jeopardy or commercials, or the latest TV or movie stars voices, George Clooney or Ellen DeGeneres… identifying that person behind the commercial is a game played at home.

The voice somewhat haunted me. Then I discovered what it was all about. Movies, promos, commercials, you name it, Wimberley’s Jay Gardner has done it, and done it for a lot of years. The voice behind the promos of the 70s and 80s known as “Dallas,” “Knot’s Landing” and “Falcon Crest” is that same deejay.

How did a smooth voice get on such a small radio station? It’s been a journey to say the least.

Raised in Southern California, his dad took Horace Greeley’s words of wisdom, “go west young man” literally and moved when Jay was one. He grew up in the Huntington Beach/California culture and was interested in broadcasting after high school. Back in those with your local authorities before disposing according only to information listed on the product label.

According to the EPA, empty containers can be disposed of with your other solid waste after proper rinsing. A triple rinse is suggested before disposing. First, fill the container ¼ full of water, close the lid tightly and vigorously shake. The rinse water should be applied to an area needing treatment. Never pour the contents down the sink. Repeat the process two more times. Do not triple rinse pesticide containers in a kitchen sink.

Though I encourage organic gardening practices I realize that many gardeners still choose to use chemicals in the garden. When used properly, pesticides can protect your plants or home from damage. However, when the label instructions aren’t followed correctly, plant injury may occur, pests may not be controlled, human health may be impaired, and pesticides may contribute to soil, air, or water pollution. Fertilizer products may also have negative environmental impacts when they get into waterways.

So, always follow good chemical use and storage practices - our health and our environment depend on it.