7c9bacad-8651-4369-a8bf-dabf0c3a0ecb OUR DJs < Back Dennis Harrington Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, Dennis Harrington is well known around the region – and far beyond – as a champion fiddler. Dennis began his fiddling career in 1982 when he took six months of lessons by tablature from Randy Foster, the “Fiddling Fireman.” Dennis cannot read music and learns the vast amount of his tunes by ear. He began entering fiddle contests in his early teens, winning titles and accolades around the region and in the Maritimes. Over the years that followed, Dennis composed more than 40 fiddle tunes and has released three CDs with a number of original tunes. In 1999, the traditional fiddle tune “Little Burnt Potato” from Dennis’ Old Time Canadian Fiddling CD went to number one – twice – in the American Folk Music Charts. Dennis has leant his fiddle talents to a number of local musicians for their recordings over the years, and is still active in a number of Valley bands such as The Countrymen, The Douglas Connection, Upper Ottawa Valley Country – and with his own band, Heritage Country. His radio show, Cross-Canada Fiddling, can be heard on Valley Heritage Radio every Sunday from noon till 2 p.m. Program Cross Canada Fiddling If you’re a fan of fiddle music, then tune into Cross Canada Fiddling and your host Dennis Harrington every Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. Dennis not only spins the tunes of the who’s who of the fiddle world, but he also chats with many of the world’s most renowned fiddlers. Previous Next

e0dd6549-31b4-4eac-b9b0-50ece51a40a6 OUR DJs < Back Andrew Cartwright I'm very fortunate to be one of the few people who can say "I love my job." Radio has always been a part of my life. Whether it was sitting in the kitchen as a toddler, watching my mom sing along to Neil Diamond, or my father enjoying big band music. I loved the emotion it could elicit from people. I was fascinated how a certain announcer or song could make someone focus completely on this little box emitting sounds. I never thought I'd have a career in the industry though, because I hadn't the faintest idea of how to get the ball rolling. Prior to radio I worked in a warehouse, where I'd make announcements over the intercom. Birthdays, well wishes, that kind of thing. I figured that would be as close as I'd ever get to hearing myself in a broadcasting capacity. It's funny how life works because in the same week, two people came up to me and said I should work for a radio station. As fate would have it, an ad in the paper for a radio school in Montreal popped up that same week. It caught my attention, and the rest is history. I've since worked at multi-cultural stations, news stations and on the reserve in Kahnawake. In 2011 I made a decision that would change my life forever. I decided to move away from home (out of province in fact) to work for Valley Heritage Radio. It’s been the best decision I've ever made. Since then my family has joined me up here and we had our first child. Little Man, as I call him. I love this area. The people are inspirational in the way they care about their neighborus and the community. I couldn't ask for a better place to now call home. Join me Monday through Friday from 6 to 11 a.m. and you’ll hear "Headlines making Headlines" at 8:40, my "Joke of the Day" at 7:07, "Birthdays, Anniversaries and New Arrivals" at 7:20 and 8:20 and our "Animal of the Week" Thursday's at 9:40. P.S. Apologies for the "Dad" jokes that cause eye rolls and groans at 7:07 every morning Program The Morning Show Catch Andrew Cartwright on the Morning Show Monday to Friday from 6 to 11:30 a.m. for great tunes, bad jokes, and that laugh. Ohhh, that laugh. Watch for his regular features including hear "Headlines making Headlines" at 8:40, his "Joke of the Day" at 7:07, "Birthdays, Anniversaries and New Arrivals" at 7:20 and 8:20 and our "Animal of the Week" Thursdays at 9:40. And did we mention that Andrew is a champion chili chef? And he has a brown belt? Did you know he survived a run-in with a women’s roller derby team? And almost killed Dai Bassett with a jellybean? See … we told you … don’t miss the Morning Show. Previous Next

05a58505-bfd9-4d00-8fcf-0d853952412c OUR DJs < Back Gerry Blandford Gerry Blandford was born and raised in Ottawa, attended public and high school there, and lived in the Glebe area of the city. Gerry first started working for Canadian Pacific Railway and then moved to work for OC Transpo for almost 28 years finishing up as a supervisor. He retired in 1996 and then started volunteering for Rogers Community Television. Since moving to Renfrew in 2003 Gerry has been involved with Cogeco and done several productions as a community producer and won an award for small media productions for a documentary on Remembrance Day and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2006. Gerry began volunteering for CJHR in the summer of 2007 and on March 4, 2008 went on the air as the host of The Big Band Ballroom. He was one of the originals who worked the afternoon shift along with Mike Cloutier and then hosted the Canadian Country and Fiddle show on Fridays. There isn’t a show at the radio station that Gerry hasn’t hosted, because of his versatility and passion for all genres of music. Gerry lives in Renfrew along with his wife Pat, and are proud parents and grandparents. Program VHR Bluegrass On the Valley Heritage Radio Bluegrass, Gerry Blandford plays 2 hours of your favourite Bluegrass. If you’re a fan of that type of music, you can hear it every Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. Previous Next

Sheila Vandekemp < Back The Sheila Show Sheila Vandekemp Sunday 7:00 am - 10:00 am Sheila Vandekemp is the host of The Sheila Show heard every Sunday morning from 7 to 10 a.m. Sheila showcases country artists, mostly from the 1950s. Every now and then you will hear a waltz, a bluegrass tune and maybe a surprise song. And, as one of the biggest Merle Haggard fans on the planet, Sheila may even spin a Merle tune from time to time. Previous Next

