The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Jami Hari and Kaden HariJamie Hari, an Independent candidate for Waterloo came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to the voters on Thursday 17 2025. He was accompanied by Kaden Hari.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Bardish Chagger and Mike SchmidtBardish Chagger, Liberal Party of Canada candidate for Waterloo came into the CKMS-FM studio to speak to the voters on Wednesday, 16 April 2025. She was accompanied by her campaign manager, Mike Schmidt.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Val Neekman and ZackVal Neekman, Independent candidate for Waterloo came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to the voters on Monday 14 April 2025. He was accompanied by Zack.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Héline ChowHéline Chow, New Democratic Party of Canada candidate for Waterloo came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to the voters on Friday 11 April 2025. She was accompanied by Grant Jensen.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Margaretha Dyck, the United Party of Canada candidate came into the CKMS-FM studio to speak to the voters on Friday, 11 April 2025. She was accompanied by Kathleen Dueck, United Party candidate for Kitchener South — Hespeler.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Brian Adeba and Clayton MooreBrian Adeba, the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for Kitchener Centre came to the CKMS-FM studio to speak to the voters on Thursday 10 April 2025. He was accompanied by Clayton Moore.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Maya Bozorgzad, the New Democratic Party candidate for Kitchener — Conestoga, came to the CKMS-FM studio to speak to the voters on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. She was accompanied by Darren Bondy.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Mike Morrice and Mary Jane Patterson Mike Morrice, Green Party candidate for Kitchener Centre, came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to the voters on Tuesday 8 April 2025. He was accompanied by Mary Jane Patterson.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Randall Williams, the People’s Party of Canada candidate for Kitchener South — Hespeler, came into the studio on Monday 7 April 2025 to talk to the voters. He was accompanied by Kevin Dupuis, PPC candidate for Kitchener — Conestoga.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Michael Darcy gives a Live, On-Air, In-Studio performance, and Bob talks with Michael and Sue Nally of the Irish Real Life Festival about the history of the festival, Irish history, how the festival is organized, Irish dancing, Michael’s musical background, and other details of the festival.
Sue Nally introduces us to the Irish Real Life Festival, giving a bit of the festival’s history, and why an Irish festival is needed in Waterloo Region. There’s literature, music, film, and even Irish cuisine. A festival gives people a chance to learn. Sue runs down some of the delicacies in Irish cuisine. Every year there’s a dinner, with a portion of the proceeds going charity. This year the dinner is at the Boathouse with Matt Weidinger. Sue tells us about the venues, including the Registry Theatre, the Conrad Centre, the KW Art Gallery. It’s difficult to capture a country’s culture in a few days. And it’s necessary to leave things out.
8m20s
This year the festival focuses on “Joy”. The world is a challenging place right now; the Irish history has some dark moments. So this year they want to celebrate to show they’ve come through these dark times. They’re trying to build a way for people new to the Region to come out, and for anyone to learn about Irish history. Or just to hang out an have a chat.
10m04s
Talking to Michael Darcy about his background. Michael is a full-time musician, has been playing for about 20 years, and lived in Canada for 15. When Sue brought Darcy to the festival she discovered that a cousin was a good friend of Michael’s — Michael says Ireland is a small country, about five million people, but Ontario is bigger. You can get from one side of Ireland to the other in about three or four hours. When Michael arrived in Canada he wasn’t writing many songs, just playing the standards. People always request the same four or five songs, and Michael is tired of playing them. So Michael is now writing his own songs, including the opening number, Wild West Clare.
Michael tells us about playing The Mickey Dam. Sue tells us how she picks the musical acts. She points out that the original songs written by Michael are Irish music. She balances out the traditional with the co ntemporary, and the fusion of how the music has changed.
20m29s
Giving the date and times of the festival: Saturday, March 8th to Monday March 17th. Bob asks about the “Céilí” (or “Cèilidh” in Scottish); Sue explains it’s an Irish folk dance, the origins of square dancing. There are céilithe for the public on the 8th and 15th of March. Sue talks about the music and the mechanics of dancing. Michael doesn’t play many céilithe, but his bandmates do. Michael grew up playing accordion.
27m37s
Michael plays a short piece that might be used at a céilí, and explains the tuning he uses. A brief discussion on types of banjos. Talking about different styles of Irish music. There is Irish rap! The festival doesn’t prescribe the playlists, but let the performers choose what they want to play. And there will be music lessons on traditional Irish instruments like the tin whistle and the bodhrán.
33m42s
Bob sees the need for an Irish Folk Club. Sue says there’s an Open Mic night at the Registry Theatre on Wednesday 5 March 2025, and it’s hosted by Michael. A great opportunity to play in a listening room rather than a pub. A quick rundown of Michael’s upcoming gigs.
36m46s
Michael introduces the next song. It needs some explanations of “Irish-isms”. A “jumper” is a sweater, “jumper goalposts” are sweaters put down on the ground for playing football. And “Lynn Row” was an Irish soap opera on TV on Sunday nights.
Sue tells us how she got involved with the Irish Real Life Festival — when she and friends were looking for something to do they found there was nothing out there. So she said “Let’s put something on!” And also to counteract the bad reputation that March 17th has around the universities. The 17th is not as important date as people think.
44m43s
Bob and Sue go over the web site and upcoming events, and have a look at the social media sites. Talking admission and tickets: Culture shouldn’t only be for the well-off, so many events are free or Pay-What-You-Can. There are funds and grants, some from Ireland, to help offset the costs. Planning for next year? After a little break! Finding venues and acts for next year. Not even Toronto has a 10 day Irish festival! Bob encourages Sue and Michael to start an Irish show on CKMS-FM.
54m33s
Michael Darcy plays out, while Bob gives the credits.
CKMS Community Connections Hour One airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 on Monday from 11:00am to Noon, and Hour Two airs alternate Fridays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
James Schulz, Libertarian candidate for Waterloo came into the CKMS-FM studio for Meet The Candidate on Monday, 24 February 2025 to talk to the voters.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Aislinn Clancy, Green Party candidate for Kitchener Centre came into the CKMS-FM studio for Meet The Candidate on Monday 24 February 2025 to talk to the voters.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Jessica Riley, Green Party candidate for Kitchener South — Hespeler, came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to voters on Thursday 20 February 2025. She was accompanied by Shefaza Esmail, Green Party candidate for Waterloo.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Brooklin Wallis, NDP candidate for Kitchener Centre, came into the CKMS-FM studio to talk to voters on Wednesday 19 February 2025. She was accompanied by her campaign manager, Alex Loop.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Jeff DonkersgoedJeff Donkersgoed, NDP candidate for Kitchener South — Hespeler, came into the CKMS-FM studio on Tuesday 18 February 2025 to talk to the voters.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Jodi SzimanskiJodi Szimanski, NDP candidate for Kitchener — Conestoga, came into the CKMS-FM studio on Tuesday 18 February 2025 to speak to the voters.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All 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.
Shefaza Esmail and Jessica RileyShefaza Esmail, the Green Party candidate for Waterloo, came into the CKMS-FM studio on Friday 14 February 2025 to speak to the voters. She was joined by Jessica Riley, Green Party candidate for Kitchener South — Hespeler.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All candidates in Waterloo Region have been invited by e-mail. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded. If you’re a candidate and have missed the e-mail, please contact Bob Jonkman at bob@radiowaterloo.ca with your preferred timeslot from the online calendar (and an alternate).
Clayton MooreClayton Moore, the Liberal Party candidate for Waterloo, came into the CKMS-FM studio on Wednesday 12 February 2025 to speak to the voters.
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All candidates in Waterloo Region have been invited by e-mail. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded. If you’re a candidate and have missed the e-mail, please contact Bob Jonkman at bob@radiowaterloo.ca with your preferred timeslot from the online calendar (and an alternate).
The views expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the Radio Waterloo Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, or advertisers.
All candidates in Waterloo Region have been invited by e-mail. Some have declined to participate, others have not responded. If you’re a candidate and have missed the e-mail, please contact Bob Jonkman at bob@radiowaterloo.ca with your preferred timeslot from the online calendar (and an alternate).
Katherine Loveys is in the studio to talk about Parents for Community Living and the Stand Up for PCL fundraiser to build affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.
Free tickets are still available! Just go to our Listen Live page and type in the chat box “I’d like to win tickets to Stand Up for PCL” (with your contact info).
Katherine Loveys tells us about Parents for Community Living. It started 1986, now there are 13 locations in Waterloo Region providing accomodation for individuals with intellectual disabilities. There are no longer provincial institutions, these individuals are now living in their own home communities. Katherine tells us about her own journey into PCL, and how it has changed over the years. Katherine talks about the various services provided at the homes, including respite programs .
14m08s
Katherine introduces the Stand Up For PCL fundraiser. The goal is raising funds to build additional affordable housing. Katherine explains some of the previous work done to provide housing at the Bridgeport and Lancaster facility. St. Paul’s church wanted to repurpose their building, which was torn down and replaced with a 48 unit apartment building, of which PCL has ten units. There is also a commercial kitchen for community events. The other 38 units are available to people on the Region of Waterloo affordable housing program, but there are still some 6,000 people on the wait list, not including the 700 people with developmental disabilities on PCL‘s wait list. Katherine supplies more details on the comedy night.
21m29s
Partners for Community Living is offering two free tickets to the comedy fundraiser to the first person to put their name in the Chat Box on our Listen Live page! Be sure to write in that you want the tickets to the Stand Up for PCL comedy show.
Talking about fundraising, and how community living works, giving some more info about the Bridgeport/Lancaster residence. There are cooking classes, and PCL has a partnership with Second Harvest, which provides food for their community kitchen. The community hub is available for use community groups. Contact PCL at info@pclkw.org.
30m22s
Katherine thanks the many sponsors of the Stand Up for PCL comedy night. There are still sponsorships opportunities, and they’re still accepting items for the silent auction. Katherine explains how the silent auction works.
32m48s
Katherine discusses the privatization of health care, and how PCL is regulated in the sector. Private firms offering these services are not regulated as well. Katherine says that Developmental Services Ontario is where people can access care-giving services. But there’s a waiting list, 700 people in Waterloo Region; the waiting list across Ontario is 19,000 people. One of the challenges is finding affordable housing; another is finding employees. The pandemic made it more difficult to find people in health care and education. There are many specialty professions required, but there’s always room for volunteers.
Talking about the different awards that Parents for Community Living has received. And there are health and wellness activities for both staff and the community, such as last year’s “Hot Tub Time Machine.” The employees are very engaged with the people they support, to help them fulfill their dreams and goals. Katherine thanks all the employees for what can be a thankless job. The work can be emotionally taxing, but it is very rewarding work. PCL is a major employer in Waterloo Region, and also a major consumer at grocery stores, and even purchasing real estate. There is some employee turnover, but many people have worked there for years. Katherine lists some of the requirements for employment at PCL.
50m17s
Katherine summarizes the Stand Up for PCL one more time.
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