WEC Community Fund Profile: “I love WGDR, and the chickens love it, too.”

Central Vermont Community Radio is WGDR, if you’re listening in Plainfield, or from about Cabot to Northfield, skirting the top of Orange County. It’s WGDH, if you’re listening in Worcester, Woodbury, or the southern corner of Orleans County. For around half a century, Central Vermonters have tuned in to shows painstakingly programmed by their neighbors and broadcast from a basement station at Goddard College in Plainfield.

Since the spring of 2021, the radio station has officially operated under the nonprofit Central Vermont Community Radio. “I’ve described it much like running a start-up that’s 50 years old,” said station manager Llu Mulvaney-Stanak. Under Goddard’s auspices, the station leveraged a Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant as its primary funding source for years. But when the college moved to a low-residency model, it couldn’t justify charging students the activity fees that had provided funds required to match the grant, explained Rick Agran, who hosts the spoken word show “Bon Mot.” The funding loss forced the station and college to come up with new funding ideas. And according to Mulvaney-Stanak, budget pressures from the pandemic hastened a necessary transition.

Goddard could have sold the station to the highest bidder. There are a limited number of radio frequencies, and they’re very valuable. WGDR/WGDH could have become “a radio clone,” said Agran, one of “300 stations across the nation saying the same thing at the same time. That’s terrifying to me.” But the college didn’t sell the station. Mulvaney-Stanak credits then-station manager Kris Gruen with advocating to Goddard leadership to let the listeners assume ownership of the station. It was a huge gift, Mulvaney-Stanak pointed out. “What Goddard did hasn’t really been done before: gifting it to the community, letting us continue to use the space,” they said.

So, quickly, community members came together to form the nonprofit board, do all the paperwork, meet FCC filings, fundraise, and continue to program shows – all remotely – as the pandemic continued.

And the community has come through. Through volunteer efforts, grantors like WEC’s Community Fund, and individual donations, Central Vermont Community Radio is finding the resources it needs to stay on the airwaves. Mulvaney-Stanak said they get notes all the time that show how embedded the station is in its community. A favorite said, “I love WGDR, and the chickens love it, too. I play it in the barn for them.”

Radio personalities

Mulvaney-Stanak is a seasoned nonprofit consultant, though they may be as well known throughout Vermont as a DJ for events and radio. When they caught word that WGDR/WGDH was transitioning to community-owned radio, they offered to volunteer their services – and soon, the board was able to offer them a paid fundraising gig, and then asked them to manage the station. 

It’s their dream job, they said, and it’s satisfyingly full-circle. “I got my start as a high school programmer on WGDR,” they remembered. “I grew up in Barre, and in high school my mom would drive me to Plainfield to do probably the worst radio show of the 90’s.” As their taste and expertise developed, they continued to stay involved in community radio, helping form low-power radio stations in Burlington and programming shows all the while. One thing that makes Central Vermont Community Radio special, they said, is that it’s a full-power station with substantial reach – different from most community-owned radio stations, which reach listeners in only about a 10-mile radius.

What else makes WGDR/WGDH special? Programmers who reflect back to the community exactly who they are. “There’s a vibe, a sound to WGDR. It’s so Central Vermont,” Mulvaney-Stanak said appreciatively. “There’s this attentiveness to place, to community, to social justice, to having complicated conversations. The eclecticness of our programming is in tune with the community already.” There’s the host who leaves kohlrabi outside the station door and invites listeners to come snag one. Music heads whose shows range from grassy Dead Hours to all-electronic instrumentation to freeform shows that refuse to stick to one genre. 

There are also many talk shows. Some are on topics of intersectional community interest: the land and our relationship to it, rights and justice, current events, and experience – such as Indigenous life, queerness, feminism, childhood and parenthood.

Others are specifically steeped in art and culture. Rick Agran compiles his “Bon Mot” program thematically, like a scrapbook of recordings, weaving together clips from old records, internet spoken-word archives, music, and recordings he’s made in person of poetry readings and conversations. 

Tonio Epstein, a WEC member from Middlesex, has programmed “Magical Mystery Tour” for about 10 years. Every week he reads a book, takes lots of notes, processes his notes, interviews the author, and then edits his hour-and-a-half long show down to an hour for syndication on the Pacifica network. “I interview authors who I find to be particularly interesting, creative, on the cutting edge of new ideas and new ways of approaching the problems of the world, people who are deeply caring and trying to bring about change and inspire others to live up to that in their own personal way,” he explained. He’s interested in education, parenting, psychology and neuroscience, and spirituality, and he likes to go deep into his conversations. “I get to read about things that I would be interested in, anyway. And now I can share it with people.”

