Spotlight on Mom - Rebecca Chertow

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Photo credit: Sonja Luecke

By Sonja Luecke


Midsouthmoms.com “Spotlight on Mom” – Rebecca Chertow


A loyal WEVL listener and a music lover with a large record collection that was collecting dust, it was only natural for Rebecca Chertow to start her on show on Memphis' volunteer radio station. She was offered a late-night slot at first. That became the theme for the show she has been hosting on WEVL for the last 16 years, "Pajama Party." During those two hours, Chertow plays an eclectic mix of songs from her own collection as well as that of her husband, Randy. The couple met 20 years ago, clicked and have been clicking ever since, Chertow said. Outside of her DJ role, Chertow is an executive assistant at Duckworth Pathology and the mother of Sophie, 6. She enjoys taking family trips, going to yard sales, reading bedtime stories to her daughter and finding new music. She recently answered questions from Midsouthmoms.com:

What is it you like about WEVL? WEVL to me is one of the best things about Memphis. I love the diversity in the programmers and their shows, and yet we are all connected by this common thread of our love for music and our desire to share it with others. The fact that WEVL exists purely on the financial support of its listeners is remarkable.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? A lot of people don't know I host a show on WEVL. It's not that it's a secret; it's just that it doesn't come up.

Have you had any regrets about your life so far? I didn't enter college right out of high-school. Instead, I worked for several years and went to school later, pursuing a career in court-reporting, which was a mistake. It's something that is in total contrast to my personality. If I had it to do over again, I would have majored in education and have been an elementary school teacher.

What inspires you? Art, nature, music and originality.

If you had one wish, what would it be? To end the pain and suffering for the people of Haiti.

If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be? Dolly Parton. I'm currently reading her autobiography "My Life and Other Unfinished Business,” and if you can get past the hair, nails, makeup and flashy clothes, you'll find she's incredibly unpretentious and insightful.

Things I like: October weather in Memphis, planning vacations, visiting my daughter's classroom. The kids bring me so much joy.

Things I don’t like: Bad customer service, urban sprawl, debt and clutter.

What's your favorite pastime? Playing board games, reading, going to estate sales and discovering new music.

What’s the one thing you promised yourself you’d never do when you had kids that you find yourself doing? Working. I was a latch-key kid, and my best friend's mom went to the June-Cleaver school of homemaking. Sometimes, I'd go home with my friend after school. Her mom would be cooking, and these wonderful smells filled the house, and her mom would engage us in conversation about our day. I thought my friend was so incredibly lucky to not have to go home to an empty house and entertain herself with reruns of “Good Times.”

What's the most challenging aspect of being a mom (or working mom)? Learning how to set aside time for just my husband and me. I'm away from Sophie so many hours during the day, so there's always this tendency to want to include her in our outings, but sometimes we need grown-up time.

What made you want to DJ a show? I had been a listener for years. I especially enjoyed the show "Born in the '50s." I knew I wanted to contribute in some way, and there was the fact I had a lot of good records that were just collecting dust. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) also had a staggering collection of music that we never really got a chance to listen to. Having a show on WEVL gave me the perfect reason to break out these records and share them with others.

What do you enjoy about being a DJ? I have a two-hour creative outlet each week -- a chance to play my personal soundtrack for that week. I would feel quite guilty over this indulgence if it didn't provide others a source of entertainment as well.

How did you get into WEVL? I wrote a letter expressing my interest in becoming a sub. At that time, there was a late-night slot open. I subbed for a while and was eventually offered the spot -- hence the name "Pajama Party."

What would you tell people about WEVL? We have two pledge drives, but you can become a member and support WEVL at any time. We also have a Spring Concert coming up on Saturday at the Hi-tone.

Who is your favorite musician or band -- the one whose record you would take on a lonely island and just couldn't be without? Van Morrison's "Astral Weeks" to me is a perfect album, as well as Tom T. Hall's greatest hits album.

Do you ever go a day without listening to music? Very rarely.

WEVL is a volunteer and listener-supported station. Considering the tough economic times, how is the station doing? Since I can remember, we have always met our pledge-drive goals, but no one takes that for granted. I think it is a combination of loyal listeners and a tight budget that has kept WEVL's ship afloat.

How can people support WEVL? They can become a member at any time by donating $40 or more by calling528-0560or contributing quickly and securely online at Wevl.org. Orthey can contribute time by applying to host a show or working behind the scenes at our fund-raisingevents: concerts, pledgedrives, etc.

What do you hope to inspire in your daughter? Honesty, a strong work ethic and self reliance

Do you have a vacation planned for this year? Nothing is planned yet. But after reading Dolly Parton's autobiography, I'd really like to make a trip to East Tennessee to see the Smokies.

