PBS Western Reserve: Recent Episodes

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PBS Western Reserve Digital Audio Podcast Productions

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Tom was born and raised in the Scranton area (Clarks Summit, PA) taking part in performing arts and marching band throughout his high school and college years at Penn State.

He completed his MBA at Temple University and worked his way up from temporary employee to vice president of sales for MAAX before shifting his career to focus on community-based social enterprises.

He is the founding executive director of HopeCAT (www.HopeCAT.org) in Sharon, PA – based on Bill Strickland’s proven educational model.

He is CEO and founder of Rhys and Associates LLC - a management consulting firm serving for-profit and nonprofit companies and lives in Hermitage, PA with his wife Ryen. When not working, you might find Tom on stage at a theater in Sharon (www.actspac.org), performing improv, in his yard landscaping, or working on economic development projects throughout the region with an amazing team of community leaders.

Listen to how Tom stays in tune with placing Sharon, PA, on the big stage through education and entertainment of music and the arts with many generations.

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Derrick wears many hats in the Youngstown community. He is the founder of the Youngstown Flea, community engagement, and inclusion coordinator for the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, assistant director of the Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, Thought Leader, and general lover of Youngstown.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, with some Alabama roots, Derrick has successfully navigated the inner cities and corporate America. Derrick launched my first business in his late 30s and has worked with creatives and startups all over the region.

Derrick McDowell has been active in entrepreneurship, business, graphics, and startups for most of his career. The City of Youngstown is his passion.

Derrick is a Crossfitter, has a wonderful wife, children, and dog, and loves to work on side projects that enhance people’s lifestyles & health.

Take a listen to how rebuilding Youngstown starts with partnership, love, and acknowledgment of who Youngstown is in order for it to grow into the city it wants to become.

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Sharon Letson was hired as the first Executive Director of Youngstown Cityscape in 2005. Youngstown Cityscape is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to revitalizing and beautifying the greater downtown Youngstown area.

The mission is strengthening Youngstown’s revitalized urban core that connects downtown, the YSU campus, and adjacent neighborhoods and gateways through strategic partnerships.

Under Sharon’s leadership, Youngstown Cityscape evolved from a group of 20 volunteers to over 800 volunteers maintaining flowerpots and garden beds, supporting community garden organizations, and caring for over 35,000 plants annually.

Youngstown Cityscape has partnered with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, the County Land Bank, Youngstown State University, and a host of public and private entities on projects that assure the achievement of the mission.

Sharon has served on many boards and community organizations, from ACTION and Community Corrections to the Rotary Club of Youngstown and the Mahoning Commons Association.

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys her family, traveling, knitting, and of course, gardening

This year marks the 26th anniversary of Streetscape Day, a quarter of a century plus of convening volunteers and partners to beautify downtown, the gateways, adjacent neighborhoods, and parks.

Take a listen to how revitalizing Youngstown starts with the fertilization and beautification of the community through gardening.

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Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki is the Co-Owner of Penguin City Brewing Company. She is the founder of Penguin City, the content creator and manager, and works in sales & distribution and taproom.

Penguin City Brewing Company was created in 2017 with her husband and head brewer, Richard Bernacki, in 2017. They released Penguin City Beer, their flagship, in August 2018 and quickly learned the ins and outs of distribution.

it was the fastest-growing local beer in their area getting the product in over 300 accounts in their first year,

Aspasia and her team bought a vacant 32K square foot warehouse on the city’s east side of town in 2020 and spent 2/12 years renovating it into a brewery, taproom, and event center.

She received the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2022 with her husband and Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s “Commercial Revitalization Award” for renovating the brewery.

Her love for her community and the Ohio beer culture drives the company to keep growing and expanding into new markets.

Take a listen to a history of Youngstown and local area breweries and how the resurrection of local breweries is a major part of revitalizing Youngstown.

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Samantha Turner is a Youngstown City Councilperson serving Youngstown’s 3rd Ward. Born in Youngstown, Ohio she has been dedicated to public service as she begins her second term as councilwoman. She serves on the public health, public utilities, parking, and zoning committees.

