February 12-22, 2009

The Voice of the Valley is about to get a whole lot louder. In June, 95.1 fm, WMRW-LP, the area’s only all volunteer, non-commercial, community radio station, plans to start streaming over the internet and extend the broadcast day to 24 hours. That’s right. It’ll be non-stop Mad River Valley news and views available worldwide.

In preparation for that much anticipated event, WMRW will be kicking off its annual on-air fundraising drive on Thursday, February 12th. Tune in for twelve days of ear-popping special programming as the station’s hosts pull out all the stops to garner your support. Generous local businesses and individuals have donated premiums that are fun (where else can you get radio trans-mittens?), delicious (restaurant gift certificates, fabulous homemade chocolates), and thought provoking (compost, anyone?). There’ll also be insightful interviews with your friends and neighbors like Green Mountain Global Forum’s Liz Levey and woodsman/conservationist Richard Czaplinski.

Celebration Potluck on Friday, February 20th!  Then, on Friday, February 20, come on down to the studio in the East Warren Schoolhouse (at the corner of Roxbury Mtn. Road and the East Warren Road) and help us celebrate! A community potluck at 6 PM will be followed with an on-air live music party at 7:30. Several local musicians will be on hand to perform, including singer/songwriter Mark LeGrand, whose “Cold New England Town” CD was rated one of VPR’s Best of 2006.

WMRW began broadcasting in October 2004. Today fifty-four local programmers ranging in age from 13 to 73 produce and present shows covering the political and musical map. With syndicated programs like Democracy Now!, Free Speech Radio News,Unwelcome Guests, New Dimensions and Alternative Radio, WMRW is also the Valley’s source for alternatives to mainstream media news. From the beginning, the station has funded itself with contributions from its listeners and the support of local underwriters. The goal for 2009 is just $8,800 which works out to a little over $24 a day, a broadcast bargain.

Tax deductable donations can be sent to WMRW, PO. Box 95,Warren Vt. 05674. Or, better yet, you can call in your pledge (496-4951) during the fund drive and let our volunteers know you support their efforts. For more information and to find out how you can do a show on WMRW, visit www.wmrw.org.