HARVARD – The energy and enthusiasm that Dave Gardner has for community radio is much bigger than the room where he creates Harvard’s only local radio station.

The studio for what will be AM-530 and FM-88.5 in Harvard consists of two tables, two computers, and a couple of chairs in a tiny rectangular room behind the Harvard Insurance Service office on North Ayer Street.

But the ideas Gardner has for the nonprofit start-up station could fill a convention hall.

He talks about having an emergency broadcast system to let people know about weather conditions, school closings and other emergencies.

He wants to organize a battle of the bands for local music groups.

He wants community members interested in learning more about radio to come into the studio and learn.

He wants to promote community events, broadcast Harvard Hornets sporting events and other events, announce birthdays, and make Harvard Community Radio a communication tool for the community.

“I’ve got a big vision,” Gardner said. “What we’re trying to do is give Harvard what Harvard started out with, which is a local station.”

Gardner started broadcasting Harvard Community Radio on www.harvardradio.net this summer after Harvard’s former station, WMCW, went off the air in May after 53 years.

Gardner has applied to the FCC for an FM license so he can broadcast over the air. In the meantime, he plans to put up low-power AM and FM transmitters so the station can be heard on AM-530 and FM-88.5 within about 2 miles of Ayer Street, he said.

Harvard Mayor Jay Nolan said he would support the station’s quest for an FCC license.

“Harvard’s had a radio station since the ’40s with WMCW,” Nolan said. “It was a loss when that one left, and for someone to pick it up I think is great. I think a lot of the locals will support it.”

A dynamic duo

Gardner and his broadcast partner, Henry Stevens, have very different radio styles. Gardner, a Harvard pastor who is relatively new to radio, is boisterous and goofy on the air. Stevens, who has been on the air for the past 20 years, is more serious and professional.

But they both have a passion for community radio.

“I have the vision, but [Stevens] knows how to make things happen,” Gardner said.

Stevens, a former WMCW broadcaster, is on the air from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, playing music from the ’60s and ’70s and taking requests.

Gardner is on the air weekday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon. He plays country music, interviews local leaders, talks about community events, and plays the news at the top of each hour.

Ted Rodifer is planning a noon to 2 p.m. show during the week featuring ’80s music, Rodifer said.

From 10 p.m. to midnight, the station replays old radio shows such as “Dragnet” and “The Shadow,” Gardner said.

And from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the station will play big band music.

Hans Rokus and Scott Padgen plan to broadcast live Harvard High School’s home football games beginning Aug. 29. The station also will carry live coverage of home basketball games, Gardner said.

“We know that we do have people who listen to games on the radio,” said Bill Clow, spokesman for Harvard District 50. “With it being on the Internet, grandparents and relatives who live outside of the area will also be able to listen to the games.”

Clow said school leaders were exploring the possibility of working with the station to create internships for students and promote district events.

Volunteers make it happen

Gardner puts about 25 hours a week into producing a radio station that’s on the air 24/7. He records interviews ahead of time and has help from about 10 other volunteers, including Stevens.

But technology makes the broadcasting process fairly simple. Gardner can put songs, commercials, interviews, and news into a playlist on his computer and let the radio station play while he works on a sermon, runs errands, or spends time with his large family.

But he could use some more help and a few donations. The station’s two computers are several years old, he said, and the station is in need of two low-power AM transmitters.

Volunteers interested in helping or learning about engineering and producing radio programs also are welcome, he said.

Gardner stops in the middle of a sentence. He’s in the studio listening to the station playing in the background while he talks about his vision for the station.

He turns to the computer to make sure the correct track is playing, then picks up the conversation right where he left off.

In a few minutes, he will begin recording an interview with Harvard Main Street Director Cathy Pescinski, who will talk about the Aug. 23 Harvard vs. Marengo Sweet Corn Throwdown.

Then, he’ll go back to his day job for a few hours, his energy seemingly endless.

“I’m hoping we can be a real asset to the community,” Gardner said. “If nothing else, I’m having a hoot doing it.”

Tune in or help out

Listen to Harvard Community Radio live at www.harvardradio.net. To volunteer, make a donation, or share information about an upcoming community event, contact the station at 815-770-0400 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

via NWHerald.com