Miss Turner is a University of Florida graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a concentration in Business Administration.

In the community, Miss. Turner is active with the Rotary Club of Youngstown, the Rich Center for Autism, the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, First Night Youngstown, the Ebony Ladies Golf and Youth Foundation, the Historical Society of Youngstown, and the Mahoning Valley. Miss. Turner has also been appointed to the United States 250 Commission for Ohio.

In their personal life, Turner is devoted to her family and remains active in her community. She is an avid reader, gardener, animal lover, and enjoys spending time with her son, family, and friends.

Miss Turner is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her constituents. Through her commitment to service, she has made a significant contribution to the community.

Take a listen to how building a stronger Youngstown starts with the investment of the people from the neighborhoods to the small businesses.

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The City of Youngstown is considered a home to many, including the local band, The Vindys. The sound of The Vindys can be attributed to vocalist, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Jackie Popovec, accompanied by guitarists John Anthony and Rick Deak.

At age 14, Popovec fell in love with music with the help of her father, who pushed her to pursue music professionally. From then on, she started writing songs and performing at local venues. In her early years emulated big singers from Steven Tyler to Etta James. Jackie developed her own voice matching the powerful voices in rock but with the style of jazz singers.

Jackie spent time in Florida studying music production eventually coming back to Youngstown to open a small business with her family. After a few years, Popovec found herself in a position to join a band, which shortly after her inclusion, became The Vindys.

Jackie hopes the Vindys and other groups will become champions for Youngstown in the growing art and music scenes.

Take a listen to Jackie's hope of Youngstown's art and music scene getting in tune with the growth and comeback of Youngstown.

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Mike Beder, a New England native, and his family moved around Massachusetts before moving to Ohio because of his father's work in the medical equipment industry. His family eventually moved to Ohio and settled in Westlake. Beder graduated from high school in Westlake, where his parents still reside.

Beder attended Kent State University. He participated in student government activities including student body president his senior year. During this time, he also bartended at the now Robin Hood Bar. With from his former boss at Robin Hood, Beder financed the purchase of Bellie’s Deli, what is now known as Water Street Tavern.

Mike Beder is now a father of two and a serial entrepreneur focused in hospitality, retail and property rentals. Mike is the owner and partner of the Water Street Tavern, The Loft, Venice Cafe, Kent Sportswear, The Cleveland Bagel Cafe and Lake House Kitchen + Bar snd others. He is also involved in Gold Zone Rentals, a string of multibedroom rental houses located near Kent State University’s campus.

Beder also co-director of the Crooked River Arts Festivals, a nonprofit responsible for organizing the Kent Blues Fest, Kent Beatlefest, the Kent Rocks Music Festival, and the American Roots Festival.

Tune in and learn how Mike started investing in businesses throughout Kent in the future of the community.

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Gwen Rosenberg has lived in Kent for 18 years and is currently serving her second term on the Kent City Council.

She has four kids who attended Kent City Schools and she and her husband work together at their popcorn and confectionery business called Popped!, with locations in Kent and Ravenna.

Tune in as Gwen shares how conducting business provides insight in being an elected representative in the community.

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Candace Curtis, Executive Director of the Ben Curtis Family Foundation (BCFF) is dedicated to community empowerment and family support. Both she and her husband Ben, accomplished golfers on Kent State's men's and women's teams, back during their university years. Their life took them across the globe as Ben competed on the PGA Tour, with Candace adeptly managing their life on the road and supporting Ben's career with unwavering devotion.

Together they founded this impactful organization driven by a heartfelt mission to combat food insecurity in their hometown of Kent. Residing in Kent with her husband and two children, her unique perspective as a parent with children attending schools served by the foundation highlights the crucial need for consistent food support throughout the school year as well as the summer.

At the helm of BCFF, Candace adeptly manages strategy, marketing, and event planning, ensuring the foundation's vision extends to the communities it serves, as well as neighboring areas.

Tune in to this interview and learn how Candance recognizes that raising awareness is pivotal for garnering support; and seizing every opportunity to engage with those willing to contribute to the cause and the community.