Epstein finds much media toxic. Most media platforms bombard us with information, much of which is calculated to trigger a reaction in us, he explained, and frequently on topics that are outside our control. The breaking news cycle wears us down and makes us less tuned into our own communities, he suggested. He talked about this in reference to TV news, but it’s true of social media newsfeeds as well. “I just love the medium of radio. It allows a more personal engagement without having your nervous system hijacked so profoundly,” he said. And community radio is different still. “Our sources of media are extremely important, and we should be intentional about how we choose them,” he said. “For those reasons, WGDR is an important voice. It’s really important to have alternative issues and also different, alternative perspectives. It’s why I feel motivated to do all the work I do in my show to offer a counterbalance to the bombardment of horrors.”

An intimate broadcast

Community radio is a platform for holding conversations on topics overlooked by mainstream media. It’s also a platform for holding a community that can’t physically be together, as programmers and listeners found when beloved “Lost Highway” host Ken Feld died in February. The station held what Mulvaney-Stanak called a “live radio wake.” Programmers Dave Tucker and John Foster hosted a live show, playing music their friend used to play as family members and friends called in with remembrances. “We provided that connective power for two hours and did all those things that help create closure, sharing love of things, reminiscing. That’s the uniqueness and adaptability community radio can have,” Mulvaney-Stanak said.

At the core level, Mulvaney-Stanak loves radio because of its intimacy. “As humans, we’re literally wired to connect to human voices,” they said. “When there’s no visual element to distract you, radio makes it just like, it’s me and you. I’m talking just to you, I’m playing just for you. You’re invited into the conversation in this undeniably intimate way. And most likely in Vermont, you know that person on the air, or you know who they are.”

The nature of community ownership, Mulvaney-Stanak suggested, points to a symbiotic relationship between WEC and Central Vermont Community Radio. Both were formed by people who realized that their communities were missing a key service and decided to provide it for themselves. For WEC, that was electricity; for WGDR, it was media. Both are owned by and accountable to their own community members. 

This is why Central Vermont Community Radio appreciates ongoing support from WEC’s Community Fund, Mulvaney-Stanak said. “How we do anything is how we do everything,” they said. “That goes for what we put on the air, the vibe and culture of the station, and how we fund this and resource ourselves. When mission-aligned organizations support each other, we uplift the community. We show there are better ways to do things.” 

Depending on your location, you can find Central Vermont Community Radio on the dial at WGDR 91.1 FM and WGDH 91.7 FM. You can also stream it at CentralVermontCommunityRadio.org.

To support Central Vermont Community Radio with a donation or volunteer interest, visit CentralVermontCommunityRadio.org.

Central Vermont Community Radio, 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667

About WEC’s Community Fund

WEC’s Community Fund is made up entirely of member contributions. About 1,400 members choose to donate their capital credits to the Community Fund; others make donations out of pocket. This generosity allows WEC’s fund to make grants to small nonprofits in the Co-op’s service area. 

To learn how to donate your capital credits, or to make a contribution to WEC’s Community Fund, call 802-223-2322 or email Rosie Casciero at rosie.casciero@wec.coop.

More info.

Station Email Update: Our new mission & increasing local community content.

Friends of WGDR/WGDH -

We have had a busy summer at the station and have much to update you on. Read on to learn about our second live studio, how to get your community content on the air and even a show this fall, and other station upgrades.

CVCR's New Mission Statement

With all the bustle of our first year, we'd been operating off of the old station mission statement. The board, with input of programmers, completed a process last month to update the mission to better align with where we see the station striving for in content and engagement in the years to come.

The newly updated mission of CVCR is to provide a community radio station which serves the people of north central VT and beyond; to provide a forum for cultivating social change that re-harmonizes human communities with the natural world, supports the independent arts and celebrates diversity, creativity, and freedom.

We inform, entertain and educate through the presentation of alternative news, artistic expression, and public affairs programming.

Approved by CVCR Board – 7/4/22

More Community Content on the Radio!

We need your help getting more happenings and needs from the community on the air. We are looking for events (can be ticketed) and content for public service announcements (info about non-profits, causes, etc.). This is a free service of the station. More info and how to submit content here.

Tune in Saturday for Brody's First Show!

This spring, Brody Moran interned with the station to learn the basics of how to create a show. All done remotely, Brody learned how to interview and curate music from current WGDR/WGDH programmers. His final project is a special one-hour show, airing this Saturday, July 17 from 1-2pm. It features a fantastic interview with a local psychiatrist, an original song by Brody, and great music. Congrats to Brody on graduating and we wish him the best for what comes next!

