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WYSO Weekend: December 27, 2020

Jerry Kenney

In this edition of WYSO Weekend:

As with most schools, our fall Dayton Youth Radio class from Centerville High School was taught online in a virtual classroom. Today's feature is from a teenager who says the best holiday gift is the one that can't be found under a Christmas tree. Youth Radio Project Manager Basim Blunt introduces the story.

COVID has inspired some creative approaches to making theatre -- and doing it in safe, socially-distanced ways. Turns out that radio drama can be done safely and still provide performance opportunities for young people. Perhaps we're entering the next golden age of radio drama? You might think so, after hearing the work of the 7th and 8th grade classes at The Ridgewood School in Springfield. They wrote, performed, and produced "The First Annual Ridgewood School Radio Play Thing-y," as the students describe it. We think it's fun and are pleased to share it with you. Thanks to Beth Dixon and Todd Spahr for sending it our way.

This week was the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. When twilight begins just after 5pm, and by 6 it’s dark. Throughout December, we experience only about 9 hours of daylight. Culture Couch producer Susan Byrnes explores the impact of light on two visual artists.

The corner of Salem and Superior Avenue in northwest Dayton is looking a bit different these days. And people are excited. Jacqueline Moore-Falah has lived in Dayton her whole life. "And I am just so thrilled of this light. It's just like a bright light on the corner," she says. That bright light is the Gem City Market. It’s a cooperative supermarket opening this winter in an area where it can be difficult to find fresh groceries. But the benefits of the co-op go beyond providing healthy food options to residents. WYSO’s Leila Goldstein reports.

West Dayton Stories is our series exploring the strength and resilience of Dayton’s African American community. Jocelyn Robinson from the Eichelberger Center for Community Voices introduces our story.

ReEntry Stories is our series about formerly incarcerated citizens in Ohio. Today we hear from Afton McClain. Series producer Mary Evans introduces us.

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.<br/>