Bob Jonkman is a Host and Producer of CKMS Community Connections, Mondays 3:00pm-4:00pm, and Meet The Candidate during elections. He also serves on the Technical, Program and Music Committees.
Jamie Hari Jamie Hari, Waterloo candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Wednesday 7 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Anna Meksavanh Anna Meksavanh, Kitchener candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Tuesday 6 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
George Fiddick George Fiddick, Cambridge candidate for Ward 8, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Tuesday 6 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Wazhma Frogh Wazhma Frogh, Kitchener candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 5 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Joe Gowing Joe Gowing, Kitchener candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 5 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Jim ErbColleen James Jim Erb, Waterloo candidate for Regional Council, and Colleen James, Kitchener candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Friday 2 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Kevin WhiteMatt Rodrigues Meet The Candidate: Kevin White and Matt Rodrigues, Kitchener candidates for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 1 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Bryan Causarano-Bolton Bryan Causarano-Bolton, Cambridge candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on 30 September 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Michael Wisniewski Michael Wisniewski, Kitchener candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Tuesday 29 September 2026 about his reason for running, and some of the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Simon Guthrie Simon Guthrie, Kitchener candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Tuesday 29 September 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Bob Burtt, author of two books on water issues in Waterloo Region, and Hugh Simpson, groundwater research scientist and professor at the University of Guelph, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 24 September 2026 about Waterloo Region’s water issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Lesley CromptonElliott WandLesley Crompton of Unsheltered Campaign and Elliott Wand of ACORN Waterloo Region spoke to Bob Jonkman about housing issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Stephanie Goertz Stephanie Goertz, Wilmot candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 28 September 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the party’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Rodney Rolleman, North Dumfries candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 28 September 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Natalia Chebel Natalia Chebel, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Waterloo spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 21 September 2026 about the process of running the 2026 municipal election, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the City Clerk’s Office.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All Regional Council candidates, including Mayoralty candidates in Waterloo Region were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded.
Meet The Candidate brings the candidates from Waterloo Region into the studio to present their platform, the local issues they’ll tackle, the reasons they’re running, and maybe a personal glimpse into their life outside of politics.
The municipal elections in Ontario are on Monday 26 October 2026 — Get your information about the candidates now!
Meet The Candidate is hosted by Bob Jonkman and airs on CKMS-FM weekdays at 9:00am and again at 9:33am from Monday 21 September 2026 to Friday 23 October 2026, with a Campaign Analysis episode on election day, Monday 26 October 2026, and a 2026 Municipal Election Summary on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
All candidates for Waterloo Region Council (including Mayoralty candidates) were invited by e-mail, the candidate’s online contact form, or on social media. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded. Available timeslots were then offered to municipal council and school trustee candidates.
Meet The Candidate – Nikki Rollick, Kitchener Candidate for Ward 7Nikki Rollick, Kitchener Candidate for Ward 7, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Friday 23 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://votenikkirollick.ca Email: votenikkirollick@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votenikkirollick/ See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-23-E39-nikki-rollick-kitchener-candidate-for-ward-7.mp3 Download: Nikki Rollick, Kitchener Candidate for Ward 7 (Podcast) (23 MB, … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Nikki Rollick, Kitchener Candidate for Ward 7→
Meet The Candidate – Cristina Bairos Fernandes, Waterloo and Wilmot candidate for WRDSB TrusteeCristina Bairos Fernandes, Waterloo and Wilmot candidate for WRDSB Trustee, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 22 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Email: cristina.bf@pm.me Phone: +1-519-571-4942 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisbairosfern/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrisBairosFern Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisBairosFern See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-22-E38-cristina-bairos-fernandes-waterloo-candidate-for-wrdsb-trustee.mp3 Download: Cristina Bairos … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Cristina Bairos Fernandes, Waterloo and Wilmot candidate for WRDSB Trustee→
Meet The Candidate – Carly Pettinger, Kitchener candidate for Ward 8Carly Pettinger, Kitchener candidate for Ward 8, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 22 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://votecarly.ca/ Email: carly@votecarly.ca Phone: +1-226-792-2117 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-pettinger-074869b1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votecarlypettinger/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@carlypettinger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Carly-Pettinger-for-Ward-8-Kitchener/61590125566603/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlypettinger See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-22-E37-carly-pettinger-kitchener-candidate-for-ward-8mp3.mp3 … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Carly Pettinger, Kitchener candidate for Ward 8→
Meet The Candidate – Geoffrey Horsman, Waterloo candidate for WRDSB TrusteeGeoffrey Horsman, Waterloo candidate for WRDSB Trustee, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Wednesday 21 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://geoff-horsman.ca/ Email: geoff.horsman@gmail.com Phone: +1-226-600-9048 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-horsman-b6b2b023/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeoffHorsmanWRDSB Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/geoffhorsman.bsky.social See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-21-E36-geoffrey-horsman-waterloo-candidate-for-wrdsb-truste.mp3 Download: Geoffrey Horsman, Waterloo … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Geoffrey Horsman, Waterloo candidate for WRDSB Trustee→
Meet The Candidate – Cindy Ward, Kitchener candidate for MayorCindy Ward, Kitchener candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Wednesday 21 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.cindyward.ca/ Email: cindywardformayor@gmail.com Phone: +1-226-750-9019 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-ward-phd-3408a278/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcindys_kitchenlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.ward.3367 See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-21-E35-cindy-ward-kitchener-candidate-for-mayor.mp3 Download: Cindy Ward, Kitchener candidate … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Cindy Ward, Kitchener candidate for Mayor→
Meet The Candidate – Ken Roche, Cambridge candidate for MayorKen Roche, Cambridge candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Tuesday 20 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Email: kenrochermt@rogers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenrochermt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenrochermt/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kenrochermt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560323836436 https://www.facebook.com/kenrochermt See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-20-E34-ken-roche-cambridge-candidate-for-mayor.mp3 Download: Ken Roche, Cambridge candidate for … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Ken Roche, Cambridge candidate for Mayor→
Meet The Candidate – Sam Nabi, Kitchener candidate for Ward 10Sam Nabi, Kitchener candidate for Ward 10, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 19 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://samnabi.ca/ Email: hello@samnabi.ca Phone: +1-226-988-4137 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samnabi/ Fediverse: https://spore.social/@samnabi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelnabi/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@samuelnabi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelnabi Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samnabi.bsky.social TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samnabidemos See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Sam Nabi, Kitchener candidate for Ward 10→
Meet The Candidate – Vikki Poirier, Kitchener candidate for Ward 4Vikki Poirier, Kitchener candidate for Ward 4, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Monday 19 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://vikkipoirier.ca/ Email: vikki4council@gmail.com Phone: +1-226-868-1196 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-poirier-b3493161/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikkiward4kitchener/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1243585312179762 https://www.facebook.com/vikki.poirier.1977 See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-19-E32-vikki-poirier-kitchener-candidate-for-ward-4.mp3 Download: Vikki Poirier, … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Vikki Poirier, Kitchener candidate for Ward 4→
Meet The Candidate – Sarvesh Pratap Singh, Waterloo candidate for Regional CouncilSarvesh Pratap Singh, Waterloo candidate for Regional Council, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Friday 16 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.sarveshsingh.ca/ Email: talktosarvesh@gmail.com Phone: +1-647-527-7040 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarvesh_connects See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-16-E31-sarvesh-pratap-singh-waterloo-candidate-for-regional-council.mp3 Download: Sarvesh Pratap Singh, Waterloo candidate for … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Sarvesh Pratap Singh, Waterloo candidate for Regional Council→
Meet The Candidate – Eric Schwindt, Woolwich candidate for MayorEric Schwindt, Woolwich candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Friday 16 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.schwindtformayor.ca/ Email: schwindtformayor@gmail.com eschwindt@rogers.com Phone: +1-519-272-3441 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schwindt-1162b4164/ See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-16-E30-eric-schwindt-woolwich-candidate-for-mayor.mp3 Download: Eric Schwindt, Woolwich candidate for Mayor (Podcast) … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Eric Schwindt, Woolwich candidate for Mayor→