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Taking a summer job as a teenager at a restoration company is how Steve Coon started in this industry. It helped him discover his passion for restoring buildings.

Today, Steve is the Founder and President of Coon Restoration & Sealants. In 1983, a few years after marrying his wife Jenny, they formed Coon Caulking and Sealants.

The first 10 employees hired by Steve and Jenny remain with the company today, which has flourished to well over 100 employees to date. With the help of their dedicated team of employees, the Coon family built the business into one of the largest restoration companies in the Midwest.

In fact, their 4 children are all currently active in the business in various capacities. Taking pride in the craft of restoration and gaining satisfaction in assisting customers with the restoration of their buildings, is what has inspired the Coon family for nearly 40 years.

Tune in to this interview as Steve shares his passion in building restoration and how these restored buildings have a story to tell.

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Kyle L. Stone has deep roots in the Stark County community. He is a Canton native and a 2001 Canton McKinley Senior High School graduate. He obtained a BA in Law & Liberal Arts from The University of Findlay and, shortly thereafter, obtained a Masters in Public Administration from The University of Akron.

He is also an ordained pastor and holds a Master's degree in Ministry from Temple Baptist Seminary. Stone was elected as Stark County Prosecuting Attorney in November of 2020. Before this role, he served as a criminal defense attorney.

Prosecutor Stone enjoys spending time with his family and friends, specifically his daughter and granddaughter. Welcome Kyle Stone to this edition of the City Centric Podcast series focusing on the great city of Canton.

Tune in to this interview as Kyle shares his passion for providing what's right, fair, and equitable for the people of Canton.

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John Hampu is from Alliance, Ohio. He graduated from Alliance High School and played in The Nationally Known Alliance High School Marching Band and in the State Champion “Battle of The Bands” group The Far End, which finished 5th nationally in 1967! John has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Union College and a Master of Education degree from Kent State University.

John worked for the Alliance City Schools for over 37 years as a teacher, coach, principal, and central office administrator for over 37 years. He currently works at Robertson Heating Supply as the leader of the Business Support Department and continues to serve as a guest interviewer for Alliance High School’s Media Arts program.

John. has served as the OHSAA state swim meet announcer for 23 years in a row and has earned The Karl Wirthwein award for his dedication to the sport of swimming in Ohio. John is married to Carol, and they have 3 children and 9 grandchildren.

Tune in to this interview as John shares how others paved the way to his passion and caring for the community through music, sports, and teaching.

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A city and community is made of its people. There are many that cherish their city from childhood experiences to things the city has to offer. How many actually cherishes the city's history? How many attempt to revitalize their city by maintaining its history? Meet Ed Albert, owner of Pocket Change Thrift & Antiques.

Take a listen to this interview with Ed Albert and learn about revitalization of a city through its history.

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Raymont is a motivational teacher and speaker with an extensive leadership, management, and educational background. He has spent over 40 years in corporate management and is a retired veteran of the United States Air Force.

After retirement from the Air Force, Raymont spent seven years as a JROTC Instructor in Maryland. Raymont is the president and founder of Family Empowerment Ministries Inc (FEMI), and senior pastor of the Spirit of Faith Christian Center of Ohio.

He is also the president and CEO of RBJ Properties, Inc. real estate investment company. Brenda, an ordained minister, serves as the assistant pastor at Spirit of Faith CC Ohio. She is the Vice-President of RBJ Properties, Inc. and Family Empowerment Ministries, Inc., (FEMI).

She is certified community health worker, helping the underserved community receive needed services to sustain healthy lifestyles.

Take a listen to this interview with Raymont Johnson and learn about social entrepreneurship and serving your purpose.

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Joe Mazzola is a development and planning professional deeply versed in nonprofit, for-profit, and public environments.

Joe Mazzola has served as the Community Development Director with the City of East Cleveland, where he was responsible for nearly $10 million in federal entitlement funds in conjunction with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and others.

He has been a special projects consultant with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR), Joe coordinated pre-development activities for the proposed $1.2 billion mixed-use project located in downtown Cleveland’s Warehouse District as the Director of Development with Stark Enterprises.

