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70 2O24–2O2 5 GU I D E to Y E L LOW S P R I NG S By RE I LLY DIXON You’ve heard him at the Gulch Saloon, or at Peach’s Grill. You might have even heard him at Ye Olde Trail Tavern once upon a time. Per - haps you remember hearing him in the old student union at Antioch College back in the day. And for a couple of decades, you likely heard him everyday, broadcasting on the airwaves of 91.3 WYSO. There’s no mistaking local legend “Clean Gene” and his record machine. For over half a century, at a number of local venues, bars, dances and stations, longtime villager and renowned disc jockey Gene Lohman has filled the sonic spaces of Yellow Springs with his eccentric and eclectic record spinning. In 2022, the 75-year-old disc jockey was formally acknowledged for his decades- long contribution to the local music scene when the Yellow Springs Public Arts and Cul - ture Commission awarded him with the Village Inspiration and Design Award, or VIDA. “I’ve been around long enough, and I feel like I’ve made an impact. Evidently others do too,” Lohnman told the News. “It feels good to get recognized for [DJing]. It’s not why I do it, but I’m tremendously grateful that people value what I do.” As commission Chair Amy Wamsley said at the award ceremony, what Lohman “does” is more than your typi- cal, run-of-the-mill jockeying. He creates something novel when he steps behind his turntables, giving genera- tions of villagers and visitors alike lasting memories and meaningful experiences while collectively enjoying music. Quoting a written state - ment from commission member Werdell Kirk, who was absent for the VIDA cer- emony, Wamsley proclaimed: “[Lohman] has affected the moods and spirit of so many, where music has been his medium, and our spirit has been his canvas. ... [He] has embodied the historical cul- ture of Yellow Springs and has provided great representation as an ambassador and icon of Yellow Springs.” Now, the traveling VIDA trophy — a metallic “V” affixed to a 4-foot pedestal made by local sculptor Jon Hudson — proudly stands outside Lohman’s Home, Inc., apartment on Dayton Street. Wamsley noted at the ‘Clean’ Gene Lohman — JOCKEY FOR THE AGES ▲ “Clean” Gene Lohman spins his favorite tracks at the Gulch Saloon every Friday afternoon. In 2022, he was recognized for his decades of DJing in Yellow Springs when he received the annual presented Village Inspiration and Design Award. P H O T O : R E I L L Y D I X O N 3056 Hustead Rd. Springfield, Ohio 45502 617.956.2336 OH LIC# 49550 937-708-0559 Craig@MiamiValleyUltimate.com www.MiamiValleyUltimate.com Craig Mesure Your Local Real Estate Consultant ★ ★ Specializing in affordable world coin jewelry. ★ Exclusive jewelry made with Thai Karen Hill Tribe silver beads and charms ★ ★ Modern gemstone Jewelry ★ ★ Trendy Jewelry Items ★ ★ Gold Fashion Jewelry ★ Handmade in Yellow Springs. 100Corry St. Building YELLOW SPRINGS SingaporeSeahorse@gmail.com GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE