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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

b0b329b0-7c65-464c-a2f1-dd11406f39ca OUR DJs < Back Jason Marshall 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. A graduate of Arnprior District High School (go Redmen!), Jason has never strayed too far from home in his professional career. For more than two decades he’s reported, written, edited and managed community newspapers across the Valley and Ottawa including: Renfrew, Arnprior, West Carleton, Almonte, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Perth, Kemptville, Iroquois, Manotick, Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Bells Corners, Orleans and Ottawa in general. Is it any wonder he has grey whiskers sprouting on his chin? But one thing has never changed no matter where he has worked – his home and heart are in the Valley. Now, only a 10-minute commute to the office from downtown White Lake (15 if he gets behind a hay wagon or a school bus), Jason is back where he belongs – out in the communities of the Valley, working for a company that is all about entertaining and informing people about what’s happening in their little piece of the world. And when he meets someone and says: “G’day, hower yanow?” – they actually know what in the hell he’s talking about. Programs G'day From the Valley Jason’s Saturday morning show shines a spotlight on Ottawa Valley artists, with a special focus on all types of Valley music, not just country. He says, “as long as it’s Ottawa Valley and it’s good, then you’ll hear it on this show.” It’s the only show on VHR that showcases local talent beyond the country music genre. This includes local pop, rock, folk, bluegrass, instrumental, and more. And, of course, country and fiddle. You can’t do an Ottawa Valley show without country and fiddle! G’Day From the Valley airs Saturday mornings from 9 to 10. Valley Voices Join Jason for an hour each Wednesday starting at 12:15 (right after the noon news) and you’ll hear live music from some of the Ottawa Valley’s most talented musicians, but there’s more to the show than just music. Jason speaks candidly with each guest, bringing you an up close and personal look at the artist and person behind the voice. It’s all simulcast on Facebook, so you can watch it live or later, and see the one-on-one chat that takes place live on our Thomas Cavanagh Stage. Previous Next

Hunt Camp Live In the Ottawa Valley, there are actually five seasons each year – Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, and Hunting. For two weeks each November, the Valley comes to a virtual standstill as men, women, children, and pets switch into ‘deer hunt mode’ and split their time between home and the hunt camp. It’s been this way for generations and is truly a part of Ottawa Valley culture. Since 2011, Valley Heritage Radio has been devoted time, energy and resources into capturing this way of Valley life by bringing you the stories of life at the hunt camp through the seasonal program Hunt Camp Live. Originally called Live From the Hunt Camp, the program began as a five-minute segment aired once in the morning, and again late afternoon each weekday during the two weeks of deer hunting season each November. The idea was simplistic, but also genius. (This, according to co-host Gerry Bimm, who “allegedly” came up with the idea. Hence Gerry pushing us to mention of the word ‘genius’ at some point in this bio.) We’d assemble a hardy crew to visit different hunt camps of the Valley, armed with only tape recorders, cameras, and empty stomachs and livers. Their goal was to capture a snapshot of life at the hunt camp, as told by the hunters and their families. It was never designed to tell the story of harvesting animals. Rather, it was to focus on the family traditions, stories, memories, music, food, and humorous moments that you only find sitting at a table by the woodstove, in a cabin, in the middle of the bush. Basically, it was a slice of Ottawa Valley life to offer our listeners some insight and humour for the two weeks of the hunt. It’s now a 75-minute segment each weekday of the deer hunt. We present 10 shows in the first two weeks of November and it has bloomed into one of our most popular on-air programs. The acorn was planted in 2011. And today the mighty oak continues to grow. Well, perhaps it’s still a sapling. But someday. Oh, someday a mighty oak. On the Road The very first camp the crew visited was the Bluff Mountain Hunt Camp in Ladysmith, Quebec. Yes, that’s when things kicked off. It was back in 2011. The gang recorded stories. Took photos. And left with more tales than they bargained for, along with full bellies and a feeling the new venture was going to be a success. But never in their wildest dreams did they think things would still be going strong more than a decade later. Including that trip to see the Bluff Mountain gang, our Hunt Camp Live crew has visited more than 80 hunt camps across the Ottawa Valley from the edge of Algonquin Park to Flower Station, Kazabazua, Quebec and all imaginable points in between. No one is safe in Renfrew or Lanark counties, and you can’t get away from us in the Pontiac, either! If we had a nickel for every kilometer we travelled for Hunt Camp Live, we’d have enough to buy a private jet and helicopter. (We could probably just buy one with the cash from Lesley’s swear jar, but that’s another story!) We’ve been in camps no bigger than a garden shed, to others that sleep 30. Some had no running water and were heated with a tiny woodstove. Others had central air, propane furnaces and camp cooks with their own sleeping quarters. And we’ve even been to more than one camp that had a sauna. Yes. A sauna. Some camps are right off the main road, while others not so much. We’ve been lost. Almost run out of gas. And more than once we’ve stopped at the wrong camp (because of bad directions, not because of our navigation skills). We’ve never gone home hungry (though that one time we needed the good folks at Harvey’s to fill our bellies), and have had unbelievable willpower to not accept all the beverages offered to us. We’ve cut ribbons to christen outhouses and gun racks. Feared for our lives on ATVs built for the racetrack, not the bush. We’ve worn wigs. Ate two-week-old gravy. Learned about internal eavestroughing. Did a phone interview from a tree stand in Pumphandle, Saskatchewan. Learned new words from Lesley. Met inflatable friends. And laughed until we cried. And the music. Yes, the music. So many amazing musicians along the way. And our apologies to the late Stompin’ Tom Connors for butchering Sudbury Saturday Night on more than one occasion. Every camp is unique and memorable and has provided stories that will last a lifetime. Our Hosts The Hunt Camp Crew is a crackerjack team of Lesley Galbraith, Jason Marshall and Gerry Bimm. Oh, and we can’t forget John McMaster, our tech guru and intrepid buck contest reporter and weatherman. Together, this motley crew keeps the show on the rails and works hard to keep the spirit and soul of the hunting tradition in the Ottawa Valley alive and well. They work hard, play hard and laugh more than they should as they bring you this one-of-a-kind radio program. If you would like to find out more, visit the Hunt Camp Live Facebook Page, or better yet – if your hunt camp would like to be part of the program, drop us a line at hcl@valleyheritageradio.ca Until next time – seeeeeya!

4fd5fa86-7131-43f5-9455-de535f0be634 OUR DJs < Back Lesley Galbraith G’day! Here is a little bit about me. I was born in England. Leicester, to be exact. I raised on the west coast of Canada. Then moved to Ottawa. And moved to Florida. Then to Las Vegas. And finally back home where I belong in Canada. I have a wonderful teenage son, three cats and seven dogs. Yes, seven dogs! I come from a very theatrical family, and it’s only fitting that my career took me to the live stage. I worked for a repertory theater in Daytona Beach, Florida for 10 years and with the cast and crew of hotel shows in Vegas. But something was missing. So I came home and I am so very lucky to be doing what I love here at Valley Heritage Radio. I was the first “employee” hired at the station back in 2006. Right now – as program and production manager – I write and produce the commercials for the station, but a big part of my job is making sure that all the programming that you hear on 98.7, comes off without a hitch. So, when you’re listening to the station and hear a commercial or jingle on the radio, well, that’s probably me! Thanks for listening. Program Super Saturday 60's, 70's & 80's Show 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. Yesterday Today Old Time Radio From the 30s to the 50s, one of the dominant forms of mass media and entertainment was radio shows including Drama, Comedy, Mystery and Horror, all presented in a purely audio format. Yesterday Today Old Time Radio is proud to bring you these shows each and every Wednesday night from 8 to 10 p.m. So, sit back, relax and grab your favourite beverage and join me, Lesley Galbraith as we travel back in time together. Previous Next

Administration Assistant < Back Susan Sarsfield Administration Assistant Hello! I was born and raised in Renfrew and though I moved to Kingston & Ottawa in my twenties for college and work, I always knew my heart belonged in the Ottawa Valley with my family and friends. I convinced my husband John that moving to Renfrew would be an adventure (he was a city boy), we have now lived here for 22 years and have three wonderful children; our oldest is Matthew, and then we were blessed with our twins Aaron and Morgan. With three kids, our life has never been dull or quiet; We’ve enjoyed many years as hockey and baseball parents to both the boys and soccer parents to our daughter; our home is definitely a central hub for all things chaotic. My husband and kids would tell you that it does not matter where I go, that I will see someone that I know, be it a hockey tournament in Peterborough or a beach resort in Cuba… I have over 20 years of experience working in administration, customer service, client services, events/promotion; I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. Contact susan@valleyheritageradio.ca Previous Next

