CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio–Inside a small set of rooms at Kenston Middle School is a musical step back in time.
It’s the heart of FM 91.5–a beloved big-band station–that’s been dancing with the ears of the locals since it started in 1978.
“The music, the listeners–we’re a very intimate station,” said Bette Moss, a volunteer DJ “Satin Doll.” “We connect with out listeners. We love them, and we hope they love us. They become very involved in our lives.”
But now the local treasure, which runs entirely through community support, is in need of help.
It costs at least $5,000 a month to run the station, said general manager Chris Kofron.
Storms and a number of incidents have caused those expenses to skyrocket in the past. With the shaky economy, Kofron has concern about what’s in store for the operation.
“We’re on the brink of–they won’t call it a third war–but they call it another police action. A lot more funds are going that way,” he said. “Gas prices are up, so are the prices at the pump. Food is costing more. People are afraid.”
From now until Saturday, the station is running a radiothon. They’re getting calls from Texas, Colorado–even other countries like Australia and England.
“They’re just so appreciative of us at the station,” said student DJ and volunteer Jack Burg. “They love our music. They’re really happy to donate. It’s to a good cause.”
The non-commercial station plays music 24 hours a day. Nearly 40 volunteers keep the operation going.
“We play the music that made us fall in love back then,” Moss said. “It’s the best written love poetry there actually is.”
The station is keeping memories alive and making new ones–or at least, that’s what they hope to for a while.
“We’re just presenting a slice of American history that’s too priceless to lose,” Kofron said.
The radio station is collecting donations until Saturday. For more information, you can phone (440) 708-0915 or you can donate online at www.wkhr.org.