Charlotte is originally from our region, having grown up in Irvona, Clearfield County. She has a B.A. in Journalism and a Certificate in Broadcasting from Penn State University, where she graduated with high distinction.
She had a hard time breaking into news reporting, and started out as a night-time disc jockey at WRTA Radio in Altoona. A few people out there might remember “a little night music with Wendy Chase.” Former WTAJ- Weathercaster Tom Casey actually gave her her first job in the broadcast media. What was he thinking?! He said her real name wasn’t euphonious so she went by the name “Wendy Chase.” He’s still a friend, though!
Eventually, she got into radio news and then on to TV, at the station she’d watched all of her life. Earlier in her career at WTAJ NEWS, she reported on politics, crime, child abuse, and just about every other subject WTAJ News has covered. She also has served as Weekend and Morning anchor. For much of her career here, she’s has been focusing on medical subjects. People sometimes ask if Charlotte has a medical background. The answer is no, other than being a caregiver for her mother, and aunts. Those experiences brought her up close and personal with heart attack, bypass surgery, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, diabetes, cataracts, and hip fracture.
Charlotte is married to 30th District State Senator H. John Eichelberger Jr., who represents Blair and Fulton counties, and parts of Cumberland, Franklin and Huntingdon Counties. She met him while covering President George Bush’s visit to Penn State. Her stepson Johnny is an attorney in Houston. The family includes Lillie, an AiredaleTerrier rescue and Oakley, also an Airedale. Her community activities include serving on the boards of the Altoona Food Bank and the Blair County Library. She recently “graduated” from the Central Pa. Humane Society Board, after serving two terms, and remains very interested in animal rescue.
Charlotte’s hobbies and interests include reading, genealogy (any Ames, Bloom, Cameron, Hersh, Johnston, Kimball, Leonard, or Young relatives out there?) music, and DOGS. She plays the piano and organ, and played the clarinet in her high school band.. She’s also the organist at two area churches.
Email Charlotte here (cames @wtaj.tv.com) or send her a message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteAmesWTAJ)
She would very interested in telling your medical story, if you’re willing to go on camera and talk about it.
Get to Know Charlotte
What are your favorite TV shows?NCIS, Hawaii Five-O, the Mentalist
What are your favorite movies?
Out of Africa, Braveheart, Elizabeth, Pride & Prejudice
What websites do you visit the most?
News websites, medical web sites
What is your favorite restaurant?
Chinese food, seafood & salads are my favorites, but I don’t have a favorite restaurant
If you could interview anyone in history, who would it be?
Queen Elizabeth the first
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Returning to Great Britain and visiting Ireland and other European countries
What is one thing about you most people would be surprised by?
My great-great-great-great-great-great Grandmother Ames was convicted of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials
What are your favorite sports teams?
I hate sports, but I like to see the Steelers and Pirates win because my husband and friends like them.
What is your favorite hobby?
Genealogy, but I never get to spend any time on it.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Retired from the news business, fostering dogs or helping in some type of animal rescue effort
What was your most memorable interview/weather event/sporting event?
It is always memorable and inspiring talking to people in difficult situations or with serious illnesses manage to keep their faith and determination. Also, I have enjoyed covering the first Clinton inauguration and stories with the first President Bush.
What was your first job?
I was a clerk at Bell’s Drug Store in Coalport
