By: Greg Schatzmann, Station Manager, 91X – CJLX 91.3FM
A tradition that began back in the 90s to bring together those involved with Loyalist College’s FM radio station continued this past week. In recent years the focus of this annual dinner, held at Loyalist’s Club 213, has been to acknowledge community volunteer programmers who produce many of the feature programs the station broadcasts. Also, outgoing student members of the station’s board of directors are formally recognized. Faculty, college management, students, listeners and other supporters also gather for an evening featuring gourmet food, prizes and a silent auction.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of CJLX-FM, and the dinner also served as one of the ways the station plans to mark the event. It was in October 1992 that CJLX, then at 92.3FM with relatively low power, first hit the airwaves, giving a voice to Loyalist students and community volunteers. Over the years, the station has strived to meet its mandate as a community broadcaster while at the same time providing real-life training for students in the Radio Broadcasting and Journalism programs at Loyalist. In 2006 the station shifted to 91.3 on the FM dial, became known as 91X and significantly boosted the power so it could serve the entire Quite area with programs that range from alternative rock to a wide variety of arts and information content.
At this year’s dinner, a few volunteers were recognized for marking milestones with the station. John Henderson has hosted his Journey program since 2002. Another program marking a decade is Big Band Saturday hosted by Andy Sparling. Andy was also presented with the Dave Sovereign Memorial Award for his years as a faculty member and valued advisor to the station. There was one other volunteer centered out for a specific achievement. Bill Huffman was the station’s first community volunteer and has hosted his Remember When program of 50s and 60s oldies since the early days of CJLX. On March 10, Bill produced show number 1,000. All three programs mentioned are part of the 91X Saturday morning line-up called Radio to Remember, taking listeners back to a musical era that includes big band, swing, standards, nostalgia and the early days of rock n’ roll. Although a departure from 91X’s main format of alternative rock, Radio to Remember has garnered a loyal audience over the past decade.
Local dignitaries attending the dinner included Prince Edward County Mayor Peter Mertens, who spoke about his love of radio, including his own experience in the industry. He also underlined the importance of volunteerism. Although unable to attend, Northumberland-Quinte West M.P.P. Rob Milligan provided special certificates on behalf of the Government of Ontario for all volunteers acknowledging their important role in 91X’s operations.
91X would like to acknowledge the spectacular job done by the Loyalist culinary students responsible for preparing and serving the meal as well as the over two dozen sponsors and supporters who provided items for the silent auction. As 91X operates as a non-profit entity, fund raising activities such as this help with its operating budget. A list of sponsors as well as photos from the night’s festivities is posed online at www.91x.fm and 91X’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/91xfm.
John Henderson (forefront), one of the volunteers recognized at the dinner, shown with Greg Schatzmann, Station Manager, 91X – CJLX 91.3FM.