Bringing More Programmers On the Air

Thanks to a big Vermont Arts Council Grant, funded by the state of Vermont's covid relief for cultural institutions, we are converting our production room into a second live broadcast studio. We were one of about 40 organizations who were funded, out of over 100 applications. With some tweaks, this will allow us to bring back more live programmers on the air, without impacting folks safety around covid. The funds will help us buy extra gear, and support staff and engineering time to make this happen. This funding was approved by the Vermont legislature this past spring, so thank your state representatives and state senators for supporting community radio! We are excited to bring back programmers who couldn't make the switch to remote broadcasting, folks from past years, and soon, new programmers too! If you are a past programmer or want to become a new one, email Llu to be added to the call for shows later this summer: Llu@WGDR.org.

CVCR Statement On Roe vs. Wade

“CVCR’s mission stands firmly in line with social change that re-harmonizes communities. As such, the US Supreme Court decision to strike down Roe vs. Wade is a direct affront to the health and well being of Vermonters. It is a direct attack on the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and the critical access to reproductive healthcare. It significantly and disproportionately impacts pregnant BIPOC people, LGBTQ people, and those living in poverty.

As a community radio station, we are committed to creating air time to bring discourse on this issue and to provide information on community resources for Vermonters to take action and seek care.

Reproductive choice is a right all should have and access to abortion care and birth control is critical health care. CVCR stands in support of reproductive justice efforts here in Vermont and nationally and is ready to do our part to raise voices toward this cause.” - CVCR Board

WGDH Sounding Better?

For our 91.7FM and Hardwick area listeners, can you hear that? We've upgrade gear for that signal and it should be coming through much clearer and in stereo. Let us know how it sounds!

Looking for a Baby Grand Piano?

Buy our well loved and cared for Yamaha C3. We don't have space at the station to keep it and want to send it to a good home. $6,000 OBO, buyer must move it from the Pratt Center. More details and the link to share to help us get the word out here.

Call for Volunteers!

We are looking for a few skilled folks to help us with one time or on going projects in IT (software/computer systems), equipment upkeep (gear and gadgets), and some basic carpentry (hanging a new interior door). We will also need help with general volunteer work to clean up our music library and clean out our old storage rooms. If you are interested in any of these roles and have the time, please email Llu: Llu@WGDR.org.

Check out WGDR.org for some new features!

• A new "chat the programmer" feature in the lower right of front page.
• Our new and improved stream: full stereo and highest quality now.
• A "Now Playing" widget on the left side of the front page for music shows.
• And a new programmer page. Put a name with a voice of your favorite shows.

As always, thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, Station Manager

Llu@WGDR.org, 802-276-0365

WGDR/WGDH broadcasts at 91.1 FM in the greater Plainfield area, 91.7 FM in the hollows and hills of Hardwick and beyond, and at WGDR.org to the whole world. Our studio is located at the Eliot Pratt Center on Goddard College campus at 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.

Follow us on social media at on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at @WGDRWGDHVT

CVCR's Statement on the repeal of Roe vs. Wade.

“CVCR’s mission stands firmly in line with social change that re-harmonizes communities. As such, the US Supreme Court decision to strike down Roe vs. Wade is a direct affront to the health and well being of Vermonters. It is a direct attack on the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and the critical access to reproductive healthcare. It significantly and disproportionately impacts pregnant BIPOC people, LGBTQ people, and those living in poverty.

As a community radio station, we are committed to creating air time to bring discourse on this issue and to provide information on community resources for Vermonters to take action and seek care.

Reproductive choice is a right all should have and access to abortion care and birth control is critical health care. CVCR stands in support of reproductive justice efforts here in Vermont and nationally and is ready to do our part to raise voices toward this cause.”

— CVCR Board

Station Update: We have so much to celebrate together.

Friends of WGDR/WGDH -

Thanks to supporters like you, we are celebrating big milestones at the station this month: one year of community ownership, exceeding our spring drive goals, and putting more local programming on the air.

One Year of Community Ownership

This month last year, the FCC approved the ownership transition of WGDR/WGDH from Goddard College to Central Vermont Community Radio.

We are forever grateful to the founding board, former Goddard station staff and leadership, community leaders, and many volunteers who helped make community-ownership of these stations possible.

We are especially thankful for all of you, our listeners, and supporters, who have been with us every step of the way.

You’ve cheered us on, you’ve donated, you’ve come to our aid to replace the transmitter, and most importantly, you’ve never stopped listening.

Here’s to many more years of vibrant community radio broadcasting from neighbors to neighbors all across Central Vermont and into the Northeast Kingdom.

Huge Success of the Spring Drive

• 20 new sustainers! Our goal was 5 sustainers---wow y'all! Sustainers now fund $700 in monthly expenses of the station. For a small station like us, that is huge!
• 19 new donors. Welcome to all our new friends!
• $8,700 raised from over 100 donors. Our summer drive last year raised $5,000, so this drive really showed how the community is continuing and deepening investment in our success. Thank you!

