It’s a wonderful time to live in Coshocton County
As the first bit of snow drifted down from the sky yesterday all seemed right with the world. The Buckeyes were coming off a huge win and statement against the Boilermakers on Saturday in what seemed to be a tune-up for Michigan State and TTUN. The Browns went into Foxboro as the favorite and that did not turn out so well. But I digress.
Our community successfully passed the sales tax levy for the new – and much needed – justice center. When I say things are going in the right direction and it is a wonderful time to live here – the overall impact of this cannot be overstated. The location is ideal, the plan to fund the justice center is also well thought out.
This Friday evening is the big parade! Hopefully the weather will cooperate with just a hint of winter in the air. That’s what the forecast looks like right now. It’s fantastic to see the parade come back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. To all the volunteers and folks that make this happen, thank you!
Let’s focus more on our community. Groups and organizations are working together at a very high level – perhaps at the highest degree in many, many years. This cooperation helps our community in so many ways – with new businesses opening at a record pace and manufacturers expanding, hiring and growing. It’s a great time to live here.
Have you visited any of the new businesses that have opened in the past year? Whether they are in Coshocton, Roscoe Village, Warsaw, West Lafayette or any of our other towns and villages or even someone running a business from their home or farm, the opportunities to shop local this year are terrific. Handmade crafts, great deals on “pallet items,” gift cards from restaurants, clothing, footwear, jewelry, tools, hardware and much, much more all exist here. Yes, Virginia, you can shop locally and get it all done. Take a day and walk Main Street – it’s not that far – and then hit the streets of Roscoe Village. Plan a trip to West Lafayette or Warsaw or beyond to the county line. Great scenery and a great opportunity to find some unique items at good prices.
Did you know that many of our locally owned small businesses carry the same name brand items you can find at the “big box store” or online? And my bet is that the price is not that much different – in fact – it very well may be less! The point is this – let’s give our local businesses the opportunity to gain your business this holiday season. While many businesses thrived during the pandemic, others were not so fortunate. Visit local stores, see a friendly face and talk to these business owners. They are passionate about what they do – and why they do it. The least we can do is support them.
Clicking on something and having it arrive on your doorstep in a day or two is cool, but it’s way cooler to strike up a conversation with a local small business owner and get to know them. They just might be your neighbor, their kids might go to school with your kids, and you could make a new friend while helping someone at the same time – and finding that unique gift.
Category: Mark's Musings
