These are the ReInvention Stories and the subjects that are airing on WYSO-FM (91.3) and appearing at wyso.org (synopses provided by WYSO).
March 12: Islom Shakhbandarov. Faced with discrimination and ethnic cleansing in Russia, Shakhbandarov and thousands of Ahiska Turks took refuge in the United States. They’ve made a home for themselves in Old North Dayton. Produced by Sarah Buckingham and Eric Risher.
March 19:John Footh and Tad Erichsen. When Tad Erichsen and John Footh moved to the Five Oaks neighborhood of Dayton in 2011, they began transforming their backyard into an agricultural oasis. From these gardens, Tad and John are able to grow a large variety of crops. Their reinvention story lies in the life changes they have made and their desire to teach others about sustainable living. Produced by Jerry Kenney.
March 26: Shondale Atkinson. Shondale Atkinson was a teenage mother in Miami Valley’s foster care system. As an adult, she’s opened a home in Trotwood for teen moms and their children living in the foster care system and serves as an advocate for these young families. Produced by Juliet Fromholt and Shawndra Jones.
April 2: Jennifer Evans. Unsatisfied with her work as a civil engineer in Detroit, Jennifer longed for something more. She decided to return to Old North Dayton to reopen her parents’ business, Evans Bakery. Produced by Sarah Buckingham and Eric Risher.
April 9: Don Dominick. Dominick’s family tree has four generations of Dayton roots. When faced with adversity, this father and husband almost lost everything. With resiliency and a strong sense of community pride, Dominick has proven that the road back home is paved through helping others succeed. Produced by Basim Blunt.
April 16: Jerry Bowling. When the economic crisis hit the automotive industry, Bowling found himself without a job. Struggling to make ends meet, he signed up for classes at Sinclair Community College, while working three part-time jobs. Produced by Sarah Buckingham and Eric Risher.
April 23: Phillipe Payne. Phillipe Payne enjoyed a successful career with Appleton Paper Co. until he was laid off in 2012. Now he’s in school, training for a new career and pursuing a passion for making art. Produced by Juliet Fromholt and Shawndra Jones.
April 30: Jim Bucher. He was host of the popular “Bucher’s Beat”on local television for more than 20 years. In 2013, his on-air segment was canceled. Since then, Bucher’s fans and community have nurtured his comeback. He’s learned to use social media to stay connected to this city he loves. Produced by Basim Blunt and Jerry Kenney.
May 7:Jason and Angela Shelton. Jason and Angela Shelton both left steady jobs to pursue the dream of being business owners. The story follows them as they start the process of opening two new businesses while still supporting their young family. Produced by Juliet Fromholt and Shawndra Jones.
May 14:Jan Underwood. Underwood was drawn to photography from the first moment she held a camera. She worked for more than 25 years at the Dayton Daily News as a photojournalist and loved her job. When the Internet began to challenge the dominance of newspapers, many journalists lost or changed their jobs. Produced by Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert.