Twp. residents get on popular game show BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Three Woodbridge Township residents got a chance to win big on "Wheel of Fortune," which has been ranked as television's No. 1 syndicated series every year since its syndication 25 years ago. COURTESY OF CAROL KAELSON Above, Woodbridge residents Liz Early and Maria Goyanes react, with Pat Sajak on their right, as they play "Wheel of Fortune" as part of the game show's Best Friend's Week, which will air on Nov. 5. At left, Woodbridge resident Paul Miano reacts with Sajak during the show's Heroes Week, which will air on Nov. 19. Miano, a paramedic in New York and a volunteer firefighter for the Woodbridge Fire Department, traveled to Manhattan to tape his show on Sept. 30. The season-long celebration kicked off with the show returning to Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sept. 28 with hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White and the whole California-based crew to tape three weeks of shows, which will air in November. The crew taped the shows on Sept. 28-30. "We are excited to celebrate this important event in this magnificent city," said Harry Friedman, executive producer of the show since 1999. "We wanted to commemorate this special occasion in a big way, and we couldn't think of a better place to do it than in New York City." The three weeks of shows will include People Celebrity Week, showcasing stars from film, television and sports paired with a fan, with the stars spinning the wheel for their favorite charities; Best Friends Week, featuring buddies playing together for cash and prizes; and Heroes Week, honoring firefighters, police officers, paramedics and others. All contestants were from the tri-state area. This year started a new venture for the series with a partnership with People, a weekly American magazine of celebrity and human-interest stories published by Time Inc. Liz Early and Maria Goyanes, both of Woodbridge, who said they have been watching the game show for at least 20 years, will appear on the Best Friends Week show Nov. 5. The two friends were in Manhattan to tape their show Sept. 28. "We have known each other since our daughters were in second grade," said Early. "Now they are juniors in high school." Early said her daughter Caitlin, 15, signed them up to be on the show. "I told Maria that maybe we shouldn't go to the audition [June 26]," she said. "The audition was at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan. We had to get on the train and I didn't feel up to it, but we went and here we are." Early and Goyanes received a phone call in September informing them that they were selected to be on the show. "They must have liked our enthusiasm," said Goyanes. Early took her husband, Dennis, son Christopher, 17, Caitlin, and friend Patty to the taping of the show. Goyanes took her husband, Antonio, son Tony, 19, and daughter Jacklyn, 16. Early and Goyanes said Sajak shook their hands and made them feel comfortable. "It was an experience neither of us will ever forget," said Early. Paul Miano, also of Woodbridge, will appear on the Heroes Week show on Nov. 19. Miano was in Manhattan to tape his show on Sept. 30. Miano, who is a paramedic in New York and a volunteer firefighter for the Woodbridge Fire Department, said a friend from work couldn't make it to the audition and asked him if he wanted to go. "I didn't expect them to pick me," said Miano, who said he remembers always watching the game show during dinnertime. "Thinking about all the doctors and others who go to countries and help underprivileged people, I didn't think I stood a chance." Miano, who took his mother, Maria, and grandmother, Frances, to the taping of the show, said the hosts were nice. "It all happened really fast," he said. "Wheel of Fortune" debuted as an NBC network daytime program in 1975. Sajak joined the game show as a host in 1981 and White followed in 1982, becoming the first woman co-host of a game show. "It's hard to believe that we have come this far," said White before the first taping at Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 28. "It seems like yesterday we started, but on the other hand we have done so much over the years." White said memorable moments include being on top of a glacier in Alaska all by herself and on top of the Empire State Building in New York City. "There was one contestant who won big, and he literally got down and kissed Pat's feet," she said. Sajak said it was tough to choose his most memorable moment. "We have done over 6,000 shows, and they all blend in together," he said. "I have never been able to answer that question right." The late Merv Griffin created "Wheel of Fortune," which is based in Culver City, Calif. The show can be seen on more than 200 stations across the country. Thinking of the success of the show, Sajak and White could not help mentioning the fans. "We have amazing loyal fans that continue on through generation after generation," Sajak said. White said she remembers not long after they began the show, she asked Pat, "Where do you think we will be in 10 years?" "We were sitting next to each other in the makeup chairs," said White as she pondered the moment. "We are like an old glove that fits," she said. "We have a strong core of viewers who have followed us for many, many years." White said thoughts of retirement are there, but they are not strong. "I am having a good time and it's fun … why would I want to stop that?" she said. White said if she were not co-host of "Wheel of Fortune," she probably would be a home decorator. "It would be fun," said White, who added that she has put out a line of yarn called Lion Brand yarn, which can be purchased at JoAnne's and Michael's. "Half of the donations from the yarn will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I have been an avid crocheter all my life, making scarves and baby blankets. It's a great art." Sajak said he would have been doing something with broadcasting if he never became the host of "Wheel of Fortune." "I would not be as famous and have been doing something with local weather," he said. In 1983, the syndicated version of "Wheel of Fortune" made its debut. Its 47 million viewers each week make the syndicated version one of the most popular and successful television shows. Throughout the season, viewers will be treated to rarely seen flashbacks of unforgettable moments with Sajak and White. Additionally, the show will feature special congratulatory messages from television, film, music and sports stars. Viewers will also be able to videotape and upload their congratulatory messages to the "Wheel of Fortune" Web site. In celebration of the silver anniversary, "Wheel of Fortune" is introducing the "25" wedge to the wheel, which will be available in the second round of the show. When the wheel lands on the special wedge, the contestant has the chance to win a special prize in multiples of 25, such as 25 gift certificates each worth $100. During season 25, the game show will be taping special theme weeks in the studio, including Going Green Week, which will promote ways to protect the environment and will feature eco-friendly prizes; Pet Lovers Week will celebrate four-legged and furry friends; and Let's Eat Week will tout America's most popular eateries from the West to East Coast. For more information on "Wheel of Fortune," visit www.wheeloffortune.com.