How did you meet your husband and about when? We met through a mutual friend and clicked. We've been clicking ever since for the last 20 years.

What advice would you giveother working moms trying tobalance job and family? I've come to terms with the fact that for me, there is no balance; not in a single day anyway ... Some days, my work tips the scale; other days, family tips it. Someday, I give in, and Ben and Jerry's tips the scale. If you can find any way to be at home with your children, do it! I suppose this is something to consider long before starting a family. If circumstances won't allow you to be at home, then budget a portion of your income to alleviate your schedule of tasks (i.e. yard and house work) that you could pay someone else to do for you. You then have to make a conscious decision to direct this free time toward your family.

What's the most challenging aspect of being a mom (or working mom)? Learning how to set aside time for just my husband and me. I'm away from Sophie so many hours during the day, so there's always this tendency to want to include her in our outings, but sometimes we need grown-up time.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? You know, I think Santa was really on to something when he started making a list and checking it twice ... When I start to feel my plate overflowing, I make a list and check it twice and devise a plan of attack. Sometimes, just getting things down on paper and out of my head gives me a better sense of control and a renewed sense of energy to get the job done.

Have you had a worst “working-mom” moment? Not too long ago, I missed what I thought was a minor dance performance my daughter had. As it turns out, I was the only mom who wasn't there ... or at least that was my daughter's recollection.

What would your perfect day-off look like (schedule-wise)? Any day without anywhere to be at any certain time has strong potential in being PERFECT.

Do you have any insecurities, either work-related or about being a mom? Yes! My mental chatter is always saying, "You need to be doing more!” -- more at work, more at home, more in the community. However, until I can successfully clone myself -- my unsuccessful attempt is another story in itself -- I've found the best thing to do is tell my mind to "stick a sock in it!"

If you had moretime (hours in the day) how would you spend it? Well, you just took away my excuse for not exercising. Yikes! I guess I'd have to exercise ... You can have the hours back, thank you!

Do you have a secret you never told your parents? Did they pay you to ask me that? They did, didn't they!

What’s been the most challenging time of your life? Leaving my former job after 17 years was a challenge. I had literally grown up working for the same company and to me, my co-workers were a second family. Starting with a new company in a different field was exciting but scary. It took a while to get used to. A year later, I feel I made the right decision for my family and for my own personal growth.

Are there any activities or traditions you and your daughter look forward to?October in Memphis is a beautiful month -- a great time for picnicking at the local park. We also enjoy the various festivals around town: Cooper Young, arts festivals and Delta Fest.

What’s your favorite thing to do with your daughter? Playing board games and reading bedtime stories.

What is the best advice you have ever received about how to be a good mom and/or balancing work and family? Nature has given us this wonderful thing called instinct. Quiet your mind and listen to it.

Did your mom work while you were growing up? Yes, she was a manager at Methodist Healthcare in Patient Financial Services

My self-admitted most annoying habit: (according to family and friends) My indecisiveness.

How often do you sit down for meals with your kids? Three to four times a week.

What was the last good book you read? “Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me” by Paula Begoun. I think my husband picked it up for me at Good Will. It has already paid for itself many times over.

What’s your favorite indulgence? Sheridan's frozen custard and sleeping late on the weekends.

What’s your most extravagant purchase ever? A keratin hair treatment.

Dumbest Ebay purchase: But I needed those Elvis ear muffs ...

Biggest pet peeve: Irresponsible pet owners who don't get their pets spayed and/or neutered and neglect to put i.d. tags on them.

Has being a mom changed you? Yes. Before Sophie, I always had to have things a certain way before I felt a sense of contentment. Now I'm able to feel at peace even within day-to-day chaos. It's extremely liberating.

TOP PICKS:

Favorite book: "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb and "Shop Girl" by Steve Martin.

Favorite music: Tune in to Pajama Party every Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and find out.

Favorite beauty product: Jackie Onassis-style sun glasses and a baseball cap.

Favorite children’s book: “The Giving Tree.”

Favorite TV show: “Medium,” “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.”

Favorite timesaving tip: Making lists.

Favorite de-stress technique: Getting a massage.

Product you couldn’t live without: GOOGLE

Favorite money-saving tip: Getting great coupons at restaurant.com.

Favorite Memphis locale: Memphis Zoo.

Favorite movie: “Children of Heaven,” “The Butterfly and the Diving Bell,” “Napoleon Dynamite,” “American Movie” and “Godfather I” “Godfather II.”


Listen to 98.9 Kim-FM every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. for an interview with the subject of “Spotlight on Mom” on the Morning View with Tom Prestigiacomo and Dr. Susan Murrmann.