Joe Mazzola has a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University, a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and a Pastoral Ministry Graduate Studies from Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio.

Take a listen to this interview with Joe Mazzola and how economic development goes beyond new buildings. It is building the community and its people.

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The City Centric podcast: An interview with Akron’s Tony Troppe

Tony is an Akron entrepreneur and preservationist. A student of the classics and architecture, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the College of Wooster.

Land planning, place building, and managing real estate development projects have been his primary focus for over 3 decades.

Tony has rehabilitated more the 300,00 square feet of Akron’s historic buildings, and is passionate about history, patterns of progress, and problem-solving and has used these passions to develop a successful real estate and construction career.

Tony views this work as his contribution to making Summit County and the City of Akron THE place to live and prosper.

Take a listen to this interview with Tony Troupe on how he amplifies the stories of historic buildings throughout the city of Akron.

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The City Centric podcast kicks off with our City Centric host, Sthephanie Marie.

Sthephanie Marie was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2018, she graduated from Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH, with a bachelor’s in communications complemented by her minor in theater.

In 2004, her grandmother, Maria, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Sthephanie saw how much this disease affected Maria and decided she would help raise awareness.

For several years, she has worked with the Alzheimer's Association for The Walk To End Alzheimer's. Her mission is to spread awareness and raise funds with her team, Unforgettable Love.

Sthephanie has her own YouTube channel, sharing memorable moments, funny videos, and a glimpse into her everyday life. She connects with over 11,000 subscribers and knows her memories will live forever.

When Sthephanie was 18, she started following her passion for the entertainment industry and has achieved great things in the pageant industry with her latest achievements placing top 15 at Miss USA as Miss Ohio USA 2020 and placing top five at Miss Universe Puerto Rico.

Take a listen to this interview with Sthephanie Marie as she shares her experiences in hosting the City Centric Podcast series.

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The City Centric podcast: An interview with Akron’s Bronlynn Thurman

Bronlynn Thurman is a creative and nonprofit professional in the Akron area. In her role at GAR Foundation, she focuses on equitable community development and arts in education.

In 2021, Bronlynn co-founded Black Women Explore, a Northeast Ohio outdoor recreation group for Black, Brown, Asian, and other women and fem-identifying folks of color.

An Akron Native, Bronlynn serves on several area boards and committees, including the Akron Black Artist Guild; Akron Civic Commons core team; City of Akron’s Planning Commission; the marketing committee for the Fund for Our Economic Future; Akron’s Bicentennial Commission; and many more.

Most recently, Bronlynn was a fellow in Big Picture Learning’s inaugural Ashé Leaders Fellowship program, a national fellowship focused on supporting leaders as they transform systems in their communities.

Take a listen to this interview with Bronlynn Thurman as she shares her perspective on the unique qualities of Akron.

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The City Centric podcast: An interview with Akron's Jenn Kidd

Jenn Kidd is a highly accomplished arts advocate and Executive Director of The Nightlight, Akron's nonprofit Arthouse Cinema.

With her exceptional eye for artistic expression and unwavering dedication to fostering cultural growth, she leads the forward vision for one of Akron's most exciting and influential cultural institutions.

Jenn is actively leading an ambitious Capital Campaign at The Nightlight, driving efforts to add a second screen that will double the cinema's capacity, expand its physical footprint, and offer an even more comprehensive range of community partnerships and captivating film choices.

This represents a remarkable milestone in the cinema's growth, transitioning from its beginnings as a small film festival with a big dream to an indispensable cornerstone of Akron's thriving arts scene.

Take a listen to this interview with Jenn Kidd as she shares her big picture of Akron.

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Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Josh Cramer joined NCDMM in 2018 as the Education and Workforce Director for America Makes, providing overall program leadership responsibility for all America Makes’ Education and Workforce initiatives.

Previously, Mr. Cramer served as the Director of Educational Programs at the SME Education Foundation, he also served for a time as the Interim Executive Director of the Foundation.