Meet The Candidate – Kris Wilkinson, Wilmot candidate for MayorKris Wilkinson, Wilmot candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 15 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.kris4wilmot.com Email: kris4wilmot@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriswilkinsonrh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris4wilmot Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083241619053 See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-15-E29-kris-wilkinson-wilmot-candidate-for-mayor.mp3 Download: Kris Wilkinson, Wilmot candidate for Mayor … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Kris Wilkinson, Wilmot candidate for Mayor→
Meet The Candidate – Scott Piatkowski, Waterloo candidate for Ward 5Scott Piatkowski, Waterloo candidate for Ward 5, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Thursday 15 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.scottpiatkowski.ca/ Email: scott@scottpiatkowski.ca Phone: +1-519-577-2554 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scott-piatkowski-for-ward-5-waterloo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottpiatkowskiward5waterloo/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@scott.piatkowski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589333936758 See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-15-E28-scott-piatkowski-waterloo-candidate-for-ward-5.mp3 Download: Scott … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Scott Piatkowski, Waterloo candidate for Ward 5→
Meet The Candidate – Shannon Weber, Waterloo candidate for MayorShannon Weber, Waterloo candidate for Mayor, spoke with Bob Jonkman on Wednesday 14 October 2026 about the issues for the 2026 municipal election. Contact Information: Website: https://www.shannonweber.ca/ Email: info@shannonweber.ca Phone: +1-226-400-6627 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/shannon-weber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonweberwaterloo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.weber.1612 See all episodes of Meet The Candidate — 2026 Municipal Election. Podcast https://radiowaterloo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/meet-the-candidate-2026-10-14-E27-shannon-weber-waterloo-candidate-for-mayor.mp3 Download: Shannon Weber, Waterloo candidate … Continue reading Meet The Candidate – Shannon Weber, Waterloo candidate for Mayor→
Radio Waterloo will be at Kiwanis Park in Kitchener on Saturday 12 September 2026 to encourage walkers, riders, rollers, and all participants in the Walk For Parkinson’s event.
Tune in from 10:00am to 1:00pm to listen to the live broadcast. We’ll talk to organizers, participants, spectators, and play some music to keep the walkers going. The Radio Waterloo Astrologer predicts a sunny morning, come join us at Kiwanis Park in Kitchener!
Larry Larson, president of the Grand River Jazz Society, joins Bob Jonkman to introduce some of the performers for the 16th season of jazz at The Jazz Room. Performers include Dave Wiffen, Anthony D’Alessandro, Quisha Wint, and the Barry Elmes Quintet who will be performing a Sonny Rollins tribute.
Larry Larson tells of his history switching between jazz, classical, and back to jazz. Larry tells us playing jazz is freeing. His major influence is Chet Baker. Bob and Larry talk about improvisation. Talking about adapting other styles to jazz, for example a jazz waltz.
15m01s
Larry talks about his time with The Jazz Room. He introduces the Dave Wiffen Quintet, who open the 16th season on Friday 11 September 2026.
Larry talks about playing with Dave Wiffen. Larry plugs The Jazz Room opening night again, and talks about the Emile d’Eon’s B3 Organ Jazz Trio appearing on Saturday 12 September 2026.
24m44s
Larry talks about Anthony D’Allessandro, who performs on Sunday 4 October 2026 with a Gershwin Tribute. Larry introduces Green Sauce.
Talking about Anthony D’Allessandro and the origins of Green Sauce.
33m53s
Talking about the Soul Series, which attacts a different audience from the regular jazz-goers. The Grand River Society pass gives access to both series, so there has been good cross-over.
Bob almost didn’t recognize the music as 1970s disco music. Talking about transforming other genres into jazz.
40m05s
Talking about booking performances in chunks: The season goes from September to the end of June, Larry has booked September to New Years so far. Larry teases us with a special super-star guest on 9 and 10 May 2027, but he can’t announce it yet. The January to March calendar will be announced in November, and there are already a few bookings for April to June. When The Jazz Room started they had to find artists, now artists come to them. There can be four times as many requests than spots available.
Reviewing The Jazz Room website, the calendar is right on the front page, and it’s easy to buy tickets. But all the season’s passes are already sold out. Larry mentions the year end closer, Tom Nagy’s Christmas Spectacular on Friday 18 December 2026 and Saturday 19 December 2026.
57m25s
Bob gives the end credits.
CKMS Community Connections airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Mondays.
Robin Arnott of the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario tells Bob Jonkman about the work PSSO does, the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser, and their annual conference. She describes the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, tells us about the work of the support groups, the Graduate Student Scholarship Program , and some of the differences she sees in the different communities she supports in southwestern Ontario.