A few works from supporters:

"I listen to WGDR the most of any station. Love the variety of programming. Keep community radio alive!"

"GDR is a lifeline. National news, local conversations and the diversity of music are unmatched. So important that it's community-owned now."

"Our chickens listen every day!"

Drives rely on programmers to explain how listener support impacts what gets to be heard on the air. Our programmers really came through in pitching you how your support matters and they are beaming with pride about this drive success.

More Local Programming In the Schedule

We just completed our spring schedule update, featuring more locally made programming and new show categories to help you discover new shows. Listen live or anytime via our archives. Click here for a larger and printable version of the schedule.

A Note on Station Outages

Over the last many weeks both WGDR and WGDH have experienced frequent dead air due to power and internet outages. We understand how frustrating these can be and while many have been out of our hands, newly installed internet equipment at both WGDR and WGDH should solve many of these persistent issues. We appreciate your patience.

As always, thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, Station Manager

Llu@WGDR.org, 802-276-0365

WGDR/WGDH broadcasts at 91.1 FM in the greater Plainfield area, 91.7 FM in the hollows and hills of Hardwick and beyond, and at WGDR.org to the whole world. Our studio is located at the Eliot Pratt Center on Goddard College campus at 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.

Follow us on social media at on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at @WGDRWGDHVT

We Exceeded Our Spring On Air Drive Goals

Updated 4/27: Thanks to the generous support of 110 individual donors we raised $8,700 during our 2 week Spring On Air Drive! (and there are still checks in the mail). We crushed our goal of $8K and to attract at least 5 new sustainers—we got 16 sustainers!—combined these new monthly donors, along with our 29 other sustainers, will support $700 a month in regular expenses. This is huge for our station. We also brought in 19 new donors (25 goal), that is outstanding and we are so grateful for all of you.

You can still make a gift to support the station, today or anyday online or by check made out to “CVCR” and mailed to WGDR, 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.

On behalf of all the programmers, board, and volunteers, THANK YOU VERMONTERS & BEYOND!

-Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, WGDR/WGDH Station Manager

Station Update: 3 Days to left to W-Go-Go-GDR!

Friends of WGDR/WGDH -

Every time we have asked for your support, our station launch in the summer of 2021, end of the year support last year, and the transmitter emergency in January, you have responded with such generosity and enthusiasm. The GDR-gratitude we feel for you is unending.

For those of you who haven't yet given to the Spring Drive or given to the station in awhile or ever, now is your chance to be a community radio hero! If you have given, thank you so much. Please consider posting about the Drive on your social media, Front Porch Forum, or nudging your neighbors to join in.

Every gift helps us fund the careful curated and lovingly made radio programmers you rely on every day.

Our Spring Drive ends this weekend and we are just $2,800 away from our $8,000 goal!

• 12 new sustainers! We crushed our 5 new sustainer goal, unlocking our CVCR Board challenge of an additional $500.
• 13 new donors total, 25 new donors is the goal.
• $5,166 raised from 63 donors as of today.

Remember, every single donor who gives DURING the drive gets entered to win one of these dozen fantastic prizes from Vermont businesses and non-profits:

o   A pair of tickets to Waking Windows festival in Winooski, May 13-14. More info on the festival at WakingWindows.com

o   2 tickets to see Anais Mitchell at Higher Ground on May 27. More info on the show at HigherGroundMusic.com

o   A 3-month membership to Dave's Community Fitness in Waterbury, a $99 value.

o   2 tickets to see We Banjo 3 at the Barre Opera House on May 7. More info on the show at BarreOperaHouse.org.

o   4 tickets, a family pack, to see No Strings Marionettes at the Barre Opera House. More info on the show at BarreOperaHouse.org.

o   A banner or poster from the Bread & Puppet print shop.

o   A veggie gift certificate from Good Heart Farm in Worcester.

o   A piece of blown glass by Burlington artist Julian Soberano

o   A 5 class dance card and $60 gift certificate to the Nataraja Dance Studios in Burlington. Offering a variety of dance classes and healing services.

o   A $25 gift certificate from Guitar Sam in Montpelier.

o   An interview DVD of Pete Seeger.

Don't wait, give right now!

It takes just a few minutes to write a check to "CVCR" and mail to 123 Pitkin Rd. Plainfield, VT 05667 or click our donate button and give securely online today.

As always, thanks for listening!

Your pals at WGDR/WGDH,

The staff, programmers, and board of Central Vermont Community Radio

WGDR/WGDH broadcasts at 91.1 FM in the greater Plainfield area, 91.7 FM in the hollows and hills of Hardwick and beyond, and at WGDR.org to the whole world. Our studio is located at the Eliot Pratt Center on Goddard College campus at 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.

Follow us on social media at on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at @WGDRWGDHVT