On Oct. 7, CFRC 101.9 FM will celebrate 100 years of broadcasting from Queen’s University in Kingston with a plaque unveiling ceremony.

Queen's University Principal and Vice Chancellor Patrick Deane, City of Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson, MP Mark Gerretsen, MPP Ted Hsu, and former Station Manager Steve Cutway will speak at the event. 

CFRC will also honour two volunteers who have broadcasted on the station for over 40 consecutive years: Jim Birch, host of Canadian Shield, and Wayne Vermette, host of The Blues Project.

“40 years gone by you wonder.. Why am I staying? Why am I doing it this way? The big why is sending out music…Blues is the music of truth, the music of healing. My aim was to bring music that was somewhat current and toward the student body…I’ve become attuned to my own healing as well. It’s good for me. I get a solid fix every Saturday from 6 to 8, I’m very comfortable continuing on and I hope that what I’m sending out is music of truth and healing,” says Vermette.

Vermette, who has been with CFRC for 41 years, adds he has met his two goals:

The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. just outside the station at Carruthers Hall on Queen’s University campus. Following the plaque and volunteer recognition ceremony, there will be a meet-and-greet for supporters, alumni, volunteers and staff at The Grad Club. There will also be an open house at the station from 1-4 p.m., where Queen's University Archives will showcase selected CFRC memorabilia and photographs. 

Listen to the full CFRC interview with Wayne Vermette below: