a re-print from “The Record”
The only true constant is change. It is ubiquitous. Encompassing every aspect of life, from the most insignificant to the very questions philosophers have pondered since we first looked to the stars and wondered. It is frightening, wondrous, feared and embraced. It is the very essence of life.
But it is not random, nor is it irrational. Change is integral to who we are. It is growth. And without growth, we become static and really, who wants to remain in the same spot all the time?
During the past year or so I have had the pleasure of hosting a radio show that I call Mostly Canadian Unplayed. I have been able to play music that has become a part of my life and share this passion with the world at large.
When I first walked into the station to begin this path, I had a fist full of CD’s and a head full of ideas of what I felt would make for a show that was unique and driven by one of the great loves in my life, music. And little did I know at the time that I would find something that would become so important to my day to day life. Without a doubt, the greatest aspect of this has been the fact that my son Gabriel has become a part of this adventure.
When he first joined me in the studio he was shy and spoke only a little. A year later he has become far more at home behind the microphone and so has become a more active figure in the show. Recently he invited his teacher to the show and it was with great pride that I watched him take the time and effort to formulate the questions he asked and to set up the details required to make this interview a reality. I had to smile to myself as he chose the music that we would play and organized the songs and questions into a format that would become his show that day. In a small way, I felt like I was handing him the torch and letting him run free with his ideas.
This idea of change and growth has also been a driving factor at the radio station. When my first show went on air, we were not on the internet and we had a transmission range that barely reached beyond the limits of Knowlton. Today we broadcast world wide through the internet (live-streaming) and are in the final stages of planning to erect a tower on Patch Hill to increase our signal to the area. By this summer we will be broadcasting to a much greater area and a much wider audience.
It has been challenging to say the least. There have been times when the details seemed overwhelming and the goal seemed to be a pipe dream. But we persisted and pushed forward. We worked through the logistics of the project and carried the dream forward. We struggled through red tape and financial uncertainty. We fought through and resolved the personality conflicts that occur in any group endeavor. We collectively carried the ideals that have become CIDI and in the process we have all grown a little, we have all changed a little and we have all gained more then we have spent. We started out as strangers, became friends, and over time, we have become family.
And so we look to the future, to continue to grow and hopefully, to create shows that captivate and intrigue, and to be who we are. And so I hope that you continue to join us on this great adventure that we have undertaken and to become a part of our little radio station nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
We encourage all those who are interested, willing and able, to join our ranks and to help shine a light on our beautiful part of the world. Being who we are is CIDI, lots of great shows, lots of wonderful hosts and terrific volunteers. Give us a listen, send us your comments and suggestions, we always want to hear from you all and play the stuff you want to hear.
Stephen Paglia is an RCM volunteer. Tel: 450-242-9873 / 1-888-539-2098,
Tags: The Road to Patch Hill
