CJAM 99.1 FM Holding Emergency Fundraising Drive

In January the Ontario Government announced the Student Choice Initiative, a change in the post-secondary school system that allows students to opt-out of any ancillary fees deemed non-essential. The Student Choice Initiative goes into effect this September, leaving many organizations scrambling to find alternative sources of revenue.

Despite a petition signed by thousands across Ontario to deem campus radio an essential fee, the Provincial Government has to this point responded by denying this ask, which could mean up to 70% of CJAM 99.1 FM’s annual budget will not come through this fall. “If we had more time to prepare for these losses I believe we would be able to keep all of our staff members, but at this point we have eliminated our Music Director position and are holding an emergency fundraising drive to maintain our basic operations. We have to keep costs down as much as possible until we can generate enough revenue on our own to make up for the losses we anticipate,” says Station Manager Brady Holek. 

CJAM will be holding an emergency fundraising drive from May 31st to June 7th. CJAM FM will also be unveiling a new advertising and sponsorship package for businesses looking to advertise. “We have the lowest rates in town and all advertising money is going directly to keeping us on the air.”

“We are trying to avoid a full shutdown, or becoming a shell station with one part-time staff, few volunteers, and a much smaller voice in the community. I do not want to see that happen here and CJAM is going to do all it can to survive so we can continue to provide students and the public opportunities to gain experience and skills that lead to job opportunities in broadcasting, journalism, and the music industry.”

CJAM FM recently celebrated 35 years on the FM dial in November 2018. People can donate to the “Save CJAM” campaign now by visiting their fundraising page at www.grouprev.com/CJAMemergency or by calling into the station during the on-air portion of their funding drive May 31st – June 7th. Businesses looking to advertise on CJAM FM or learn more about sponsorship can do so by contacting Station Manager Brady Holek at 519-253-3000 ex. 2525, statcjam@gmail.com or go to www.cjam.ca/advertise.

The Tune Up the Park Concerts Series is back! Join the Town of Essex and the Arts, Culture and Tourism (ACT) Committee for a summer-long celebration of music starting in June.

The annual music series opens in Essex Centre on Wednesday, June 5 with the allnighters, followed by Karen Morand in Colchester Centre on Monday, June 10.

Along with weekly performances on Mondays at Colchester Park and Wednesdays at Heritage Gardens Park in Essex Centre, four Friday night concerts in Harrow and another in McGregor are planned.

Tune Up the Parks runs until the end of August and includes 15 different musical acts performing over the course of 30 evenings.

“The success of this music series can be traced to the excellent participation of local musicians and enthusiastic appreciation of the audiences that come out to support them,” says Doug Sweet, Director of Community Services. “The offerings span a wide range of genres, from country and folk, to rock and roll.”

New this year in Essex Centre, concert-goers will also be able to fill up their baskets with local food from vendors at the new Essex Farmers’ Market, happening every Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:00pm at Heritage Gardens Park.

The full list of acts is available at www.essex.ca/TuneUpTheParks. More information about each act is posted on the Town’s online events calendar at www.essex.ca/events.

Be sure to bring your own chair or blanket. Concerts begin at 7:00 pm and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

As a project of the ACT Committee, “Tune Up  the Parks” supports Council’s strategic objective of promoting healthy and active living through recreational and cultural opportunities.

You're invited to The Big GIVE- our FREE Community Appreciation day.  Sat. June 1, 2019 from 10 – 2 at St. Giles Church, 205 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines.  We are having Bouncy Castles, Fire Trucks, Balloon Animals, a Pipe Band, Kids' Carnival  Games, Professional Face Painting,  Kids' Show, Popcorn, Gently Used Give Away, Spirit Athletics Demonstrations, Cotton Candy, Free BBQ and more!    Contact 905-934-1901 or stgiles1954@gmail.com for further information.  Food Donation Drop Off Point for Community Care.  Check out our web page at www.stgilesstcatharines.ca or visit us on Facebook.  

On Sunday, June 30th, get out those Blue Suede Shoes and get ready to dance to the music of the King of Rock N Roll. Norm Ackland Jr. is a multi-award winning Elvis Tribute Artist from Windsor. Norm was crowned the 2013 Collingwood Elvis Festival Gospel Champion.

Don't forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs!

Location: Lakewood Park - WFCU Square in Tecumseh

Time: 1pm - 3pm

If you have any questions please contact the Tecumseh Parks & Recreation office at 519-735-4756.

Northbound Goyeau Street will have lane restrictions between Giles Avenue and Erie Street for sewer repairs on May 30 and May 31 from 8am to 5pm.