Introducing Robin Arnott and the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, explaining what PSSO does, and talking about the Walk for Parkinson’s. PSSO is not a medical organization, but offers social support, webinars, and an annual conference. Working with local neurologists, nurses, and other experts. Robin gives details on the Fall Regional Parkinson’s Conference.
7m20s
Talking about the extent of the Southwestern Ontario East Region. There are walks in each area, fourteen diffent locations. Every year they break the record for highest fundraising.
9m15s
Robin explains what happens in a support group.
10m25s
What is Parkinson’s Disease? Robin makes a disclaimer that she’s not a doctor, but gives a good description of the symptoms: tremors, mental health issues, digestion, communication. But there are many symptoms that Robin hears about for the first time. Parkinson’s is a varied disease. Some people have good experience with diagnosis, but it can take a long time for others. It might be up to 20 years of living with symptoms before diagnosis. The Parkinson’s Society doesn’t require a diagnosis to provide support, they support people. Shoutout to the YMCA of Three Rivers: Guelph, Kitchener, and Cambridge, who have provided exercise programs for people living with Parkinson’s. Exercise can help with the management of symptoms.
16m40s
Robin tells us about the support groups, the different ways support groups work. There are support groups for care partners, separate from the people they’re supporting. The location of support groups aren’t publicly announced for privacy reasons, but are available by registering on the website. Communication can be by e-mail, postal mail, whatever works for people. People are directed to support groups based on their needs. There is no cost to the participants for support groups, only the conference has a fee. Sponsorships from local businesses help fund the support groups. Sponsors get some marketing boosts through the Parkinson Society. There is still a need for sponsors for the Walk for Parkinson’s.
24m29s
Talking about the history of Parkinson’s Disease, and the progress in research. There are reseachers funded through the Graduate Student Scholarship Program funded by the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. The research is neurlogy-based, not so much the social aspects, or accessibility requirements. Advocacy for laws like Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is left to other organizations. But PSSO does pay attention to accessibility for their conference and support groups.
29m25s
Walk for Parkinson’s is a great way to let people know about Parkinson’s, there is not a big understanding of how prevalent Parkinson’s is. Robin provides us with some statistics. Bob wonders why a fundraiser for a mobility-based disease is done as a walk. Robin goes over the different non-walking activities. Pre-registration on the website is encouraged, but people can register for the walk at 10:00am on Saturday 12 September at Kiwanis Park in Kitchener.
Robin tells us about her role in the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, and the work in different communities. Robin tells of the volunteers and the work they do. Aside from volunteers who work in adminstration or for the fundraiser walk, there are volunteer support facilitators. PSSO will interview people for that role, and provides practice groups and annual training. A support group facilitator is the moderator for the conversation in the support groups.
44m21s
PSSO was formed in 1993, starting with local support groups. There’s no national or international network of Parkinson’s Societies, although there are organizations that do world conferences. More global sharing is needed. PSSO concentrates on local support. There are regional variations in support, some rural areas have no neurologists so people need to drive to urban centres. But the biggest obstacle to be overcome is awareness of PSSO and the needs that still exist. The YMCA provides space, but the need is outgrowing the available space. There’s an online Kaffee Klatsch every Monday, for discussion on things not directly related to Parkinson’s.
50m10s
Robin summarizes the events at the October conference, and the Walk for Parkinson’s. Bob gives the end credits.
CKMS Community Connections airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Mondays.
In this special edition of CKMS Community Connections Jim Stewart returns to speak with Bob Jonkman about the operational budget strangulation experienced by Ontario hospitals, the impending implementation of two-tier, private health care in Alberta, and the rally at Noon on 1 September 2026 at the office of the Hon. Bardish Chagger, 100 Regina Street South in Waterloo, to convince her and other Liberal MPs to enforce the Canada Health Act to stop the privatization of our public health system.
JahanviNoorManahilLuma Jahanvi, Noor, Manahil, and Luma from Youth in Food Systems talk to Bob Jonkman about the YFS program, the markets and the gardens, high school volunteer hours, how the program is set up, their plans for the future, learning to garden, educational aspects of gardening, agricultural careers, spreading their gardening knowledge, leadership paths in YFS, and they all offer advice to next year’s students coming into the program.
The guests introduce themselves, and what Youth in Food Systems is. Luma lists the locations of the markets and the gardens, and tell us what they do there. Manahil, Jahanvi, and Noor tell us what they do at the markets and the gardens.