Prior to joining the SME Education Foundation, Mr. Cramer was the Director of School Engagement, Eastern Region for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S.

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Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Podcast Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of webinars and audio podcasts that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Laura McBride is currently the Director of Special Services at the Springfield Local School District. Laura supervises all Special Education, Gifted, and EL (English Learner) services and coordinates all Section 504 Evaluation and Plans and support all district tiered services to support the varying needs of ALL students. Laura also helps to support Springfield's online learners through a program called Edgenuity.

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Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

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Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

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Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series — High Schools with Kenny Lee, Executive Director of Accelerated and Extended Learning  in Columbus City Schools.

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

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Katrina Halasa earned her Ph.D. in Education and Master’s Degree in Biology at The University of Akron. She has been with Akron Public Schools since October of 1995.  She taught Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Forensics and Environmental science. Since 2006, she has been the Science and Health Learning Specialist for K-12. She leads the science and health curriculum and assessment work, and has provided over 700 professional development workshops.

She brought over 2 million dollars in STEM Grants initiatives over the years. While at North High School, she was a member of the School Improvement Program team that restructured students’ pathways to advanced coursework, which resulted in the school to be designated a Bronze Award as one of America’s Best High Schools by the U.S. News and World Report. Her work in growing STEM opportunities has been recognized in 121 STEM Excellence Governor’s Awards and INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY magazine’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. She has created a multitude of opportunities for students to conduct research, solve real-world problems, build bridges, plant gardens, launch rockets, or even hatch chickens.

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You can listen to Episode 2 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap series pertaining to middle schools.

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Key speakers and panelists will present during each webinar on how the pandemic learning gap is being handled in Ohio’s elementary, middle, and high schools as well Ohio’s special needs and high school to college classrooms.

Each program will feature a live virtual webinar, with a live audience asking questions and offering comments. Webinar sessions will be recorded and posted on the program website for easy access and reference.

An accompanying series of podcasts will also be created to accompany each webinar for a “deeper dive” experience.

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You can listen to Episode 1 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap Series pertaining to elementary schools.

You can listen to Episode 2 of the Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap series pertaining to middle schools.

PBS Western Reserve in collaboration with the Broadcast Educational Media Commission and the Ohio Department of Education is producing a series of 5 one-hour, live interactive webinars that focus on the subject of “Best Practices in Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio’s Schools.”

Key speakers and panelists will present during each webinar on how the pandemic learning gap is being handled in Ohio’s elementary, middle, and high schools as well Ohio’s special needs and high school to college classrooms.

Each program will feature a live virtual webinar, with a live audience asking questions and offering comments. Webinar sessions will be recorded and posted on the program website for easy access and reference.

An accompanying series of podcasts will also be created to accompany each webinar for a “deeper dive” experience.

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Christine Danhoff is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, media specialist, and is currently the Technology Integration Specialist for Genoa Area Local Schools in Genoa, Ohio.  She has a passion for helping and training educators on how to integrate technology tools and resources into the curriculum that are highly engaging and allow for student choice and creation.

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Vladimir Kogan is associate professor in The Ohio State University’s Department of Political Science and (by courtesy) the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. 

His research focuses on education governance and policy and he has published more than thirty peer-reviewed studies in top political science, economics, and public policy journals. 

Kogan also serves on editorial boards of several academic journals.  Vlad was also the co-author of "How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Student Learning in Ohio: Analysis of Spring 2021 Ohio State Tests" a report submitted to the Ohio Department of Education.  

Vlad's co-authored report will be the subject of this "deep dive" podcast.

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Dennis Dunham is the superintendent at Leetonia Exempted Village School district located in Leetonia, Columbiana County in Northeast Ohio and for the past 41 years, Dennis has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. 

Prior to his position at Leetonia, Dennis served as principal and superintendent at South Range Local Schools in Mahoning County and as a teacher, coach, and principal at Southern Local Schools in Columbiana County. 

To deal with Leetonia's learning gap with their elementary students, Leetonia conducted the Bear Care K-6 Summer Camp this past summer for students entering grades kindergarten through six. It included fun summer activities on and off-campus with free breakfast and lunch plus transportation. 