Mike Cloutier < Back Valley Saturday Night Mike Cloutier Saturday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Host Mike Cloutier loves to hear from our listeners, and that’s exactly what drives his Valley Saturday Night program – listener requests. Almost every song each week is chosen by listeners from across the Ottawa Valley, and beyond, as they call in their favourite tunes – and Mike is the man to find them and play them. So if you have a song you’d like to hear, then give Mike a call on Saturday nights between 4 and 7, and you’ll likely get your wish. The show has also grown to include guest appearances from Mike’s wife Nancy (aka The Saturday Night Widow). Previous Next

eb19f059-3a6b-4f11-9e75-6d6ee2f7825f OUR DJs < Back Roy Berger Born and raised in Ottawa, Roy has been working full-time for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board as a Special Education Teacher since 1998. Previously, he worked as a Youth Counselor at the Roberts/Smart Centre in Ottawa. Roy first started volunteering at Valley Heritage Radio in 2012 as an occasional caller for Radio Bingo. Roy hosts Simply Country from 3 - 7 pm every Sunday. Roy wants to thank all the listeners for tuning in every Sunday afternoon. He is very honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to volunteer as a radio host on CJHR 98.7 FM. “Valley Heritage Radio is the best radio station that can be found anytime, anywhere or anyplace,” says Roy. Roy likes to spend as much time as possible at his cottage in the Lanark Highlands. On a side note, Roy holds two Guinness World Records for push ups. Most push ups in one hour (3,416) and most push ups in one minute (138). Program Simply Country What better way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon than listening to the country music classics of years gone by. Roy Berger brings you some of your favourites, some songs you haven’t heard in years, and maybe some you’ve never heard – every Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Previous Next

a82023a4-1b2e-4ced-afcf-9377e27adef4 OUR DJs < Back Art Jamieson Known to many as “Mr. Ottawa Valley,” Art is not a full-time host at Valley Heritage Radio, but he is the man behind the microphone for each of our on-air fundraisers. He is the first person we call when we’re holding a Radiothon, and we work out calendar around his availability – because he’s just that good! Through the years, Art has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthwhile causes across the Valley, including many here at VHR. He gets the phones ringing and has a way of connecting to the people of the Ottawa Valley like no one else. An educator most of his professional life, Art has also been a municipal politician and a travel agent who whisks people from the Valley to all corners of the globe. For almost four decades he has been the MC at the Pembroke Old Time Fiddle and Step Dance competitions, and for as long as anyone can remember, he’s entertained people with his musical abilities and his sense of humour. When he’s not helping others, he and his wife Dot love to spend time with their kids and grandkids in the bustling metropolis of Beachburg. 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

db2c3766-13e4-4029-a1f0-642fbfb49139 OUR DJs < Back Sheila Vandekemp I was born in Apple Hill, Ontario (Glengarry County), and grew up with 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Marriage brought me to Renfrew County in the 1960s. First to Beachburg and then in 1985 to a dairy farm in the Barr Line area between Cobden and Douglas. We presently farm with our son Scott. I have served as president of the Renfrew County Holstein Club and sat on numerous committees within the community. I volunteer for the Cancer Society and at a local retirement home. I have always had a love for country music. Many of my relatives had musical talents, but that gene escaped me! But I did learn to step dance. I started as a volunteer receptionist at Valley Heritage Radio, and I’d always dreamed of becoming a DJ, so when the opportunity came along, I took the plunge. It was a huge learning curve (I am still learning) but no regrets. I am grateful to Valley Heritage Radio for allowing me this opportunity to fulfil a dream. It is a pleasure and privilege to share country music with our listeners. Program The Sheila Show 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

Michelle McKibbon < Back Afternoon Drive Michelle McKibbon Weekdays 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm You can listen to Michelle McKibbon Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 6 p.m. as she takes you on a ride through a wide variety of music as host of The Afternoon Drive. Michelle will not only spin an eclectic mix of music genres, but she’ll also share an hour of “your” music with her all-request hour every day at 3 o’clock. You’ll also hear interviews, fun facts and stories throughout your weekday afternoons. With everything from big band to rock and roll, you’ll get your fill from the 40s through the 60s on The Afternoon Drive, but you’ll also hear 70s, 80s and more including folk and country music. If there’s a type of music you enjoy, Michelle will probably have it – and play it for you. Previous Next

80ba17a2-e523-4378-8c32-9f416ce43910 OUR DJs < Back Marion Eidsness Marion Eidsness is the host of the “Seniors in our Communities” program that is on air each week at Valley Heritage Radio, 98.7 FM. It is aired Tuesday during the noon hour. Marion draws on her experience of working in the senior service sector and managing volunteers in community agencies both in Saskatchewan and Ontario to come up with the ideas for this show. Marion and her husband moved to Renfrew in 2011 to be closer to their two sons and their families who live in Ottawa. A weekly visit with their grandchildren is a highlight. One of the benefits of working on this program, Marion says, is the knowledge she gains personally and the great people she meets that offer community support services throughout Renfrew County. Previous Next