We have moved to a ‘brand new’ premises. We are now situated on the first floor of ‘Stouffville Fine Furniture.’ It is directly across the street from the old station, with the main entrance through the rear parking lot.

The new premises has been specifically built for us and  includes three studios as compared to our previous two, a board/office room, and a welcoming/reception area to greet our hosts, performers, and other guests. Our new facility is bigger and better than ever, and can now accommodate the guests, hosts, producers and other people who drop in. This is especially accommodating to the various musicians and bands that broadcast live.

In addition, ‘WhiStle Radio’ is in the midst of updating our technology in order to have the capabilities to act as an ‘Emergency Broadcasting Station’ in the event of an emergency in our community.We are working closely with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Fire Department and other Emergency Services to co-coordinating this endeavor.

We plan on having a Welcoming party in June for the community to drop bye and see the new premises. We will keep you informed of the date.

On Jan. 18, the board of WhiStle Radio appointed an interim chair and board members following the departure of the station’s founder and chair Jim Priebe on Jan. 17.

“I think WhiStle Radio will be fine,” said interim chair Stephen Sword, noting that the station’s landlord had agreed to extend the current rental period until the end of February to give the board time to regroup and consider future funding strategies.

Peter Fraunberger, who handles media relations for WhiStle, said the station is alive and well and on the air, and the mood is upbeat. However, he would like to see more support from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to ensure its long-term viability.

“I’m a little disappointed that the town hasn’t embraced this idea of a radio station. Most of the smaller communities surrounding us have received about 99 per cent (of community radio station operating costs) from their town financially, or been offered a location.” Last year, WhiStle Radio asked for $10,000 and was given a one-time grant of $2,500.

“It’s a totally volunteer, non-profit organization,” said Mr. Fraunberger. “We’ve dipped into our own pockets to keep it running because we believe so strongly in it.”

A special fundraiser will be held Feb. 4 and Feb. 6 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Stouffville Spirit lounge upstairs at the old Stouffville arena on Ninth Line North. Tickets are $5 and beer and wine will be available.

Bill Perrie, Canada’s ‘pub guy’, will host live broadcasts of his popular WhiStle Radio show, The Pub, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on both nights, and guests are invited to enjoy the Spirit in action following the show. Donations to WhiStle Radio will be gratefully accepted.

Listeners are encouraged to take out a $20 annual membership or to renew lapsed memberships by dropping into the studio at 6280 Main St. You can tune in to WhiStle Radio at CIWS 102.7 FM.