Shirley Viola

I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in sunny Southern California. I was an original "Valley Girl". As far as being an entertainer (besides sometimes being the class clown), in Junior High School I competed in Southern California Drama Fall and Shakespeare Festivals, where, in my first competition at the age of 13, I won first place in the Pantomime competition. I participated in school plays, one of which was playing the role as Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker; which is such a coincidence since I now work for a small company doing Braille transcription for visually impaired people. My drama coach, Robert Carrelli, was also my homeroom teacher for three years and I have always considered him my mentor for emoting.

Longing for a "greener" life, in 1974 I moved with my dog and horses to Oregon, and left my acting career behind - and the years passed. And then one evening in 2008, while perusing the Chemeketa night class schedule, I happened upon a two-inch-square ad entitled, "Voice Overs, Getting On The Air". What's a voiceover? I attended the class, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

I can fix washing machines, clocks, '59 Ramblers, lawnmowers, police scanners; I can plumb a sink, tile a bathroom, install a drip watering system - I believe I can fix or do just about anything; and I've never particularly liked to cook. But, I love to eat good food!

I, along with my long-time life-partner, Walter, love to camp, especially in Eastern Oregon where we like to search out hot springs and private paradises; and we're usually accompanied by our beloved Australian Cattle Dog, Kenzie. We also enjoy bike touring and "wild camping" whenever possible, especially in Europe. I no longer have horses, but I still dream of some day living in the country where I can ride off into the sunset. (My childhood dream was living on the Ponderosa or traveling on Wagon Train). I also love watching, listening to, and identifying wild birds. I have created a small bird habitat outside my living room window, complete with plants, waterfall, and a microphone that broadcasts the singing birds and water sounds into my living room. My haven close to heaven.

FAVORITE MUSIC:

70's-era Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart and his Great American Songbook series, classical music, Sheriff John's "Laugh and be Happy". I like violin and piano music.

FAVORITE MOVIES:

To Kill a Mockingbird (also my favorite book), Once, Ace Ventura, King of Hearts. I have multiple interests!

I love to watch and hear tap dancing, and I would do it if my knees could handle it!

My time is filled with the Braille transcription job, gardening, walking Kenzie, gardening, camping, gardening.... and now KBZY! As well as the occasional voiceover spot, I host the 8-Midnight show, Monday through Friday.

Watch your words, they become your destiny. You take care now, and fare well.

Shirley Viola