10m08s
Jahanvi, and Manahil tell us how they got involved. Partly it’s the compulsory 40 volunteer hours that high school students need, but that’s only the start.
12m40s
Luma is not a volunteer but a program assistant. She tells us how she got involved. She loves gardening, and wants to support the youth in the program. She tells us more about the program: 50 youth, six to seven in each garden, and seven to eight at the markets. There are four program assistants. Funding comes from some of the partner organizations listed on the YFS website. When the program ends Luma will continue going out the gardens. She’s flexible about entering a leadership career or an agricultural career.
16m40s
Noor, Manahil, and Jahanvi tell us about their plans for the future. Bob asks about getting their hands dirty in the garden, but they’re OK with that.
22m40s
Manahil tell us how she learned to garden. Luma tells us about the educational aspects of the program.
25m25s
Bob explores agricultural careers with Jahanvi, the effects of knowing where food comes from with Noor, the funnest thing that Manahil has learned from the program, and if Luma has been in the gardens and got her hands dirty.
31m22s
Bob asks if the gardeners have used their skills in places other than the YFS gardens. The YFS garden beds are at the schools where the gardeners go to school. They’ll join the school garden club to continue work in the gardens.
39m13s
Bob asks Luma if there is a path to leadership for the participants, she expects the current gardeners to come back as program leaders. Bob asks about the structure of YFS, it’s a small team, only in Waterloo Region. Seeds of Diversity is the main organization, YFS is a part of that. The need for volunteers continues after the program ends. Luma says pay attention to YFS Instagram page @youthinfoodsystems, also Cameron Heights Eco Club’s Instagram page: @chci_community.garden. Sign-up for next year’s program may begin as early as March. You can also join later in the year. Jahanvi tells us of Volunteer Waterloo Region, which also directs people to YFS. Applying to YFS is easier than applying for a job.
44m20s
Manahil is definitely coming back next year, Noor will do this until she graduates. Jahanvi is feeling the stress of applying for university, but will join again.
45m55s
The most valuable advice Noor offers is that students shouldn’t do this only for the volunteer hours. Manahil advises people to engage, read your e-mail. The most difficult thing Jahanvi learned is stepping out of her comfort zone. Noor says she’s an extrovert, that helps make people comfortable. Manahil says be yourself, don’t change your personality for others.
51m24s
Luma sums up the desiderata of YFS, and gives out contact info. Bob gives the end credits.
CKMS Community Connections airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Mondays.
Lulia Habtemicheal and Marcia Smellie of Run4OfficeWR talk to Bob Jonkman about getting people to run for office by getting them out to vote, and fostering civic engagement. They’re talking to people, young people especially, about the functions of government and the role of politicians. They host a “Guest Speaker Series”, local people who have run for office who speak about the experience and answer questions.
Marcia talks about the skill of listening, and Lulia tells us the importance of just one vote. Marcia gives some information on voting, and Lulia tells us of the upcoming events.
Introducing Lulia and Marcia, and Run4OfficeWR. The goal is to have people voting, voter turnout was about 25% in the previous municipal election. There is a Project3000 to get 3000 people to register to vote. Run4OfficeWR is out at the summer festival to encourage people to vote. Civic engagement starts at the local level, but since Covid volunteering has decreased, and with it involvement in the voting process. The goal is to get people to understand the roles of the various levels of government; for this election that’s Mayors, Councillors, Regional Councillors. Marcia explains what Civic Engagement is, the issues that affect people. People come to Waterloo Region because it’s safe, there are good schools, it’s a place where people can own a house. It’s important that people get voter information in an un-threatening way.
9m23s
It’s an obligation of citizenship to be politically engaged. People are engaged in sports, but there are other roles in the community. People may not know their neighbours. The demographic that is engaged is the gray-haired crowd, but not so much younger people. People who are in municipal government now will be retiring, so we need young people to take those roles. But Lulia is not part of the gray-haired crowd, she says there are many youth who are interested in what Run4OfficeWR is doing. But they don’t know what the responsibilities of different tiers of government do. People need to be comfortable enough to receive ideas and criticism, make sure the doors (and their ears) are open. Encouraging people to write letters, contact their representatives, engaging in protests, writing petitions, and meeting with politicians. Attending council meetings can be done online now, on social media.
