7/12/2005
When I went to visit the Don & Mike Show Website yesterday, it had been taken down. Probably to prevent a deluge of fans from crashing the site. But I was able to call up a cached version of the site via Google and I found this message from Freda Sorce, penned in October of 2004:
Freda Files
Nearly 15 years later…
It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything except a check. But many years ago,when Bart was a little boy,and sweet,we put out the Don and Mike newsletter. People would write or call in to be on the mailing list and supposedly every month we would do a mass mailing of our little four page newsletter. Every month turned into every few months which became semi-annually until we got tired of it and the mailing list became too long.
We all had columns. There was “Donny-In-The-Afternoon!” and “On the Town with Mike O’Meara” and “Girl Talk with Freda”. Even Buzz,brand new to the show had “Catching a Buzz”. Plus,we had a few pictures,news about the show and sold t-shirts’ all via the good old United States Post Office.
So now that this internet thing seems to be catching on,the webmaster told us that we could accomplish the same thing as the Don and Mike Newsletter with the Don and Mike Website.
What he doesn’t realize is the fact that the newsletter didn’t really accomplish anything.
That being said (which Don says all the time and drives me crazy),I liked writing my column. It was a chance for me to relay my opinion without being interrupted by my husband. And I’m going to encourage Buzz’s wife,Marsha,and Robb’s wife,Cary,to participate also,along with of course the future next Mrs. Mike O’Meara whomever she may be. That’s why we’ve included the wives pictures on this website. As long as we are integral to many of the stories being told on-air,it’s only fair that we be represented too.
If anyone would have told me years ago when I was putting address stickers on those newsletters,the rollercoaster that we had in store for us,I would have been tempted to sell Bart’s Beanie Babies (at the time quite valuable) and run off. There have been ups and down,on the show and in our real lives. But every problem that we’ve had in our personal lives has made us stronger. And all the issues that the show has experienced from changes in personnel,to market successes and disappointments,to FCC rule revisions has made the show better,smarter,stronger. We were out with Buzz and Marsha a few weeks ago and Buzz commented that he’s having the best time on the show that he’s ever had. It’s nice to see the whole crew renewed and enthusiastic about what they do. When they enjoy themselves,I know it comes through on the air. I hope it will come through this website as well.
Freda Sorce
October 11, 2004
13 Comments
My friend, it is very nice that you were able to retrieve a piece of history, from Freda. When I visited the website today, every one of Freda’s letters was a broken link.
Comment by Emmanuel — 7/12/2005 @ 4:17 pm
This has been a personal tragedy to my husband and I. Even though we never met Freda, we loved her. As long time listeners, we will miss her cheerful voice and all the times she annoyed “Don”. It made the show a little more interesting for the female audience. As for a listener, 55 years old, I am deeply saddened. I wish her family all the best.
Comment by Donna — 7/13/2005 @ 7:28 am
Donna,
Thanks for your comments. I feel the same way and I also loved hearing Freda and Don go at it on the air. That’s why, whenever he called her or she called in I would say to myself, “it’s reality radio time.”
David
Comment by David Flanagan — 7/13/2005 @ 8:15 am
The gift that Freda left Don and through the show, the rest of us, will remain forever, that is the gift of love,friendship and warmth. The love Freda and Don shared and opened to us, their audience will live within Don and Bart the rest of their lives. The rest of us, were just the audience looking for a light moment at the end of very long days, they gave us that and I will always be thankful. Life will move on, Thank God Don and Freda were able to share their incredible life adventure with each of us, we will all be eternally grateful, as I am sure Don and Bart will cherish every memory they have of their life with Freda. God Bless Don, Bart and Thank you Freda for allowing Don to take us into your life, we are forever grateful!
Comment by Scott McCabe — 7/16/2005 @ 9:13 am
Whenever Freda and her “Boo Boo” would converse on the radio it was always fun, entertaining and loving. We listeners felt a great warmth towards Freda. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and she did a wonderful job raising Bart and her second son, Don. They are both so much better for having her in their lives. We will forever miss you, Freda. My condolences to Don, Bart, Big Freda and the Wright/Sorce families.
Comment by Ronnie Fruehauf — 7/18/2005 @ 10:35 pm
Many years ago, when my ex-husband and I lived in DC, we listened to the Don and Mike show. I was fortunate enough to win a contest on the show, and the prize was going to a Redskin game with Don. We had the best time, talking about our spouses and watching the game. He talked about Freda the whole time! He loved her so much. And I loved listening to their banter. You could always hear how much they cared for each other. My thoughts are with Don and Bart during this very difficult time.
Comment by Mona Lee Watts — 7/19/2005 @ 9:48 am
i met don once through a contest on WAVA. we got to spend a whole evening together at a Redskins game. he talked about Freda, we griped about our spouses, but he loved her…my thoughts are with don and bart…
Comment by Mona Lee Watts — 7/19/2005 @ 10:23 am
i was so sad when i heard the news. she was so full of life and love for everyone around her and i always looked forward to her calls to the show. she will be missed.
Comment by Jamee Berk — 7/20/2005 @ 6:40 pm
I just heard the news yeaterday and am still in shock. I was camping when it happened and only wish I had heard the Monday show. What strength it must have taken to go on the air–I admire that. My thoughts are with Don and Bart and all those associated with the show at this very difficult time.
Comment by MB Lonergan — 7/23/2005 @ 7:29 am
I hope they put all of her “Freda Files” back up when they get the site going again. Those are a great read and a way to remember just how entertaining, honest and full of life she was. Looking forward to 8/1 when Don (Mike) will be on the air, by himself. It will be tough and suppose we all better keep the Kleenex box nearby.
Comment by Terri — 7/29/2005 @ 11:51 am
I must admit, I’m very nervous to hear the show tomarrow,Aug.1st. I don’t know how I will be able to work and keep my eyes dry. I pray Don will be able to get through it. We all know he is a strong person, but when it comes to losing a loved one so tragically, what can you say? It’s hard to be strong. I hope Don will take the approprate time to grieve and like all of Freda’s fans out here, we’ll never get over her and what she meant and contributed to the show and Doni’s life. Just remember Don, we’re all out here for you and your family!!!
Comment by Karla — 7/31/2005 @ 5:49 pm
WOW WHAT CAN I SAY I FEEL THE SAME WAY.YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS.LOVE YOU DON AND MIKE
Comment by BJBSPC — 8/13/2005 @ 12:22 am