Dennis will take an opportunity to highlight this program and its effect on Leetonia's younger students.  Leetonia's efforts in their Bear Care program will be the subject of our "deep dive" podcast.

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Your credit score—a three-digit number lenders use to help them decide how likely it is they'll be repaid on time if they grant you a credit card or loan—is an important factor in your financial life. The higher your scores, the more likely you are to qualify for loans and credit cards at the most favorable terms, which will save you money.

If your credit history is not where you want it to be, you're not alone. Ron Fraraccio, branch manager of Farmers National Bank in Alliance, Ohio, shares methods of improving your credit scores and getting back on track.

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Sometimes it may seem like shopping has become America's favorite pastime. With advertising popping up everywhere—from TV to billboards to city buses— shopping seems to be everywhere. Elyssa Kirkham, a finance writer and founder of bravesaver.com, offers tips for identifying emotional spending habits, how to curb them, and ways to engage in healthy spending patterns.

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David Weliver, the found of moneyunder30.com, a financial resource site, shares his story of transforming his life by getting out of debt while young.

David Weliver is the founder of Money Under 30. He's a cited authority on personal finance and the unique money issues he faced during his first two decades as an adult. He lives in Maine with his wife and two children.

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It’s not enough to save money for retirement; you need to invest to make that money grow. David Weliver, the found of moneyunder30.com, a financial resource site, shares practical tips for divining into investing on a budget.

David Weliver is the founder of Money Under 30. He's a cited authority on personal finance and the unique money issues he faced during his first two decades as an adult. He lives in Maine with his wife and two children.

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Employers who hire teens aren't expecting them to have a proven track record of success, years of work experience, or a long list of skills. All they usually care about can be summed up in two words: positive attitude. They want them to be willing to listen, able to learn, to be trustworthy, reliable, and punctual.

Rick Taylor, a past member of Junior Achievement, share insight to help teens entering the workforce demonstrate these qualities for success on the job and beyond.

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Being financially secure enough to enjoy your life in retirement is the last thing on the minds of those under 30. With the stress of all the expensive "firsts" that often come about during this period, like purchasing a car, buying a house and starting a family, it's hard to even think about saving for the future.

Melinda Hill, an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, dishes on the necessity to begin planning for the future today.

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A budget is a plan for every dollar you have. It’s not magic, but it represents more financial freedom and a life with much less stress. Chuck Ducey and Gary Schumacher, members of United Way of Greater Stark County Financial Coaches, explain the importance, as well as methods of creating a budgeting. 

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It is possible to gain control of your financial situation, but first you must recognize where your money goes. Gary Sirak, a Financial Advisor and President of Sirak Financial Services in Canton, OH, shares the money tips outlined in his book, If Your Money Talked.

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For many of us, bitcoin and cryptocurrency still seem like a foreign idea. Christopher Cutter, Chief Operations Officer at Phoenix Enterprise Solutions, LLC, breaks cryptocurrency in a relatable way.

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The coronavirus pandemic has severely affected human physical touch--how we greet one another, gather, play sports, and simply exist in the world. And because touch is a fundamental part of both modern dance and ballet, the future for these art forms is unknown.

Touch also refers to interactions between artists and the public at festivals and in galleries—another casualty of COVID-19. On this episode of the podcast, artists April Couch and Bill Wade talk about navigating the world of human touch.  

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The Akron, Canton, and Youngstown symphonies have every intention of surviving in the aftermath of COVID-19, because they all believe the same thing: classical music benefits us all.

Enjoy this conversation with Paul Jarrett, Executive Director of the Akron Symphony, Michelle Charles, Executive Director of the Canton Symphony, and Randy Fleischer, Music Director of the Youngstown Symphony.

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A conversation with Nicole Mullet: Executive Director ArtsNow and Tricia Ostertag: Vice President of Marketing and Events of Arts In Stark. Nicole Mullet and Tricia Ostertag share perspectives in supporting artists during the pandemic.

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Art Therapist, Gretchen Miller shares perspectives on art therapy during the COVID 19 pandemic.