16m15m
Marcia is really concerned about getting the young vote out, the reason for having a young person doing outreach (Lulia). Encouraging young people to volunteer with Run4OfficeWR by feeding them at meeting, give them a T-Shirt, and sometime even give them an honorarium. Even in the summer there are students who are still here, attending summer festivals, an opportunity to interact with them.
The “Guest Speaker Series” is held on the first Friday of every month, until October. Last month the speaker was Marjorie Knight. The goal is to let people know that politics is not so distant, people are approachable. Run4OfficeWR is focusing on people from African or Black communities, and people from underrepresented groups; these people have a more “niche” experiene. Marcia says people think politics is boring, and people are more interested in what is far away. But these sessions, where people meet people from their own communities, it’s right there and you can’t ignore it. People linger after the sessions with many questions, “What did you need to start a campaign?”, “Why did you run?” Providing advice and answering questions is done after the speaker sessions, best done one-on-one. It’s a bit like campaign school, Run4OfficeWR can direct people where to get more information.
28m49s
Marcia says that one of the most important skills is listening. Sometimes it is necessary to listen to things that don’t jive with your values. But you need to listen to them as well, respectfully, and sometimes say that this is not something you can support. That lets people know you’re open to listening, even if you don’t agree. It’s hard, but rewarding work. Most important, you have to know your “why”. The stereotype of politicians is that they use words without saying anything. Marcia says the plain-speaking politician still exists, and Marcia intends to vote for some.
32m25s
Talking about tight races, a single vote can make a difference. It just happened in Quebec, settled by the courts, and it happened in Kitchener where a single vote decided the Victoria Park riding. Lulia says every vote counts. Bob is distressed by the number of vacancies that are still not filled — in Wellesley, Woolwich, North Dumfries; and the number of incumbent candidates who have not yet said if they’re running or not. Marcia says that it’s too bad we only vote every four years, because people forget about it. In Toronto the libraries have a centre for democracy so that people can learn about democracy on a continuing basis. And we need to make it fun to learn about democracy. Councillors get invited to lots of events: block parties, barbecues. Marcia explains how candidates can prepare for a campaign even without the backing of a political party. And it’s important to know how to ask for money, but it’s not a huge amount of money at the municipal level. Social media is a big help. Candidates may have to pay for services, but sometimes people donate their skills to help a campaign. Lulia says that it’s important that candidates remain visible. Bob and Marcia find it bizarre that some candidates have no visibility at all.
Bob is surprised that Run4OfficeWR is not a provincial or national organization he’s seen Run4OfficeWR everywhere! Lulia says there are the three founders (Marcia is a founder!), and five or six people. Marcia says that being physically present at festivals and other locations makes a big difference. Online voter registration ends on 12 August, but you can still register at the polling offices on the day that you vote. But you’ll need ID, be at least 18 years old, and a Canadian citizen. Marcia says this is the most exciting organization she’s ever volunteered with. This is her way of contributing to the political process. Marcia points out that local issues are important. Bob says the pothole in front of your driveway is more important than the pipeline across the country. Marcia tells us about the local issue of data centres.
49m35s
Lulia and Marcia go over the different ways of contacting Run4OfficeWR, their website, and social media. Come to their events! Volunteer at their events! There will be food! Lulia tells us about the upcoming events, the Speaker Series, and a “I Voted” celebration.
51m59s
Marcia and Lulia thank Bob; Bob thanks Marcia and Lulia and gives the end credits.
CKMS Community Connections airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Mondays.
Lance Russwurm tells us about his early exposure to music with his parents Lynn and Laura performing country music, learning music in high school, playing in Lynn’s band, how Lynn wrote and submitted music, Lynn’s collaboration with Hank Thompson, and the song “I Cast A Lonesome Shadow.” He tells us about the CKNX Barn Dance, on radio and as revivals through the years. Lance produces the Elmira Sunday Night Concert Series at Gibson Park in Elmira. And Lance tells us about his artwork, and trading art for airplane rides.
The interview starts at 3m45s.
Lance appeared in a three-part episode of Musician’s FAQ with Stuart McKie in January 2021.
Lance tells us about his first exposure to music: Running around in the aisles while his parents played on stage, listening to The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, meeting Ian Tyson, and listening to Gordie Lightfoot and Joni Anderson. Playing in Jimi Hendrix and Steppenwolf in high school, dropped out, and started to play in his dad’s band, all over Southern Ontario. Lance was shy, and had to be coaxed into singing by his dad. Lance had no formal music education, but that was common for many musicians. Today Lance does recommend getting a formal musical education. Mike Slauenwhite, a violinist with the KW Symphony Orchestra, moonlighted in country music bands playing fiddle because that paid better. He’d play with The Ice Capades because he could sight-read music. Lance’s dad Lynn Russwurm had piano lessons when he was young, and wrote out the sheet music for his songs when he sent them out to publishers. Lance can pick up things by ear, but has to try every possible chord to find the right one.
11m02s
In the 1970s people started submitting music on tapes instead of sheet music. Lance remembers Lynn would be in the basement making demo tapes. Lynn wrote a lot of music that was recorded by other people. One such musician was Hank Thompson who recorded “The Wild Side of Life”, about a guy stuck at home with the kids while his wife was out hitting the honky tonks. Then Kitty Wells recorded the answer to that, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”. That’s a genre of country music called “Honky Tonk”, which became popular when Lance was playing. It’s about cheatin’ and drinkin’ and truck drivin’. Hank Thompson bought a song from Lynn Russwurm outright, so that Lynn gave up the copyright and royalties, something that wouldn’t happen today. After that Lynn and Hank co-wrote a number of songs, sharing the credit.
14m35s
Lance particularly remembers one song, “I Cast A Lonesome Shadow”. It was on a number of Hank Thompson albums, but it was never a hit, probably too weird for the country musicians of the time. Merle Travis, the inventor or finger picking or “Travis Picking” plays on the song. There were some royalties, not much, and the song appeared in collections from time to time. But then in 2003 (not 1999) it was covered by Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, and suddenly the song made some wild royalties. Lynn and Hank Thompson had no idea who Depeche Mode was, but got a kick out of it. Later “I Cast A Lonesome Shadow” became popular with rockabilly bands, and then a recording by Sonny Crockett was used on the TV series “American Gods.”
Lance says “The song has legs.” Lynn sold a number of songs to other musicians as well. Lance reminisces about Lynn and Laura performing on “The Barn Dance Show” on CKNX radio. Lance played on some Barn Dance shows in the 1970s. Lynn did a revival in the 1980s, and with Earl Heywood revived the live performances in the 1990s. There are still occasional Barn Dance revivals today.
24m30s
Lance talks about the start of the Elmira Sunday concerts. Lynn started playing in the Elmira Gore Park gazebo, at first to a few dozen people, and eventually to hundreds of people who were spilling out of the park and blocking the road. Lance took over in 2016, but shut down because of Covid in 2020. Then the concerts resumed in 2023 in Gibson Park where there was more room. It’s the only place where you can get real Country music these days.
Talking about songwriting. Lance has written about 25 or 30 songs, but Lynn wrote over 700. Lance talks about his CD, about one third his dad’s songs, one third his songs, and one third classic country songs.
35m45s
Hot Gen!Music was not Lance’s full-time gig, he was a commercial artist. Specializing in old mechanical things, old house, old airplanes, old trains. One print that’s well known in the area of the old Kitchener city hall at Christmas time. Lance has a lot of art in the Hamilton Warplane Museum. It’s not an art gallery, but a museum where they restore old planes. Lance was selling his art out of a gallery in St. Jacobs, where he met some people from the museum which rekindled his interest in old planes. An old school friend who became a pilot now flies the Lancaster bomber out of the museum. Lance hasn’t just painted pictures of planes, he’s painted the planes themselves — nose art and engine art. Lance tell stories of flying in those planes.
42m39s
Lance has also painted murals all over Southern Ontario, starting with the firehall in New Hamburg. He’s trying to be retired, so he’s turned down some jobs for murals. He wants to concentrate on other hobbies, like model trains. Between both art and music, Lance feels he’s spread too thin, not an expert at either. He enjoys blending the art and music, like making the cover for his CD.
Analyzing the musicology of Bob Dylan’s music. The phrasing of his songs is the way people talk. Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler sing with Bob Dylan’s phrasing. Bob Dylan had a huge influence on music. Lance relates his progression through musical genres.
52m25s
Lance gives a recap of the Elmira Sunday Night Concerts. Lance does some Travis Fingerpicking to play out the show while Bob gives the credits.
CKMS Community Connections airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Mondays.
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