Finance/Accounting < Back Kelly McNulty Finance/Accounting Kelly joined Valley Heritage Team in 2015. She brings 20+ years of experience in the Financial Field between Nortel Networks and Local Businesses. Kelly grew up in Arnprior and McNab/Braeside helping with the family business of Harness Horse Racing. She was very active in organization of McNab/Braeside Minor Ball and Girls Hockey. She currently resides in the McNab/Braeside area. Her favorite cartoon character is Snoopy, and her favorite quote is: “You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it” Contact accounting@valleyheritageradio.ca Previous Next

Station Manager < Back Jason Marshall Station Manager Born in Arnprior and raised on the mean streets of White Lake, station manager Jason Marshall proudly describes himself as a Valley boy, through and through. He has not strayed too far from home for his entire professional life, having spent more than 20 years in the newspaper business in the Valley and Ottawa, before making the jump to community radio in 2013. Jason has been station manager at Valley Heritage Radio for more than 10 years, and his voice can be heard on the air every day whether through advertisements or the programs he hosts. He thought there was no better fit for him in life than working at the station, until April of 2022 – when he became a Dad for the first time. He and his partner Bailey are loving life as parents to Gabriel, who already has a love for music and isn’t shy about entertaining a crowd. A little bit of Mom and Dad, there! When Jason isn’t navigating the waters of parenthood, he loves playing softball, watching endless reruns of Seinfeld, reading, trivia, and he’s never lost his passion for writing. He is also a freelance humour columnist for magazines in the Ottawa and Toronto areas. Contact jason@valleyheritageradio.ca Previous Next

Board Members < Back < Back Denzil (Denny) Ferguson President/Treasurer Denny was born, raised and schooled in rural Renfrew. Following a most enjoyable time at Renfrew Collegiate Institute – where he played a wide variety of sports – he joined the RCMP in 1961. Posted to Regina for basic training and then to Cape Breton Island for policing experience, Denny was transferred back to Ottawa and the Security Service. He earned his Business Administration Diploma at Algonquin College while working throughout Canada. Denny moved to Pakenham and into beef farming and continued policing, working in the Federal Public Service and the Private Sector until retirement in 2012. He has had the pleasure of serving the residents of Pakenham and Mississippi Mills for more than 20 years as a municipal councillor. Denny was a founding partner (retired) of 5 Span Feed and Seed – Pakenham. He has been married for more than 50 years to his Calabogie Sweetheart Margie, and they have four children. Denny has served on the station’s Board of Directors for more than a decade, and has been president since 2012. He travels the Valley extensively, attending dances, church suppers, Douglas Irish celebrations, and many other functions. He enjoys life, loves the Valley and its people, and the satisfaction of assisting in the operation of Valley Heritage Radio.

L'il Mama < Back L'il Mama Live L'il Mama Monday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Music should really make you feel. When I listen to something, I want to feel what the artist(s) is feeling. Same as when I perform, I want the crowd to feel what I am feeling. Shivers and goosebumps are a good indication of a performance well done. A bob of the head or a tap of the foot is a good sign too. That’s the feeling I’m creating in the studio. A heavy, groovy vibe transmitting from 98.7 FM radio into your space. If you can dig it, come along for a ride with me, Lil’ Mama on my new radio show, Lil’ Mama Live, Monday nights from 8-10pm on Valley Heritage Radio, 98.7 FM. Previous Next

< Back The Gospel Hour Sunday 10:00 am - noon If you love traditional gospel music, and country gospel, make sure to join host Murray Langford for the Gospel Hour which airs every Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m. Previous Next

Production Assistant < Back Devon Black Production Assistant Devon is a quiet individual who hails from the small town of Cobden and assists with the technical production of material the station creates for airplay. Devon studied audio engineering at college, and has applied his skill and passion at Valley Heritage Radio for more than a decade. He also hosts a country and bluegrass music program, in addition to voicing newscasts and our popular ‘Recipe of the Day’. He is most recognized by his terrifyingly all-natural evil laugh that strikes fear into the hearts of friends and foes alike. Do not fret however, he’s harmless. We think. Contact devon@valleyheritageradio.ca Previous Next

86ede707-e398-4d13-aa4e-7be367c246a8 OUR DJs < Back Joey Wilson Joey is the host of our Thursday program Barnyard Breakdown Barnyard Breakdown For the latest farming and agricultural news from the Ottawa Valley and beyond, be sure to tune into Barnyard Breakdown every Thursday from 12:15 to 12:55 p.m. with your host Joey Wilson. The show provides a wealth of information for not only area farmers, but for anyone who wants to learn about how your food gets from farm to table. Previous Next

Lesley Galbraith < Back Super Saturday 60's, 70's & 80's Show Lesley Galbraith Saturday 8:00 pm- 10:00 pm Every Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m., join me, Lesley Galbraith, as I take you back in time to the 70s and beyond. We’ll explore the decades that saw the rise of disco, progressive rock, pop country, new wave, pop rock, soft rock and much more, with some interesting facts thrown in for good measure. Previous Next